‘Sri Lanka should not overreact to Tamil Nadu protests’

by Manjula Fernando

Sri Lanka should not overreact to the current wave of protests or the politically instigated actions in Tamil Nadu, said Human Resources Senior Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Watchdog, COPE D.E.W. Gunasekera.
He said, “My own personal feeling is that the DMK and AIADMK, are playing a political game in the wake of the impending Lok Sabha elections, not that they have a special soft corner for the Lankan Tamils.”
Referring to the Hindu newspaper where the DMK party has said, “Our main slogan in the next Lok Sabha election is going to be Sri Lanka issue”. He said that the parties were competing with each other to woo the Tamil voters and strengthen their bases.
“This is a domestic issue for Indians. We must not overreact to these domestic political compulsions.”
There are extremist politicians in both countries. When the DMK or Vaiko shouts, there are corresponding shouts at this end. “I don’t want to name the people or the parties,” he said.
He said extremism is always mutually nurtured, just like the LTTE and the JVP in days gone by. The LTTE thrived on extremism in the South. “We should not fall into their traps.”
“The LTTE and JVP nourished each other, that is why the LTTE never attacked the JVP. The LTTE killed leaders of all other parties except the JVP. They killed members of the SLFP, UNP, the Communist Party, Sama Samaja Party and other left party members but they never touched the JVP,” he said.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/03/31/new02.asp

To complement reconciliation and development efforts:

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/03/31/new04.asp

Tamil Nadu should take Lanka’s steady progress into account

Political and other elements in Tamil Nadu should take the cue by obtaining a first-hand account of the steady progress Sri Lanka has made since 2009 to complement reconciliation and development efforts, an External Affairs Ministry of Sri Lanka spokesman said referring to the flat and outright rejection by New Delhi of Tamil Nadu’s demand to “stop treating Sri Lanka as a friendly nation”.
The Indian Government on Friday rejected in toto the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly that called upon the Centre to stop treating Sri Lanka as a friendly nation and slap sanctions on it while demanding a referendum for a separate Tamil Eelam.
“There is no question of accepting them. That is not the only state that has a stake in this.”
What about the others? There are many other states. There are many other Assemblies. The rest of India is not supporting this,” India’s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told Karan Thapar in the Devil’s Advocate program on CNN-IBN, regarding the TN Assembly’s request.
He was asked if the Centre was rejecting the three crucial aspects of the resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu Assembly on March 27. To each of the three demands, Khurshid said a firm “no”.
“If all of India were to support it, it was then another matter. But if one state supports something, we are sensitive to its concerns but we do not necessarily have to,” he said. The Assembly had adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, calling upon the Centre to take firm steps against Colombo.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu State Assembly’s request has come in for harsh criticism in the Indian mainstream media.
In a hard-hitting editorial, the Hindustan Times said, ”At the end of most wars, the worst sufferers are often the first who need to move on from the past.
By entirely disregarding such efforts in a ravaged Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu’s Assembly and its politicians are seeking to render a simplistic conflict, which apart from civilians, has also claimed the lives of Sri Lanka’s third President Ranasinghe Premadasa, and closer home, that of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Even in her ban of Sri Lankan cricketers, the AIADMK chief has set an artificial moral standard that India’s other seemingly accommodating states will not be able to match. And even if they were so inclined, they should not follow suit", he said.

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6863206389258294382#editor/target=post;postID=8760663048176946751. 

MURALI'S STATEMENT, FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The recent statement by the world's best bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan is indeed food for thought, not only for racist politicians in Tamil Nadu, but also for the international community. It sends a clear signal to India's central government and others who show undue concern for Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Some Western countries and certain key officials in international organisations invariably attempt to project a dismal picture on Sri Lanka, thereby undermining the country's progress since terrorism was laid to rest. A section of the Tamil diaspora and LTTE cohorts are also projecting a gloomy picture on Sri Lanka, that the Tamils are being discriminated against.
Nevertheless, Muralitharan, one of the most celebrated Sri Lankans and himself a Tamil, has told the world in no uncertain terms, the stark fact about the prevailing situation here, contrary to the concocted stories spread by a section of the Tamil diaspora and LTTE cohorts. The international community should give serious thought to Muralitharan's observation as it comes straight from the horse's mouth.
Some Tamil Nadu politicians are conducting themselves in the most unbecoming manner, jeopardising the foreign policy of the central government of India. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jeyaram has 'decreed' that Sri Lankan players should not be entertained for the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament and banned them playing matches in the state capital, Chennai. Chennai Super Kings, which represents the Tamil Nadu state at the IPL, has decided against playing their two contracted Sri Lankan players, Nuwan Kulasekera and Akila Dananjaya due to mounting political pressure from Jayalalithaa.
However, Muralitharan's emblazoned statement should wake up Jayalalithaa and opportunist politicians in Tamil Nadu who are dragging unwarranted political issues into sports to gain petty political mileage. It goes without saying that Muralitharan is very close to the hearts and minds of Tamils, in both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. Moreover, the world record-holder, who played for Tamil Nadu's Chennai Super Kings at the IPL, is warmly cherished by all Sri Lankans, irrespective of ethnic affiliations.
On the other hand, Muralitharan has a soft corner for Tamil Nadu as his better half hails from a renowned Tamil family from the South Indian state. Hence, he has the right to analyse the situation and speak on behalf of his community and his countrymen.
The Lankan spin wizard, in an interview with the Indian media last week, had expressed his displeasure over the recent unsavoury developments in Tamil Nadu. "It's sad that the Tamil Nadu government doesn't want us there. It's always unfortunate when people in power start mixing politics with sports. Hence, if they don't want me in Chennai, then I won't go. I can't do anything else about it," Muralitharan was quoted as saying to the Indian Express on Tuesday.
Muralitharan's down-to-earth statement on the prevailing peaceful coexistence among all communities in Sri Lanka is ample testimony to the country's achievements since terrorism was defeated almost four years ago. The world's most successful bowler in international cricket has said that his Sri Lankan nationality takes precedence over his Tamil ethnicity. He has dismissed baseless claims about discrimination against Tamils in the country.
Muralitharan said; "I am a Tamil. But I'm a Sri Lankan first. And the ban means, I'm not wanted there either. I can assure you that there has been immense peace all around Sri Lanka since May 2009 and the Tamils are living very happily here. They are treated equally well".
Does anybody in the international community need further proof to understand the true ground situation in Sri Lanka? It is also a fitting reply to those who had voiced against Sri Lanka during the recent US-led Resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
It is deplorable, to say the least, that Tamil Nadu politicians are dragging politics into the sports arena as well. That is precisely why Muralitharan had said that it is disappointing for them since cricketers entertain sports fans regardless of nationality, race or religious considerations.
Renowned cricketers such as Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya and Arjuna Ranatunga are held in high esteem by people in India and they care less for their nationality or ethnicity in supporting the Sri Lanka cricket team in the past. Most people in Tamil Nadu do not hold anything against Sri Lanka or its people. But it is deplorable that power-hungry politicians in Tamil Nadu are moving heaven and earth to gain petty political mileage by marketing Sri Lankan Tamils.
Muralitharan, a highly respected, non-political and moderate person, always speaks the truth while upholding the ideals of justice. In the event there had been any discrimination, whatsoever, against ethnic Tamils, he would have certainly exposed it. He articulated to the Indian Express his forthright views and the true ground situation in Sri Lanka. Hence, those who shed crocodile tears on the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka should first and foremost take the cue from what Muralitharan has disclosed.
Muralitharan, who has no political leanings, would never make sweeping statements to pamper politicians. He is a man of sterling qualities and would always voice against injustice and discrimination. Hence, we fail to perceive as to why the international community, especially politicians in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora, should not see things in its correct perspective after Muralitharan's unbiased statement.
A section of the Tamil diaspora and LTTE cohorts are spreading false propaganda saying that Tamils are being discriminated against in Sri Lanka. This had been the same strategy adopted by the LTTE to woo international sympathy and seek a short cut towards its dream of creating a separate state in Sri Lanka. Many Western politicians and top officials of international organisations fell prey to this ploy and held negative views on Sri Lanka.
The LTTE indoctrinated people in the North and the East that they could not win their rights under a united Sri Lanka. Ruthless Velupillai Prabhakaran and his blood-thirsty goons did their damnedest to drive a wedge between the Tamils and the Sinhalese so that he could capitalise on it to capture power.
Thanks to the supreme sacrifices by the true sons of our soil who liberated over half a million people in the North and the East from the jaws of LTTE terror, all communities in Sri Lanka are now enjoying the dividends of peace. People in these two provinces have now begun a new lease of life as the Tamils are living in peace in a spirit of camaraderie with their Sinhalese and Muslim brethren.
The dawn of peace has opened new horizons to Sri Lanka and the country is developing rapidly in every sphere. The mega development projects launched in the North and the East had provided better living conditions for Tamils in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces. Muralitharan has brought these facts into sharp focus, which regrettably, have not been understood by some politicians in Tamil Nadu.
Western politicians who depend heavily on the Tamil diaspora vote for their survival continue to pamper LTTE cohorts. They openly disregard the true ground situation in Sri Lanka and don't acknowledge the peaceful coexistence among all communities in Sri Lanka. Thanks to the misguided efforts of these Western politicians, the US-led Resolution against Sri Lanka was passed by a mere 12 votes while eight countries abstained from voting.
Some world leaders and UNHRC officials who seem to be more concerned about the human rights of LTTE terrorists killed in action than those of civilians who were brutally massacred by the Tigers, should at least now try to understand what Muralitharan has told the world on Sri Lanka's progress.
The resolutions passed at the UNHRC in successive years would only help hamper the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups and the country's progress since LTTE terrorism was eradicated. If the West is really concerned about the well-being of Tamils, they must take Muralitharan's message seriously.
Tamil Nadu politicians should desist from stoking racism for petty political gain and intimidating the central government. The long-standing cordial ties between the two countries should be fostered at all times, despite the petty statements by Tamil Nadu's political opportunists.

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President declared open 7th Deyata Kirula Exhibition- 23 March 2013

Monday, 25 March 2013 15:40 | | |

His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the Dayata Kirula National Development Exhibition 2013 at Ampara Hardy Advanced Technical College premises on 23rd March 2013. Deyata Kirula is considered that the Sri Lanka's biggest public exhibition and is being held in rural areas to develop these areas. The exhibition brings massive infrastructure development, especially roads and public facilities to the area slated to hold the Deyata Kirula exhibition.
Deyata Kirula is not merely an exhibition or display, but an occasion that brings massive overall development to rural areas of the country as part of the national development drive, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
President Rajapaksa was addressing the opening ceremony of the 7th Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition at Ampara Hardy Higher Technology Institute on Saturday.
The President said the government has taken measures to develop the country by developing the village.
“In line with the Mahinda Chinthana policy statement of the government, special attention has been paid to develop the country, allocating around Rs 60,000 million annually from the budget. The Deyata Kirula exhibition is being held annually to bring rapid development to the country,” he said. The President said all should experience development.
“That is why it was brought to Ampara bringing all communities together,” he said noting that not only Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities, but other communities such as the Adi Vasis also live in the region in a friendly manner.
The exhibition gives an idea of development to the children to accept the responsibility of the future since there is no peace without development and no development without peace, the President said. Apart from infrastructure development that comes with Deyata Kirula , all other sectors including health, education, transportation, farming, living standards and many more are developed parallel to the exhibition,
The exhibition is organized for 7th consecutive year. This time it is hosted at Ampara Hardy Advanced Technical Institute.
The public has the opportunity to visit over 200 stalls at the exhibition grounds, showcasing progress by government departments, corporations and private sector organizations. The exhibition covers an area in extent of 200 acres with all facilities provided for those visiting and working in the exhibition grounds. There are about 400 exhibition stalls maintained by the state and private sector.
Governor of Northern Province GA Chandrasiri visited Northern Province section and declared open the stalls. Mrs.G N Chandrasiri also participated at this event.
This year Northern Province has scheduled to display the development activities undertaken thorough out the province.
Background
Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over 30 ambulances to state hospitals in the Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara districts on 23rd March , the opening day of Deyata Kirula 2013 National Development Exhibition, a Health Ministry spokesman said.
He said the state hospital network at present needs 400 new ambulances at present. The Health Ministry has already made arrangements to meet this requirement, under the directions of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.
“At the moment 374 new ambulances are ready for distribution. The Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has provided 124 ambulances while the Government will supply the rest. The ambulances will be allocated among state hospitals countrywide,” he said.
The Media and Information Ministry spent Rs 8 million to uplift Ampara Bandaraduwa Maha Vidyalaya which lacked facilities in line with the Deyata Kirula - 2013 national exhibition.
The school’s newly built building will be vested in the students on Sunday. President Mahinda Rajapaksa advised ministries and institutions to launch at least one public welfare project in the Ampara district in line with the Deyata Kirula exhibition. The Media and Information Ministry decided to develop Ampara Bandaraduwa Maha Vidyalaya under the guidance of Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the direction of ministry Secretary Dr Charitha Herath.
Work on the new building commenced on January 5. Work was completed with the dedication of officials of the Media and Information Ministry and affiliated institutions in the government and private sectors.

Last Updated (Monday, 25 March 2013 16:05)

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Sri_Lanka_expects_unstinting_support_from_all_Sri_Lankans_living_abroad_20130327_03

Sri Lanka expects unstinting support from all Sri Lankans living abroad - President

Sri Lanka is expecting the unstinted support from all Sri Lankans living abroad to overcome the challenges before the nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

During a meeting with a group of visiting Sri Lankan - American community leaders at Temple Trees on March 26th, President further said Sri Lanka needs not only the support of the expatriate community but also of the diaspora community to overcome the anti-Sri Lankan forces in the international arena. He emphasized that their involvement in investment projects and business developments are vital for the country's progress.

The group comprising prominent Sri Lankan academics, business leaders and professionals in the United States thanked the President for leading the way toward a rapid development in the country after ending thirty years of terrorism. They further expressed appreciation for the country's ability to retain its cultural identity, notwithstanding the fast-paced development projects being accomplished under the President's visionary leadership.

The group led by Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka 's Ambassador to the United States , landed in Sri Lanka on the first international flight to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport ceremonial opening on May 18th.The tour was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC as part of its dynamic country promotion program. Over 100 travelers including Sri Lankan American community leaders, business leaders, US investors, academics, travel writers and media personnel from 30 major cities of the United States joined the special flight at their own cost to witness the historic inauguration of Sri Lanka 's second International Airport.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

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'During the last stage of the war, the LTTE set up its artillery positions within civilian encampments and fought amidst the civilians, often dressed in civilian attire'- Secretary Defence

'During the last stage of the war, the LTTE set up its artillery positions within civilian encampments and fought amidst the civilians, often dressed in civilian attire. This was a very challenging situation for the Armed Forces, which acted with great restraint and suffered considerable losses in their efforts to minimize civilian casualties. The use of heavy weaponry was curtailed and then stopped outright. The minimum amount of necessary force was used at all times to ensure that harm to civilians and civilian property was minimized. However, the LTTE had no compunctions about putting civilians deliberately in harm's way, and its cadres mercilessly shot at all civilians who tried to escape into Government controlled areas' said Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa making the keynote address at a function of Serendip Coast Festival 2013 yesterday morning (25th March 2013) at Hotel Lighthouse in Galle.

The book 'Gota's War', authored by veteran journalist C.A. Chandraprema was the main theme of the function in order to bestow a comprehensive inspiration of the book and thirty years of LTTE terror to the entire world. The book is a completion of introspective events that led to the crushing of Tamil Tiger Terrorism in Sri Lanka.

The event was organized by the founder of Galle literary festival Mr. Geoffrey Dobbs.

Addressing the gathering Secretary Defence emphasized the importance of organizing such events in order to show the ground reality of Sri Lanka to the international communities and it's rather different from what is often reported about this country. He also said that the progress is being achieved by the country after the war is remarkable.

Describing his recent visit to Jaffna peninsula Mr. Rajapaksa stated that His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and he could able to move freely in the peninsula and that exemplifies the peace, stability and security that exist in every part of the country after the defeat of terrorism in May 2009.

Recalling the atrocities done by LTTE he stated that unfortunately, some people seem to have forgotten the situation Sri Lanka was in before the dawn of peace. He also stressed the Economic targets which were attacked ruthlessly, including the Oil Refinery at Kolonnawa, power plants at Kelanitissa and Kerwalapitiya, International Air Port at Katunayake and the Central Bank in 1996.

Explaining the beginning of the humanitarian operation which launched to liberate the hundreds of thousands of people in the North and East from the LTTE's dominance he expressed the causes for the Maavilaru operation in 2006.

"Paramount reason behind the elimination of terrorism was His Excellency the President's unshakeable determination to fulfill his mandate and free Sri Lanka from terrorism once and for all", secretary Defence elaborated. He also stressed the way that the Sri Lankan government overcome the international interferences during the period of war.

Describing the present scenario of the former theater he explained the demining process, resettlement process of the IDPs and ex LTTE combatants, housing projects and other development programmes in the area. He also said that the rest of the country too, has benefited tremendously from the restoration of peace and stability.

Summing up his speech he said that everyone has benefited from the defeat of terrorism and Sri Lanka is one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world, and if we stand united as Sri Lankans and as friends of Sri Lanka, we will together unleash the immense potential that this country has.

The Secretary also took part in a question and answer session and responded to queries raised by the participants.

Office bearers of the Serendip Coast Festival and a large number of foreign and local delegates were present at the occasion.

Full Text of the Speech delivered by Secretary Defence at the Serendip coast Festival 2013 at the Light house hotel in Galle >>

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/03/28/news02.asp

 

Murali, Chennai’s son-in-law, says ‘not end of the world’

The city of Chennai, in many ways, has been a second home for Muttiah Muralitharan. Besides being a Tamil, the former Sri Lankan off-spinner is married to an Indian who belongs to the city. Moreover, Muralitharan represented the Chennai Super Kings during the first three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). But with the Tamil Nadu government having declared the state capital a ‘no-Sri-Lankan-zone’, Muralitharan will in all likelihood be forced to give Chennai a miss during the sixth edition of IPL starting next month.

And the 40-year-old Sri Lankan spin legend expressed his disappointment at the unsavoury developments.

“It’s sad that the Tamil Nadu government doesn’t want us there. It’s always unfortunate when people in power start mixing politics with sports. So if they don’t want me in Chennai then I won’t go. I can’t do anything else about it,” Muralitharan told The Indian Express on Tuesday.

Muralitharan, who now represents Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), however, confirmed his participation in IPL-6 and said that he will be very much a part of RCB’s campaign.

“The IPL is a great tournament. And I love being a part of it. I now play for Bangalore and I’m sure our fans there will be looking forward to seeing us in action. So what if Chennai doesn’t want us. It’s not the end of the world. I’ll still be a part of the team in all other cities and enjoy their support,” he added.

In the aftermath of the TN government’s move, many former Sri Lankan cricketers such as Arjuna Ranatunga have asked the 13 Sri Lankan players, including Muralitharan, to boycott IPL-6 as a whole.

But Muralitharan urged his compatriots to take a more pragmatic stand.

“It’s disappointing for sure but we are entertainers after all and should not get involved with the politics. Our job is to go out there and perform. The worst case is that we will be left out of the team for that one match. Eventually the decision will be left to the individual but I’m sure the IPL as a whole will not be affected by this,” said Muralitharan.

Muralitharan added that the ban also affected him at a personal level considering the deep-rooted links he shares with Chennai. And also because he is a Tamil.

“I am a Tamil. But I’m a Sri Lankan first. And the ban means, I’m not wanted there either. I can assure you that there has been immense peace all around Sri Lanka since the war ended and the Tamils are living very happily here. They are treated equally well,” he said. Courtesy: The Indian Express