Fonseka’s face-off…. Underworld ‘Oalcott’ appointed as aide-de-camp

"Who can we trust... Gen. Fonseka or Politico Fonseka?"

Political Fonseka has turned-on red-light at the military police (MP) over a request made for a comprehensive search on an alleged harboring of Army deserters at his government sponsored residence at Bullers Road , Colombo � 07.
Times-of-Lanka has learnt that among the military outlaws now providing close escort to the former commander, are some wanted of perpetrated crime and rape. According to our sources, a few have been closely associated with opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake. It is also learnt that Ravi Karunanayake has entrusted Fonseka with 'Oalcott' an underworld gang leader from Borella, to his ring of assassins.

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Artistes pledge support to President

Several renowned artistes pledging their support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming presidential elections, called for all to support the President for an era of peace and prosperity.

Rohana Weerasinghe, Sumithra Peries, Malani Fonseka, Neela Wickramasinghe, Douglas Siriwardena, Ravindra Randeniya, Somaratne Dissanayake and Jackson Antony addressed the media at the Mass Media and Information Ministry yesterday. Veteran actor Ravindra Randeniya declared their unanimous decision to support the President.

“Just six months ago, the whole of Sri Lanka lived in a state of fear. We didn’t know whether we would return home at night. Freedom was the dream of all. It took 30 years to achieve due to there being no proper political leadership,” he said.

Randeniya stated that the President’s patronage to cinema was unparalleled to that of any other leader, as he took an active interest in the pertaining issues.

Announcer Renuka Balasooriya called out to the people to open their eyes to the great fortune that the past year had brought forward.

“I never thought I’d see the country as it is today. We should not forget what we underwent during the past three decades.

A lot of people have forgotten this. Before thinking of their mouths and stomachs, they should first think of being alive, a freedom which we have regained after many years,” she said.

Film Director Somaratne Dissanayake denying allegations that artistes were being used as pawns, said the accusers should first query the reason of being pawns.

He said being pawns for a mission of wisdom, knowledge and culture, was one they did both willingly and proudly.

Noting that it was his first political press experience, actor, director and producer Jackson Antony noted that he had decided to become politically involved due to the revolution the President had brought forward.

President had proved himself as a charismatic authority, a leader of the people, one who did not bow down to western dictatorship.

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Why Mahinda - 10 reasons for electing M.R.- R.I. Obeyesekera

1. The Forces under the political leadership of M.R. won the war. There are no more suicide bomb attacks, no more check points. No fear psychosis. People get about freely.

2. The Tamil people were not harassed consequent to the killing of Prabhakaran and elimination of the LTTE as in1983. Mahinda has gone public that Sri Lanka belongs to all who live in it. He has symbolically demonstrated his commitment to a united Sri Lanka by prefacing his speeches at the UN and other formal occasions by speaking in the Tamil language. The climate is favourable for a fair and just settlement of the remaining issues in this field.

3. He has stood up to the foreign pressures to deflect the war effort whilst strengthening his links to China, India, Iran the PLO and N. Korea.

4. Vast infrastructure projects like Harbours/Ports, Airports and an extensive network of roads, which are underway must be steadily completed.

5. Power projects like Kerawalapitiya and the Puttalam Coal Power Project which are sufficient to generate power to provide electricity to our remotest villages and provide for the progressive electrification of our Railway Network.

6. Fisheries development of Deep sea, offshore and Inland fisheries also in the liberated Northern and Eastern Provinces which resumed fishing activities after interruption during the protected war.

7. Speeding up all round Agricultural Development.

8. The ongoing revival of Tourist sector must continue unabated.

9. Development of Organic Agricultural Development with foreign investments for exports on a large scale.

10. All this must continue and Sri Lanka must move forward to next stage of development which belong to us.

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Sarath Fonseka and his 3 Cs: Confusion, Contradiction and Capitulation?

by Sumanasiri Liyanage

When a country elects a new president or reelects the incumbent, it has to think seriously how the policies that are offered by different candidates would affect the future of the country and its people. Of course, every candidate would be careful to make her/his election manifesto attractive to the people of all walks of life so that some of the promises and policies may lose their practicality. People also know from their own experience that politicians when in power will not fulfil all the promises they had made prior to the election. Nonetheless, looking at the past track record of the politicians and their party affiliations, people can see, to a significant extent, the direction in which those in power would lead the country. For example, it was not difficult to foresee that Ranasinghe Premadasa would adopt capitalist economic policies but with pro-poor bias. On the other hand, Ranil Wickremesinghe is known for extreme neo-liberal economic and social restructuring of the country. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s opposition to federalism and his orientation towards more interventionist state were well known even before he presented his Mahinda Chintanaya. However, when the candidate’s past track record is not known and her/his party affiliations are weak or non-existent, making decision would become an extremely difficult. This was what happened when people seeking for a change voted for Chandrika Bandaranaike in 1994. The Opposition and democratic social movements and the JVP badly needed a change. Almost all the significant and well-known political leaders, like Vijaya Kumaratunga, Lalith Athulathmudali, Ranasinghe Premadasa and Gamini Dissanayake were assassinated. While JVP was responsible for killing Vijaya Kumaratunga, others were killed by the LTTE. So there was a big vacuum. Chandrika Bandaranaike was elected. But she finally ended up being the worst Sri Lankan executive president.


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S.B. Dissanayake: Sri Lanka’s Electoral System Must Change

Abolishing the executive presidency will not be enough to ensure stability in Sri Lanka, says S.B. Dissanayake, former national organizer for the United National Party (UNP) and former opposition leader of the Central Provincial Council.

“Even more than the system of the executive presidency, there is a bigger problem in this country and that’s with the parliamentary electoral system,” Dissanayake says. “Both these systems have to work together. If we abolish the executive presidency and continue with the same electoral system, there will never be a stable government in Sri Lanka.”
The executive president of the tiny Indian Ocean island is also the head of state of the Republic of Sri Lanka and the head of the executive, the head of the government, and the commander in chief of the armed forces.

Elected by the people and holding office for a period of six years, the president has the right to attend, address and send messages to Parliament at any time. The office also entitles the incumbent to all the privileges, immunities and powers of a member of parliament, other than the right to vote, and will not be liable for any breach of the privileges of Parliament or of its members.
Prior to his crossing over to government ranks, Dissanayake was being promoted by some members of the UNP as a possible presidential candidate. But that was not to be. If he is bitter about it, that bitterness is directed at UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe whom Dissanayake accuses of having appropriated all powers in the party to himself. He accuses Wickremesinghe of being dictatorial and not subjecting the party to democratic norms.

“The system of government (in Sri Lanka) should be democratic,” Dissanayake says. “However, it is very essential that there is a strong leadership.”

Dissanayake made these comments during a wide-ranging interview with SLNN at his residence following his press conference Monday. During that press conference, Dissanayake announced that he was relinquishing all his posts in the UNP and joining the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to secure the victory of incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

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SHOULDN’T THE CENTRAL BANK TRACK THE FUNDS COMING INTO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Malin Abeyatunge
Now the race has begun and how Sarath Fonseka’s election campaign WILL BE FUNDED may be an interesting thing to wait and watch. As Sarath Fonseka claims himself to be Mr. CLEAN and Mr. INTERGITY and contesting the presidential election to weed out corruption and nepotism, no one thinks that he has enough funds on his own to run the presidential race. Being Mr. Clean Mr. Integrity , I don’t think he would have accumulated so much of wealth whilst being the Army Commander. So, who is funding his race? Are the five stooges Ranil, Mangala, Somawansa, Hakeem and Mano or their parties have enough funds to run the race? I doubt very much.

Now the race has begun, there will be sterling pounds, American, Canadian, Australian and Euro dollars flooding into the Presidential Election campaign specially for UNP-JVP led alliance. Of course, it may boost our FX reserves. The international conspirators comprise of overseas organizations, INGOS, individuals and even some state agencies want to see the end of Rajapaksa’s rule having miserably failed by other means like war crimes, IDP issues etc. The international conspirators will see that the Common Candidate Sarath Fonseka’s election campaign will not run short of funds.
Incidentally, Somawansa has just returned from a trip to Europe and his agenda would have been presumably to raise funds from state agencies and INGOs who are partners of the international conspiracy.

I believe that the Central Bank has a role to play to see that laundered funds from overseas do not finance the presidential election campaign of Sarath Fonseka. Any funds coming from overseas to these parties henceforth should be monitored like the CB keeping a tab on TRO Funds. CB also should track the flow of funds to this Presidential election campaign be they ruling party or the opposition candidate. There should be transparency of the funds received from overseas thro various state agencies and INGOs specially to SF’s election campaign may be even from the LTTE supportive Diaspora who likes to see the end of Rajapaksa regime for having defeated LTTE militarily on Sri
Lankan soil.

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Joint Press Statement on the visit of Sri Lankan delegation

Both sides recognized the importance of sustaining peace and moving towards a political solution in Sri Lanka, states a joint statement issued by Indiaand Sri Lanka after yesterdays visit by a Lankan government delegation’s visit to India.

Joint Press Statement on the visit of High Level Sri Lankan delegation to India(December 09-10, 2009)
Hon’ble Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and Senior Adviser to the President, H.E. Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, H.E. Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary visited New Delhi between 9-10 December 2009 and met with Shri M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser, Smt. Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary and Shri Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary. They also called on the External Affairs Minister Shri S.M.Krishna.

Both sides reviewed the ongoing relief, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts in Northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan side mentioned that more than 158,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have since left the camps and around 115,000 remained. The Sri Lankan side detailed to the Indian side the steps initiated to resettle the IDPs in their original places of habitation. They indicated their resolve to resettle the IDPs before end-January 2010. Welcoming the initial steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to relax movement and travel restrictions on IDPs, the Indian side expressed the hope that the IDPs would resume their livelihood and return to a life of normalcy.

The Sri Lankan side thanked the Indian side for the substantial assistance being provided by India for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the commendable work done by the 60-member Indian Field Hospital at Menik Farm, Vavuniya, where more than 50,000 patients were treated. The contribution of 2.5 lakh family packs sent by the Government of Tamil Nadu to the IDPs was appreciated. The Indian side emphasized that, with a view to ensure the return of the IDPs to their homes and resumption of their livelihood, it had enhanced the number of Indian de-mining teams in the area, provided additional quantity of shelter material and agricultural starter packs and was now in the process of providing cement bags for reconstruction of damaged houses of IDPs. These gestures were welcomed by the Sri Lankan side.

Both sides recognized the importance of sustaining peace and moving towards a political solution in Sri Lanka. The Indian side welcomed the holding of local elections in Jaffnaand Vavuniya. Both sides agreed on the need for political arrangements which would serve the legitimate interests and meet the aspirations of all Sri Lankan citizens. The Sri Lankan side reiterated the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to a political process that would lead to lasting peace and reconciliation.

Both sides agreed on the need for restoration of infrastructure and services in the North and East Sri Lanka and welcomed the participation of Indian companies in these projects.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the visit of a delegation of Tamil Parliamentarians to Sri Lankaand the access given to them by Sri Lanka to visit IDP camps in Vavuniya. The delegation had also visited Jaffnaand the Up-country areas. They called on H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Noting the salutary effect, which the October 2008 Joint Statement on Fishing Arrangements has had on issues relating to fishing, the two sides agreed to continue to adhere to these arrangements and also agreed to convene the Joint Working Group on Fishing Cooperation to continue discussions on the draft MOU to put in place an institutional arrangement.

New Delhi
December 10, 2009

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‘Fonseka bought arms through relations cos’ - Real Face of Mr. Clean

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

The Government levelled fresh allegations against General Sarath Fonseka yesterday asserting that his relatons were involved in weapons purchasing for the Sri Lankan security forces. Addressing the government news briefing at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, Power and Energy Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said General Fonseka had purchased military hardware through a wcompany held by his relations.“What is interesting is that the Hicorp International Inc. has started to deal with the Sri Lanka Army days after General Fonseka assumed duties as commander of the Sri Lanka Army, which is highly suspicious,” said Mr. Aluthgamage.

“The Army Commander has the authority to make emergency purchases to the value of Rs. 25 million at a time outside of the tender procedure. General Fonseka has exploited this facility to make purchases through his son in law,” he said.

“Let us for the moment assume that these purchases are above board. But is it ethical for an Army Commander to buy weapons through his son in law?” asked Mr. Aluthgamage.

He said the Defence Ministry will immediately launch an investigation, in addition to initiating an inquiry by the Bribery Commission and the CID. He said the disclosure was not intended to sling mud but to expose those who had slung mud at President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was not aware of the purchases. However, Mr. Aluthgamage conceded that there had been irregularities and corruption in the defence establishment during the humanitarian operation.

Mr. Aluthgamage said that General Fonseka had decided to challenge President Mahinda Rajapaksa with malicious intent and due to envy.

“The UNP is already on the retreat as the erosion of the party has begun with S.B.Dissanayaka. A large number of UNP stalwarts are to follow Dissanayaka shortly. The fate of one of the biggest and oldest political parties in the country would be extremely pathetic after this election,” he said.

FACT BOX

* Minister Aluthgamage challenges General Fonseka to prove the allegations were wrong and sue him.

* President Rajapaksa as Defence Minister will take action to bring to book those involved in shady deals.

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SLMC ‘hit by defections in East’

Top Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) members are said to be leaving the party in the Eastern Province following its decision to support the UNF in the upcoming Presidential poll.

"SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem has earned the wrath of the Eastern Muslims by his decision to support the UNF," said former party high-command member F. M. Ameerul Ansar Moulana.

The former SLMC deputy national propaganda secretary also said he had now joined the National Congress, a constituent party of the UPFA, in the interest of the Muslim community.

He pointed out that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had earned the support of the Eastern Muslims after liberating them from the clutches of terrorists.

He said the President maintains close ties with Muslim countries and had developed excellent rapport with Eastern Muslims, mastering the Tamil language.

According to sources, other SLMC defectors, included high-ranking party members such as district organizer, urban council chairman and local councillors.

These sources added that SLMC Batticaloa district organizer and Kattankudy Urban Council chairman Marsook Ahamed Lebbe, five SLMC local councilors and a UNP local council member joined the UPFA last Sunday.

The defectors are Nagoor Khan Ramalan (SLMC/ Battticaloa MC), Hayathu Mohammed (SLMC/Kattankudy UC), Abdul Rafeek (SLMC/ Valaichchenai PS), Abdul Wahid (SLMC/Eravurpattu PS), J M Firdous (SLMC/Eravurpattu PS) and Nanda Siri (UNP).

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It was SFwho wanted more arms after war, not Defence Secy – Nimal

"I have documents here which prove that the former Army Commander wanted to procure more weapons. Maybe he fell out with the Defence Secretary because the latter said such weapons were no longer necessary," the Minister said."

Leader of the House Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva charged in Parliament yesterday that it was General Sarath Fonseka who had wanted to procure more weapons after the end of the war in May this year and not the Defence Secretary as Fonseka had alleged.

Speaking during the debate on the extension of the emergency, Minister de Silva refuted allegations that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had attempted to bring in more armaments after the conclusion of the conflict.

"I have documents here which prove that the former Army Commander wanted to procure more weapons. Maybe he fell out with the Defence Secretary because the latter said such weapons were no longer necessary," the Minister said.

He tabled in the House documents in support of his argument.

"We have a great deal of respect for General Fonseka’s achievement on the battle field but it is sad that he has fallen prey to those behind a conspiracy to destabilise the country," the Minister said.

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Navy brings three LTTE ships to Colombo

by Norman Palihawadana


Amidst a simmering political debate over LTTE assets seized by the government following the collapse of the LTTE in May, the Sri Lanka Navy brought three LTTE ships to the Sri Lankan waters.

Well informed sources told The Island that the government had taken custody of the vessels following negotiations with foreign officials subsequent to information provided by the new LTTEleader KP, who had been in charge of the LTTE arms procurement network.

The Island in its December 2 issue exclusively reported a move to take over ships belonging to the LTTE.

Authoritative sources said that the three ships were believed to be among the LTTE fleet that was targeted by the SLN during September 2006 – October 2007 period. The SLN destroyed eight vessels in four separate operations on the high seas.

The UNP-JVP combine has accused President Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa of secretly taking over LTTE assets for their personal use, a charge denied by the government. The Defence Secretary recently told The Island that nothing could be as ridiculous as this allegation. "They are seeking political capital out of a purely intelligence issue," he said.

In the run-up to the forthcoming presidential election, the seized LTTE wealth has become a hot topic.

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HON. RAUF HAKEEM FULLY SUPPORTED THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY RIGHT THROUGHOUT. THAT WAS THE SLMC STAND TOO.WHY A CHANGE NOW?

By Noor Nizam. Sri Lanka Peace Activist, Political Activist and Freelance Journalist – Canada
The political history to the background to Hon. Rauf Hakeem supporting the UNF and promising that he will do all what he can to get 80% of the Muslim votes for General (retired) Sarath Fonseka is a bit puzzling. The question he raised at the 54th., UNP convention – “raja pavulatataha – obegepavulatatha” the UNP votes has to be decided, was in fact not centered at the Muslim voters or the “poraaligal” of the SLMC.

Hon. Rauf Hakeem has been an ardent supporter and strong believer in the political ideology and the constitutionally formulated Executive Office of President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – Chapter V11 Section (30.1) and (30.2) of the 1978. It has been recorded in many documents, media reports, lectures and foreign presentation made by Hon. Rauf Hakeem to this fact.
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JVP’s devolution dilemma - Island Editorial Dec. 8, 2009

Politics, to cynics, means poly-tricks. For, politicians practise the art of playing tricks on the hoi polloi and bluffing their way through. The two main parties in this country stand accused of pulling the wool over the eyes of electors to capture or retain political power. For them promises are like pie crust––made to be broken. The SLFP and UNP manifestoes are, in our book, like comics; they are there to be enjoyed and discarded. Therefore, when the SLFP and the UNP blame each other for 'broken promises', they behave just like two women of easy virtue engaged in a slanging match near a public tap.

Are other parties any different? The JVP always claims moral high ground and pontificates to others. It coined a very innovative slogan some years ago to cast the two main parties in a bad light and to project itself as a paragon of virtue. It read: unuth ekai, munuth ekai, which meant both the SLFP and the UNP were equally bad. But, the JVP's policies have been as inconsistent as those of the SLFP and the UNP.

On Sunday, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva asked President Mahinda Rajapaksa whether he had agreed to a devolution model that went beyond the 13th Amendment. The JVP said the President had to do so since EPDP leader Douglas Devananda had put forth some conditions for supporting President Rajapaksa's candidature at the next presidential election and one of them was that the government should agree to go beyond the provincial council system in granting devolution to the North and the East. The JVP's right to raise that question cannot be questioned but strangely it has baulked at posing the same query to the Opposition's common candidate Sarath Fonseka, who is blowing hot and cold about the issue of devolution.

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Knock out for Ranil Wickremasinghe :Sarath Fonseka duo - S.B. Dissanayake crossed over to SLFP

S.B.Daissanayake , the exuberant UNP deputy leader crossed over to the SLFP this morning and pledged to work for Mahinda Rajapaksa’s victory.

It was a knock out for Ranil Wickremasinghe - Sarath Fonseka duo, when S.B.Dissanayake, UNP Asistant Leader and the National Organizer made the public announcement of resigning from all posts he held in the UNP and joined the SLFP led UPFA to support the presidential candidature of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the upcoming election.

Dissanayake made this announcement, amidst thunderous applause, at a media briefing, held this morning, at the Hotel Taj Samudra in Colombo.

He told journalists at the Hotel Taj Samudra, that he would do his utmost to defeat the General, to ensure the victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He pledged to campaign vigorously for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure the defeat of UNP- JVP sponsored candidate Gen.Sarath Fonseka.

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Adigar ‘Pawnseka’ is faltering under the influence of supporters with vested interests

Ajit Randeniya
General (retd.) Sarath Fonseka is conforming to the shameful tradition of past Sri Lankan kings and adigars who have been ‘eveready’ to sell out to foreigners. This tradition, starting with Buvanekabahu of Kotte was kept alive by many other kings and adigars that followed him. Ranil Wickremesinghe whom many consider to be the reincarnation of Don Juan Dharmapala has been the personification of this shameful practice in recent times. Now that the baton has been passed on to Sarath Fonseka, he deserves to be referred to as Adigar ‘Pawnseka’.

Sadly for him, things do not seem to be going well at all for Adigar Pawnseka. His identity as ‘Robert Blake’s common candidate’ seems to be coming to light along every step of the election campaign.

He has also been ‘dropping bricks’; even his puppet master Blake will agree that Pawnseka proved his ‘jackass’ credentials by calling President Rajapakse a ‘tin pot dictator’. It is obvious that he did not know the meaning, context of origin, or the inappropriateness of this expression to what he wanted to say but used it impulsively, showing that he is not fit to be president even in a ‘tin pot’.

The expression ‘tin pot dictator’ was a pejorative term coined in the days of the colonial British plundering of the world (under the euphemism ‘Empire’). The label was designed to denigrate strong patriotic and incorruptible leaders of countries they wanted to invade. The ‘tin pot’ reference was to the then new invention of the cheap metal container.

Pawnseka’s use of the expression, in addition to being linguistically inaccurate, is simply stupid contextually because dictators are those who stay in power without holding elections! However, the conspiracy behind Pawnseka’s candidature is such that his masters would have been extremely pleased.

Compared to such relatively insignificant ‘brick-dropping’, Fonseka’s hush-hush trip to India last week was a monumental cock-up; the trip was announced as another ‘private’ trip, much like the last one to the US. But speculation was rife in both India and Sri Lanka about the purpose of the trip. Disappointingly for Pawnseka, he failed to meet up with any significant figures in New Delhi. Those in the know believe that he was ‘crawling’ to the Indians for approval and possibly to seek domicile in India after the election.

Whatever the objective, Pawnseka’s failed Indian trip seems to have got his puppet master Robert ‘Oh!’ Blake worried; Blake is coming to Colombo early this week under the ridiculous pretence of ‘encouraging reconciliation’! He will meet with unnamed “government officials, political leaders (Milinda Moragoda!) and civil society (INGOs)” the State Department announced.

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SB to cross over to govt. today. Makes farewell speech to UNP electorate

SB Dissanayake will join the government at an auspicious time this morning.

UNP National Organiser and Central Provincial Council Opposition Leader S.B. Dissanayake will cross over to the Government today, The Island learns.

Dissanayake summoned the UNP Electorate Organisations (Asana Bala Mandala) of the Central Province for a meeting at his residence in Hanguranketha yesterday and delivered an emotional speech, where he described his political career and how he had left the SLFP to join forces with the UNP, sources said.

He had mentioned that he broke ranks with the then President Chandrika Kumaratunga and worked tirelessly to help UNP to form a government under Ranil Wickremesinghe, sources said.

Then, he had described how none of the ministers of the UNP government had been allowed to work or promote the party by a cabal of Wickremesinghe’s favourites favourites including Charitha Ratwatte. They had not allowed the UNP Ministers to carry out their work, he said asking the electorate organisers to compare the work he had been able to do as a minister under the SLFP and the UNP governments for the people in the Hanguranketha area.

Dissanayake had also described how the party leadership had systematically hindered the powerful, effective and well experienced politicians and paved the way for favourites of the leader to become electorate organisers, sources said adding that he had cited what happened at Matara and Kurunegala districts as evidence.

Sources said Dissanayake had explained how Ranil Wickremesinghe worked for the downfall of the party and made party strongmen break ranks and join forces with the government. At the end, the UNP had been reduced to the level of not being able to field its own candidate at the forthcoming presidential election and the party now had to accept a common candidate selected by the JVP.

Dissanayake told the partymen that Wickremesinghe was not genuinely supporting the campaign to make the common candidate next president but working according to his own agenda to remain as the party leader until 2017.

Dissanayake said that he had not attended Saturday’s UNP Convention.
UNP strongman Sajith Premadasa, who had attended the convention, had been given a seat on the stage but not a speech.

Yesterday’s meeting had commenced around 10 am continued until 1.45 pm, when he received a message that President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was on his way to Kandy, would visit him. President Rajapaksa had visited Dissanayake’s home and they had had a one to one meeting which lasted over one hour, sources said. President Rajapaksa had also spoken to Dissanayake’s ailing mother.

President had been seen speaking to all those present after his meeting with Dissanayake, sources said. Among those who attended the Asana Bala Mandalaya meeting were SB Dissanayake’s brother Saliya Dissanayake and former MP Keerthi Mawallage, who was the private secretary of former SLFP leader and Prime Minister the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

The Island learns that SB Dissanayake will join the government at an auspicious time this morning.

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The President now needs an Economist Gotabaya - Dr. Rohan Gunaratne

The war has ended and what the President now needs is an Economist Gothabaya. This reference has been made by Dr. Rohan Gunaratne, an internationally recognized researcher on guerilla terrorism.

He made this reference in an interview with a weekend newspaper. Pointing out that the President took a prudent decision in deploying Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the proper handling in ending the war, Dr. Gunaratne said Gotabaya Rajapaksa should deserve credibility for his heroism in the battle. If it was not done, all these victories could have been lost.
The Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Police, the Civil Defence Department, the Intelligence Service and the Foreign Ministry no doubt made a critical contribution to the battle against terrorism. Dr. Gunaratne opined that one single institution cannot be credited with the victory over terrorism.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a better awareness on the war. Dr. Gunaratne attributed the victory to the confidence and team spirit of Gotabaya Rajapaksas Group. As the President directed Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the battle against terrorism, he also had to find another Gotabaya to rebuild the economy. This, Dr. Gunaratne in his interview added, will help to carry forward all plans of the President.

Related

Sarath Fonseka and regime change in Sri Lanka

A.Weerasekera

Recently Minister Maithripala Sirisena made a comment that west is using Sarath Fonseka to bring regime change in Sri Lanka. Could there be any truth behind this claim? In April 2002, Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Commerce president Pedro Carmona led a coup to bring down the Venezuelan head of state, President Hugo Chavez.

Immediately after the coup, members of the military and of the new government said that the decision to force Chavez from power had been made six months earlier by a group of dissident officers in the Venezuelan navy and air force. As the coup was being hatched, the United States met with all the key players, either in Venezuela or in Washington: Pedro Carmona, Vice Admiral Carlos Molina, Air Force Col. Pedro Soto, and several other officers who in February had publicly demanded Chavez’s removal.

A US diplomat revealed that Molina and Soto had each received $100,000 from a Miami bank account for denouncing Chavez.

Later it was found that the U.S. funneled almost a million dollars to the organizations that fomented the anti-Chavez coup, through the auspices of the National Endowment for Democracy. Instead of recognizing the coup, the White House term of choice was “a change of government”. Such incidents are common in Latin American, Africa, Middle East and Asia.

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SARATH FONSEKA – THE LATEST MEMBER OF CLUB OF TRAITORS OF SRI LANKA (A GENERAL WITHOUT TRUE PATRIOTISM AND COMMON SENSE

Shripal Nishshanka Fernando

One does not need to analyze many facts or reasons to visualize what Sarath Fonseka is trying to do in Sri Lanka today. This high ego man has aligned with Sri Lanka’s most infamous traitors and tries to derail the successful path which Sri Lanka finally managed to adopt by the wise leadership of President Rajapaksha.

Any average person who values simple gratitude, loyalty and sincerity would never approve or appreciate Sarath Fonseka who started a vicious campaign against his own master who stood beside him during most difficult time.

The most ungrateful Sarath Fonseka has joined the ‘Wagon of the Traitors of Sri Lanka’ which is driven by Ranil the ‘Dangerous Traitor’ just because of few hilarious personal reasons. The top reasons among them being return of two shiploads of arms consigned to Sri Lanka back to the ports of origin by Gotabaya soon after the ‘Humanitarian Operation’ was accomplished, not letting Sarath Fonseka to continue his service till the 60th anniversary of the Army and assigning a commander of the army who was not in the list of Sarath Fonseka’s recommendations.

Firstly Sarath Fonseka should never forget that if not for Gotabaya, he would have been a retired soldier more than three years ago. When Gota assumed his duty as the Secretary of Defense soon after his brother Mahinda’s inauguration as president in December 2005, Sarath Fonseka was preparing for his retirement from the services. Gota requested MR to appoint SF as the Commander of the Army and the records say that MR had been extremely reluctant to that idea as SF had been identified by former presidents as one of the most dangerously opportunistic army officers. Some or how Gota could convince his president brother to promote SF as the army commander by, by-passing several other senior officers who were in the line with due rights. SF was well known to Gota in the battle field in former operations and helped him to rearrange the army the way SF wanted.

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US asked to probe Danuna Tillakeratne Sarath F.'s Son In-Law

As evidence continues to mount that Danuna Tillakeratne indulged in unethical business practices, demands are mounting that the United States should inquire into the dealings since the son-in-law of former army commander has the base of his business empire in that country.

In identical letters to various functionaries in Texas and Oklahoma and also the US administration as such, open appeals were made citing as many as 16 grounds for the probe.

The Asian Tribune, which is at the forefront of the campaign, has submitted documentary evidence to press for the US probe and citied as many as 16 to 17 grounds for the inquiry.

Interestingly, this demand for an open inquiry kicked off just when a legal notice was slapped on the Asian Tribune on behalf of Danuna Tillakeratne. The notice takes exception to the AT report titled “ Every bullet fired at innocent Tamil civilians fetched kickbacks to Gen. Foneska Family” published on 22nd November 2009.

The letter of demand was sent via courier service on Mr. K.T.Rajasingham and on the World Institute For Asian Studies by Mr. Charitha N. Galhena, Attorney –at – Law, of 544/A, Lake Road, Boralesgamuwa, Sri Lanka, on behalf of his client Danuna Tilakaratne of 109 Kirulapona Avenue, Colombo 5.

According to our investigation, until yesterday (05 December 2009) Danuna Tilakaratne is very much in Oklahoma.

Our lawyers are working on this aspect and will report once we get the legal opinion from them.

It is not clear whether laws that govern print media apply to Internet publications which have no geographical limitations.

Excerpts from the text of open requests for US probe:

Governor Brad Henry
State Capitol Building
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 212
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
USA

02 December 2009

Dear Governor Brad Henry,

Independent Enquiry Into Illegal Business Activities of Mr. Danuna Tillakeratne

It is with great respect I, K.T.Rajasingham , Chief Editor of Asian Tribune, an online news daily, published by World Institute For Asian Studies , request for a independent inquiry into the business activities conducted by Mr. Danuna Tillakeratne, 17545 Gold Drive, Edmond, OK 73003. . His Sri Lanka address is 19, Kirulapona Avenue, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka. He is the son-in law of General Sarath Fonseka, Former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.

It has come to our attention that Danuna Tillakeratne has conducted illegal arm deals as well as received commissions for supplying war related materials to Sri Lankan government, which violated Sir Lankan laws, as well as international laws, USA law and regulations including. Please consider the following facts while conducting your investigation

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SB going it alone for Presidential elections or will he support Mahinda? –decision tomorrow

Reports say , S B Dissanayake , the UNP National Organizer who did not attend the UNP special convention on the 5th was met by the President Rajapakse at SB’s residence at Hangurakgeta this afternoon.

The President who arrived in a fleet of three helicopters; after attending the religious ceremonies at Galaha , had met Minister CB Ratnayake and gone along with him to meet SB Dissanayake. They had had a three hour secret discussion.

Sources close to SB Dissanayake said, after the discussion, latter has organized a special media briefing tomorrow at the Taj samudra Hotel at 10.00 a.m. where he is going to reveal his plans for the forthcoming Presidential elections.

The sources also added that, it is most likely that he will resign from the UNP, and support Mahinda Rajapkase, or may contest as an independent candidate on his own. Attempts to contact SB Dissanayake by Lanka e news was of no avail.

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UNP losing more heavyweights?

The United National Party (UNP) seems to be on the verge of losing more of its heavyweights. Sources from the Central Provincetold Adaderana that another strongman from the party would join the government, and that the announcement would probably be made on Monday.

The sources also said that most UNP members were not happy over the party not contesting the upcoming Presidential election by putting forward a candidate through the party.

Kurunegala district UNP Parliamentarian Johnston Fernando who earlier spoke out against the move to support Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate under the swan symbol has said that this is the first time that the UNP under the elephant symbol is not contesting a crucial poll in the country.

Mr. Fernando is to be joined by another stalwart of the UNP and several others who are expected to announce their stance tomorrow (Monday).

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The Fonseka factor –constitutional and political implications

Excerpted from an interview with Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion.

The public must have an awareness of what it is that General Sarath Fonseka is offering. What kind of society, what kind of future, and what kind of government is he going to give us? We don’t believe for a moment that General Fonseka is going to become president, but let us examine, hypothetically, what the results will be if he is elected.

To start with, General Fonseka proposes to abolish the executive presidency and has given a time frame to achieve this purpose. This simply cannot be done. The constitution can be changed or amended only by having recourse to procedures spelt out in the constitution in itself. Any amendment, to be lawful, must be formulated and pursued within the framework of the constitution. Anything else will be a violation of the basic law of the land.

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End of global LTTE network imminent - Prof. Rohan Gunaratna

In an exclusive interview with the `Sunday Observer’, Prof. Rohan Gunaratna, Head, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore focuses on efforts to dismantle the LTTE’s international network and argues the case for reaching out to LTTE leaders and cadres living overseas to obtain their support for rebuilding the Nation. An author of several books on Sri Lanka he is constantly sought after by foreign States during investigations for his expert knowledge on LTTE international affairs. When the LTTE ship “MV Princess Easwary”/”MV Ocean Lady” was detained in Vancouver in October 2009, Professor Gunaratna was appointed by the Government of Canada to provide advice on the origins of the ship.

Q: The Government today announced the seizing of three ships owned and operated by the LTTE leader Tharmalingam Shanmugam Kumaran alias Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) who is now in State custody. What is the background to this development?

A: The Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa understood that even if the LTTE is defeated in Sri Lanka, peace is not sustainable unless Sri Lanka dismantles the LTTE infrastructure overseas. Sri Lanka faces a risk of terrorism every day as long as the LTTE infrastructure is intact and the LTTE remains active outside Sri Lanka. As such, the Sri Lankan government worked with their foreign counterparts building platforms to monitor, detect and disrupt LTTE cells overseas that posed a threat to national security.

Even before Prabhakaran was killed, working with a small team of specialists, the Defence Secretary masterminded the operation to bring home KP, the designated successor to Prabhakaran. Since then, the Sri Lankan government has adopted a pragmatic approach of working with both KP and former LTTE leaders to abandon the LTTE’s violent ideology and build long- term peace.

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Fonseka’s swansong

By Asoka Subhawickrama, Sydney, Australia


Sarath Fonseka choosing the swan as his election symbol is indeed prophetic. Legend has it that the song of the swan heralds its impending demise. The non-superstitious would call it mere coincidence and others may argue that Fonseka’s is crowing and whinging, not singing, but the quirk is weird, indeed.

There is a saying “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away”. But in Sri Lanka, they get blown away, at least the brave heroic types.
One of the very best soldiers we had was General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, much senior to Fonseka. As Denzil led his soldiers from victory to victory, his fame skyrocketed. Whilst peaceful Sri Lankans hailed him as the 20th Century Dutugemunu, Tigers feared and detested him like the devil incarnate. Ironically, his rapidly increasing popularity was perceived by those in power at the time as a bigger threat than that posed by the Tigers.

Finally, on 8 August 1992, Denzil was blasted by a bomb planted by an “unknown party”. Several high ranking officers, including the equally heroic Brigadier Wimalaratne and Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha were blown to pieces together with Denzil.

When fingers were pointed at the late President Premadasa, he wept inconsolably. In a vain attempt to clear his pitiful name of the horrendous crime he definitely didn’t commit (he had been accused of many others, though). Premadasa publicly pleaded, “Please assassinate me, but not my name”. The true villain behind the attack on Denzil’s party was never discovered.

Another valiant officer who was deeply hated by the Tigers was Major General Lucky Algama. On his retirement after many a victorious battle against the Tigers, he – unfortunately a born UNPer – was persuaded by Ranil Wickramasinghe to join his political campaign. On that fateful day of 18 December 1999, Algama, the disciplined military man he was, appeared punctually on the UNP podium as the election meeting started. Only a few minutes ticked away before a bomb exploded killing Algama instantly. Curiously, Ranil who was billed to preside the meeting, was “a bit” late and escaped. Again, fingers started pointing at others.

Next was Major General Janaka Perera, a soldier who had made a name in the media as a clever war hero. On his retirement (premature, some say because CBK mistrusted him) and after a stint as a diplomat, he was offered the UNP nomination for the post of Chief Minister of NCP. Janaka, hailing from a very dark-green-blooded family, gleefully accepted Ranil’s invitation.
This was the time when the real war against the terrorists had started under Mahinda’s leadership. Ranil beseeched Janaka to condemn the way the war was being fought. That was one of the main reasons for Ranil’s offer of the top nomination to Janaka.

Janaka knew it and tried his best. But, to his amazement, he found that the war was being prosecuted in an exemplary fashion as never before, both politically and militarily. And, the committed soldier he was, Janaka couldn’t bring himself down to concoct deliberate lies about military manoeuvres and strategies. In Ranil’s eyes, what little criticism Janaka dished out was inadequate and ineffectual. It is said, that during this period, every morning and evening Ranil lambasted Janaka for not doing enough to sabotage the war effort. Ranil was angry and disgusted with Janaka’s performance.

Finally, the inevitable happened. On 6 October 2008, Janaka, his wife and a host of others were blasted into smithereens at the opening of the UNP office in Anuradhapura. Strangely, again Ranil was absent at the moment of mayhem and escaped as usual. On this occasion, fingers were pointed even at the government, in the state of sheer madness triggered by the inability to even guess who was behind the heinous crime.
The stage is now firmly set for Sarath Fonseka, widely sung supreme war hero of our time. As the Tigers are now generally regarded as a spent force, if and when the predictable happens to Fonseka, most gullible people (that is the majority of Sri Lankans) would believe that it was engineered by Mahinda’s government. Fonseka’s whinging about reducing his protective guard would give much credence to such a belief. No amount of explanation would erase the inevitable damage to the reputation of Mahinda et al.

If the Rajapakses are as astute as seen more often than not, they would provide top notch protection to Fonseka and even rein in their mangy dogs who have snarled at him in the recent past. The belief that Fonseka is safe because the Tiger suicide cadres are almost wiped out is misplaced. We must realize that not only there are remnant Tamil terrorist cadres in the country, but that Fonseka could be taken out by mere contract killers. It is well known that both these groups are symbiotically linked to the enemies of the current government.

As for Fonseka, who is in a perpetual ego trip, no advice may work. However, at least in a fleeting sane moment – if such moments exist – it would be healthy for him to think about the villain who was behind all the assassinations of the past soldier heroes. After all, Sri Lankans want Sarath the war hero to live, not die in vain and ignominiously like Janaka.
The scoundrel responsible for the deaths of the great soldiers is also responsible for the assassinations of his own party leaders so that he could rise up the ladder, one rung at a time (one rung up and two rungs down). A born loser, one of the most despicable characters in Sri Lanka’s political history, he is the one who conferred with the Tigers and contrived the demise of Lalith Athulathmudali, Ranasinghe Premadasa and Gamini Disanayake.

Unless he wakes up from his dream soon, General Fonseka would never see the day of the election, he is only a disposable pawn in the villain’s power game.


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What if ?????

by Lucky(Sydney)

Due to the recent political upheaval in the land of Sri Lanka (SL), several people have come out and claimed the victory of the war. So we frequently hear/read the statements like “I am responsible for the victory over the LTTE”.

So I thought of compiling a list of critical events related to Sri Lanka which happened during the last 3 – 4 years and analysed to see what if we failed in any of these missions, what would have been the possible outcome scenario?

1.Mavil-Aru conflict 2006

This was the beginning of the war with LTTE and at that time General Fonseka was in the hospital after the suicide attack.

Mavil Aru was a bloody confrontation. LTTE closed the sluice gates of the Mavil Aru to block the supply of water to about 30,000 acres of ripe paddy affecting about 60,000 farmers. Started as a humanitarian operation, the Govt needed to restore the water supply from Mavil Aru to the innocent farmers.

On August 8, 2006 when the LTTE announced it was restoring the water supply, everyone expected the SL govt to call off the operation and come to a settlement. If it was Ranil or Chandrika at the helm, it would have been the end of the story. Even the LTTE expected the same from Mahinda, but the Govt went ahead with the operation “Watershed” until it gained the full control of the sluice gates controlling the water flow.

During the operation “Watershed” and immediately after, there was pressure from the International agencies and diplomatic missions to stop the operation and come to a ceasefire. Even the ex US president Bill Clinton intervened at one stage. In this instance President and the Govt selected the Military approach over the political solution to resolve the issue and which was never expected by the LTTE. The most important aspect of this operation was to re-establish the credibility of the security forces and totally sideline the SLMM (Monitoring mission).

If the operation had failed – what would have been the outcome? LTTE would have taken the total control of the whole eastern province including Trincomalee. – Mahinda’s head would have been on the chopping block.

2. SL Budget 2007

You may remember the tense situation that prevailed just before the voting for the SL Budget 2007. Mangala Samaraweera expected several MP’s to cross over from the Government side to the opposition; even the JVP expected the same. Wimal Weerawansa and his supporters saved the government on that occasion. When the defectors knew that Govt will not lose, their whole operation was deflated. Even the current JVP did not vote against the govt and abstained from the vote. Poor Anura Bandarnayake did not have a clue of the situation and got seated with the opposition.

If the Govt lost the budget on that day, would you like to imagine the situation of the country now? Most probably Prabhakaran & LTTE would have captured part of the country by now.

3.Destruction of large LTTE ships in 2007

In 2007, SL Navy destroyed the several large LTTE ships which were carrying arms and ammunition, in the high seas. It dealt a severe blow to the LTTE’s international arms shipment network and drastically reduced its fire power. This was a major turning point of the war. This was the first time our small Navy went out of our water and completed a major operation successfully.

What would have happened if that operation failed? Who would get the blame? .Of course President, Defense Secretary and Navy Commander would be the prime targets for the blame & ridicule. The opposition along with LTTE would have started a campaign and toppled the Government. Most probably, Prabhakaran would be running his Eelam by now. General Fonseka was not in the scene at the all.

4.UN Security Council in 2009

Even though the physical war was going on within SL, there was another battle that continued on outside SL. Most of the Western nations (US, UK, France, Norway, Sweden, etc) were using all their diplomatic fronts to stop the war and come to a political settlement. Several times LTTE Diaspora with the help of the West tried to include SL conflict into the Security Council agenda, but failed because of China, Russia & Vietnam. Here again credit lies with the Rajapaksa regime for backing the correct horse. Right from the beginning, Mahinda and the Govt had a very good relationship with China, Russia & India and that paved the way for their support.

If the LTTE Diaspora & West won at the UN Security Council, most probably UN would have sent a Peace Keeping Force and that would have been the birth of Eelam.

5.Bloody war in 2008 & 2009

By 2007, SL Security Forces have taken the total control of the Eastern province and started to dismantle LTTE from the north. According to the media reports, General Fonseka was in total control of this operation and he appointed commanders like Major General Jagath Dias and Brigadier Shavendra Silva, etc to lead the army from several fronts.

As we all know, they succeeded in their operations in spite of the stiff resistance from LTTE. Even though LTTE was weak at this time because of lack of supplies, credit should go to General Fonseka for appointing the right people at the right time and for the operational tactics. But recent report says that General was not in the country when the war was won. Most probably he was not needed during that phase of the war. Our Security forces without the General, Diplomats, Administrators and Politicians completed the job in style with the public support.

During this phase LTTE had the indirect support of the NGO & INGO as well as the SL opposition (UNP, Mangala Samaraweera, Mano Ganeshan, etc). Finally SLSF won the war.

What if – the SLSF forces lost this war, what would be the situation now? Whose head would go to the chopping block first? Of course, as Commander and Chief, Mahinda’s head would go first followed by Gotabhaya, General Fonseka, etc and not the other way around. This is where the “Responsibility & Accountability comes into the picture”.

6. War at the UN Human rights in 2009

While the physical war was happening in north of SL, two other wars were going on in UN Human rights council and in Colombo.

When the west failed in UN Security Council, they tried again in UN human rights council where there are no veto powers to anyone.

Fortunately, SL had people like Dayan Jayatilake, Rajiva Wijesinghe and Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe to stand up in this council and counteract their arguments and brought new resolutions to safeguard the independence and the human rights of Sri Lanka. This victory is as equal as the military victory in the north of Sri Lanka.

If SL lost this battle at the UN Human Rights Council, UN would have sent a Peace Keeping Force to SL and that would have been the end of war and thus created the birth of Eelam. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mahinda Samarasinghe, etc would be blamed for the failure.

7. Battle in Colombo. In 2009

As far as I am concerned, this is the most satisfying victory of the whole war. During the near end of the war, the West and LTTE Diaspora tried their last trump card by sending British Foreign Minister and French Foreign Minister to SL, to give a life line to the LTTE and to rescue Prabakaran and LTTE leaders. Swedish Foreign Minister was not given the visa to join British and French. It was a very tensed situation.

This was the first time in history (after Keppetipola ) that a SL politician stood up to our previous colonial masters and asked them “Please do not interfere with our internal affairs”. It was the first time foreign ministers of two powerful countries came together to Sri Lanka and left empty handed.

What if – SL govt gave in at that moment? Prabhakaran and the LTTE would have survived and the fight would have continued for few more generations. Ranil, Mangala & Chandrika would have taken the upper hand in local politics and SL would go back to colonial days. Mahinda and the current govt would have lost the power.

8. Capture of KP & War Crimes

If one thinks that the war with LTTE is over, they are sadly mistaken. LTTE Diaspora with plenty of money and resources will keep on obstructing/harassing Sri Lanka in every possible sphere. Fortunately we have capable people like Defense Secretary Gotabhaya who understood what was happening outside the Sri Lankan borders, initiated and coordinated the action to arrest the current leader of LTTE KP and brought him to SL which took everybody by surprise. From the LTTE war perspective, this is a remarkable achievement. Only the Israelis used this type of operation before. Please note that SL does not have resources like Israel.

The West and LTTE Diaspora know the abilities of our defense establishment and that is why they are all out to stop this type of operations and try to accuse Defense Secretary and the other commanders (except the General who was in China during the final phase of the war) on war crimes.

I have a feeling that if General wins the election with the help of West, Ranil, Chandrika, etc, he will have to obey his masters and he might handover our key defense personnel to trial at the International Court of Justice on “war crimes”. You may also remember what happened to the personnel who used to work for the Millennium City project.

If that happens, it will be a very very sad day for Sri Lanka, we may not only lose whatever we have gained during the last four years, but also SL will go back at least 60 years – back to Colonial era.

9. Conclusions

From the above, one could easily see who was taking the biggest risk in conducting the above war and due credit should go to the correct deserving persons and not to anyone who is just claiming it.

Recently, I read another report saying that President and Defense Secretary prevented General Fonseka in speaking to the press. No wonder anyone allowing General to speak with the following experiences.

At the height of the war, when the Govt and expatriates were trying their best to gather support from everyone, the Army Commander makes utterances such as “Sri Lanka belongs to Sinhalese”. This statement alone gave a lot of ammunition to the LTTE and to its Diaspora. The expatriates who loved the country had a very difficult time in encountering the above statement and defending the General. I am sure it must have been the same for the SL government.

Dear General – a politically correct statement is “Sri Lanka belongs to Sri Lankans (Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslims, etc)” and not the other way.
When we needed the support of India, the General makes another blunder by uttering “Tamil Nadu politicians are jokers”. These are politically incorrect statements. I am sure some one in the government would have apologized to India with regards to the above statement.

10. Now , Who is the winner

What if – Major General Jagath Dias (57 Division) and Brigadier Shavendra Silva (58 Division) – the most competent commanders of the army, claim that they are responsible for the victory of the war because they went to the battle front and took the risks more than anyone else?

Then the General Fonseka will say – No, I gave the opportunity and command to the commanders and therefore I am totally responsible for the victory.

Then Gotabhaya might say – No, I took the risk and appointed the General as the Army Commander and therefore he too should get the credit of the victory.

Then President Mahinda might say – No, I appointed Gotabhaya as the Defense Secretary and therefore I should get the credit of the victory.

Then the people in SL (SLFP, JVP, JHU, etc) will say we appointed Mahinda as the President and the credit and the victory should come to us.
Finally credit of the victory belongs to all Sri Lankans except the ones like Ranil, Mangala, Chandrika and their supporters who tried to betray the country at each and every opportunity.