1. Indian plans afoot to send all-party delegation to Lanka
March 30, 2012 02:10 am, Adaderana
New Delhi:
Government plans are afoot to send an all-party delegation led by Leader of
Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj to Sri Lanka in April to press for
stopping all atrocities against Tamils living there and also look into their
living conditions after the end of the LTTE.
Swaraj told
reporters that the all-party delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka is very much on
and is tentatively scheduled from April 16 to 21, reported the Press trust of
India (PTI) on Thursday night.
The Bharathiya
Janatha Party (BJP) has nominated Prahlad Joshi from the Lok Sabha and M.
Venkaiah Naidu from the Rajya Sabha as its representatives in the delegation,
PTI reported.
India had
recently voted - after some amendments for a US resolution at the UN Human
Rights Council in Geneva condemning Sri Lanka for the atrocities against Tamils
during the war with the LTTE.
Sri Lanka had
openly spoken against India’s decision.
BJP Deputy
Leader in the Rajya Sabha, S.S. Ahluwalia had first made the suggestion in
December in Parliament that an all-party delegation should be sent to Sri Lanka
to learn about the conditions of the Tamils after the LTTE was decimated and
its chief V. Prabhakaran killed.
External Affairs
Minister S.M. Krishna had welcomed the suggestion in the Rajya Sabha and later
made a statement in the Lok Sabha endorsing the idea.
Parliamentary
Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal is said to be working on finalising the
details of the visit, including the list of MPs who would be part of the
delegation.
Swaraj said she
is hopeful the trip would take place. The delegation was to leave for Colombo
on February 11 but due to the Assembly elections in five states and other
factors, the trip was postponed. – (Source PTI)
2. Indian delegation to visit North, press for early political solution
April 8, 2012 03:05 pm,
Adaderana
With an aim of
reinforcing India’s commitment towards ethnic Sri Lankan Tamils, a delegation
of Indian MPs led by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj will
arrive in the island next week to assess the resettlement and political process
in war-torn areas.
The 15-member multi-party delegation with representatives from Congress, BJP, DMK, AIADMK and Left parties will be in Sri Lanka from April 16 to April 21.
The delegation is likely to meet the country’s top leadership including President Mahinda Rajapaksa and travel to northern and eastern parts of the country, which bore the maximum brunt of the nearly three decades-old civil war.
At least seven members of the delegation are from Tamil Nadu, where the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils is emotive.
The MPs, while assessing the process of resettlement of Tamils displaced by the war that ended three years back, would press for an early political solution which involves devolution of powers to the Tamils, sources said today.
Besides Swaraj, the delegation will include Congress MPs Sudarshana Natchiappan, Manicka Tagore, M Krishnaswamy and N S V Chithan, DMK’s T K S Elangovan and Prahlad Joshi and C P Thakur from BJP. CPI(M) will be represented by T K Rangarajan.
The leaders would travel to Jaffna and Kilinochchi and see for themselves the resettlement process taken up after the end of the war.
Sources said the MPs would interact with Tamil parties and common people in the war-torn areas and seek feedback from them on the process. – PTI
The 15-member multi-party delegation with representatives from Congress, BJP, DMK, AIADMK and Left parties will be in Sri Lanka from April 16 to April 21.
The delegation is likely to meet the country’s top leadership including President Mahinda Rajapaksa and travel to northern and eastern parts of the country, which bore the maximum brunt of the nearly three decades-old civil war.
At least seven members of the delegation are from Tamil Nadu, where the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils is emotive.
The MPs, while assessing the process of resettlement of Tamils displaced by the war that ended three years back, would press for an early political solution which involves devolution of powers to the Tamils, sources said today.
Besides Swaraj, the delegation will include Congress MPs Sudarshana Natchiappan, Manicka Tagore, M Krishnaswamy and N S V Chithan, DMK’s T K S Elangovan and Prahlad Joshi and C P Thakur from BJP. CPI(M) will be represented by T K Rangarajan.
The leaders would travel to Jaffna and Kilinochchi and see for themselves the resettlement process taken up after the end of the war.
Sources said the MPs would interact with Tamil parties and common people in the war-torn areas and seek feedback from them on the process. – PTI
3. J’lalithaa withdraws MP from parliamentary delegation’s visit to SL
April 12,
2012 09:07 am, Adaderana
Criticising
the joint parliamentary delegation’s proposed visit to Sri Lanka as a tourist
visit conducted by the Sri Lankan government to help form a favourable opinion
for itself, AIADMK general secretary and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa
announced on Wednesday that her party would not be represented in the team as
initially agreed.
A
15-member all-party delegation of MPs from both Houses of Parliament led by
Opposition Leader Sushma Swaraj are to visit the island nation from April 16-21
to see for itself the condition of the Sri Lankan Tamils. The AIADMK had
initially agreed to send Rajya Sabha member A William Rabi Bernard as its
representative.
When
it was first proposed, Jayalalithaa said in a statement on Wednesday, the party
was under the impression that the MPs will be able to interact with the Lankan
Tamils now held within the camps for IDPs (internally displaced persons) and
learn about their situation directly.
“However,
the communication from the Ministry of External Affairs said there was no
opportunity to speak to the affected Tamils to learn the problems faced by
them. From the itinerary, it seems importance was given only to the meetings
with Lankan government representatives and official feasts,” she said. “This
tourist visit...seems to be tailored to form an opinion in favour of the Lankan
government,” she charged.
Also,
she added, there were no journalists, human rights activists or independent
monitors in the team, which added to the suspicions. (IndianExpress)
4. Indian MPs delegation to meet all Tamil groups in Sri Lanka: Report
April 14, 2012 11:01 pm, Adaderana
The Indian
delegation of Members of Parliament, which arrives here on April 16, will have
an opportunity to speak to all groups of Tamils in Sri Lanka – those in the
Northern Province, Eastern Province, in the hills and in Colombo.
Led by the
Leader of Opposition in the Parliament, Sushma Swaraj, the delegation arrives
here late on April 16, and has a packed programme schedule ahead of leaving on
April 21. The next morning, the delegation will meet Minister for Economic
Development Basil Rajapaksa, before meeting the External Affairs Minister, G.L.
Peiris, reports The Hindu.
The team will
head to the Sri Lankan Parliament, where they will meet Basil’s brother and
Speaker, Chamal Rajapaksa. They will also interact with Sri Lankan MPs, and
attend a lunch. The team will meet representatives of the Tamil National
Alliance (mostly elected by the northern Tamils), the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress
(largely represent the Muslim dominated east), and the Ceylon Workers Congress
(who stand for the plantation Tamils), the same day.
A dinner hosted
by the Indian High Commissioner, Ashok K.Kantha, will give the delegation an
opportunity to interact with prominent Colombo-based Sri Lankans and Indians.
The delegation
will visit Medawachchiya on April 18. Medawachchiya is the site of the largest
IRCON base facilities, as they rebuild the northern Railway of Sri Lanka. IRCON
representatives will brief the delegation on the projects. Soon after, the
delegation leaves for Mullaitivu, where they will witness a slew of projects being
carried out – handing over of equipment for a Government Hospital, handing over
some units of the dragging Housing Project, inaugurating repaired schools, and
handing over bicycles.
The Security
Forces Commander will brief the delegation on the progress on various fronts.
The delegation travels to Jaffna, where it will interact with MPs and civil
society representatives. The delegation will stay over in Jaffna for the night.
The next day, the delegation will visit Kankasanthurai harbour, where India had
carried out a US $ 20 million wreck removal operation recently. The harbour is
being rehabilitated, and is expected to begin trade with Nagapattinam, about 60
km away, shortly.
The same day,
the team will visit the southern railway project at Kalutara and witness
the handing over
of the completed section. It will also meet the Leader of Opposition in the Sri
Lankan parliament, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The delegation
has one day, April 20, to visit the east and the hills, to meet people. At
Batticaloa, where a host of statues were recently vandalised, including one of
Mahatma Gandhi, the delegation will meet Chief Minister, a former LTTE child
soldier Pillayan (Sivanesathurai Candrakanthan), and visit some projects. In
the hills, it will visit Dickoya, the place where a hospital is coming up with
Indian support.
The last day,
April 21, the delegation will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa over breakfast.
– (The Hindu)
5. “Include Muslim MP in delegation to Sri Lanka”
April 15, 2012 12:31 pm
State president
of the Indian Union Muslim League K.M. Kader Mohideen has voiced concern over
the exclusion of Muslim MP in the delegation to be led by Sushma Swaraj, Leader
of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to Sri Lanka.
The MP team is
expected to visit the areas where rehabilitation measures for the war displaced
Sri Lankan Tamils are being implemented.
Mr. Mohideen who
was in Villupuram to attend the State executive committee meeting of the party
on Saturday, told presspersons that to do justice to Tamil Muslims living in
Sri Lanka it would be fair only to take on board a Muslim MP in the team.
He put the
population of Tamil Muslims in Sri Lanka at 45,000. “The MP team should also
make it a point to visit the Muslim areas on the island and ascertain their
views on the problems faced by them and to help them to find political
solutions,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
6. DMK pulls out of delegation to Sri Lanka
April 15, 2012 03:02 pm, Adaderana
Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK), a key UPA constituent, will not be a part
of the Indian Parliamentary delegation scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from April
16-22 to assess the resettlement and political process there, DMK chief M
Karunanidhi said on Sunday.
There was no use of such visits and therefore DMK would not be part of the
delegation, he told reporters in Chennai.
Lok Sabha MP TKS Elangovan was the lone DMK representative in the
delegation to be led by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj.
Earlier, AIADMK
supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalalithaa had announced withdrawing
her party nominee, Rajya Sabha MPW Rabi Bernard, expressing dissatisfaction
over the delegation’s itinerary. - PTI
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Last
updated: 15 April,
2012 - Published 18:50 GMT
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7. Indian Tamil parties boycott SL tour
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With the DMK
leader announcing that his party will not join Indian parliamentarians
scheduled to be in Sri Lanka on Monday, there will be no Tamil party
representation in the Indian delegation.
M
Karunanidhi speaking to journalists in Chennai on Sunday, told that his party
never planned to go with the Indian parliament delegation which chaired by the
leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, MS Sushma Swaraj .
“DMK
never planned to be part of the delegation .There are past experiences to show
that there is no use of such visits,” the veteran DMK leader informed.
Tamilnadu
chief minister Jayalalitha Jayaram had declared already that the AIADMK led by
her will not participate to the Indian parliament delegation to Sri Lanka.
Although
both the major Tamil parties in India has boycott the Sri Lankan tour other
political parties will follow the planned schedule said Congress MP of the
Rajya Sabha Sudharsana Nachchiappan.
When
asked by the BBC Tamil service whether a delegation without representatives
from the DMK and AIMDMK, will have desired affect the MP said going and meeting
Tamils in Sri Lanka will give great confidence to them.
“We
focus only on rehabilitation of Tamil people and the condition of Tamils who
live in the north and east of Sri Lanka and we will try to see the living
condition of the central province Tamil workers of Indian origin” MP
Nachchiappan said.
“We
are looking at meeting all the Tamil groups, members of the parliament, members
of provincial councils and the civil society,” he added.
The
visiting Indian delegation plans to be in Sri Lanka until 21 April.
8. Indian MPs’ visit to Sri Lanka a ‘mere waste’ - Vaiko
April 15, 2012 09:39 pm, Adaderana
The Marumalarchi
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) on Sunday described as ‘mere waste’ the
scheduled visit of an Indian all-party MPs’ delegation to Sri Lanka from April
16-22 to assess the resettlement and political process.
“The scheduled visit
will not help Tamils in Sri Lanka in any way. It is a mere waste,” MDMK chief
Vaiko told reporters.
He declined to
comment on AIADMK supremo and chief minister Jayalalithaa recently pulling out
her party’s lone representative from the delegation.
Jayalalithaa had
expressed displeasure over the delegation’s itinerary and slammed the
“anti-Tamil” approach of Sri Lanka as regards rehabilitation of internally
displaced Tamils.
The MPs
delegation is led by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj. -
PTI
9. INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION WILL INTERACT WITH
ELECTED TAMIL REPRESETATIVES
Posted on April 15th, 2012 , lankaweb
Posted on April 15th, 2012 , lankaweb
By
Walter Jayawardhana
In
response to Chief Minister Jayalalitha’s allegation that the Indian
parliamentary team would become a public relations event for the Rajapaksa’s
other than serving any useful purposes India has announced that the Indian
delegation would get the opportunity of interacting with all elected
parliamentarians of the Tamils when they visit the island April 16.They will have an opportunity to speak to all groups of Tamils in Sri Lanka – those in the Northern Province, Eastern Province, in the hills, and in Colombo according to the schedule.
“Led by the Leader of Opposition in the Parliament, Sushma Swaraj, the delegation arrives in Colombo late on April 16, and has a packed programme schedule ahead of leaving on April 21. The next morning, the delegation will meet Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, before meeting the External Affairs Minister, G.L. Peiris.
“The team will head to the Sri Lankan Parliament, where they will meet Basil’s brother and Speaker, Chamal Rajapaksa. They will also interact with Sri Lankan MPs, and attend a lunch. The team will meet representatives of the Tamil National Alliance (mostly elected by the northern Tamils), the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (largely represent the Muslim dominated east), and the Ceylon Workers Congress (who stand for the plantation Tamils), the same day.
“A dinner hosted by the Indian High Commissioner, Ashok K.Kantha, will give the delegation an opportunity to interact with prominent Colombo-based Sri Lankans and Indians.
“The delegation will visit Medawachchiya on April 18. Medawachchiya is the site of the largest IRCON base facilities, as they rebuild the northern Railway of Sri Lanka. IRCON representatives will brief the delegation on the projects. Soon after, the delegation leaves for Mullaitivu, where they will witness a slew of projects being carried out – handing over of equipment for a Government Hospital, handing over some units of the dragging Housing Project, inaugurating repaired schools, and handing over bicycles.
“The Security Forces Commander will brief the delegation on the progress on various fronts. The delegation travels to Jaffna, where it will interact with MPs and civil society representatives. The delegation will stay over in Jaffna for the night. The next day, the delegation will visit Kankasanthurai Harbour, where India had carried out a US $ 20 million wreck removal operation recently. The Harbour is being rehabilitated, and is expected to begin trade with Nagapattinam, about 60 km away, shortly.
“The same day, the team will visit the southern railway project at Kaluthara and witness the handing over of the completed section. It will also meet the Leader of Opposition in the Sri Lankan parliament, Ranil Wickramasinghe.
“The delegation has one day, April 20, to visit the east and the hills, to meet people. At Batticaloa, where a host of statues were recently vandalised, including one of Mahatma Gandhi, the delegation will meet Chief Minister, a former LTTE child soldier Pillayan (Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan), and visit some projects. In the hills, it will visit Dickoya, the place where a hospital is coming up with Indian support.
“The last day, April 21, the delegation will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa over breakfast.”
10. Indian MPs led by Sushma Swaraj on Sri Lanka visit
Timesofindia
NEW
DELHI: A multi-party MPs delegation embarked on a six-day visit to Sri Lanka during which they will oversee
developmental projects by India and handing over of houses in the areas worst affected
by the decades-old civil war.
The delegation led by leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj left for Colombo this evening and will visit northern and eastern Sri Lanka, which bore the brunt of three decades of bloodshed, besides making a visit to central and southern parts of the island.
The delegation, that has members from Congress, BJP, CPM, SP, BJD and JD(U), would be in Sri Lanka for six days from today and will meet president Mahinda Rajapaksa and other leaders to press for a political solution to the Tamil question.
The MPs, five of whom are from Tamil Nadu where the Sri Lankan Tamils issue is emotive, will also hold talks with leaders of the Tamil National Alliance, which has emerged as a credible political force of the minority community, and the Sri Lankan Muslim Congress to get their views.
Two major political parties in Tamil Nadu -- AIADMK and DMK -- pulled out of the visit at the last minute.
During its visit to Mullaitivu, once the nerve-centre of LTTE's military operations, the delegation will hand over medical equipment to hospitals, newly-built houses to beneficiaries and distribute bicycles to needy Tamils.
"The primary focus of the delegation will, however, be in the areas recovering from thirty years of conflict in the North and East of Sri Lanka where development assistance projects for the resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs and reconstruction of areas affected by the conflict are being undertaken by India," the ministry of external affairs said.
The delegation led by leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj left for Colombo this evening and will visit northern and eastern Sri Lanka, which bore the brunt of three decades of bloodshed, besides making a visit to central and southern parts of the island.
The delegation, that has members from Congress, BJP, CPM, SP, BJD and JD(U), would be in Sri Lanka for six days from today and will meet president Mahinda Rajapaksa and other leaders to press for a political solution to the Tamil question.
The MPs, five of whom are from Tamil Nadu where the Sri Lankan Tamils issue is emotive, will also hold talks with leaders of the Tamil National Alliance, which has emerged as a credible political force of the minority community, and the Sri Lankan Muslim Congress to get their views.
Two major political parties in Tamil Nadu -- AIADMK and DMK -- pulled out of the visit at the last minute.
During its visit to Mullaitivu, once the nerve-centre of LTTE's military operations, the delegation will hand over medical equipment to hospitals, newly-built houses to beneficiaries and distribute bicycles to needy Tamils.
"The primary focus of the delegation will, however, be in the areas recovering from thirty years of conflict in the North and East of Sri Lanka where development assistance projects for the resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs and reconstruction of areas affected by the conflict are being undertaken by India," the ministry of external affairs said.
CHENNAI, April 16, 2012 The Hindu
11.MPs' Sri Lanka visit set to be a low-key affair
With
the two main political parties from Tamil Nadu staying away from a
parliamentary delegation to Sri Lanka, the visit beginning on Monday is set to
be a low-key affair that gives the impression of a goodwill mission and
sceptics doubt whether it would consist of an interactive engagement with key
stakeholders.
Ever
since the delegation's visit was announced, there was much scepticism about its
usefulness, as a similar tour by a group of UPA MPs from Tamil Nadu in the
immediate aftermath of the end of the war in 2009 drew only derision from
sympathisers of the Tamil cause. Moreover, critics are saying the omission of
CPI's D. Raja and Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol
Thirumavalavan, who have been consistently raising their voice in support of
the Sri Lankan Tamils both in Parliament and other public platforms, is
glaring.
T.K.
Rangarajan (CPI-M), a member of the delegation, felt that it could have been
useful, had Mr. Raja and Mr. Thirumavalavan been included in the team. Former
VCK MLA Ravikumar and Tamils Protection Movement coordinator P. Nedumaran also
stress this point.
“The
omission has created an impression that Sri Lanka decided on who should be part
of the delegation. India is sending the team only to mollify Sri Lanka, which
is upset over India's vote in favour of a US-sponsored resolution against it in
the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)," Mr Ravikumar said.
Mr.
Raja told The Hindu that he had no idea why he was not included and that
it was for the Centre to explain. “It looks like a goodwill visit and it is
unlikely to serve any purpose. I am already hearing reports that people have
been intimidated to behave in proper manner during the Indian delegation's
visit,” he said.
The
government, according to Mr. Raja, ought to have accommodated representatives
of all political parties in Tamil Nadu irrespective of their strength, as the
State had more stakes than any other in the problem of the Sri Lankan Tamils.
“If
the visit's purpose was to oversee India-sponsored projects, it can be done by
a team of diplomats and there is no need for a Parliamentary delegation.
Instead of confining itself to an official briefing, the team should have
meaningful dialogue with the Sri Lankan government on human rights issues and a
political solution to the ethnic problem,” he said. However, Congress MP E.M.
Sudarsana Natchiappan, who is part of the present delegation, contended that
the visit would provide an opportunity to instil confidence in the Sri Lankan
Tamils and send a message that India would always stand by them in times of
crisis.
Rejecting
criticism that the delegation would not be allowed to have a free interaction
with the local Tamil population, Mr Natchiappan said: “We will also look into
the law-and-order situation, besides the process of demilitarisation in Tamil
areas.”
“We
are visiting areas where India-sponsored projects are processing. We will meet
Tamil leaders and are likely to have a discussion on the 13th amendment and the
devolution process. We will have a thorough idea of the situation on the ground
before meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa,” he said.
V.
Suryanarayan, an expert on South Asian Affairs, agreed that Tamil Nadu's
concerns were genuine, but expressed the hope that Sushma Swaraj, who leads the
delegation, would not allow herself to be bulldozed into a conducted tour. “The
delegation should visit Jaffna University, Kilinochchi and Vavuniya and
interact with the people and human rights activists like P. Saravanamuttu,
Jehan Perera and Tamil MPs,” he added.
12. Two main parties in Tamilnadu are not included in the team of Indian parliamentarians who visit Sri Lanka.
April 16, 2012 at 11:13 pm | Lanka C News
With the
decision of the D.M.K. party to withdraw from the tour of Sri Lanka, a
situation has erupted that,two main parties of Tamilnadu will not
participate in the Sri Lankan tour of the Indian Parliamentary representatives,
which is due to be commenced from today.
Mr M
Karunanidhi, Leader of the D.M.K. Party has said that, his party has withdrawn
from the tour,since the earlier visits were unsuccessful.
During a
previous occasion, Mrs Jayalalitha Jeyaram, the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu,
has informed that, her team of representatives will not be sent to Sri Lanka.
The team of
representatives of the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Indian Parliament,
lead by Mrs Sushma Swaraj, the Opposition Leader, is due to visit Sri Lanka, in
search of the problems experienced by the people of North and East, as well as
the problems faced by the Indian Fishermen.
13. DMK pullout from MPs team for Colombo, an embarrassment for UPA
Mon, 2012-04-16 00:23 , editor, Asian Tribune
From R. Vasudevan—Reporting from New
Delhi
New Delhi, 16
April (Asiantribune.com):
The ruling
United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre faced a major
embarrassment on Sunday, when its alliance partner, the Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam, said it would keep out of a Parliamentary delegation going to Sri
Lanka to assess the situation there.In the absence of MPs from the two major Tamil Nadu political parties, it is not certain any useful purpose will be achieved by the MPs’ visit. Besides, the main reason for the visit that of interacting with the aggrieved Tamils, victims of the war against the LTTE, is unlikely. That is the grouse of DMK and AIADMK boycotting the MPs trip is their agenda includes meeting top leaders like President Mahinda rajapaksa and other government leaders to hear their point of view. Thus the main issues of Sri Lankan Tamils could be pushed to the background.
For the ruling AIADMK and opposition DMK, the sentiments of State population is more important than a token visit to Sri Lanka. If the Tamil Nadu MPs return without any specific time-bound assurances from Colombo, they will face the voters’ wrath. The MDMk too has said nothing much will be achieved from the visit. The Tamil Nadu parties apparently feel the MPs’ visit could end up as a “propaganda exercise” by the Sri Lankan government to underline its commitment for welfare steps for Tamils.
The delegation is supposed to assess the resettlement and political process in the war-torn areas there. The visit is aimed at reinforcing India’s commitment towards ethnic Sri Lankan Tamils. The multi-party delegation will now only have representatives from the Congress, BJP, and Left parties will be in Sri Lanka from April 16 to April 21.
The delegation is likely to travel to northern and eastern parts of the country, which bore the maximum brunt of the nearly three decades-old civil war. The MPs, while assessing the process of resettlement of Tamils displaced by the war that ended three years back, will press for an early political solution which involves devolution of powers to the Tamils.
Besides Sushma Swaraj, the delegation will include Congress MPs Sudarshana Natchiappan, Manicka Tagore, M Krishnaswamy and N S V Chithan, and Prahlad Joshi and C P Thakur from the BJP. The CPM will be represented by T K Rangarajan. The leaders will travel to Jaffna and Kilinochchi, and see for themselves the resettlement process taken up after the end of the war.
The MPs will interact with Tamil parties and common people in the war-torn areas and seek feedback from them on the process. The long-awaited visit by the delegation comes close on the heels of India voting against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 23.
Explaining the reasons for the party staying away, DMK chief Karunanidhi has said “There are examples in the past that tell us that such delegations would not serve any useful purpose. Therefore, the DMK will not be part of the delegation”, when asked whether he believed that the visit of the MPs would help improve the lot of the Sri Lankan Tamils. “It is wrong to ask whether the DMK will join the delegation as per plan. It never had any plans to join the team,” Karunanidhi said.
It may be noted that originally the DMK had nominated T.K.S. Elangovan to represent it in the delegation.
The DMK’s main rival in Tamil Nadu, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, has already withdrawn the member it had originally planned to send, with Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalithaa terming the delegation's visit an “eyewash” and doubted whether there would be any genuine interaction between Indian MPs and Sri Lankan Tamils.
Ms. Jayalalithaa had said the itinerary prepared by the External Affairs Ministry provided no opportunity for the team members to interact with Tamils there. She had listed Rajapaksa government’s several improprieties as reasons for pulling out the AIADMK MLA from the team, namely its unwillingness to accept even the mild resolution moved by the US before the UNHRC; failure to stop recurrence of attacks on Tamil Nadu’s fishermen by the Lankan Navy; opposition to the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant; its anti-Tamil activities and absence of change in attitude towards Lankan Tamils.
With both the DMK and the AIADMK staying away from the delegation, Tamil Nadu will be represented only by four Congress MPs — E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Manicka Tagore, N.S.V. Chitthan and M. Krishnassamy and CPI(M) member T.K. Rangarajan.
On the Indian MPs’ agenda are meetings with Sri Lankan Parliament’s Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris. The MPs would have a breakfast meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on April 21. The team will inspect the progress made in the various Indian projects in Sri Lanka. India is engaged in improving Sri Lanka’s railway system and the northern port of Kankesanturai, besides building houses for Tamils displaced by the war.
This is the second time a delegation of MPs from India is visiting Sri Lanka after the end of the protracted civil war in 2009. In October 2009, MPs from Tamil Nadu visited camps for the displaced Tamils and interacted with some of them. That delegation comprised only of members of the DMK, the Congress and the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK), a composition that drew criticism that it was not a parliamentary delegation but only a UPA team.
Describing the visit of an Indian MPs’ delega¬tion to Sri Lanka, scheduled for April 16-21, as a mere formality aimed at creating an opinion in favour of the island nation, Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday pulled out her party’s representative from the team. “Since I believed that the visit of Indian MPs will be a solace to Lankan Tamils and will help us know the ground realities regarding rehabilitation works there, I deputed AIADMK MP W Rabi Bernard. But the delegation’s agenda gives an impression that the visit is just a formal one and does not give importance to interacting with people affected by the war. On the contrary, much importance is being given to meetings and banquets with Lankan political leaders and officials, including President (Mahinda) Rajapaksa,” the CM had said in a three-page statement.
Jayalalithaa also said the absence of media persons, human rights activists and independent observers had added to her suspicions about the very purpose of the visit. She listed Rajapakse government’s several improprieties as reasons for pulling out the AIADMK MLA from the team, namely its unwillingness to accept even the mild resolution moved by the US before the UNHRC; failure to stop recurrence of attacks on Tamil Nadu’s fishermen by the Lankan Navy; opposition to the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant; its anti-Tamil activities and absence of change in attitude towards Lankan Tamils. She had also expressed disappointment that the MPs’ visit does not include discussions with the Lankan President on the rehabilitation and resettling of the Tamils in that nation.
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updated: 17 April,
2012 - Published 18:42 GMT
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14. No power, no devolution - TNA tells India
Sri
Lanka’s major Tamil party expressed optimism that the visiting Indian
parliamentary delegation will take positive steps towards addressing social,
political and safety issues faced by Tamils in the north and east.
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Tamil
National Alliance (TNA) MPs led by Rajavarothayam Sampanthan has told Indian
Parliamentarians led by the leader of opposition in the Indian Lower house of
parliament- Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj that Tamils need effective power
devolution similar to the Indian system.
“Power
devolution without power is of no use,” TNA MP Selvam Adaikkalanadan told BBC
Tamil service following an hour long meeting with the Indian delegation in
Colombo.
Land
and police powers
“We
need police and land powers for the provincial councils like the states in
India,” said MP Adaikkalanadan.
Indian
MPs now touring Sri Lanka have told the TNA MPs that they would stress the need
for devolution of powers to Tamil-speaking provinces when they meet President
Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday.
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"People are struggling to return
to their normal lives"
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When
the Lankan MPs wanted the Indians to bring pressure on their government to urge
the Sri Lankan government towards a lasting solution to the Tamil national
question through dialogue, the delegation said they would take due note of
their concerns.
MP
Adaikkalanathan said they briefed the Indian delegation on the appalling
conditions prevailing in Tamil areas.
He
said that heavy military presence in the North is an impediment for Tamils who
are struggling get back to their normal lives after suffering during and after
the Civil war which came to a brutal end with the LTTE being militarily
defeated in May 2009.
Buddhist
temples
“Land
grabbing continues in the north and east, while Buddhist temples are being
built in traditional Tamil areas,” the TNA has told the visiting the Indian
delegation.
TNA
members have also told the Indian MPs that the situation could be improved in
the North and East for Tamils if the administration is handed over entirely to
the elected officials instead of the military, so that they could live with
dignity in Lanka.
That
can happen only when powers relating to land and policing were devolved to the
provinces, the TNA has emphasised to the Indian delegation.
TNA
also has requested the visiting Indians that the tour to the north should not
be a guided one.
It
will enable the Indian MPs to meet the Tamil people in the north and east and
get to know their problems first hand, without government minders , he added.
The
Indian delegation has also met senior representatives of the government and
leaders of up country Tamils on Tuesday.
15. State Congress chief pulls out of team to Sri Lanka
CHENNAI:
It was ultimately a much smaller team of parliamentarians, minus three MPs from
Tamil Nadu, which left Delhi for Colombo on Monday for a first-hand assessment
of the resettlement of war-displaced Tamils and devolution of political rights.
Following in the footsteps of a pullout by representatives of the AIADMK and the DMK from the all-party delegation, Rajya Sabha MP and Tamil Nadu Congress chief B S Gnanadesikan announced hours before the flight took off that he too had decided to withdraw from the six-day tour.
With three members of Parliament in all staying away, the 15-member team has been reduced to 12. The visit is significant to test the bilateral relationship after the March 23 vote by India against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva on a US-sponsored resolution censuring Colombo for war crimes.
Although Gnanadesikan cited "organizational work" to justify his pullout, he disclosed to TOI that three days ago he had sent a fax to parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal opting to drop out of the Lanka tour.
Following in the footsteps of a pullout by representatives of the AIADMK and the DMK from the all-party delegation, Rajya Sabha MP and Tamil Nadu Congress chief B S Gnanadesikan announced hours before the flight took off that he too had decided to withdraw from the six-day tour.
With three members of Parliament in all staying away, the 15-member team has been reduced to 12. The visit is significant to test the bilateral relationship after the March 23 vote by India against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva on a US-sponsored resolution censuring Colombo for war crimes.
Although Gnanadesikan cited "organizational work" to justify his pullout, he disclosed to TOI that three days ago he had sent a fax to parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal opting to drop out of the Lanka tour.
NEW DELHI, April 17, 2012 The Hindu
16. Indian MPs for Sri Lanka, to interact with IDPs
A
multi-party delegation of parliamentarians left on Monday for a six-day visit
to Sri Lanka for extensive interaction with internally displaced persons
(IDPs), some of whom will be beneficiaries of an India-supported rehabilitation
programme.
Contrary
to the impression created by some parties that pulled out of the delegation
that there will be little interaction with the Tamils affected during the
closing stages of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009,
the parliamentarians will visit the last remaining transit camp for IDPs at
Manik Farms. A day before, they will interact with a variety of Tamil opinion
besides meeting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and leaders from the
majority Sinhala community.
In
Mullaitivu, once under the firm control of LTTE and where the tide turned
amidst accusations of human rights abuses by the army as well as the LTTE, the
delegation will hand over bicycles and preside over the opening of a
refurbished general hospital. After spending a night in Jaffna, where the seeds
of bitter distrust were sown with the burning down of the famous library in
`83, the team will visit the Nallur temple, which was damaged and became
practically unusable during the conflict.
“The
primary focus of the delegation will, however, be in the areas recovering from
30 years of conflict in the North and East where development assistance
projects for the resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs and reconstruction of
areas affected by the conflict are being undertaken by India,'' said the
Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
The
parliamentarians will witness India's efforts to restore the Kankesanthurai
harbour, once a major hub in the Jaffna peninsula, but rendered unusable after
the LTTE sank 10 ships. Indian sailors have cleared the harbour of wrecks and
made it operational.
The
schedule also details interactions within the Tamil diaspora. The MPs, five of
whom are from Tamil Nadu, will not only hold talks with leaders of the Tamil
National Alliance, Sri Lankan Muslim Congress and Ceylon Workers' Congress but
also meet people like Ananda Sangari.
17. Indian parliamentary delegation arrives in Sri Lanka
April 17, 2012 08:46 am, Adaderana
A multi-party Indian delegation arrived in Colombo on Monday night on a
six-day visit to Sri Lanka during which they will press for a political
solution to the decades-old Tamil question and oversee developmental projects
by India in the areas worst affected by the civil war.
The delegation led by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj
will camp in this island nation till Saturday and meet with President Mahinda
Rajapaksa and a cross-section of political leaders during the visit.
The 13-member delegation, from which DMK and AIADMK pulled out at the
last minute, will visit northern and eastern Sri Lanka, which bore the brunt of
three decades of bloodshed, besides making a visit to central and southern
parts of the island.
The delegation, that has members from Congress, BJP, CPM, SP, BJD and
JD(U), would press for a political solution to the Tamil question during its
meetings with Rajapaksa and other leaders.
The MPs, five of whom are from Tamil Nadu where the Sri Lankan Tamils
issue is emotive, will also hold talks with leaders of the Tamil National
Alliance, which has emerged as a credible political force of the minority
community, and the Sri Lankan Muslim Congress to get their views on the issue.
During its visit to Mullaitivu on Wednesday, once the nerve-centre of
LTTE’s military operations, the delegation will hand over medical equipment to
hospitals, newly-built houses to beneficiaries and distribute bicycles to needy
Tamils.
“The primary focus of the delegation will, however, be in the areas
recovering from thirty years of conflict in the North and East of Sri Lanka
where development assistance projects for the resettlement and rehabilitation
of IDPs and reconstruction of areas affected by the conflict are being
undertaken by India,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi.(PTI)
18. Indian MPs to visit IDP Camp
April 17, 2012,
10:25 pm, The
Island
BY S. VENKAT NARAYAN
Our Special Correspondent
Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, April 16: India’s joint parliamentary delegation, arriving in
Colombo on Monday night, will also visit the IDP Camp at Menik Farm in the
Northern Province, it was officially announced here this evening.
Last week, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa withdrew her
AIADMK party representative from the delegation by saying that the MPs’
itinerary in Sri Lanka makes it look more like a touristy visit because it made
no mention of visits to camps where the internally displaced Tamils have been
living even three years after the war ended.
DMK’s Muthuvel Karunanidhi too followed suit by saying that such visits in
the past did not serve any purpose.
The programme appears to have been changed at the last minute to include a
visit to the Menik Farm, where a hundred thousand displaced Tamils were kept.
The remaining 197,000 were kept in five other camps. Menik Farm is 40km
from Vavuniya. At the moment, it houses barely 7,000 or even less. It attracted
global media attention after the war ended in May 2009 because it did not have
adequate facilities for such a large number of IDPs.
In a statement released here, the Ministry of External Affairs said the
delegation is expected to start its programme in the Northern Province
"with a visit to the IDP Camp at Menik Farm".
"The delegation is scheduled to visit Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Kankesanthurai,
Kalutara, Dickoya, Hatton and Batticaloa where Indian assistance projects,
including those related to the development of rail and port infrastructure,
connectivity and transportation, education, public health, housing, de-mining,
vocational training and economic revival, are under implementation. The
delegation is also scheduled to meet a wide cross-section of parliamentarians,
Pradeshiya Sabha members, civil society and community leaders in the Northern
Province," the statement added.
The visit is being organised in the context of a commitment made by the
External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna in Parliament in response to
suggestions from Members of the Parliament during parliamentary debates on the
situation in Sri Lanka, the statement said.
It went on to say that the MPs are expected to travel to different parts of
Sri Lanka, including its Northern, Eastern, Central and Western Provinces.
"The primary focus of the delegation will, however, be in the areas
recovering from thirty years of conflict in the North and East of Sri Lanka
where development assistance projects for the resettlement and rehabilitation
of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and reconstruction of areas affected by
the conflict are being undertaken by the Government of India."
19.
*Sajith
tells visiting Indian MPs:
Political solution shouldn’t affect unitary status
April 17, 2012, 10:12 pm, The Island
By Shamindra
FerdinandoThe Hambantota District MP emphasized that any solution must not be inimical to the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, political independence.
The Indian delegation arrived in Colombo earlier in the day on a fact-finding mission in the wake of India voting for the US-sponsored resolution captioned ‘Promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka’ urging the GoSL to implement the constructive recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfill its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.
The Indian delegates met their Sri Lankan counterparts at the parliamentary complex. The Indian delegation led by Leader of the Opposition MP Shrimathi Sushma Swaraj, comprises 12 members, both from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The two main parties representing Tamil Nadu, DMK and ruling AIADMK opted out of the delegation alleging the GoSL wasn’t interested in genuine reconciliation.
While thanking the Government of India for supporting GoSL’s campaign to eradicate LTTE terrorism, MP Premadasa emphasized the responsibility on the part of the SriLankan government to usher in permanent peace. Every citizen should be given the opportunity to live with dignity, which meant the empowerment of people politically, economically and socially, he said. Premadasa reiterated the Opposition’s commitment to the protection of the territorial integrity, unitary status and political independence of the country.
He emphasized the importance of people of all communities enjoying post-war benefits in a prosperous and peaceful Sri Lanka.
TNA leader R. Sampanthan accused the government of purposely delaying the negotiated political process. An irate parliamentarian didn’t mince his words when he blamed the government for failing to take forward the peace process, though the war ended in May three years ago.
Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, while reiterating commitment to the peace process, underscored the difficulties experienced by the government due to it being a coalition. The minister said as the ruling coalition had to appease all constituent members, the ongoing peace process was a difficult process. The Indian delegation reacted strongly to an assessment by Minister De Silva that with the conclusion of the conflict the government had allowed fishermen the freedom to operate. A member of the delegation pointed out that it was the right of the fishermen to engage in their livelihood.
The visiting delegation reiterated India’s commitment to the protection of Sri Lanka, while warning that there wouldn’t be permanent peace unless the grievances of the Tamil speaking people were met.
Among those present at the meeting were MPs John Amaratunga, Dinesh Gunawardena, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, S. Muralidharan and Suresh Premachandran.
20. Colombo has larger responsibility in ceasing Dravidian party influences in New Delhi over Sri Lankan Tamils
17 April 2012, 5:40 am, Transcurrent
Col. R. Hariharan responds to specific questions raised by media on the
Indian parliamentary delegation’s visit to Colombo on April 17, 2012:
1. Is this parliamentary delegation on a goodwill visit or fact finding
mission to Colombo?
pic courtesy: news.lk
The visit is a reciprocal visit from our parliament after a parliamentary
delegation from Sri Lanka visited India.
Such delegations are regularly exchanged between many countries; in fact a Sri Lanka parliamentary delegation visited Pakistan in February 2011. So the overall objective of this delegation is also presumably to increase the goodwill between Indian and Sri Lankan parliamentarians.
Such delegations are regularly exchanged between many countries; in fact a Sri Lanka parliamentary delegation visited Pakistan in February 2011. So the overall objective of this delegation is also presumably to increase the goodwill between Indian and Sri Lankan parliamentarians.
But viewed in the rather strained situation of Indian vote for UNHCR
resolution on Sri Lanka, it has assumed a lot of political overtones both in
India and Sri Lanka. Any Indian parliamentarian going to Sri Lanka has to look
at the progress made in rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes for Tamils
in Sri Lanka for which India has allotted large sums of money.
So from that point of view this delegation also has a “fact finding”
mission; however, in the present political context it will have enlarged
responsibility on understanding the human rights situation also. And for any
real “fact finding” goodwill of Sri Lanka is also needed; so if you want
positive outcome, you cannot separate the two objectives as they are
complimentary rather than contradictory.
2. The visit of the delegation became controversial particularly after
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms Jayalalithaa condemned the move and withdrew her
representative from the delegation and the DMK also pulled out thereafter.
Under such circumstances, do you think goodwill would be increased between the
two countries by the delegation’s visit?
There is no doubt that both countries need to build upon the goodwill
already existing at all levels. This requirement has become more urgent after
it was eroded both in India and in Sri Lanka after India voted for the UNHRC
resolution on Sri Lanka. From this point of view, sending a parliamentary
delegation was a laudable initiative to improve the relations.
There is a large Tamil constituency in India which has been concerned at
Sri Lanka’s insensitivity and callousness in not responding to international
concerns on allegations of human rights violations and war crimes perpetrated
against Tamils in Sri Lanka. The ethnic reconciliation process is also making
tardy progress. Actually India’s vote for the UNHRC resolution reflected these
concerns; however, Sri Lanka does not seem to be very keen to address these
concerns with any urgency.
Moreover, there had been a lot of political grand-standing between the two
Dravidian parties over the Sri Lanka Tamil issue ever since allegations of Sri
Lankan army war crimes triggered strong emotions in Tamil Nadu. By virtue of
DMK’s participation, the ruling coalition in New Delhi has also become target
of AIADMK’s barbs on Sri Lanka issue.
The cock fight between the two parties became acute when they smelt blood
with India’s vote in the UNHRC; so the dramatic last minute pull out of the
AIADMK from the delegation was probably on the cards to increase its impact and
embarrassment to the Centre, and the DMK following suite in such eventuality
was equally certain.
Under these circumstances, it is doubtful whether the visit of a delegation
would add any goodwill unless both countries had planned and prepared for it
well in advance. I have my reservations on whether such preparation was done in
this case.
I had expected the visit of the delegation to be postponed as the
circumstances are not suited to produce best results. But New Delhi appears to
have succumbed to other internal and international compulsions. The delegation
is headed by opposition leader Mrs Sushma Swaraj and her views have to be
respected as it could generate avoidable polemics. Moreover, already the visit
was postponed once due to the recent state elections in the North.
Apart from attending to the sensitivities of Southern Tamil constituency,
the government has to keep in view the larger need to firm up its strategic
relations with Sri Lanka. So probably it went ahead with the visit to show New
Delhi’s solidarity with Sri Lanka despite the hiccups in the post UNHRC period.
So we have the visit mired in controversy even before it took off.
One can only hope the delegation uses the opportunity to improve the lot of
Tamils there as well as to reinforce India-Sri Lanka ties.
3. Do you think an opportunity to assess the ground situation in Sri Lanka
on the condition of Tamils was lost by the two Dravidian parties boycotting the
delegation visiting Sri Lanka?
The visit did offer a valuable opportunity to both AIADMK and DMK to
understand the situation in Sri Lanka first hand. If they had really wanted to
improve the lot of Tamils in Sri Lanka, they could have got in touch with Sri
Lankan Tamil political and civil society leaders and based on their feedback
worked out an itinerary for the delegation to understand the ground situation.
It would have indicated critical areas that required immediate action from both
Colombo and New Delhi. And the two parties could have based their decision to
participate in the visit based on the replies from Colombo and New Delhi.
But unfortunately this is not the way most of the political parties conduct
themselves in this country. And Tamil Nadu is no exception. During the last
three decades, there is a deadly contest between the two Dravidian stalwarts.
Their focus is on proving who is a greater champion of Tamils, rather than who
can produce better solutions to peoples’ problems.
Confrontation rather than finding common ground to evolve solutions has
become the favoured option. And the coalition politics at national level has
further aggravated this race between the two major Tamil Nadu parties.
The Sri Lankan Tamil issue has been a long standing victim of this
unproductive, polemical politics. It is being milked now to kindle strong
passions and emotions by all regional parties. And even national parties appear
to be preparing to join them, if we go by political indicators.
So most of the Tamil Nadu political leaders are not prepared to listen to
moderate Sri Lankan or Indian Tamil voices and prefer sensational and negative
outpourings from sections of Tamil Diaspora. And Sri Lanka’s studied
indifference to taking positive action, has helped them further go ahead with
this style of politics.
While AIADMK has opted for a confrontational path with Sri Lanka on the
Tamil issue, DMK’s confused and reactive responses show it wants to retain its
hold in the Centre while trying to maintain an aggressive posture on Sri Lanka.
As a result of this unseemly competition, objectives of both parties are short
term and immediate. At present neither party appears to be keen on using
goodwill with Sri Lanka to the advantage of Tamils, or avoid provocative
posturing and use their political clout to pressurise New Delhi to help Sri
Lankan Tamils.
4. This appears to be a very pessimistic assessment; so what is the way
forward?
It is realistic rather than pessimistic assessment. Ideally to resolve this
issue, India needs a strong national leadership determined to achieve results.
That does not appear to be in the horizon; so we will continue to have a lot of
foot dragging on Sri Lanka issue also.
I don’t see either the coalition compulsions or competitive politics of
Tamil Nadu ending in the near future, so both the Dravidian parties will
continue to wield influence in New Delhi. Ideally, if the Sri Lanka issue
ceases to be relevant to state politics as it happened after Rajiv Gandhi’s
assassination both the parties will lose interest in using it.
The only way for this to happen is for Sri Lanka to proactively take
genuine action to respond to the peoples’ concerns. It has to be more systemic
than the cosmetic attempts now being made. Then only the Tamil Diaspora’s
voices would become more constructive than critical.
So Sri Lanka has a not so visible, but larger, responsibility in this
imbroglio. Will Sri Lanka do it? That is another question and a much bigger
subject.
(Col R Hariharan, a retired Military Intelligence specialist on South Asia,
served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka as Head of
Intelligence. He is associated with the Chennai Centre for China Studies and
the South Asia Analysis Group)
21. Indian delegates fail to comment on 13th amendment: G.L.Peries
[ Tuesday, 17 April 2012, 04:10.01
PM GMT +05:30 ] , LankaSri
Indian parliamentary group visits SriLanka hold special discussion with
government on political solution on national issue of this country and also
appointing parliamentary select committee.
This special discussion held between Minister G.L.Peries and Indian
parliamentary group lead by Sushma Swaraj. However during the time of
discussion Indian delegates fail to comment on supporting US resolution against
SriLanka at the UN Human Rights Council.
Speaking to media the Minister of External Affair G.L.Peris went on to say,
We explained Indian delegates about the implementation of LLRC recommendations
in the country and also the steps taken by the government this regard.
They fail to comment on 13th amendment and also they did not pressurize
Lankan government this regard. Minister Peries also said this was opportunity
for Lankan government to explain Indian delegates about the reconciliation
activities carried out by the government in the country.
Indian delegates hold discussions with the Minister of Economic Development
Basil Rajapaksa and also inquired about the development activities of North and
East areas.
22. Indian delegation happy with SL’s rebuilding effort
Rasika SOMARATHNA
The visiting Indian Joint Parliamentary delegation has expressed its
satisfaction on the efforts taken by the government of Sri Lanka to rebuild the
former conflict affected areas. They have also called for stronger ties between
the two nations.
They said that more information should be made available to the people of
Tamil Nadu to make them aware of the truth concerning the Tamil people of Sri
Lanka.
The members of the delegation aired these views during a meeting with
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday morning.
During the interaction with the minister they also suggested that it was
important to alleviate existing suspicion between the two communities to help
in the realization of long lasting peace in Sri Lanka, the Economic Development
Ministry said.
The Head of the delegation, Opposition Leader of the Lok Sabha Sushma
Swaraj stated that they respect the integrity of Sri Lanka and wish for
stronger ties between the two countries, the ministry added. According to them,
several delegates during discussions had expressed satisfaction on the efforts
undertaken by the government in resettling the IDPS, in addition to building
infrastructure and efforts at livelihood development in conflict affected
areas.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa briefing the delegates on the ongoing work in the
former conflict affected areas said that the government was able to resettle
95% of the IDPs, displaced after 2005, with better facilities than those which
they enjoyed before the crisis.
He had pointed out that the remaining IDPs mainly consisted of ones who
fled to India and other countries during the conflict period.
All facilities required for civilian life are in operation in these areas
and IDPs are provided with core houses using the tin sheets and cement provided
by the Indian government, he said.
He also had described that in addition another 50,000 permanent houses are
being built in the conflict affected areas with Indian financial assistance.
IDPs were also provided with cash grants, cash for work, resettlement kits
and a six month dry food ration now extended for two years.
The minister said that all infrastructure facilities, such as, roads,
railways, harbours and airports are being developed and agriculture, fisheries
and other economic activities have been restored. The minister suggested that
the delegation should visit these areas and observe the changes for themselves.
23. Indian delegation off to N-E
Rasika SOMARATHNA
The joint Parliamentary delegation from India led by Opposition Leader of
the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj began their six day visit to Sri Lanka, during
which they will meet a cross-section of political leaders, civil society
members and also assess the progress of development projects undertaken by
India in the conflict affected areas.
The delegation met Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday,
the first day of their programme in Sri Lanka. A spokesman for the Indian High
Commission in Colombo Birender Singh Yadav said the delegation also visited
Parliament where they met Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de
Silva.
This was followed by an interaction with other Parliamentarians. The
delegation also met External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris.
They also met members of Tamil political parties. They also visited the
IPKF memorial in Pelawatte, Battaramulla.
According to Yadav, the delegation will begin a tour of the North and East
today.
Yadav said one of the main areas of focus of the delegation would be to
review the progress of the development assistance projects for the resettlement
and rehabilitation of IDPs and other development in the former conflict
affected areas undertaken by the Indian government.
“The delegation will also speak with different segments of the Sri Lanka
society on how reconciliation efforts are proceeding,” he added.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Indian External Affairs Ministry said the
Joint Parliamentary delegation led by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok
Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, will be visiting Sri Lanka from April 16 to 21.
The delegation comprises of Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha and
Rajya Sabha nominated by various political parties, including the BJD, BJP, CPI
(M), INC, JD (U) and SP.
The visit is organised in the context of a commitment made by the External
Affairs Minister in Parliament in response to suggestions from Members of
Parliament during Parliamentary debates on the situation in Sri Lanka, the
statement said.
24. Indian MPs delegation presses forward on Tamil question
April 18, 2012 07:46 am, Adaderana
The Indian joint parliamentary delegation spent Tuesday listening to
arguments from people on both sides of the Tamil question and exploring the way
forward to achieving the legitimate aspirations of the Tamils in Sri Lanka,
Indian media reports.
While an overseas visit by an Indian Parliamentary delegation normally
involves a few courtesy calls, attempts at bonhomie, and a little bit of
studying the country, this particular delegation has come to represent India.
Two Ministers, the Leader of the Sri Lankan Parliament, 39 MPs, representatives
of the main Tamil parties — all had meetings with the delegation, and had
extensive discussions on the present situation in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris explained to the
delegation that more than 50 per cent of the Tamils lived outside the Northern
Province. He also told them that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation
Commission was appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and hence, Sri Lanka
was serious about implementing the recommendations of the Commission.
Tough questions
The Indian delegation, headed by Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj,
asked some very tough questions of both sides. “It is very clear that she
[Sushma Swaraj] knows every aspect of the issue from the questions she posed,”
said Suresh Premachandran, of the Tamil National Alliance. Congress MP
Sudarsana Nachiappan, who has been in touch with the Tamil politicians here,
and the government, and Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s T.K. Rangarajan,
constantly explored the possibility of recommencing the talks between the TNA
and the Sri Lankan government, in their meetings.
“We are for re-commencing the talks,” explained TNA leader R. Sampanthan,
after a meeting with the delegation here. “The issue is that both sides should
have faith in the talks. The government should come forward,” he said. In a
presentation at Parliament, Mr. Sampanthan explained how the Sri Lankan
government had broken promise after promise.
Foreign involvement
Insisting that a solution to the Tamil question will only be possible with
foreign involvement, Mr. Sampanthan said over a year of talks had not yielded
anything on the ground. Asked what he expected the delegation to do —
especially since it was not a fact-finding mission or an empowered committee —
the TNA leader said he expected the delegation to “present some kind of a
report to the government, to their own parties,” and generally make India aware
of the events in Sri Lanka since the conclusion of the war.
Mr. Premachandran said the TNA had also brought to the Indian MPs’
attention the fact that the high-security zones in the Northern Province still
remain occupied by the Amy, that over 800 persons are in government custody
without charges, and many thousands are missing.
The delegation also met representatives of the Tamil United Liberation
Front (TULF) and Ceylon Workers Congress. The TULF handed over a memorandum
which made it clear that a “meaningful devolution which can meet the
aspirations of the Tamil people, based on the Indian model only can bring
permanent peace and reconciliation among the various communities.”
Safe haven
Ms. Swaraj and the delegation visited the Indian Peace-Keeping Force
memorial on the outskirts of Colombo and paid floral tributes. On Wednesday,
their schedule takes them to Menik Farm — a safe haven for Sri Lankan Tamils —
where the team will interact with Internally Displaced Persons still in the
camp. They will also visit Mullaittivu, hand over Indian government built homes
and other benefits, ahead of halting in Jaffna, the Hindu reports.
25. India respects Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity, looking forward to stronger bilateral ties - Mrs. Sushma Swaraj
Wed,
2012-04-18 01:43 — editor
Colombo, 18 April,
(Asiantribune.com):
The visiting Indian
joint Parliamentary delegation led by Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha
Sushma Swaraj met Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa at his
Ministry yesterday morning
A 12-member
Indian Parliamentary delegation, headed by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok
Sabha, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, and comprising representatives of several prominent
political parties from both houses of Parliament, arrived in Colombo on the
evening of 16 April 2012.
The delegation
called on Basil Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Development, on
17th morning. They were briefed regarding the reconstruction work undertaken by
the Government of Sri Lanka. The Indian delegation thanked Basil Rajapaksa for
enabling their visit to the Menik Farm IDP Camp and the resettled area in
Puliyankulam. They noted the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in the
field of rehabilitation and resettlement and underlined the need for progress
towards a political settlement. During the meeting with Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Ms. Swaraj said that India respected Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and was looking forward to stronger bilateral ties, the Sri Lankan Economic Development Minister’s office said.
The Indian delegation visited the Sri Lanka Parliamentary complex to meet an all-party representatives group before calling on Peiris and Basil Rajapaksa.
Inj the Sri Lanka Parliament Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Leader of the House in the Sri Lankan Parliament, received the delegation thereafter.
The Indian delegation had the opportunity for a wide-ranging interaction with representatives of all major political parties in Sri Lanka. They appreciated the frankness with which a wide array of views were expressed by the Sri Lankan Members of Parliament, which showed the vibrancy of the democratic process in Sri Lanka.
The members of the Indian delegation reaffirmed
India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s unity and prosperity and called for progress
in the dialogue for a political settlement.
The delegation met Prof. G.L. Peiris, External
Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka, and sought a briefing on the steps being taken
to implement the LLRC report, the status of the resettlement and reconstruction
process and the efforts towards arriving at a political settlement. Prof.
Peiris underlined the range and depth of the India-Sri Lanka relationship and
the need for close engagement on a continuing basis. He briefed the delegation
in detail on the action being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka for
implementation of the LLRC recommendations and the status of the dialogue
process with the TNA.
The delegation also interacted with
representatives of the TNA and the CWC, in addition to other Tamil and
upcountry political parties, and was briefed on their concerns.
- Asian Tribune –
26. Sushma stresses on 13A.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 02:31 , Daily Mirror
India’s opposition leader Ms. Sushma Swaraj who is currently
leading a parliamentary delegation on a visit to Sri Lanka stressed yesterday
that the government should evolve a political solution to the national question
based on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, informed sources said
yesterday.
The visiting delegation of Indian parliamentarians representing both Lok Shaba and Rajya Sabha had an interactive session with a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva in the parliamentary complex.
During the meeting, Minister de Silva said that the government consists of a few parties with different political ideologies, and therefore, it is difficult to take unilateral decisions with regard to the national question. As a result, he said that the government had proposed to appoint a parliamentary select committee to evolve a political solution in consultation with all the parties concerned. He criticized the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for not nominating its members to this committee.
TNA leader R. Sampanthan joined the discussion saying that the successive governments had neglected their responsibility in delivering a reasonable political solution to Tamil people. In a hard hitting speech, he viewed that his party started a dialogue with the present government in January, last year, but no progress had been made for the fulfillment of political aspirations of Tamil people. He analyzed how democratic struggles by Tamil parties were suppressed in the past, and the situation eventually led to the advent of Tamil militancy. (Kelum Bandara )
The visiting delegation of Indian parliamentarians representing both Lok Shaba and Rajya Sabha had an interactive session with a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva in the parliamentary complex.
During the meeting, Minister de Silva said that the government consists of a few parties with different political ideologies, and therefore, it is difficult to take unilateral decisions with regard to the national question. As a result, he said that the government had proposed to appoint a parliamentary select committee to evolve a political solution in consultation with all the parties concerned. He criticized the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for not nominating its members to this committee.
TNA leader R. Sampanthan joined the discussion saying that the successive governments had neglected their responsibility in delivering a reasonable political solution to Tamil people. In a hard hitting speech, he viewed that his party started a dialogue with the present government in January, last year, but no progress had been made for the fulfillment of political aspirations of Tamil people. He analyzed how democratic struggles by Tamil parties were suppressed in the past, and the situation eventually led to the advent of Tamil militancy. (Kelum Bandara )
Today's Paper » NATIONAL » TAMIL NADU
CHENNAI, April 18, 2012 , The
Hindu
27. BJP meeting will ask Sri Lanka to treat Tamils as equal citizens
The
two-day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State delegates' meet, beginning in
Madurai on April 28, will urge Sri Lanka to treat Tamils there as equal
citizens, P. Muralidhara Rao, one of the general secretaries of the party, told
a press conference here on Tuesday.
“The
Sri Lankan Tamils issue is not of concern only to those in Tamil Nadu but all
over the country. While we want a strong and vibrant government in Sri Lanka,
we want no discrimination against Tamils there. Besides, those who took part in
crimes against them during the last days of internal strife should be brought
to book as attacks on civilians should not be equated with the war against the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.”
Another
important issue that would come up for discussion was the plight of Tamil Nadu
fishermen. The Union government had failed to protect them and their interests.
To a question on the visit of the parliamentary delegation led by Leader of the
Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, to Sri Lanka, he said that the
boycott by major political parties in Tamil Nadu was a blow. The government had
failed to convince these parties about the necessity of the visit. “However,
the boycott by these parties does not belittle the purpose for which the
delegation has been sent by the government.” Mr. Rao said this was the fifth
State delegates' meet organised after a gap of 13 years. Several top BJP
leaders, including national president Nitin Gadkari would take part.
COLOMBO, April 18, 2012 , The
Hindu
28. Indian team presses forward on Tamil question
The
Indian joint parliamentary delegation spent Tuesday listening to arguments from
people on both sides of the Tamil question and exploring the way forward for
achieving the legitimate aspirations of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
While
an overseas visit by an Indian parliamentary delegation normally involves a few
courtesy calls, attempts at bonhomie, and a little bit of studying the country,
this particular team has come to represent India. Two Ministers, the Leader of
the Sri Lankan Parliament, 39 MPs, representatives of the main Tamil parties —
all had meetings with the delegation, and had extensive discussions on the
present situation in Sri Lanka.
External
Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris explained to the delegation that more than 50 per
cent of the Tamils lived outside the Northern Province. He also told them that
the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission was appointed by President Mahinda
Rajapaksa, and hence, Sri Lanka was serious about implementing the
recommendations of the Commission.
Tough
questions
The
Indian delegation, headed by Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, asked some
very tough questions of both sides. “It is very clear that she knows every
aspect of the issue from the questions she posed,” said Suresh Premachandran of
the Tamil National Alliance. Congress MP Sudarsana Nachiappan, who has been in
touch with the Tamil politicians here, and the government, and Communist Party
of India (Marxist)'s T.K. Rangarajan, constantly explored the possibility of
recommencing the talks between the TNA and the Sri Lankan government, in their
meetings.
“We
are for re-commencing the talks,” explained TNA leader R. Sampanthan, after a meeting
with the delegation here. “The issue is that both sides should have faith in
the talks. The government should come forward,” he said. In a presentation in
Parliament, Mr. Sampanthan explained how the Sri Lankan government had broken
promise after promise.
Foreign
involvement
Insisting
that a solution to the Tamil question will be possible only with foreign
involvement, Mr. Sampanthan said over a year of talks had not yielded anything
on the ground. Asked what he expected the delegation to do — especially since
it was not a fact-finding mission or an empowered committee — the TNA leader
said he expected the delegation to “present some kind of a report to the
government, to their own parties,” and generally make India aware of the events
in Sri Lanka since the conclusion of the war.
Mr.
Premachandran said the TNA had also brought to the Indian MPs' attention the
fact that the high-security zones in the Northern Province still remain
occupied by the Amy, that over 800 persons are in government custody without
charges, and many thousands are missing.
TULF
memorandum
The
delegation also met representatives of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF)
and the Ceylon Workers Congress. The TULF handed over a memorandum which made
it clear that a “meaningful devolution which can meet the aspirations of the
Tamil people, based on the Indian model only can bring permanent peace and
reconciliation among the various communities.”
Safe
haven
Ms.
Swaraj and the other members of the delegation visited the Indian Peace-Keeping
Force memorial on the outskirts of Colombo and paid floral tributes. On
Wednesday, their schedule takes them to Menik Farm — a safe haven for Sri
Lankan Tamils — where the team will interact with Internally Displaced Persons
still in the camp. They will also visit Mullaittivu, hand over Indian
government built homes and other benefits, ahead of halting in Jaffna.
29. UNHRC
vote not discussed with Indian delegation: GL
Apr 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Minister Peries told the Daily Mirror that no issues with regards to the Indian vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council had been discussed, instead a cordial discussion focused on the development of the mutual relationship between the two countries had been addressed.
"We briefed the delegation on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations and the priorities of the government. We also explained to them the specific agencies that would be involved in the implementation process. They asked questions from us, which demonstrated a genuine will to help with the process," he said.
The Minister mentioned that although specific discussion on the 13th Amendment had not taken place, it was included in the agenda of establishing the PSC and discussing the necessary constitutional amendments for a political solution. He further notes that there was no pressure exerted from the side of the delegation and rather the meeting was a means of being well informed by the Sri Lankan government of the reconciliation process that is ongoing.
The delegation was briefed earlier in the morning by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on the development work in the North and thereafter met with the Leader of the House Nimal Siripala De Silva and other members of the government.
The delegation was set to meet the Tamil National Alliance last evening. They will also meet with other Tamil parties including the Ceylon Workers Congress and other political parties. The delegation is also set to visit the North and the East as well as the IPKF war memorial. The delegation will leave the island on Saturday.
Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka
30.
Development and political
solution should equally share in the country: Sushma informed Lankan parliament
[ Wednesday, 18 April 2012, 03:19.13 AM GMT +05:30 ], LankaSri
Head of the Indian parliamentary group and the Indian opposition leader
Sushma Swaraj stress Lankan government submit solution for problems of Tamil
people in this country. She also noted while ignoring the political solution
government cannot take over development projects in the country.
India not interested on wasting time by making various statements and
delaying to submit proper political solution in the country. Peaceful situation
ruled the country for past three years and this was that was the correct time
to announce political solution in the country but however Lankan government
fails to make use of it said the Indian opposition leader.
Indian parliamentary group visited Lankan parliament yesterday and hold
various discussions with Ministers and parliamentarians. Speaking to
parliamentarians Sushma Suwaraj went on to say,
SriLanka should solve its long term ethnic issue in this country. It’s
necessary to carry out development activities in the country but however it’s
important to announce proper political solution in the country. She also added
development and political solution should equally share in the country.
Then only Lankan government would be able to achieve permanent victory in
their country. During the time of discussions with the Minister of Economic
Development last evening Minister Basil Rajapaksa informed Indian delegates on
latest development activities of this country.
But however Minister fail to inform on solution for Tamil people of this
country. Since end of three years of war Lankan government fail to announce
proper political solution for Tamil people of this country.
It’s necessary to hold investigations this regard said the Indian
opposition leader.
31.
Lankan government agreed to send Indian
delegates towards Manik farm
[ Wednesday, 18 April 2012, 03:52.21 AM GMT +05:30 ] , LankaSri
Lankan government agreed to send Indian delegates towards Manik Farm IDP
camp and also to hold discussions with the people in the camp.
Earlier Lankan government fail to make preparations to send Indian
delegates towards IDP camps due to this ADMK and DMK political parties disputed
their representatives from the Indian parliamentary group named to visit
SriLanka.
In such situation Indian parliamentarian urge Lankan government make
preparations to hold discussions with people residing in the IDP camps.
Due to continues pressure of Indian Foreign Ministry Lankan government made
necessary arrangements to meet IDP’s at the Manik farm also the recently
resettle people in the Puliyankulam village.
According to the sources Lankan government refused to take Indian delegates
towards war affected area in the country.
32. Indian Parliamentary Delegation To Colombo – Some Observations
By Col. R.
Hariharan -
Col.
R. Hariharan
(Here is my
response to specific questions raised by media on the Indian parliamentary
delegation’s visit to Colombo on April 16, 2016.)
1.
Is this parliamentary delegation on a goodwill visit or fact finding mission to
Colombo?
The visit is a
reciprocal visit from our parliament after a parliamentary delegation from Sri
Lanka visited India. Such delegations are regularly exchanged between many
countries; in fact a Sri Lanka parliamentary delegation visited Pakistan in
February 2011. So the overall objective of this delegation is also presumably
to increase the goodwill between Indian and Sri Lankan parliamentarians.
But viewed in
the rather strained situation of Indian vote for UNHCR resolution on Sri Lanka,
it has assumed a lot of political overtones both in India and Sri Lanka. Any
Indian parliamentarian going to Sri Lanka has to look at the progress made in
rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes for Tamils in Sri Lanka for which
India has allotted large sums of money. So from that point of view this
delegation also has a “fact finding” mission; however, in the present political
context it will have enlarged responsibility on understanding the human rights
situation also. And for any real “fact finding” goodwill of Sri Lanka is
also needed; so if you want positive outcome, you cannot separate the two
objectives as they are complimentary rather than contradictory.
2.
The visit of the delegation became controversial particularly after Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister Ms Jayalalithaa condemned the move and withdrew her
representative from the delegation and the DMK also pulled out thereafter.
Under such circumstances, do you think goodwill would be increased between the
two countries by the delegation’s visit?
There is no
doubt that both countries need to build upon the goodwill already existing at
all levels. This requirement has become more urgent after it was eroded both in
India and in Sri Lanka after India voted for the UNHCR resolution on Sri Lanka.
From this point of view, sending a parliamentary delegation was a laudable
initiative to improve the relations.
There is a large
Tamil constituency in India which has been concerned at Sri Lanka’s
insensitivity and callousness in not responding to international concerns on
allegations of human rights violations and war crimes perpetrated against
Tamils in Sri Lanka. The ethnic reconciliation process is also making tardy
progress. Actually India’s vote for the UNHCR resolution reflected these
concerns; however, Sri Lanka does not seem to be very keen to address these
concerns with any urgency.
Moreover, there
had been a lot of political grand-standing between the two Dravidian parties
over the Sri Lanka Tamil issue ever since allegations of Sri Lankan army war
crimes triggered strong emotions in Tamil Nadu. By virtue of DMK’s
participation, the ruling coalition in New Delhi has also become target of
AIADMK’s barbs on Sri Lanka issue.
The cock fight
between the two parties became acute when they smelt blood with India’s vote in
the UNHCR; so the dramatic last minute pull out of the AIADMK from the
delegation was probably on the cards to increase its impact and embarrassment
to the Centre, and the DMK following suite in such eventuality was equally
certain.
Under these
circumstances, it is doubtful whether the visit of a delegation would add any
goodwill unless both countries had planned and prepared for it well in advance.
I have my reservations on whether such preparation was done in this case.
I had expected
the visit of the delegation to be postponed as the circumstances are not suited
to produce best results. But New Delhi appears to have succumbed to other internal
and international compulsions. The delegation is headed by opposition
leader Mrs Sushma Swaraj and her views have to be respected as it could
generate avoidable polemics. Moreover, already the visit was postponed once due
to the recent state elections in the North.
Apart from
attending to the sensitivities of Southern Tamil constituency, the government
has to keep in view the larger need to firm up its strategic relations with Sri
Lanka. So probably it went ahead with the visit to show New Delhi’s solidarity
with Sri Lanka despite the hiccups in the post UNHCR period. So we have the
visit mired in controversy even before it took off.
One can only
hope the delegation uses the opportunity to improve the lot of Tamils there as
well as to reinforce India-Sri Lanka ties.
3.
Do you think an opportunity to assess the ground situation in Sri Lanka on the
condition of Tamils was lost by the two Dravidian parties boycotting the
delegation visiting Sri Lanka?
The visit did
offer a valuable opportunity to both AIADMK and DMK to understand the situation
in Sri Lanka first hand. If they had really wanted to improve the lot of
Tamils in Sri Lanka, they could have got in touch with Sri Lankan Tamil
political and civil society leaders and based on their feedback worked out an
itinerary for the delegation to understand the ground situation. It would
have indicated critical areas that required immediate action from both Colombo
and New Delhi. And the two parties could have based their decision to
participate in the visit based on the replies from Colombo and New Delhi.
But
unfortunately this is not the way most of the political parties conduct
themselves in this country. And Tamil Nadu is no exception. During the
last three decades, there is a deadly contest between the two Dravidian
stalwarts. Their focus is on proving who is a greater champion of Tamils,
rather than who can produce better solutions to peoples’ problems.
Confrontation
rather than finding common ground to evolve solutions has become the favoured
option. And the coalition politics at national level has further aggravated
this race between the two major Tamil Nadu parties.
The Sri Lankan
Tamil issue has been a long standing victim of this unproductive, polemical
politics. It is being milked now to kindle strong passions and emotions by all
regional parties. And even national parties appear to be preparing to join
them, if we go by political indicators. So most of the Tamil Nadu political
leaders are not prepared to listen to moderate Sri Lankan or Indian Tamil
voices and prefer sensational and negative outpourings from sections of Tamil
Diaspora. And Sri Lanka’s studied indifference to taking positive action, has
helped them further go ahead with this style of politics.
While AIADMK has
opted for a confrontational path with Sri Lanka on the Tamil issue, DMK’s
confused and reactive responses show it wants to retain its hold in the Centre
while trying to maintain an aggressive posture on Sri Lanka. As a result
of this unseemly competition, objectives of both parties are short term and
immediate. At present neither party appears to be keen on using goodwill with
Sri Lanka to the advantage of Tamils, or avoid provocative posturing and use
their political clout to pressurise New Delhi to help Sri Lankan Tamils.
4.
This appears to be a very pessimistic assessment; so what is the way forward?
It is realistic
rather than pessimistic assessment. Ideally to resolve this issue, India needs
a strong national leadership determined to achieve results. That does not
appear to be in the horizon; so we will continue to have a lot of foot dragging
on Sri Lanka issue also.
I don’t see
either the coalition compulsions or competitive politics of Tamil Nadu ending
in the near future, so both the Dravidian parties will continue to wield
influence in New Delhi. Ideally, if the Sri Lanka issue ceases to be relevant
to state politics as it happened after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination both the
parties will lose interest in using it.
The only way for
this to happen is for Sri Lanka to proactively take genuine action to respond
to the peoples’ concerns. It has to be more systemic than the cosmetic attempts
now being made. Then only the Tamil Diaspora’s voices would become more
constructive than critical.
So Sri Lanka has
a not so visible, but larger, responsibility in this imbroglio. Will Sri Lanka
do it? That is another question and a much bigger subject. (courtesy
Hariharan’s Intelligence Blog)
33. T-Junction In The Road – HINDUSTAN TIMES
By Sutirtho Patranobis and Pramit Pal Chaudhuri -THEN At one point in May, four years ago, it seemed a golden age in India-Sri Lanka relations was imminent. Tamil Tiger supremo V Prabhakaran had been killed and the 26-year-old Lankan civil war had come to an end. India was pleased. Both sides were one the need to defeat the LTTE. The omens were good: the final battle took place as Tamil Nadu went to the polls — and the pro-Tiger parties lost heavily.
The Tamil insurrection was over. Lanka, it seemed, had been purged from Indian domestic politics. New Delhi’s relief at ending the region’s bloodiest conflict, one that had led India’s largest overseas military intervention and Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, led it to brush aside allegations of large-scale Tamil civilian deaths.
There was also a
remarkable degree of contact between New Delhi and almost all the players in
the Lankan polity. The Tamil parties, especially the umbrella Tamil National
Alliance (TNA), looked to India. Military to military ties were excellent. Even
ultra-nationalist Sinhalese parties had toned down their anti-India rhetoric.
The January 2010 Lankan presidential elections were unprecedented as both the
incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa and his opponent, former army chief Sarath Fonseka,
wooed India.
NOW Two years later the T-word is back.Colombo was shaken and shocked by India’s decision to vote against them this month at the UN Human Rights Commission. Referring to Rajapaksa’s failure to seek a Tamil political settlement, the resolution prodded Colombo to “reach a political settlement on the devolution of power to the provinces.”
The Sinhalese were apoplectic. “India has not only dealt a killer blow to India-Sri Lanka relations, but also to reconciliation efforts between Sinhalese and Tamils,” one Rajapaksa hatchet man, Minister Champika Ranawaka, wrote in the rightwing Nation.
But the vote sent two messages.
One, say Western diplomats, India was increasingly frustrated at Rajapaksa’s unwillingness to take even baby steps for the Tamils. Colombo didn’t even want to recognize it had to win the peace after winning the war.
“There’s been a lot frustration with Rajapaksa’s refusal to implement even what his own promises,” say Indian officials privately. At senior levels in New Delhi there’s a belief the vote had its uses when it came to pressuring Colombo, at least once India got the resolution’s wording diluted.
Two, Lanka’s stubbornness was forcing its Tamil policy back into Indian electoral calculations. The UN vote was part of a larger political deal by New Delhi with Tamil Nadu chief minister,
J Jayalalitha. While she has never been an LTTE supporter, she seems to fear Tamil minority rights could become a voting issue in future and sought to cover her own flanks.
WHY is Rajapaksa stonewalling?
One theory is a sense of invincibility. Winning the civil war made him believe he really has nothing to fear. Rajapaksa’s trademark response to problems has been long speeches and lengthy promises that are then forgetten.
Tamil academics and activists believe the regime is just not interested in any settlement with the minority community. “I think the Rajapaksas sincerely believe that some mega infrastructure projects, a pinch of cultural pluralism and some economic giveaways are reconciliation. They really believe most Tamils can be won over that way,” says Tamil commentator Tisaranee Gunasekara.
Rajapaksa’s sense of power stems from his complete control over the army. With an estimated 300,000 men under arms, Sri Lanka is among the world’s most militarised societies.
The military has been given a free-run in the Tamil-dominated North and East. New cantonments are being built, army personnel run shops and Tamils are being shouldered out of their traditional fishing areas. In these areas, as a British diplomat who visited there says, “Civilian authority is completely subservient to the military.”
Next: More altercations with India may be in the offing as New Delhi presses home that it cannot keep waiting forever.
Ex-President Chandrika Kumaratunga recently wondered at her successor’s talk of “China, Iran and Myanmar” as Lanka’s new global friends. But New Delhi is insouciant about the so-called “China card” being flaunted by many small neighbours. “Bluff,” say Indian officials.
There are some signs of change. Colombo quietly walked away from a threat to try and block the Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu. Lanka and India are still closer than they have been in decades. But getting Rajapaksa to grasp the nettle of a Tamil political settlement will be a long drawn-out diplomatic and political process.
April 18, 2012 02:45 pm, Adaderana
The Indian all
party parliamentary delegation that is currently on a visit to Sri Lanka
visited Mullaitivu and donated Rs.89 million worth medical equipment to the
Mullaitivu District General Hospital, the Government Information Department
said a short while ago.
35.
Indian Parliamentary group visits
Mullitivu
[ Wednesday, 18 April 2012, 03:46.05
PM GMT +05:30 ]
Indian Parliamentary group visited to Mullitivu district today. Indian
parliamentarians arrived to SriLankan at 1.30 pm this afternoon and hand over
several equipments towards Mullaitivu base hospital and also declared open the
Indian housing scheme at Mulliyawalai area.
They also hand over bicycles for students at Thaniruttu school and also
declare open new building at the school premises. However delegates fail to
meet public at this event.
Later Indian parliamentarians visited to Jaffna and schedule to hold
discussions with Jaffna GA and Peace council in the district this evening.
The Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Trade
Affairs Rizad Bathudeen , Governor of the Northern province G.A.Chandrasiri and
Coordinating officer of president Rajapaksa S.Kanagaratenam were also present
at this meeting.
36. * Indian parliamentary delegation visits Sri Lanka's conflict-affected North
Wed, Apr 18, 2012, 08:01 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Wed, Apr 18, 2012, 08:01 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Apr 18, Colombo: The visiting Indian multi party parliamentary delegation
headed by the opposition leader Mrs. Sushma Swaraj visited Sri Lanka's
war-battered North today to observe the facilities provided by the Sri Lankan
government for the resettled Tamil civilians and the development work in the
area.
The 12-member delegation Wednesday morning visited the Kadirgamar relief
village in Chettikulam where some of the remaining 6,000 internally displaced
persons (IDPs) are waiting to be resettled in their original homes.
District Secretary of Vavuniya, Mrs. P.S.M. Charles has explained to the
Indian delegation on the relief provided by the government to the displaced
persons and measures taken to restore their lives.
The Indian parliamentarians have also talked with the IDPs at the
Kadirgamar village inquiring about the facilities at the village and their
needs.
The Indian parliamentarians visited Puliyankulam in Vavuniya district where
the IDPs have already been resettled and engaged in talks with the resettled
villagers to get a firsthand look on their problems and needs.
They have inspected the Puttur Kuttamadukulam reservoir which was
completely destroyed by the Tamil Tiger terrorists. The Ministry of Economic
Development has renovated the reservoir, which is the main source of water for
the agricultural activities in the area, at a cost of 4.6 million rupees.
Commander of security forces in Vavuniya, Major General Sumedha Perera and
several government officials also accompanied the visiting delegation.
The delegation also declared open the Kanagarayankulam Divi Neguma Training
Centre in Puliyankulam on their way to Mullativu.
In Mullaitivu the Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon has briefed the
delegation on the progress of the government's de-mining and resettlement
activities in the district.
The delegation has commended the government for the facilities provided by
the government to the resettled people and expressed satisfaction over the
government's efforts to uplift the living standard of the villagers.
Sri Lanka's Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa enlightened
the Indian team yesterday on the progress of the resettlement of the IDPs in
the North.
The government has resettled 95 per cent of the IDPs, except those who had
fled to India and other countries, and only 6,022 are remaining to be
resettled, he has told the Indian MPs.
The Minister has said that the government has rebuilt houses for the
displaced while the work on the 50,000 permanent houses funded by India is
progressing.
The Minister has informed the delegation of the relief measures provided by
the government to the resettled people such as cash grants, dry food rations
for two years and resettlement kits.
Rajapaksa also has briefed the Indian MPs of infrastructure development
such as roads, railway lines, harbors and airports and the restoration of
agriculture, fisheries and other economic activities.
The delegation is expected to tour Jaffna and Kilinochchi also where
several development projects funded by the Indian government are progressing to
assess the resettlement and other needs of the Tamil people.
Ministers Rishad Bathiyutheen and the Governor of Northern Province G.A.
Chandrasiri also accompanied the Indian delegation.
Thursday,
19 April 2012 00:19, Daily Mirror
Indian Congress party MP
Sudarshana Natchchiappan speaking at the Settikulam IDPs camp on Wednesday said
that the visit of the Indian delegation helped to understand all different
stands on the Political parties in Sri Lanka.
“We spoke to most political parties in the country and through that dialogue we were able to understand the stand that these parties take on certain issues. This understanding has been very helpful,” he said.
The MP also went on to point out the visit helped the delegation understand the views of political parties on the LLRC report as well. “Representatives of parties shared their views with us with regard to the LLRC report and its implementation. This helped us understand the differing views with regard to the report. The visit provided a good platform to share the views of our delegation with the Sri Lankans and vice versa,” he said.
The MP also said that all their requests to the Indian High Commission in Colombo prior to the visit with regard to the people they wanted to meet and the places they wanted to visit were arranged with no hassle.
MP N.S.V Sitthan speaking to the media at the IDP camp said that the Lankan govenrment had promised the visiting Indian delegation the speedy resettlement of IDPs. “There are currently around 6000 IDP and the government promised us that these IDP will be resettled in their original homes by June,” he added.
“We spoke to most political parties in the country and through that dialogue we were able to understand the stand that these parties take on certain issues. This understanding has been very helpful,” he said.
The MP also went on to point out the visit helped the delegation understand the views of political parties on the LLRC report as well. “Representatives of parties shared their views with us with regard to the LLRC report and its implementation. This helped us understand the differing views with regard to the report. The visit provided a good platform to share the views of our delegation with the Sri Lankans and vice versa,” he said.
The MP also said that all their requests to the Indian High Commission in Colombo prior to the visit with regard to the people they wanted to meet and the places they wanted to visit were arranged with no hassle.
MP N.S.V Sitthan speaking to the media at the IDP camp said that the Lankan govenrment had promised the visiting Indian delegation the speedy resettlement of IDPs. “There are currently around 6000 IDP and the government promised us that these IDP will be resettled in their original homes by June,” he added.
CHENNAI, April 19, 2012 The Hindu
38. BJP wants equal rights to Sri Lankan Tamils
The
two-day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State delegates' meet, beginning in
Madurai on April 28, will urge Sri Lanka to treat Tamils there as equal
citizens, P. Muralidhara Rao, one of the general secretaries of the party, told
a press conference here on Tuesday.
“The
Sri Lankan Tamils issue is not of concern only to those in Tamil Nadu but all
over the country. While we want a strong and vibrant government in Sri Lanka,
we want no discrimination against Tamils there. Besides, those who took part in
crimes against them during the last days of internal strife should be brought
to book as attacks on civilians should not be equated with the war against the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.”
Another
important issue that would come up for discussion was the plight of Tamil Nadu
fishermen. The Union government had failed to protect them and their interests.
To a question on the visit of the parliamentary delegation led by Leader of the
Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, to Sri Lanka, he said that the
boycott by major political parties in Tamil Nadu was a blow. The government had
failed to convince these parties about the necessity of the visit. “However,
the boycott by these parties does not belittle the purpose for which the
delegation has been sent by the government.” Mr. Rao said this was the fifth
State delegates' meet after 13 years.
39. India satisfied with its funded projects in Lanka
IBNLive
Colombo, Apr 18
(PTI) India today expressed satisfaction over the progress of the projects
funded by it in northern Sri Lanka, as a visiting parliamentary delegation
inspected various schemes in the area. A 12-member delegation of Indian MPs
headed by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj is on a six day
visit to the island nation and toured the region in the north today. There has
been a strong criticism by some quarters over the slow progress particularly in
the India-funded project to build 50,000 homes for those displaced in the
conflict. The delegation visited Menik Farm camp in Vavuniya and interacted
with the people and witnessed the facilities available. The camp had
accommodated nearly 300,000 civilians from the former LTTE held areas. Only a
few thousands are currently living there after the government's re-settlement
programme was put in place since the war ended three years ago. The delegation
also next visited Puliyankulam and Mankulam areas, where they inspected
India-assisted rail track rehabilitation project. The delegation, in the
company of the economic development minister Basil Rajapaksa, then visited
Mullaitivu district general hospital where they donated medical equipment worth
around INR 36 million for the people in the North. The visiting MPs then
attended a ceremony at Thanneer Ootru Tamil Maha Vidyalaya at Mullavaikkal,
which was an LTTE nerve centre for decades, where they handed over a school
building rehabilitated under the Indian-assisted scheme. 150 bicycles,
agricultural equipment were also distributed among the needy people.
"Children spoke about their schooling and the adults spoke about the
difficulties they went through in the past. Also we witnessed how development
projects have progressed and also the progress in the Indian-assisted
projects", Swaraj was quoted as saying. The delegation would visit Jaffna
tomorrow and the eastern province on Friday. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/india-satisfied-with-its-funded-projects-in-lanka/987843.html
40. Indian delegation decline the President’s invitation
Wednesday,
18 April 2012 06:57
Lanka
News Web
The
visiting Indian delegation has declined an invitation for a tea party organized
by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on the 17th morning. According
to the schedule prepared by the Indian government for the delegation, the
visiting Indian MPs are to meet with the President on the 20th.
The
Indian External Affairs Ministry has directed the visiting delegation not to be
involved in any engagement outside the agenda.
However,
the Indian delegation had met with Indian supporter, Economic Development
Minister Basil Rajapaksa and has engaged in a lengthy discussion with him.
The
Indian delegation that arrived in the country on the 16th will remain till the
21st and would visit the North and East and inquire into the issues faced by
the Tamil people in the area during their stay in Sri Lanka.
41. * Parliamentary delegation reaffirms India's commitment to Sri Lanka's
unity, calls for a political settlement
Wed, Apr 18, 2012, 01:41 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Wed, Apr 18, 2012, 01:41 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Apr 17, Colombo: The visiting Indian parliamentary delegation to Sri Lanka
has reaffirmed India's commitment to Sri Lanka's unity and prosperity and
called for progress in the dialogue for a political settlement on the ethnic
issues with the minority Tamils.
The 12-member Indian parliamentary delegation, headed by the Leader of
Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, and comprising representatives
of several prominent political parties from both houses of Parliament, arrived
in Colombo on the evening of 16 April 2012, the High Commission of India in
Colombo said in a statement.
The delegation called on the Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Development
Basil Rajapaksa Tuesday and they were briefed on the reconstruction work
undertaken by the Sri Lankan government in the North.
The Indian delegation has thanked Minister Rajapaksa for enabling their
visit to the Menik Farm IDP Camp and the resettled area in Puliyankulam. They
have noted the efforts of the Sri Lankan government of in the field of rehabilitation
and resettlement and underlined the need for progress towards a political
settlement.
The team thereafter met the Leader of the House in the Sri Lankan
Parliament Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.
The Indian delegation had the opportunity for a wide-ranging interaction
with representatives of all major political parties in Sri Lanka.
"They appreciated the frankness with which a wide array of views were
expressed by the Sri Lankan Members of Parliament, which showed the vibrancy of
the democratic process in Sri Lanka," the statement said.
The members of the Indian delegation reaffirmed India's commitment to Sri
Lanka' unity and prosperity and called for progress in the dialogue for a
political settlement.
The delegation, which met Sri Lanka External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.
Peiris, has sought a briefing on the steps being taken to implement the LLRC
report, the status of the resettlement and reconstruction process and the
efforts towards arriving at a political settlement.
Prof. Peiris has underlined the range and depth of the India-Sri Lanka
relationship and the need for close engagement on a continuing basis. He has
briefed the delegation in detail on the action being taken by the government for
implementation of the LLRC recommendations and the status of the dialogue
process with the major Tamil political party Tamil National Alliance (TNA).
The delegation also has interacted with representatives of the TNA and the
upcountry Tamil party, Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), in addition to other
Tamil and upcountry political parties, and learnt of their concerns.
The Indian delegation is scheduled to head for the North Wednesday to get a
first hand look on the progress of the resettlement process.
42. * Visiting
Indian parliamentary delegation to meet Sri Lanka Opposition Leader today
Thu, Apr 19, 2012, 08:53 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Apr 19,
Colombo: The visiting Indian parliamentary delegation is to meet Sri Lanka's
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe and members of the main opposition
United National Party (UNP) today. Thu, Apr 19, 2012, 08:53 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Head of the Indian delegation, Opposition Leader Mrs. Sushma Swaraj is to hold a one-to-one discussion with Wickremasinghe today. A dinner meeting is scheduled to be held for UNP members and the Indian delegation to engage in a discussion this evening.
Wickremasinghe has just returned to the country after a tour in India where he met with several key Indian political figures.
During his visit, Wickremasinghe met with the head of the Congress Party Sonia Gandhi, senior leader of the Bharatha Janatha Party (BJP) Lal Krishna Advani and the Opposition Leader.
The Indian delegation is to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa tomorrow.
43. * Find a solution within a united Sri Lanka, Indian delegation tells Tamil
party
Thu, Apr 19, 2012, 12:03 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Thu, Apr 19, 2012, 12:03 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Apr 18, Colombo: While the president of DMK, the Indian government
coalition partner from Tamil Nadu, suggested India to take up efforts in the
United Nations to hold a referendum in Sri Lanka for creation of a separate
Tamil Eelam, the Indian parliamentary delegation has urged Sri Lanka's major
Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to find a solution within a united
Sri Lanka.
Congress MP Manicka Tagore has said the delegation has firmly told TNA
leader R. Sampanthan that a solution to the grievances of Tamils should be
found only within a united Sri Lanka, a PTI report said.
The TNA leader has agreed with the Indian view but has complained to the
delegation that the government is moving lethargically on the power devolution
process.
The Indian delegation led by the opposition leader of Indian parliament
Mrs. Sushma Swaraj has assured the TNA that they would stress the need for
devolution of powers to the Northern and Eastern provinces with President
Mahinda Rajapaksa when they meet him on Saturday.
The delegation has asked the TNA to resume the r their dialogue with the
government and find a solution to the issue quickly.
During a meeting with the deputy leader of Sri Lanka's main opposition
United National Party (UNP) Sajith Premadasa, the delegation has urged that
without any delay the people in the north and east must be given the solution
that they need to be given with the consent of all parties.
Premadasa has emphasized to the Indian delegation that any solution to the
issue need to be within a united and undivided Sri Lanka.
The delegation has reaffirmed India's commitment to Sri Lanka's unity and
called for progress in the dialogue for a political settlement when they met
the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday.
44. Sushma Swaraj hands over railway line to Sri Lanka
, The
Hindu
When
a railway project built with Indian assistance was handed over to Sri Lanka at
a railway station here on Thursday, it marked a departure from tradition: it
was not an Indian Minister who did the honour but the Leader of the Opposition
in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, who is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation.
The
upgraded coastal railway line, costing $167.4 million, was completed ahead of
schedule by an Indian public sector company, IRCON. “I am honoured to be here
today to hand over the completed section of the railway track between Galle and
Kauthara…Today's ceremony marks the completion of work on the Galle to
Kaluthara line in a timely and smooth manner by IRCON International,” said Ms.
Swaraj at the ceremony.
Work
on phase-1 of the project, from Galle to Matara (42 km), commenced in September
2009 and the upgraded track was opened to traffic on February 16, 2011. The
phase-2 work (Kauthara to Galle, 71 km) began in November 2010. The section
will be open to traffic from April 19. The upgraded track will have a speed
potential of 100 kmph.
Ms.
Swaraj emphasised that India was committed to working with the government of
Sri Lanka toward the consolidation of peace, prosperity and development. “We
will continue to remain closely engaged with government of Sri Lanka to advance
the process of rehabilitation, reconstruction and national development. We are
also committed to enabling a genuine political settlement,” she said.
Ms.
Swaraj earlier visited the Kankasanthurai harbour, where India has completed a
$22-million wreck removal project. As many as 10 shipwrecks were removed from
the harbour.
It
will be fit for operations once dredging operations and construction of a
breakwater are completed.
45. UNP will help Govt. find solution says Ranil
20.04.2012 Daily
Mirror
The opposition parties should also participate in the Parliamentary Select
Committee that is to be appointed to seek a political solution
Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the visiting
Indian Parliamentary delegation that his party was ready to help the government
find a political solution to the national issue. He had stressed that UNP had
taken this stance as Sri Lanka could no longer afford to delay its resolution.
Mr. Wickremesinghe told journalists that he had also said that a political
solution should be based on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’s
(LLRC) recommendations.
He had said that the opposition parties should also participate in the
Parliamentary Select Committee that is to be appointed to seek a political
solution, and that the government should enable them to do so.
Meanwhile, Sushma Swaraj, who heads the Indian delegation, said that India
would not do anything that would jeopardise Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity
Several senior UNP MPS, including General Secretary Tissa Attanayake,
Senior Vice President Lakshman Kiriella, Wijedasa Rajapaksha, T. M. Swarynathan
and R. Yogarajan; and UNP Chairman Jayawickrama Perera also participated in the
discussion.
Mr.
Ranil Wickremsinghe greets Ms. Sushma Swaraj and the Indian Parliamentary
delegation prior to the discussions with them in Colombo yesterday. Pic by
Kushan Pathiraja
The
Indian delegation had also spoken of their visit to Menik Farm where some IDPS
still remain.
ALUTHGAMA,
April
20, 2012 The Hindu
46. Sushma Swaraj hands over railway line to Sri Lanka
When
a railway project built with Indian assistance was handed over to Sri Lanka at
a railway station here on Thursday, it marked a departure from tradition: it
was not an Indian Minister who did the honour but the Leader of the Opposition
in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, who is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation.
The
upgraded coastal railway line, costing $167.4 million, was completed ahead of schedule
by an Indian public sector company, IRCON. “I am honoured to be here today to
hand over the completed section of the railway track between Galle and
Kauthara…Today's ceremony marks the completion of work on the Galle to
Kaluthara line in a timely and smooth manner by IRCON International,” said Ms.
Swaraj at the ceremony.
Work
on phase-1 of the project, from Galle to Matara (42 km), commenced in September
2009 and the upgraded track was opened to traffic on February 16, 2011. The
phase-2 work (Kauthara to Galle, 71 km) began in November 2010. The section
will be open to traffic from April 19. The upgraded track will have a speed
potential of 100 kmph.
Ms.
Swaraj emphasised that India was committed to working with the government of
Sri Lanka toward the consolidation of peace, prosperity and development. “We
will continue to remain closely engaged with government of Sri Lanka to advance
the process of rehabilitation, reconstruction and national development. We are
also committed to enabling a genuine political settlement,” she said.
Ms.
Swaraj earlier visited the Kankasanthurai harbour, where India has completed a
$22-million wreck removal project. As many as 10 shipwrecks were removed from
the harbour.
It
will be fit for operations once dredging operations and construction of a
breakwater are completed.
47. We will stress president on importance of political solution: Indian parliamentary group
[ Friday, 20 April 2012, 08:09.15 AM
GMT +05:30 ], LankaSriNews
Tamil Nadu parliamentarian M.Krishnasuwamy visits SriLanka stated that
during the discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa Indian parliamentary
delegates would inform president on problems faced by the Northern Tamil people
and also stress on the importance of political solution in the country.
Kishnasuwamy also said Indian central government always hopes to prove
better human rights life for Tamil people residing in this country.
In the past four days we directly inquired about the problems faced by the
Tamil people in the country.
Due to this we have achieved victory through this visit. Speaking this
regard MP went on to say, President Mahinda Rajapaksa schedule to meet Indian
delegates this evening.
Indian parliamentary group lead by Sushma Swaraj would hold discussions
with president Rajapaksa and special attention would be pay towards political
solution for Tamil people in this country.
Indian delegates hope political solution is the best way to solve ethnic
issue of SriLanka
48. Lankan government fail to organize meeting between Jaffna GA and Indian delegates
[ Thursday, 19 April 2012, 01:00.19
PM GMT +05:30 ], LankaSriNews
Indian parliamentarians visited to Jaffna district hold discussion with
Maj.Gen. Chandrasiri governor of the Northern Province. However delegates fail
to meet Jaffna GA who monitors the administration activities of the district,
sources said.
Jaffna district office provides details on development and resettlement
activities in the district.
Foreign delegates visit the district collects information’s form the
district office.
It was blamed Lankan government fail to organize meeting between Jaffna GA
and Indian delegates in order to avoid the true situation of resettlement and
development programmes in the district.
Discussion between Northern Governor and Indian delegates held at the Nanam
hotel in Jaffna this morning.
The Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development
Douglas Devananda , parliamentarian Murugaysu Chandrakumar and several other
officials were also present at this discussion.
49. India supported US resolution to protect Tamil people
[ Thursday, 19 April 2012, 12:27.30 PM GMT +05:30 ] , LankaSriNews
Indian parliamentarian Sushma Swaraj said Indian supported US resolution in
order to solve the problems of Tamil people and also to announce proper
political solution in the country.
Divisional Secretary members of Tamil National Alliance, members of locals
NGO’s , Religious leaders, Hindu Kurukkal and also the civil society
representatives were also present at this discussion.
Members of the Civil society explained the Indian delegates on
Militarization in the Jaffna district and also said number of Buddhist temples
were also increased in the province.
Civil society members also stressed before implementing the 13th amendment
its necessary make changes in the amendment.
Head of the Valigamam North Divisional Secretary Sugirthan had over special
petition towards Indian delegates.
In the petition it was mentioned SriLankan government pay special attention
towards people displaced during the last stage of war in the country they fail
to pay their attention towards people displaced in 1990.
He also noted there high security zones in the Valigama North which
includes 23 grama seva divisions.
However Jaffna District GA fails to present at this discussion.
50. Due to the secrete protest of Minister Devananda Indian parliamentarians fail to visit Nallur kovil
[ Thursday, 19 April 2012, 08:36.10 AM GMT
+05:30 ], LankaSriNews
Due to the secrete
protest of Minister Douglas Devananda Indian parliamentarians cancel their
visit towards Jaffna Nallur kovil.
During the two
day visit in Jaffna district Indian delegates decided to visit Jaffna district
but however due to the protest they have cancelled the tour. Minister Devanada made secrete preparations to hold protest against illegal entering of Indian fishermen towards Lankan water. Representatives from the various fisheries organizations in the district organized this protest.
However Indian High Commission was aware on this issue and canceled visit towards Nallur kovil. Fishermen gathered at the location had over the petition towards Minister Devananda.
51. Douglas named SriLankan MGR
[ Thursday, 19 April 2012, 07:44.23
AM GMT +05:30 ]
Indian parliamentarian Sudharshana Natchiyappan describes Minister Douglas
Devananda has “SriLankan MGR” at Jaffna Central College grounds yesterday.
Indian delegates arrive to Jaffna Central College grounds 5.00pm last
evening.
Officer of the Indian High Commission and Minister Douglas Devananda
welcomes the delegates yesterday.
When Sudharshna Natchiyappan called Douglas Devananda as SriLankan MGR
people gathered at the location stated Douglas Devananda might act in
various film.
However Indian parliamentary group visited Jaffna hold various discussions
with various political party representatieves.
52. Indian government responsible for delaying the housing project in the Northern Province: Governor
[ Thursday, 19
April 2012, 12:14.29 PM GMT +05:30 ] LankaSriNews
Governor of the Northern
Province Maj.Gen.Chandrasiri said Indian government responsible for delaying
the housing project in the Northern Province.
Speaking media
this regard Governor went on to say Rs.6 million allocated for this housing
project but however Rs.1 million has been spend for the construction work of
these houses.Governor also blamed Indian government is responsible for such situation and also noted SriLankan government has provided lands and also evacuated land mine from the site.
Number of corruptions was also reported in this project. Due to this Rs.1million has spent for the entire construction work.
People are facing difficulties to live in these houses. In the future we have decided to hand over many towards house owner to construct their own house according to their wish said the Governor.
53. SL colonial governor, EPDP, intrigue against Indian delegation
[TamilNet,
Friday, 20 April 2012, 05:58 GMT]
While displaying a big show with welcoming posters particularly aimed at pleasing Sushma Swaraj, and with a dominated presence in receiving the Indian delegation, the SL colonial governor in the north, Maj. Gen. Chandrasri and SL minister Douglas Devananda, on the other hand played intrigues against the delegation, which were thwarted by the Deputy High Commission of India in Jaffna, news sources in Jaffna said. The delegation cancelled visiting Nalloor Kandasamy temple after being tipped on Devananda orchestrating a fishermen agitation in front of the temple during its planned visit. The SL governor ordered the secretariat officials not to attend a meeting convened by the delegation. On Thursday, the Sinhala colonial governor accused India for the delay in the construction of houses promised to the war victims.
While displaying a big show with welcoming posters particularly aimed at pleasing Sushma Swaraj, and with a dominated presence in receiving the Indian delegation, the SL colonial governor in the north, Maj. Gen. Chandrasri and SL minister Douglas Devananda, on the other hand played intrigues against the delegation, which were thwarted by the Deputy High Commission of India in Jaffna, news sources in Jaffna said. The delegation cancelled visiting Nalloor Kandasamy temple after being tipped on Devananda orchestrating a fishermen agitation in front of the temple during its planned visit. The SL governor ordered the secretariat officials not to attend a meeting convened by the delegation. On Thursday, the Sinhala colonial governor accused India for the delay in the construction of houses promised to the war victims.
The Sinhala governor and a team of officials met the Indian delegation at Gnanam’s Hotel in Jaffna on Thursday. Media was not allowed inside. Only the reporter of the pro-government Dan TV was permitted.
After the meeting, addressing the media outside, the colonial governor and Devananda first started severely rebuking the media for what it brings out on the situation in the north. According to them normalcy has returned to Tamils but the media paints a negative picture. The scolding continued for a long time.
Then the colonial governor turned on India.
Sri Lanka government is not at all responsible for the delay in building houses, the Sinhala governor said.
It was initially said by the Indians that the allotment for each house was SLR 500,000. But they are now built at the cost of SLR 150,000. They only know what has happened to rest of the money, Chandrasri said.
According to the colonial governor, the houses should be uniform, but what has been constructed so far look different from one another. He preferred the money to be given to the people to construct the houses.
SL government has cleared the mines, released the lands, how could one blame it for the delay, he asked.
Devananda accused the TNA and its parliamentarian Mr. Sritharan as coming out with wrong figures on the IDPs waiting for resettlement. According to the SL minister only around 6000 remains to be resettled.
The blatant lies the SL government comes out with in statistics and in handing back villages and lands of the Eezham Tamils are well known to the public. But the Sinhala governor and the SL minister wanted their lies to go on record in the media, news sources in Jaffna commented.
Meanwhile, on Thursday forenoon, SL minister and the EPDP paramilitary leader Doughlas Devananda planned a demonstration in front of the Nalloor Kandasamy temple, in the name of fishermen against the Indian parliamentary delegation, as the delegation had been scheduled to visit the temple.
Through arrangement with some fishermen associations under his control and mobilising EPDP supporters, he brought three busloads of demonstrators and they were waiting in front of the temple. But tipped on the demonstration, the Deputy High Commission of India in Jaffna, which is also located close to the temple, informed the delegation to cancel the temple visit.
A few representatives of the demonstrators later waited outside the Gnanam’s Hotel to handover a petition when the delegation came out of the hotel.
The delegation later went to see the Kaangkeasan-thu’rai (KKS) harbour developed by the assistance of India, before returning to Colombo.
The Indian delegation was irked by the simulated ‘fishermen’ demonstration of Douglas Devananda, news sources in Jaffna said, adding that it was very similar to the show he made during the visit of the US Asst. Secretary of State Robert Blake.
On Wednesday, while the delegation was meeting the TNA at the Deputy Indian High Commission in Jaffna, the SL minister and his parliamentarians were present at the scene with an air of spying.
But during the scheduled meeting with the TNA, the High Commission officials didn’t allow the SL governor or Douglas Devananda and his party inside the High Commission. They had to wait outside over an hour.
According to a section of news sources, the EPDP demonstration on Thursday was retaliation.
On Wednesday night, Devananda gave a sudden order to his divisional heads to prepare for a demonstration. Since early hours on Thursday supporters were mobilised. Leaders of some fishermen associations, including from Vadamaraadchi, were summoned and were ordered to prepare a petition that would be handed over to the Indian delegation. Transportation arrangements were made by the EPDP. Only after coming to the temple the fishermen society leaders realised that the EPDP is planning to make it an agitating demonstration.
Meanwhile, in a tragic incident, a media person from Colombo was killed and many reporters were injured on Thursday.
The EPDP has made arrangements for media coverage of the demonstration by hurriedly bringing in a group of reporters from Colombo media.
The vehicle they travelled met with an accident near Kurunakar in the early hours of Thursday. The chief reporter was killed and many others were injured.
The
SL governor and the EPDP orchestrated a grand scale poster campaign on
Wednesday, welcoming the delegation. The Colonial governor and the SL minister
Devananda dominated receiving the delegation in Jaffna on Wednesday evening.
However it was learnt that the SL governor had ordered the secretary level officials of the province not to meet the delegation.
The TNA that met the delegation insisted on not delaying the political solutions and on going beyond the 13th Amendment, informed circles said.
TNA leader Sampanthan came from Colombo for the occasion in an SL Air Force flight. This is the first time in the last several years a TNA parliamentarian gets the SL Air Force facility.
Prof SK Sitrampalam led the civil society that met the delegation at a hotel in Jaffna.
The civil society representatives came hard on the situation marked by militarisation, colonisation, Sinhalicisation and Buddhicisation. Normalcy has returned is a talk of farce they told the delegation.
However it was learnt that the SL governor had ordered the secretary level officials of the province not to meet the delegation.
The TNA that met the delegation insisted on not delaying the political solutions and on going beyond the 13th Amendment, informed circles said.
TNA leader Sampanthan came from Colombo for the occasion in an SL Air Force flight. This is the first time in the last several years a TNA parliamentarian gets the SL Air Force facility.
Prof SK Sitrampalam led the civil society that met the delegation at a hotel in Jaffna.
The civil society representatives came hard on the situation marked by militarisation, colonisation, Sinhalicisation and Buddhicisation. Normalcy has returned is a talk of farce they told the delegation.
54. Indian money used in Sinhalicisation, Buddhicisation of Thirukkeatheesvaram
[TamilNet,
Thursday, 19 April 2012, 00:08 GMT]
Sri Lanka’s Sinhala military occupying the famous archaeological site Maanthai in Mannaar, where the historically pivotal sacred Tamil-Saiva temple Thirukkeatheesvaram is located in the country of Eezham Tamils, has embarked upon building a Buddhist temple at a forcefully confiscated private land, just 200 metres away from the Saiva temple. Sometimes back, the New Delhi Establishment gave much publicity for the money it gave to preserve the Thirukkeatheesvaram sacred site. But the money is now used by genocidal Sri Lanka to build a Sinhala-Buddhist ‘pilgrim’ centre at the site in order to Sinhalicise the cultural landscape in the way Kathirkaamam was Sinhalicised and is now lost to the Eezham Tamils. The temple management that has now fallen into Colombo-centric hands is silent on the issue.
Sri Lanka’s Sinhala military occupying the famous archaeological site Maanthai in Mannaar, where the historically pivotal sacred Tamil-Saiva temple Thirukkeatheesvaram is located in the country of Eezham Tamils, has embarked upon building a Buddhist temple at a forcefully confiscated private land, just 200 metres away from the Saiva temple. Sometimes back, the New Delhi Establishment gave much publicity for the money it gave to preserve the Thirukkeatheesvaram sacred site. But the money is now used by genocidal Sri Lanka to build a Sinhala-Buddhist ‘pilgrim’ centre at the site in order to Sinhalicise the cultural landscape in the way Kathirkaamam was Sinhalicised and is now lost to the Eezham Tamils. The temple management that has now fallen into Colombo-centric hands is silent on the issue.
Thirukkeatheesvaram
[Photo courtesy: mathagal.com]
When the local people vacated Maanthai during war in the 1990s, the occupying Sinhala military confiscated a plot of land measuring 40 perches, belonging to Gnanapirakasam Mariyaseelan and was lying close to the Saiva temple to plant a Bo tree and to build a Buddhist shrine. The occupying soldiers were said to patronize the shrine. Later it was abandoned.
Recently, even the adjacent land of another 40 perches, belonging to Kanapathipillai Vijayakumar is forcefully confiscated by the occupying military to build a larger Buddhist temple in 80 perches of land.
A bronze statue of Buddha has already been placed at the site.
A group of Sinhala-Buddhist monks, who have come from the south, are engaged in the building activities with the full support of the Sinhala military stationed at the locality.
The whole area of nearly 3 km circumference is an extensive archaeological site, dating from prehistoric times to c. 16th century. The site has the remains of an ancient, walled city.
Six months back, Colombo’s Archaeology Department has declared the entire area as an archaeological site. But current building activities of Sinhala-Buddhists have started there with SL military support.
A Sinhala military base was long operating, 2 km away at Tha’l’laadi. Currently, Sinhala military presence predominates the entire area
While the genocidal SL Government is silently carrying out its agenda, the Saiva temple management, now based in Colombo is either gagged from protesting or is compromising.
Initially a 250 million rupees grant was made available jointly by New Delhi and Colombo for ‘infrastructure’ development of the sacred place. This was used for building roads etc around the place, which is thoroughly militarised due to its strategic importance of controlling the entry into Thalai Mannaar Island and controlling the junction of two highways, A32 and A14.
The Sinhala-Buddhist ‘pilgrim’ centre, north of the Saiva temple was built on this money.
Later, New Delhi has now made another 300 million rupees grant.
The New Delhi Establishment that is not willing to recognize the identity of the Eezham Tamil nation in the island is playing a historical deceit in architecting and promoting structural genocide of the Tamil nation in the island, for the strategic and commercial benefits it tries to barter from the genocidal Sinhala state.
The entire process is a continuity of the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Colombo commenced in coursing the war to the genocide of Eezham Tamils and nothing has changed.
Sections of media, intelligence-operated academics, business corporates and Stalinist political parties in India back the process by negating the right to protection and right to self-determination of the nation of Eezham Tamils.
The emerging esoteric state in New Delhi, shaped by the Congress regime in the style of KGB-operated former USSR, tries to hoodwink political opinion in Tamil Nadu and tries to lure Eezham Tamils that the saviours are nowhere but in India. But, so far New Delhi has not proved even an iota of its ability to stop the structural genocide. On the contrary, it gives all diplomatic, logistical and material support to the process.
Trans-oceanic
trade routes of the past. [Satellite photo by NASA, Visible Earth, Legend by
TamilNet]
Thirukkeatheesvaram, facing the Palk Bay, is one of the two Tamil-Saiva temples in the island that was consecrated by the Theavaaram canon of the 7th century AD Tamil devotional movement. The other temple is at Thirukoa’namalai (Trincomalee) on the eastern coast, facing the Indian Ocean.
Two Tamil-Saiva saints of 7th century AD, Sampanthar and Suntharar have composed hymns on the Thirukkeatheesvaram temple.
The ancient city Maanthai or Maa-thoaddam, meaning the ‘great harbour’ where Thirukkeatheesvaram is located, was a meeting ground of the maritime routes of the East and West that were passing through the Gulf of Mannaar and Palk Bay in the ancient and medieval times from the Roman world to the Chinese Far East.
The harbour was located at the passage between the Gulf of Mannaar and the Palk Bay. The ancient commercial importance of the harbour was pearls and chunks the waters were producing.
Diving for pearls and chunks was entirely an activity of Tamil coastal communities on either side of the waters, from very early times to recent colonial times.
The Sinhalese were never engaged in pearl and conch fishing.
Even the sections of the communities that are found today as Sinhala-speaking in the South were Sinhalicised only in very recent times.
Maanthai, the trading activities of which reached its peak during the medieval Chola-Arab-Chinese trade, declined afterwards.
Maanthai and Mannaar were parts of the Tamil-Saivaite, Kingdom of Jaffna, when the Portuguese captured it.
The Portuguese destroyed two Saiva temples, Thirukkeatheesvaram and Tho’ndesvaram located at the place. They also built a church there, which was later abandoned.
Due to silting the harbour became not usable in Portuguese and Dutch times and activities shifted to Mannaar Island.
Later, with the advent of steam vessels, the entire sea route in the shallow waters became unusable.
The location of
Vangkaalai and Maanthai in the route of ancient navigation
Abandoned and forested, and with a small Tamil Catholic population from the descendants of the pearl-conch divers in the neighbourhood, the Maanthai archaeological site was ‘Crown Land’ coming under the Government Agent of Jaffna, during early British times.
Arumuga Navalar, the champion of Tamil-Saiva revival of Eezham Tamils, wanted to rebuild the Saiva temple Thirukkeatheesvaram of Theavaaram fame, and in 1872 he made appeals to the British government to give land at the site.
Even though having great respect for Navalar, the Government Agent of Jaffna at that time, Sir William Twynham, was a bit angry with Navalar, because the latter was also engaged in leading public protests against the colonial administration’s failure in providing relief to epidemic-famine victims of 1877.
The temple
rebuilt by Pasupathy Cheddiyaar in the 19th century at Thirukkeatheesvaram,
photographed in 1930. [Photo courtesy: Thiruketheeswaram.com]
Thirukkeatheesvaram,
photographed in 1958 [Photo courtesy: Thiruketheeswaram.com]
The
result was that Navalar was not getting the land until his death in 1879. When
he died, Twynham, who showed his respect by announcing holiday to the Kachcheri
to attend to the funeral, later gave the land to a follower of Navalar,
Pasupathi Cheddiyaar who re-built the temple. Pasupathi Cheddiyaar was also one
of the founders of Jaffna Hindu College.
The temple became a centre of inspiration in the Tamil-Saiva revival of Eezham Tamils. Many of the elites of the nation were involved in doing charity to the place. A bigger temple in stone was built in the early 1970s.
With the shift of a section of the Tamil elite to Colombo, the Temple management also became dominated by Colombo Tamils of Jaffna origin.
Sir Kandiah Vaidyanathan who was close to the Sinhala ruling families of Colombo and a Colombo-based lawyer, Mr. Namasivayam who recently passed away at the age of 100, were long contributing to the management and in protecting the temple from all kinds of threats that were coming from time to time.
At present, Mr and Mrs Kailasapillai, based in Colombo, play major roles in the temple management.
Colombo-based Tamil organisations, either due to fear or due to compulsions for collaborative politics, are ‘flexible’ in compromising the interests of Eezham Tamils, complain grassroot civil society activists.
A similar tendency is seen in sections of the diaspora too that have interests in the Colombo-centric system.
For instance, the owner of the 40 perches of land, recently confiscated by the genocidal military for the construction of the Buddhist temple close to the Thirukkeatheesvaram temple is living in the diaspora. He is reportedly hesitant to make international level protests, due to his fear that his visits to Colombo would be affected.
The West that tries to prod Eezham Tamils to engage in ‘collaborative’ development has never done anything for the protection of the diaspora from this kind of intimidation the genocidal state has become an adept of. Nor they concede, even in the recently enacted US-resolution at Geneva, that their model of implementing anything within a united or unitary Sri Lanka is not workable.
The temple became a centre of inspiration in the Tamil-Saiva revival of Eezham Tamils. Many of the elites of the nation were involved in doing charity to the place. A bigger temple in stone was built in the early 1970s.
With the shift of a section of the Tamil elite to Colombo, the Temple management also became dominated by Colombo Tamils of Jaffna origin.
Sir Kandiah Vaidyanathan who was close to the Sinhala ruling families of Colombo and a Colombo-based lawyer, Mr. Namasivayam who recently passed away at the age of 100, were long contributing to the management and in protecting the temple from all kinds of threats that were coming from time to time.
At present, Mr and Mrs Kailasapillai, based in Colombo, play major roles in the temple management.
Colombo-based Tamil organisations, either due to fear or due to compulsions for collaborative politics, are ‘flexible’ in compromising the interests of Eezham Tamils, complain grassroot civil society activists.
A similar tendency is seen in sections of the diaspora too that have interests in the Colombo-centric system.
For instance, the owner of the 40 perches of land, recently confiscated by the genocidal military for the construction of the Buddhist temple close to the Thirukkeatheesvaram temple is living in the diaspora. He is reportedly hesitant to make international level protests, due to his fear that his visits to Colombo would be affected.
The West that tries to prod Eezham Tamils to engage in ‘collaborative’ development has never done anything for the protection of the diaspora from this kind of intimidation the genocidal state has become an adept of. Nor they concede, even in the recently enacted US-resolution at Geneva, that their model of implementing anything within a united or unitary Sri Lanka is not workable.
[Photo courtesy:
mathagal.com]
Archaeological excavations were carried out at the temple surroundings at Maanthai since 1950s.
In the first series of excavations conducted by Shanmuganathan in the 1950s the structure of an old Saiva temple and a Sivalingam were unearthed close to the present temple. Another special feature was a megalithic burial of extended inhumation excavated by him.
In the 1960s and 70s, Colombo department’s Raja de Silva conducted some excavations which brought out a lot of material, but the reports were not published.
Between 1980 and 1984, Chicago Oriental Institute’s Prof John Carswell, in collaboration with the SL Archaeology Department conducted three seasons of excavations. The Ford Foundation provided the fund for the extensive excavation in 1984.
The excavation revealed the massiveness of East – West trade carried out through the port as well as the site's prehistoric origins going back to microlithic times.
The excavation that involved the participation of British, American and Indian excavators along with local ones, and the participation of Sinhala and Tamil university students, ended abruptly with that season, when the SL military stationed at Tha’l’laadi camp burning the Mannaar city and killing local people at Maanthai towards the end of the excavation in 1984, marked the beginning of war in that part of the island.
The SL government always had the habit of taking away excavated material of Maanthai to Anuradhapura in the Sinhala south.
The heritage of the Tamil land thus transported to the south is beyond reach to Tamils, and often material of any identity-significance used to go ‘missing’.
Prof John Carswell could not able to compile the report of the excavations for 27 years since their abrupt end.
It is now said that a monograph, jointly edited by Prof Carswell and Dr. Siran Deraniyagala is ready for release shortly.
Last month, sending a short review and wishing well to Dr. Thiagaraja’s publication released in London, the British-born Prof Carswell now in his 80s, said Maanthai “was never the prerogative of any ethnic or religious group.”
“It was a city built on a collaboration of commercial and political interests, coming from east and west, north and south,” Carswell said, adding that ancient cities like Maanthai were “windows on a large, complex, and above all ‘dynamic’ system.”
Carswell’s universal approach to an archaeological site of ancient entrepot heritage may be right, and may be in synchronisation to the ‘globalisation’ of contemporary affairs based on current collaboration of commercial and political interests.
But to what extent the approach brings in justice to the heritage and identity of the people, whose pearl and conch were the footing to the “window”, and who now face structural genocide and annihilation of their nation, is the question.
Jaffna City, the
sea routes [Map: TamilNet]
Already the genocidal state has converted the northwest tip of the Jaffna Peninsula, Thiruvadinilai, located at the closest distance to the Tamil Nadu coast as a Sinhala-Buddhist sacred place, saying that it was the landing place of Buddhism to the island.
While the early Buddhist chronicles like Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa themselves give a Tamil name for the landing place, and while the later Buddhist pilgrim literatures like Nampota used call the entire region as Demala Ratta (the country of Tamils), the present Sinhala-Buddhist state has militarily confiscated the traditional villages and lands of Tamils there.
Local Tamils are not even allowed to enter the area while Sinhala-Buddhist ‘pilgrims’ from the south throng to the place.
A Sinhala military cantonment is also now being built there.
[Satellite Image
Courtesy: NASA, Visible Earth. Details & Legend: TamilNet]
55. Indian delegation disappoints civil representatives in Vanni
[TamilNet,
Wednesday, 18 April 2012, 23:53 GMT]
Civil representatives in Mullaiththeevu on Wednesday said that they were not provided any opportunity to meet and convey the plight of resettled Tamils in the district to the visiting delegation of Indian parliamentarians led by Mrs Sushma Swaraj. The Tamil representatives belonging to several civil organisations in the district had been invited and were waiting for a long time since 10:00 a.m. to meet the delegation. But, no meeting took place. The visiting delegation was taken on a ‘guided tour’ giving priority to inaugurations and distributing gifts. The Congress group of the delegation which came late to the opening ceremony of a housing scheme was seen quarrelling with the group of parliamentarians led by Mrs Sushma Swaraj of the BJP, who had declared the scheme open, news sources in Mullaiththeevu told TamilNet.
The bickering and exasperation of the Congress group consisting mostly of Tamil MPs went to the extent of the group even throwing away the garlands people donned to them.
The Indian parliamentarians were first taken to Maagnchoalai hospital in Mullaiththeevu.
But, the civil representatives waiting at the Maangchoalai hospital from 10:00 a.m. were not provided with the opportunity of having a meeting with the visiting parliamentarians. They were only shown to the MPs.
Then, the delegation went to Ponnakar in Mu'l'liyava'lai West, where they ceremonially declared open a housing scheme of 50 houses.
Later, the delegation was also taken to Tha'n'niyoottu Government Tamil Mixed School to a ceremonial distribution of 140 bicycles to selected civilians and declared open a school building that had been renovated. The delegation also provided some equipments to an Indian organisation engaged in de-mining activities.
The visiting parliamentarians took part in a lunch meeting at Mullaiththeevu District Secretariat.
The delegation left for Jaffna in the evening, where it was received by Douglas Devananda, the EPDP paramilitary leader and SL minister in Rajapaksa regime.
Mr. R. Sampanthan of the TNA arrived in Jaffna to meet the Indian delegation there.
Civil representatives in Mullaiththeevu on Wednesday said that they were not provided any opportunity to meet and convey the plight of resettled Tamils in the district to the visiting delegation of Indian parliamentarians led by Mrs Sushma Swaraj. The Tamil representatives belonging to several civil organisations in the district had been invited and were waiting for a long time since 10:00 a.m. to meet the delegation. But, no meeting took place. The visiting delegation was taken on a ‘guided tour’ giving priority to inaugurations and distributing gifts. The Congress group of the delegation which came late to the opening ceremony of a housing scheme was seen quarrelling with the group of parliamentarians led by Mrs Sushma Swaraj of the BJP, who had declared the scheme open, news sources in Mullaiththeevu told TamilNet.
The bickering and exasperation of the Congress group consisting mostly of Tamil MPs went to the extent of the group even throwing away the garlands people donned to them.
The Indian parliamentarians were first taken to Maagnchoalai hospital in Mullaiththeevu.
But, the civil representatives waiting at the Maangchoalai hospital from 10:00 a.m. were not provided with the opportunity of having a meeting with the visiting parliamentarians. They were only shown to the MPs.
Then, the delegation went to Ponnakar in Mu'l'liyava'lai West, where they ceremonially declared open a housing scheme of 50 houses.
Later, the delegation was also taken to Tha'n'niyoottu Government Tamil Mixed School to a ceremonial distribution of 140 bicycles to selected civilians and declared open a school building that had been renovated. The delegation also provided some equipments to an Indian organisation engaged in de-mining activities.
The visiting parliamentarians took part in a lunch meeting at Mullaiththeevu District Secretariat.
The delegation left for Jaffna in the evening, where it was received by Douglas Devananda, the EPDP paramilitary leader and SL minister in Rajapaksa regime.
Mr. R. Sampanthan of the TNA arrived in Jaffna to meet the Indian delegation there.
56. New Delhi delegation’s Sri Lanka visit loses face in its own country
[TamilNet,
Tuesday, 17 April 2012, 17:18 GMT]
With four major political parties, including the two government-making political parties of Tamil Nadu, boycotting the ‘All Party’ delegation of New Delhi visiting Sri Lanka, New Delhi’s approach to the national question of Eezham Tamils in the island and its strategic partnership with the genocidal regime of Rajapaksa lose face in its own country, political observers said. The ruling AIADMK of Tamil Nadu State and the New Delhi regime’s coalition partner DMK have announced in advance about their boycott. Mamata Banerjee’s AITMC, the ruling party of West Bengal, and United Janata Dal pulled out in the last minute. Communist Party of India was not invited. The ‘All Party’ delegation ultimately turned out to be only a five-party delegation of the ruling Congress, Opposition BJP, Rajapaksa-friendly Marxist Communists and two other regional parties.
MDMK parliamentarian Ganeshamoorthy, who said that his party would not have gone even had it been invited, accused New Delhi Establishment’s external affairs ministry for not inviting the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Mr. Thirumavalavan’s VCK who are actively involved in supporting the Tamil cause and had wanted to go with the delegation.
The names of participants in the delegation were kept a secret, and the selections were actually decided by some Indian officials in consultation with the Rajapaksa regime, politicians in India accused.
CPI parliamentarian D. Raja said that the selected parliamentarians were already ‘intimidated’ and he implied that the delegation would end up with a guided tour.
“It looks like a goodwill visit and it is unlikely to serve any purpose. I am already hearing reports that people have been intimidated to behave in proper manner during the Indian delegation's visit,” Raja was cited by The Hindu.
With four major political parties, including the two government-making political parties of Tamil Nadu, boycotting the ‘All Party’ delegation of New Delhi visiting Sri Lanka, New Delhi’s approach to the national question of Eezham Tamils in the island and its strategic partnership with the genocidal regime of Rajapaksa lose face in its own country, political observers said. The ruling AIADMK of Tamil Nadu State and the New Delhi regime’s coalition partner DMK have announced in advance about their boycott. Mamata Banerjee’s AITMC, the ruling party of West Bengal, and United Janata Dal pulled out in the last minute. Communist Party of India was not invited. The ‘All Party’ delegation ultimately turned out to be only a five-party delegation of the ruling Congress, Opposition BJP, Rajapaksa-friendly Marxist Communists and two other regional parties.
MDMK parliamentarian Ganeshamoorthy, who said that his party would not have gone even had it been invited, accused New Delhi Establishment’s external affairs ministry for not inviting the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Mr. Thirumavalavan’s VCK who are actively involved in supporting the Tamil cause and had wanted to go with the delegation.
The names of participants in the delegation were kept a secret, and the selections were actually decided by some Indian officials in consultation with the Rajapaksa regime, politicians in India accused.
CPI parliamentarian D. Raja said that the selected parliamentarians were already ‘intimidated’ and he implied that the delegation would end up with a guided tour.
“It looks like a goodwill visit and it is unlikely to serve any purpose. I am already hearing reports that people have been intimidated to behave in proper manner during the Indian delegation's visit,” Raja was cited by The Hindu.
* * *
Opposition BJP’s Sushma Swaraj is leading the delegation that will be visiting the island for six days from Monday. There are five Tamil parliamentarians, four of them from the Congress and one from the Marxist Communist Party (CPI-M).
Nominated Congress parliamentarian Sudharsana Natchiappan, who was already exposed for his game of trapping Eezham Tamil political parties into accepting New Delhi’s ‘solutions’ without any constitutional changes in the island, is one in the delegation.
Even on Monday he was cited by The Hindu, saying, “We will meet Tamil leaders and are likely to have a discussion on the 13th amendment and the devolution process.”
New Delhi is ‘working’ for 25 years on implementing the insufficient 13th Amendment that is already there in the genocidal state’s constitution and failed.
The CPI-M member Rangarajan was in the centre of a controversy even within his own party for making a pro-Rajapaksa statement.
The visit of every Indian delegation is a prelude to some conspiracy against Eezham Tamil interests and to a fresh ‘shopping’ spree in the island by New Delhi, commented a civil activist in Jaffna citing experience since the times of the war.
* * *
The team’s members are: Mrs Sushma Swaraj (BJP), leader of the delegation; M Krishnaswamy (INC); NSV Chitthan (INC), Manicka Tagore (INC); Dr EM Sudharsana Natchiappan (INC); JD Seelan (INC); TK Rangarajan CPI-M; Prahlad Venkatesh Joshi (BJP); Shailendra Kumar (SP) and Sidhant Mohapatra (BJD). Only 11 out of the 15 members scheduled are participating.
Meanwhile, Sushma accepting the lead of the delegation’s visit of farce is interpreted in some quarters in the island as an indication for ‘no changes’ in New Delhi establishment’s position even if there are going to be any changes in the regime in 2014.
Retired Prof Suryanarayan, who regularly contributes writing in Indian intelligence-run journals, was confident that Sushma leading the delegation would not allow herself to be bulldozed into a conducted tour.
For his part, Suryanarayan wanted the delegation to “interact with the people and human rights activists like P. Saravanamuttu, Jehan Perera and Tamil MPs.”
Suryanarayan is known for writing on India not losing partnership with the USA and on exploring non-descript solutions ranging around the 13th Amendment, within united Sri Lanka.
The Sinhala lawyer Jehan Perera, ‘recommended’ by Suryanarayan heads a Colombo-based organisation called National Peace Council of Sri Lanka.
In October last year, writing an article “Scapegoating of a General” and defending Sri Lanka’s war crimes accused SL representative at the UN, Jehan Perera came out with a ‘universal’ argument that war crimes are justifiable “to preserve order in the world.”
“Reports from the Libyan battlefield are that hundreds of civilians have died in just one battle out of very many as the military forces of the transitional government have approached the city of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi. The sentiments and situation of civilians trapped within the city are possibly similar to those of the Tamil civilians who were holed up with the LTTE in the last battles,” Jehan wrote.
Twisting Sri Lanka’s war of genocide and post-war genocidal intentions, Jehan argued, “The harsh choices that sometimes have to be made by government leaders in the fight to preserve order in the world is why Sri Lanka’s own war has much to offer the world in terms of lessons learnt.”
Jehan Perera’s National Peace Council was one of the organisations in Sri Lanka that received Norwegian foreign ministry funds during the years 2009–2011.
Where does Suryanarayan stand in recognizing Jehan Perera a ‘human rights’ activist worthy enough for the Indian parliamentary delegation to meet? Or perhaps does he mean the Indian parliament is another bird of the same feather to flock together, asks a Tamil human rights activist in Vanni.
As a section in India is adamant in thinking that the island is its grandfather’s property that cannot be divided, unless people of Tamil Nadu keep vigil in prodding their politicians to take a united stand for the Eezham Tamil liberation and also inspire other influential regional parties, regime change neither in Colombo nor in New Delhi is going to help Tamil interests, commented non-electoral political activists in Tamil Nadu.
* * *
The delegation will meet Basil Rajapaksa and GL Peiris on Tuesday, visit parliament, meet, TNA, SLMC and CWC and will have dinner with prominent ‘Colombo-based’ Sri Lankans and Indians, said The Island on Monday.
On Wednesday, the team will go to Medawachchiya to see India re-building the Colombo-centric railway, Mullaiththeevu to be briefed by the occupying Sinhala military commander and Jaffna to meet the civil society.
Thursday will be spent on visiting the KKS harbour in the north, Ka’lutara port in the south and the SL Opposition Leader Ranil Wikramasinghe.
Batticaloa and Ampaa’rai in the East and its Chief Minister cum paramilitary leader Santhirakanthan alias Pillaiyan, and Dickoya in the Up Country will be visited on Friday.
The delegation will have breakfast with the genocidal regime’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday, before returning.
As Sri Lanka has different faces to show to different powers, ‘socialist’ establishments and Islamic regimes, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is not scheduled to meet the delegation, news reports from Colombo said.
Not much importance was given in Colombo’s Sinhala-English media to the visit of the Indian delegation, news sources in Colombo said, citing absence of even photographs in the print media and adverse comments in the electronic media.
The Colombo Tamil media flashed the news in front pages with sceptical comments.
* * *
In the meantime, Colombo-based The Island, while reporting the delegation’s planned visit to KKS on Wednesday, used the occasion to lay claims on the Naakappaddinam port of Tamil Nadu in the typical genocidal-Sinhala style of telling blatant lies of history.
While reporting that the renovated KKS harbour will have trade with Naakappaddinam port on the opposite side, The Island said that the ancient port of Tamil Nadu had a Buddha Vihara built by the Mauryan emperor Asoka.
Naakappaddinam in fact had a Tamil Buddhist centre of early medieval times built by the Sailendras of maritime Southeast Asia and was patronized by the Cholas. Asoka’s rule never came down south of Andhra and Karnataka.
The Island is telling this story to Tamil Nadu, in the same way stories are told to genocide-facing Eezham Tamils that every Buddhist remains found in the island was built by Mahinda, Sanghamita and Devanammpiya Tissa. Not only Naakap-paddinam, even the Ko’la patuna (Kozhu-paddinam), Prakritized in the Pali chronicles of the Sinhalese as the landing place of Buddhism to the island was a Tamil port even at that time, if the etymology of the word Paddinam could be understood, commented an academic in Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
The ultra Sinhala-Buddhists in the island believe that the way they go ahead with the genocidal agenda, militarisation, Sinhalicisation and strategic partnership with the greed in New Delhi and in some elite circles in Tamil Nadu, they could sooner or later even establish townships in the Tamil Nadu coast. As events progress, it won’t be a wonder if New Delhi even invites the Sinhala military to come and stay in strategic places in Tamil Nadu, under the ‘military to military’ relationship, in return for its presence in Hambantota, said sources in Colombo having close knowledge of the thinking in the ultra-Sinhalese circles.
Today, the Sinhalese are brought to colonize the Tamil country by the genocidal state and they also come, not because they don’t have land or livelihood in the South. It is purely a show of genocidal rage. The Sinhalese have repeatedly demonstrated their aspiration of having an exclusive Sinhala State in the island. But, India and the so-called international community, considering their own interests of exploiting the island as a whole, repeatedly commit the historical crime of denying a trouble-free state for the Sinhala nation, Without helping the aspirations of the Sinhala nation by separating the ‘blighting’ Eezham Tamil nation away from it, the powers continue to disturb the Sinhala nation. This is not auguring well to anyone in the region, said a Tamil political activist in the island.
Rather than attending to the realities, any talk of majority-minority formula or ‘equal citizenship formula’ is not going to work. The Sinhala nation will not stop without Sinhalicising whatever territory left with it, the political activist further said, adding that if the Natchiappans or The Hindu Business Line wants to have business with the Sinhala state let them have it to the doom of the Sinhala nation, but not at the cost of the annihilation of the nation of Eezham Tamils.
* * *
In another interesting turn of affairs, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms Jayalalithaa, visiting New Delhi on Monday for the Chief Ministers’ meeting, voiced strongly against the Centre infringing into the powers of the states.
She made her point very clear that she would not allow a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the present form proposed by the Centre, how much ever Chidambaram tries to create the urgency to fight terror, because it contravenes the constitutional provision of priority for police in the state list, First Post reported on Tuesday. NCTC was a pet project of Chidambaram.
Chidambaram received an additional blow when she said that the lack of consultation with the state governments and the failure of the centre in taking the states into confidence is a cogent commentary on the system of governance at the centre.
She came hard on the proposals vesting powers with Centre’s Intelligence Bureau officials to infringe into the police powers of the states.
The power of the IB officials in the proposed NCTC to arrest and seize is “highly objectionable and can be misused,” she had said. “Setting up of inter-state intelligence teams is tantamount to usurping legitimate rights of the states,” Jayalalithaa said.
The righteous question of Eezham Tamils ended in genocide because extra-parliamentary elements not only in India but operating globally on behalf of shadow forces were able to sideline the politics of people. The names one hear in India, USA and in other capitals involved in the complicity are just a tip of the iceberg. The real danger to any country or any region is democratically elected bodies losing power to extra-parliamentary constructs coming in various camouflages such as intelligence, counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism and internationally operating shadow forces of the so-called crisis management, said a political observer in Jaffna commenting on the trends the Congress regime is creating for the entire region.
57. MR’s 13A plus assurance: Govt. disputes Indian claim
April 23, 2012, 12:00 pm
By Shamindra
Ferdinando, The IslandGoSL sources said that President Rajapaksa had met the Indian Opposition Leader twice on Friday and Saturday, but such an assurance was never given or asked for.
During Saturday’s breakfast meeting at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa recalled how India had forced the 13th Amendment on the then Sri Lankan President JR Jayewardene. Saturday’s meeting was attended by the entire Indian delegation, along with Indian High Commissioner, Ashok K. Kantha, now engaged in a stepped-up campaign for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, sources said.
Responding to a query by ‘The Island’, sources alleged that an attempt was being made to pressure the government over the devolution process, in the wake of India voting for a resolution moved by the US targeting Sri Lanka at the last sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. In the run-up to the Geneva vote on March 22, India sought an assurance from the GoSL regarding the 13th Amendment, sources said
In fact, President Rajapaksa, during Saturday’s meet, had declared that even CWC leader Minister Arumugam Thondaman, who represents the hill country, wouldn’t be comfortable with land and police powers being in the hands of a Chief Minister in line with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
Sources emphasized that the GoSL’s commitment was for a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), which the President believed could propose a settlement which all parties will agree with.
58. Army will be withdrawn, Rajapaksa assures MPs
Sri
Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had given an assurance of withdrawing the
army from civilian areas at the earliest to the Indian joint parliamentary
delegation, which visited the country between April 16 and 21.
Virudhunagar
MP Manicka Tagore, who was among the four Congress MPs from Tamil Nadu in the
delegation, told reporters here on Sunday that in the North, where the army had
been camped in strength, even small events required military approval.
Headed
by Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, the committee met several top Sri
Lankan Government officials besides Tamil National Alliance leader R.
Sampanthan and other Tamil leaders.
The
main objective of the committee, he said, was to ascertain the progress in
implementing programmes being carried out with over Rs. 25,000 crore of Indian
assistance. While some progress had been made, he said that there was still a
long way to go.
De-mining
operations
He
said that only 6,500 people were in the internally displaced person (IDP) camps
which initially held over 2.90 lakh persons.
The
remaining persons would return to their homes once de-mining operations, being
carried out with Indian assistance, were completed in the last five villages.
The Sri Lankan rehabilitation officials assured that the process would be
completed by June 30. While Sri Lanka was still upset over the Indian vote in
the United Nations, the Virudhunagar MP said that they understood India's point
of view.
India
had recently supported a United States-sponsored resolution at the U.N.'s top
human rights body censuring Sri Lanka for its alleged rights violations during
the war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
When
the committee took up the issue of implementing the 13 Amendment, Mr. Rajapaksa
had said that it was being taken up by the Parliamentary Select Committee,
which the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had so far been reluctant to join.
Devolution
of political powers was stressed during the meeting, he said as the TNA leaders
had raised the issue of holding elections in North.
On
the issue of attacks on Indian fishermen, Mr. Tagore said that they had met Sri
Lankan fishermen, who claimed that, their Indian counterparts were trespassing
and using sophisticated equipment for deep sea fishing.
“The
Indian and Sri Lankan Governments are trying to evolve a mechanism in which the
fishermen on both sides could sit together and sort out this issue,” he added.
Madurai
Airport
In
order to improve people-to-people contacts between the two countries, the Sri
Lankan President had also assured the Indian MPs that a flight between Colombo
and Madurai would be launched soon.
59. Lankan tour report to be hand over towards government
[ Tuesday, 24
April 2012, 03:16.18 AM GMT +05:30 ] , LankaSriNews
Congress party
members of the Indian delegates visited SriLanka would hand over their report
on Lankan visit towards government today.
MP’s of the
Tamil Nadu congress Sudharshana Nachiyappan, Manika Thakoor, Krishnasuwamy and
Chitan would submit special report this regard.
Leader of the
Tamil Nadu BJP party Pone.Radhakrishnan requested delegates to hand over joint
report towards government.
Member of the
Marxist Communist Party Rangarajan visited SriLanka said he will also hand over
separate report on Lankan visit towards government.
60. UNP says that government should make brief explanation on promises which they made towards Indian government
[ Tuesday, 24 April 2012, 04:57.24 AM GMT
+05:30 ] LankaSriNews
United National
Party announced that government should make brief explanation on promises which
they made towards Indian government.
UNP
Parliamentarian Harin Fernando questioned the stance of government on
implementing 13th plus amendment and also making decision apart from 13th
amendment in this country.
Indian
parliamentarians announced that Lankan government promised to make decision
apart from the 13th amendment.
It’s the
responsibility of the government to make clear statement towards people this
regard.
Government
fails to announce its clear statement on implementing LLRC recommendations in
this country.
MP’s
representate the government release different statements on implementation of
LLRC recommendation.
