http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110304_02
More ex-LTTE cadres re-integrated soon
The next batch of ex-LTTE combatants to be released will comprise males who are married and have children, said Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe.
This group is identified considering their wives and children, living without their husbands and fathers, he said.
The government reunited 106 ex-combatants who successfully completed their rehabilitation period with their relatives marking Maha Shivarathri festival (March 3).
The Commissioner stated that around 4,500 ex-LTTE combatants are currently undergoing rehabilitation. Most of them are LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Army following the defeat of the LTTE.
During the last stages of the war against terrorism, security forces detained 11,696 ex-LTTE cadres. The government has so far reintegrated 5,764 ex-cadres who underwent an extensive rehabilitation programme.
Courtesy : PRIU
Sunday, March 6, 2011
http://print.dailymirror.lk/news/front-page-news/37393.html
Ex-militants to get loans to start work
Saturday, 05 March 2011 00:00
By Kelum Bandara
Rehabilitated LTTE combatants had been encouraged to obtain bank loans up to Rs.25 million each for self employment projects and business ventures, a Central Bank official said yesterday.
Some 5,600 ex-combatants have now been integrated into society after being trained in vocational skills in masonry, carpentry, beauty care, pre-school teaching, hair dressing and vehicle repairing. Central Bank Assistant Governor W.M. Karunaratne said military officers based in the area would co-ordinate the programme, and the Bank of Ceylon had agreed to issue the loans.
He said initially 2,500 of them had been identified for this programme.
“I don’t think all of them will apply for loans. Anyway, the BoC is ready to give loans to all of them if necessary. They are encouraged to undertake income generating projects and funds will be made available to them under loan schemes known as ‘Saubagya and Wiskam’. We have increased the maximum loan limit to Rs.25 million,” Mr. Karunaratne said.
He said Central Bank had instructed the BoC to give the loans against lands as collateral, even though without proper title.
“In the North, there are many lands without proper title. In most cases the documents have been destroyed during the war time. Some have lands with titles, but the details cannot be verified with the District Secretaries. The Central Bank will guarantee loans of up to Rs.500,000,” Mr. Karunaratne said adding that loans for cultivation were also possible.
He said there had been increased economic activity in the post war period with Rs.3 billion issued as loans.
When asked about the income generating projects by ex combatants, he said investments could be made in the fruit and milk processing industries, vehicle garages, beauty parlours or any other project that could be categorized as small and medium scale enterprises.
Only some 4,500 ex combatants including 34 females were still undergoing rehabilitation.
Ex-militants to get loans to start work
Saturday, 05 March 2011 00:00
By Kelum Bandara
Rehabilitated LTTE combatants had been encouraged to obtain bank loans up to Rs.25 million each for self employment projects and business ventures, a Central Bank official said yesterday.
Some 5,600 ex-combatants have now been integrated into society after being trained in vocational skills in masonry, carpentry, beauty care, pre-school teaching, hair dressing and vehicle repairing. Central Bank Assistant Governor W.M. Karunaratne said military officers based in the area would co-ordinate the programme, and the Bank of Ceylon had agreed to issue the loans.
He said initially 2,500 of them had been identified for this programme.
“I don’t think all of them will apply for loans. Anyway, the BoC is ready to give loans to all of them if necessary. They are encouraged to undertake income generating projects and funds will be made available to them under loan schemes known as ‘Saubagya and Wiskam’. We have increased the maximum loan limit to Rs.25 million,” Mr. Karunaratne said.
He said Central Bank had instructed the BoC to give the loans against lands as collateral, even though without proper title.
“In the North, there are many lands without proper title. In most cases the documents have been destroyed during the war time. Some have lands with titles, but the details cannot be verified with the District Secretaries. The Central Bank will guarantee loans of up to Rs.500,000,” Mr. Karunaratne said adding that loans for cultivation were also possible.
He said there had been increased economic activity in the post war period with Rs.3 billion issued as loans.
When asked about the income generating projects by ex combatants, he said investments could be made in the fruit and milk processing industries, vehicle garages, beauty parlours or any other project that could be categorized as small and medium scale enterprises.
Only some 4,500 ex combatants including 34 females were still undergoing rehabilitation.
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=19833
» » Post-war SL: Levy pushes for Canadian Diaspora role
Post-war SL: Levy pushes for Canadian Diaspora roleMarch 4, 2011, 9:28 pm
Govt. expects int’l community to guide the LTTE ‘in the right direction’
Canadian High Commissioner Bruce Levy is seeking a role for the Tamil Diaspora in Canada in the rebuilding and reconstruction process. During his meetings with Government Agents in Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochchci and Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Levy emphasized the importance of forging links between the government and the Diaspora.
A spokesperson for the High Commission, quoted Levy as saying that the majority of the Diaspora still had family members in Sri Lanka and therefore were following with interest what was going on here. Levy expressed hope that tangible measures could be taken to involve the Canadian Diaspora.
The spokesperson said that the HC also touched on the ongoing political discussions between the government and the TNA.
During the visit, levy also met civil society representatives and members of the NGOs and INGOs operating in the Northern Province.
Government sources said that those wanting to involve the Diaspora in the reconciliation process should take meaningful measures to influence the Tamil community to initiate a dialogue with the government. Unfortunately, different Diaspora factions had been trying to pursue the LTTE’s macabre eelam project in spite of losing their conventional military capability.
Sri Lankan forces crushed the LTTE on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19, 2009.
Sources said that HC Levy could take a lead in promoting closer links between the Sri Lankan government and those hostile elements. The bottom line was that as long as Canada allowed the LTTE rump to manipulate its legal process through various devious means, including ship loads of illegal immigrants, very little could be done to improve the relations, sources said. (SF)
» » Post-war SL: Levy pushes for Canadian Diaspora role
Post-war SL: Levy pushes for Canadian Diaspora roleMarch 4, 2011, 9:28 pm
Govt. expects int’l community to guide the LTTE ‘in the right direction’
Canadian High Commissioner Bruce Levy is seeking a role for the Tamil Diaspora in Canada in the rebuilding and reconstruction process. During his meetings with Government Agents in Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochchci and Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Levy emphasized the importance of forging links between the government and the Diaspora.
A spokesperson for the High Commission, quoted Levy as saying that the majority of the Diaspora still had family members in Sri Lanka and therefore were following with interest what was going on here. Levy expressed hope that tangible measures could be taken to involve the Canadian Diaspora.
The spokesperson said that the HC also touched on the ongoing political discussions between the government and the TNA.
During the visit, levy also met civil society representatives and members of the NGOs and INGOs operating in the Northern Province.
Government sources said that those wanting to involve the Diaspora in the reconciliation process should take meaningful measures to influence the Tamil community to initiate a dialogue with the government. Unfortunately, different Diaspora factions had been trying to pursue the LTTE’s macabre eelam project in spite of losing their conventional military capability.
Sri Lankan forces crushed the LTTE on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19, 2009.
Sources said that HC Levy could take a lead in promoting closer links between the Sri Lankan government and those hostile elements. The bottom line was that as long as Canada allowed the LTTE rump to manipulate its legal process through various devious means, including ship loads of illegal immigrants, very little could be done to improve the relations, sources said. (SF)
Why Tigers use South India as rear base
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=662:why-tigers-use-south-india-as-rear-base&catid=35:news-features&Itemid=37
Why Tigers use South India as rear base
By Ranga JayasuriyaOne popular narrative in the Tamil disapora discourse is that the remnant of Tamil Tigers would launch a sea borne invasion of northern Sri Lanka. The story goes on to say that the LTTE cadres who escaped the annihilation in the final battle and later fled to safe havens abroad are now re-grouping. Once the process is completed, the group would land in the northern coast to wage the next phase of the Eelam War. The story is far-fetched as much as many other recent initiatives of the Tiger sympathizers, among which is a demand for a Southern Sudan styled referendum to decide the future of the North-East of Sri Lanka. The story, many assume, is intended to make sure that the diaspora would continue to fund the LTTE’s front organizations, which, in addition to its advocacy of the LTTE’s cause, continue to provide bread and butter for a sizeable number of influential LTTE members assigned to its overseas branches. Recent reports by Canadian federal authorities raised concerns that Canada is emerging as a LTTE base. The reports come in the wake of findings that 32 asylum seekers aboard the migrant ship Sun Sea were held in detention over their alleged involvement with the defeated terrorist group. Sri Lankan Intelligence sources have also raised concern that the remnant of LTTE activists and the middle lever leaders are regrouping in Canada, which has long been the main source of finances for the LTTE due to its 250,000 strong Tamil diaspora. LTTE operatives in Canada are in the process of reorganizing the remnant of LTTE cadres who escaped to India and South East Asia, mainly to Malaysia and Thailand, they add. Members of the LTTE’s smuggling wing have already launched two shiploads of Tamil refugees from South East Asian ports to Canada.LTTE activists in Canada are reviving the network of LTTE owned businesses and charities in order to resume fund raising activities, Sri Lankan intelligence sources say. Low level insurgency
Once the reorganization of the LTTE’s overseas network is completed, thereby reviving the funding source, the Tigers would resume the reorganization of the military wing, say intelligence officials.Though the LTTE has suspended its military struggle, preferring a political struggle through the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, the political struggle alone would not be a sufficient inducement to sustain the interest of the Tamil diaspora in the cause of the LTTE.Therefore, the LTTE would be compelled to resume the armed struggle in the form of a low level insurgency. Hence the LTTE’s mode of struggle would be decided not by choice, but by circumstances.Given the high militarization of the North and East, the possibility of the revival of militant activities is largely constrained. Therefore, reminiscent of its early days, the Tigers would choose South India as their rear base for reorganization, training and planning of attacks.This is a possible scenario, which however needs to take into account the change of India’s policy towards Tamil militancy since 1980, when it actively armed and trained the nascent guerrillas to its manifested aversion to the LTTE at present. Yet, the LTTE could still find a mass of people that is generally sympathetic to the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils.It was against this backdrop that India’s intelligence agencies have alerted Tamil Nadu police that LTTE cadres had infiltrated the South Indian state and were planning to carry out attacks on VVIPs during the run up to India’s assembly elections.Strong LTTE presence
A Chennai based Hindu newspaper reported, quoting unnamed intelligence sources: “The Ministry of Home Affairs had sent alert messages that some LTTE cadres had arrived in Tamil Nadu and were engaged in a training programme at an unknown location.” They were in the process of procuring weapons and explosive substances to execute their plan.It also added that intelligence sources revealed a significant presence of LTTE cadres in Valasaravakkam in Chennai and that some prominent members of the LTTE’s finance and air wings had entered Tamil Nadu.Indian media reports also stated that members of the LTTE’s suicide wing had reached Tamil Nadu via the Palk Straits in the guise of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.During a visit by the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Tamil Nadu in January this year, India’s central intelligence agencies alerted that the Tamil Tigers were planning to assassinate the Indian Prime Minister and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi. The Indian premier visited Tamil Nadu amidst stepped up security. No incident was reported. However, a report from central intelligence agencies states that, the LTTE has reportedly completed the training and procurement of weapons for a major attack as early as December 20 for an attack on VVIPS. But Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Inspector General of Police Letika Saran has denied the presence of LTTE cadres in Tamil Nadu.
Why Tigers use South India as rear base
By Ranga JayasuriyaOne popular narrative in the Tamil disapora discourse is that the remnant of Tamil Tigers would launch a sea borne invasion of northern Sri Lanka. The story goes on to say that the LTTE cadres who escaped the annihilation in the final battle and later fled to safe havens abroad are now re-grouping. Once the process is completed, the group would land in the northern coast to wage the next phase of the Eelam War. The story is far-fetched as much as many other recent initiatives of the Tiger sympathizers, among which is a demand for a Southern Sudan styled referendum to decide the future of the North-East of Sri Lanka. The story, many assume, is intended to make sure that the diaspora would continue to fund the LTTE’s front organizations, which, in addition to its advocacy of the LTTE’s cause, continue to provide bread and butter for a sizeable number of influential LTTE members assigned to its overseas branches. Recent reports by Canadian federal authorities raised concerns that Canada is emerging as a LTTE base. The reports come in the wake of findings that 32 asylum seekers aboard the migrant ship Sun Sea were held in detention over their alleged involvement with the defeated terrorist group. Sri Lankan Intelligence sources have also raised concern that the remnant of LTTE activists and the middle lever leaders are regrouping in Canada, which has long been the main source of finances for the LTTE due to its 250,000 strong Tamil diaspora. LTTE operatives in Canada are in the process of reorganizing the remnant of LTTE cadres who escaped to India and South East Asia, mainly to Malaysia and Thailand, they add. Members of the LTTE’s smuggling wing have already launched two shiploads of Tamil refugees from South East Asian ports to Canada.LTTE activists in Canada are reviving the network of LTTE owned businesses and charities in order to resume fund raising activities, Sri Lankan intelligence sources say. Low level insurgency
Once the reorganization of the LTTE’s overseas network is completed, thereby reviving the funding source, the Tigers would resume the reorganization of the military wing, say intelligence officials.Though the LTTE has suspended its military struggle, preferring a political struggle through the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, the political struggle alone would not be a sufficient inducement to sustain the interest of the Tamil diaspora in the cause of the LTTE.Therefore, the LTTE would be compelled to resume the armed struggle in the form of a low level insurgency. Hence the LTTE’s mode of struggle would be decided not by choice, but by circumstances.Given the high militarization of the North and East, the possibility of the revival of militant activities is largely constrained. Therefore, reminiscent of its early days, the Tigers would choose South India as their rear base for reorganization, training and planning of attacks.This is a possible scenario, which however needs to take into account the change of India’s policy towards Tamil militancy since 1980, when it actively armed and trained the nascent guerrillas to its manifested aversion to the LTTE at present. Yet, the LTTE could still find a mass of people that is generally sympathetic to the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils.It was against this backdrop that India’s intelligence agencies have alerted Tamil Nadu police that LTTE cadres had infiltrated the South Indian state and were planning to carry out attacks on VVIPs during the run up to India’s assembly elections.Strong LTTE presence
A Chennai based Hindu newspaper reported, quoting unnamed intelligence sources: “The Ministry of Home Affairs had sent alert messages that some LTTE cadres had arrived in Tamil Nadu and were engaged in a training programme at an unknown location.” They were in the process of procuring weapons and explosive substances to execute their plan.It also added that intelligence sources revealed a significant presence of LTTE cadres in Valasaravakkam in Chennai and that some prominent members of the LTTE’s finance and air wings had entered Tamil Nadu.Indian media reports also stated that members of the LTTE’s suicide wing had reached Tamil Nadu via the Palk Straits in the guise of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.During a visit by the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Tamil Nadu in January this year, India’s central intelligence agencies alerted that the Tamil Tigers were planning to assassinate the Indian Prime Minister and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi. The Indian premier visited Tamil Nadu amidst stepped up security. No incident was reported. However, a report from central intelligence agencies states that, the LTTE has reportedly completed the training and procurement of weapons for a major attack as early as December 20 for an attack on VVIPS. But Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Inspector General of Police Letika Saran has denied the presence of LTTE cadres in Tamil Nadu.
Greig bats for Sri Lanka Tourism
Nethali Struys
World famous past cricketer and commentator Tony Greig has been appointed as Sri Lanka Tourism ambassador by Sri Lanka Tourism. This was officially announced at the Cinnamon Grand hotel last Monday.
Tony Greig
Greig will be acting as the tourism envoy for six months to promote Sri Lanka during the ongoing World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL), said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa.
"The Tourism Industry welcomes the appointment and noted that it will help attract many viewers during the ICC World Cup and the IPL thereafter. Tony's role in promoting Sri Lanka will have a positive impact among prospective holiday makers to Sri Lanka," Godahewa said.This year's theme is tourism and all 12 months have been allocated for various activities to develop tourism. This makes the month of February the month for sports and adventure sports. Appointing Tony Greig is parallel to this program," he said.
"Tony is an ideal spokesman for the country and for the global audience especially in the area of sports tourism, due to his capability in building up the image of Sri Lanka." Sri Lanka Promotion Bureau Acting Managing Director Malraj Kiriella added.
Last year Sri Lanka drew a record 650,000 tourists, up by 46 percent whilst among major source markets include Europe especially England and South Asia dominantly India, where some of the regional countries which find cricket as a passion or a religion. Tony Greig's role will also attract more tourists from traditionally cricket strong yet tourist wise under- performing countries such as Australia, South Africa, West Indies, South Africa and Canada. A colourful wrestling event at the Sri Lanka Tourism auditorium to mark this event.
New ambassador Tony Greig said "he will do his very best to uplift Sri Lankan tourism." He pointed out that it wont be difficult to gain that target with the good hospitality Sri Lanka has.
Nethali Struys
World famous past cricketer and commentator Tony Greig has been appointed as Sri Lanka Tourism ambassador by Sri Lanka Tourism. This was officially announced at the Cinnamon Grand hotel last Monday.
Tony Greig
Greig will be acting as the tourism envoy for six months to promote Sri Lanka during the ongoing World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL), said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa.
"The Tourism Industry welcomes the appointment and noted that it will help attract many viewers during the ICC World Cup and the IPL thereafter. Tony's role in promoting Sri Lanka will have a positive impact among prospective holiday makers to Sri Lanka," Godahewa said.This year's theme is tourism and all 12 months have been allocated for various activities to develop tourism. This makes the month of February the month for sports and adventure sports. Appointing Tony Greig is parallel to this program," he said.
"Tony is an ideal spokesman for the country and for the global audience especially in the area of sports tourism, due to his capability in building up the image of Sri Lanka." Sri Lanka Promotion Bureau Acting Managing Director Malraj Kiriella added.
Last year Sri Lanka drew a record 650,000 tourists, up by 46 percent whilst among major source markets include Europe especially England and South Asia dominantly India, where some of the regional countries which find cricket as a passion or a religion. Tony Greig's role will also attract more tourists from traditionally cricket strong yet tourist wise under- performing countries such as Australia, South Africa, West Indies, South Africa and Canada. A colourful wrestling event at the Sri Lanka Tourism auditorium to mark this event.
New ambassador Tony Greig said "he will do his very best to uplift Sri Lankan tourism." He pointed out that it wont be difficult to gain that target with the good hospitality Sri Lanka has.
LTTE remnants active
http://www.newsnow.lk/latest-news/ltte-remnants-active
LTTE remnants active
Sri Lanka today expressed deep concerns that remnants of the LTTE’s international network continue its criminal activities and secessionist agenda.
The concerns were raised by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe when he addressed the high level segments of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva today, officials said.
Minister Samarasinghe, while noting that some governments were acting against pro-LTTE groups, their associates and operatives, he cautioned against being complacent as these groups continue to carry out unlawful activities.
Officials who attended the UNHRC session today said that the Minister called on the international community to remain vigilant to prevent terrorist activities which could destabilize a sovereign nation.
While briefing the members attending the session on the measures taken by the government to develop the country following the end of the war Minister Samarasinghe also spoke on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) saying its mandate has been extended as so many people had expressed interest to make submissions to the commission.
The Minister has also spoke on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE combatants and the emergency regulations saying the roll back process of the emergency regulations will be concluded in an appropriate and timely manner.
Minister Samarasinghe, who had met the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneethan Pillay on Friday, today told the Council that Sri Lanka is looking forward to continuing constructive dialogue with the UN Human Rights Council and other international partners. (News Now.lk)
LTTE remnants active
Sri Lanka today expressed deep concerns that remnants of the LTTE’s international network continue its criminal activities and secessionist agenda.
The concerns were raised by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe when he addressed the high level segments of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva today, officials said.
Minister Samarasinghe, while noting that some governments were acting against pro-LTTE groups, their associates and operatives, he cautioned against being complacent as these groups continue to carry out unlawful activities.
Officials who attended the UNHRC session today said that the Minister called on the international community to remain vigilant to prevent terrorist activities which could destabilize a sovereign nation.
While briefing the members attending the session on the measures taken by the government to develop the country following the end of the war Minister Samarasinghe also spoke on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) saying its mandate has been extended as so many people had expressed interest to make submissions to the commission.
The Minister has also spoke on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE combatants and the emergency regulations saying the roll back process of the emergency regulations will be concluded in an appropriate and timely manner.
Minister Samarasinghe, who had met the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneethan Pillay on Friday, today told the Council that Sri Lanka is looking forward to continuing constructive dialogue with the UN Human Rights Council and other international partners. (News Now.lk)
Friday, March 4, 2011
EU grudgingly admits LTTE threat
http://www.nation.lk/2011/02/27/edit.htm
EU grudgingly admits LTTE threat
This week, the European Union (EU) announced that it was re-listing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organisation, in a crucial decision that would have wide-ranging implications for Sri Lanka.The declaration is significant because it is now over 20 months since the LTTE was defeated and its leaders were eliminated in the murky waters of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May 2009. Since then, the focus of Tiger activity has been outside the shores of Sri Lanka, not within it.The Tamil ‘diaspora’, smarting under the LTTE’s military debacle has made several attempts to make its voice heard and presence felt. Their main strategy in the aftermath of their defeat was to try and target the Lankan political leadership and accuse them of war crimes.
This strategy has not been wholly unsuccessful. At least the United Nations (UN) and its partisan Secretary General Ban Ki moon have caved in to pressure and appointed a ‘panel’ to inquire into alleged human rights abuses during the final phase of the war.Elsewhere the western bloc of nations, egged on by pro-LTTE lobbyists, have from time to time made rather unkind noises aimed at the political leadership in Colombo virtually accusing it of genocide and calling for what they term ‘accountability’.
There have been other skirmishes. The most notable among them was the cancellation of a lecture President Mahinda Rajapaksa was to deliver to students of the Oxford University in the United Kingdom, again as a result of the activities of the LTTE ‘rump’ in that country.In France, local authorities allowed the erection of a statue for S. P. Thamilchelvam, the political head of the LTTE until he was killed in an aerial attack. Although the statue was briefly relocated, it was reportedly re-erected at the same venue a few days ago!These are but a few vignettes of the drama that has been playing out in the world stage in recent months all of which indicate that although Sri Lanka has won the war against the LTTE, it cannot yet claim victory in the propaganda battle with the Tamil diaspora.
That is in fact one of the reasons why the Colombo government is treating Selvarasa Pathmanathan (better known as ‘KP’), once the international financier of the LTTE, with kid gloves when he should have been prosecuted without any hesitation; that is a result of the politics of necessity.The message that Sri Lanka has been given is not one of appreciation for destroying the military capability of arguably the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. It has been one of condemnation, largely based on biased accounts of the last stages of the Eelam war.
Only a few countries - which notably include the likes of Russia, China and neighbouring India - among the global powers that be have been bold enough to acknowledge that it is now time to move on in Sri Lanka and indicated that it accepts Colombo’s decision to eliminate the LTTE.Against such a backdrop, the re-listing of the Tigers as a terrorist organisation by the EU is indeed significant. It is an indication that the EU grudgingly admits that the LTTE - or what is left of it - does pose a threat to their own security and that the Tigers may not have changed their stripes after all.When confronted with such possibilities the EU forgets all its lofty ideals about human rights and proscribes the LTTE, notwithstanding the fact that there are many LTTE ‘rump’ associations still operating in Europe masquerading as front organisations which can still engage in fund raising.The double standards are therefore blatant: The EU doesn’t mind the LTTE as long as it collects funds and maintains good behaviour on the EU soil. That these funds may finance terrorism elsewhere, possibly in Sri Lanka is conveniently forgotten.
But the EU and other western nations will learn at their own peril. The best example that could be cited is that of India which during the Indira Gandhi years nurtured the LTTE in its backyard mostly to ‘teach a lesson’ to Sri Lanka. That terrorism was to consume Gandhi’s son Rajiv, years later.Today, terrorism is no longer an isolated phenomenon. It is a global trend. It is also a multi-billion dollar business. The LTTE as a military force maybe non-existent but the support network that financed its terror has not crumbled; it must be still operating at a huge profit.That is Colombo’s next frontier. But while Sri Lanka deals with that issue and ensures that its terrain is never used again for terrorist activity, the rest of the world should not go about haranguing Sri Lanka with eyes and ears firmly shut.Certainly the EU re-listing the LTTE as a terrorist organisation is a welcome move. But that alone does not suffice if the EU is really committed towards eliminating the LTTE. Its words must be matched with deeds in its member nations. Terrorism anywhere, after all, is terrorism.
EU grudgingly admits LTTE threat
This week, the European Union (EU) announced that it was re-listing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organisation, in a crucial decision that would have wide-ranging implications for Sri Lanka.The declaration is significant because it is now over 20 months since the LTTE was defeated and its leaders were eliminated in the murky waters of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May 2009. Since then, the focus of Tiger activity has been outside the shores of Sri Lanka, not within it.The Tamil ‘diaspora’, smarting under the LTTE’s military debacle has made several attempts to make its voice heard and presence felt. Their main strategy in the aftermath of their defeat was to try and target the Lankan political leadership and accuse them of war crimes.
This strategy has not been wholly unsuccessful. At least the United Nations (UN) and its partisan Secretary General Ban Ki moon have caved in to pressure and appointed a ‘panel’ to inquire into alleged human rights abuses during the final phase of the war.Elsewhere the western bloc of nations, egged on by pro-LTTE lobbyists, have from time to time made rather unkind noises aimed at the political leadership in Colombo virtually accusing it of genocide and calling for what they term ‘accountability’.
There have been other skirmishes. The most notable among them was the cancellation of a lecture President Mahinda Rajapaksa was to deliver to students of the Oxford University in the United Kingdom, again as a result of the activities of the LTTE ‘rump’ in that country.In France, local authorities allowed the erection of a statue for S. P. Thamilchelvam, the political head of the LTTE until he was killed in an aerial attack. Although the statue was briefly relocated, it was reportedly re-erected at the same venue a few days ago!These are but a few vignettes of the drama that has been playing out in the world stage in recent months all of which indicate that although Sri Lanka has won the war against the LTTE, it cannot yet claim victory in the propaganda battle with the Tamil diaspora.
That is in fact one of the reasons why the Colombo government is treating Selvarasa Pathmanathan (better known as ‘KP’), once the international financier of the LTTE, with kid gloves when he should have been prosecuted without any hesitation; that is a result of the politics of necessity.The message that Sri Lanka has been given is not one of appreciation for destroying the military capability of arguably the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. It has been one of condemnation, largely based on biased accounts of the last stages of the Eelam war.
Only a few countries - which notably include the likes of Russia, China and neighbouring India - among the global powers that be have been bold enough to acknowledge that it is now time to move on in Sri Lanka and indicated that it accepts Colombo’s decision to eliminate the LTTE.Against such a backdrop, the re-listing of the Tigers as a terrorist organisation by the EU is indeed significant. It is an indication that the EU grudgingly admits that the LTTE - or what is left of it - does pose a threat to their own security and that the Tigers may not have changed their stripes after all.When confronted with such possibilities the EU forgets all its lofty ideals about human rights and proscribes the LTTE, notwithstanding the fact that there are many LTTE ‘rump’ associations still operating in Europe masquerading as front organisations which can still engage in fund raising.The double standards are therefore blatant: The EU doesn’t mind the LTTE as long as it collects funds and maintains good behaviour on the EU soil. That these funds may finance terrorism elsewhere, possibly in Sri Lanka is conveniently forgotten.
But the EU and other western nations will learn at their own peril. The best example that could be cited is that of India which during the Indira Gandhi years nurtured the LTTE in its backyard mostly to ‘teach a lesson’ to Sri Lanka. That terrorism was to consume Gandhi’s son Rajiv, years later.Today, terrorism is no longer an isolated phenomenon. It is a global trend. It is also a multi-billion dollar business. The LTTE as a military force maybe non-existent but the support network that financed its terror has not crumbled; it must be still operating at a huge profit.That is Colombo’s next frontier. But while Sri Lanka deals with that issue and ensures that its terrain is never used again for terrorist activity, the rest of the world should not go about haranguing Sri Lanka with eyes and ears firmly shut.Certainly the EU re-listing the LTTE as a terrorist organisation is a welcome move. But that alone does not suffice if the EU is really committed towards eliminating the LTTE. Its words must be matched with deeds in its member nations. Terrorism anywhere, after all, is terrorism.
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