Sri Lanka News Updates with Discussions

Q: What is the current status of the LTTE overseas network?

A: Following the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009 and the elimination of the top tier leadership, overseas operations of the LTTE fell into the hands of the second and third tier leaders. The extraction of Kumaran Pathmanathan also led to a credible leadership deficit amongst the LTTE sympathetic groups.

The overseas pro-LTTE network splintered into four key factions that claimed to represent the Tamil separatist ideology in some form or fashion. They are the Nediyavan faction (Oslo Group) Joe Emmanuel faction (London Group) Rudrakumaran faction (New York Group) and Vinyagam faction (Brussels Group).

Q: What are the countries with an active pro-LTTE lobby?

A: The LTTE had TCC branches in twelve countries and you will still find a few remnants holding on to the past. However, the most active pro-LTTE lobby groups are in the UK, Norway, US, Switzerland and Canada. Some of the LTTE assets are believed to be in Eritreia.

Q: According to your assessment which group is the most dangerous among these four?

A: I would consider the Nediyavan faction which is based in Oslo, Norway as the most dangerous group, which is nominally led by Perinpanayagam Sivaparan (a.k.a. Nediyavan), a former LTTE combatant who married the daughter of Rajan Lala a founder-member of the LTTE.

As a result of his marriage into the family of a confidant of Prabakaran, Nadiyavan was appointed as the overseas coordinator of all TCC branches worldwide. The LTTE conducted its international operations through twelve TCC branches in diaspora active countries.

With the defeat of the LTTE, Nadiyavan inherited control of the TCC branch network. However, given his junior rank many rejected his leadership and defected to other factions.

As I said, Nadiyavan is only the nominal head of this faction. The powerbase of this faction lies not with Nadiyavan but with the Tamilnet clique led by Jeyachandran in Oslo and Sreetharan in Bethesda, USA. This faction in my view has gained considerable ground since May 2009 to consolidate and reconstruct the LTTE ideology of Tamil separatism.

Q: What is the strength of the Joe Emmanuel faction ?

A: The Joe Emmanuel and the former TRO activist Ediriweerasingham form the powerbase of this faction.

During the initial split of the LTTE international network, this faction was able to attract defectors amongst the Tamil diaspora. In fact many Tamil groups broke away from the TCC s hegemonic control and joined the global alliance associated with this faction.

Groups such as the ATC (Australia), BTF (UK), DFTA (Denmark), NCET (Norway), NZTC and WTS (New Zealand), STF (Sweden), TRF (Malaysia), USTPAC (US), ETU (Europe), TEMP (France), CTC (Canada), TKCV (Netherlands), MT (Mauritius), STF (Switzerland), and GT (Italy) associate themselves with this faction.

This faction has a strong presence in the UK and has a constituency based lobbying program that influence British politicians. During the time of the Labour government in the UK, they had significant political influence with several labour politicians to the extent that British foreign policy was guided by electoral concerns over Tamil votes.

Q: Do you see a future for the Rudrakumaran faction?

A: In my view the Rudrakumaran faction is falling apart. Visvanathan Rudrakumaran was closely associated with the LTTE as its Legal Advisor. However his role as legal advisor and meetings with Prabakaran seems to have given him a level of immunity from US prosecution for association with a banned terrorist group. In fact it is ironic that he who served as the legal advisor to the LTTE is now accusing others of war crimes.

This faction is supported by several academics who graduated from the universities of Colombo, Peradeniya or Jaffna and now serving the Tamil separatist cause. In Australia, affiliates of this faction were able to mount significant pressure on the Labour government recently.

Much of the political lobbying in the US is carried out by Jeyarajah using K Street lobbying firms. The money poured into this has got them meetings with senior State Department officials, as well as Senate resolutions against Sri Lanka.

Q: Is the Vinayagam group, which is known to be the criminal element of all these LTTE remenants, still active in arms procurement?

A: Yes, this is the criminal network of the LTTE. The LTTE had an elaborate covert network for weapons procurement and shipping operations. These teams have merged with the TOSIS overseas intelligence group under the leadership of Vinayagam, a former overseas intelligence operative has acquired part of the LTTE assets that facilitate illicit trafficking and shipping activity.

There were reports that Vinayagam was operating from Brussels and was looking to relocate to Canada, however this is unconfirmed.

Q: Do you think that these groups pose a threat to Sri Lanka s peace? A: In the last eight months there has been a convergence between the Nadiyavan faction and the Joe Emmanuel faction. This has been primarily to secure a majority in the transnational government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE).

A combined Nadiyavan - Emmanuel alliance is attempting to oust Rudrakumaran as the head of the TGTE and install former TNA Batticaloa MP Jeyanandamurthy as the head of TGTE.

The most recent indication of this alliance is the visit to Australia and the US by Joe Emmanuel. It is alleged that Joe Emmanuel had discussions with Tamilnet founder Sreetharan in the US on this matter.

In my view the TGTE in the hands of Nadiyavan faction can pose a significant political and security threat to Sri Lanka. It is likely that in such a scenario the TGTE can act as a catalyst for a LTTE revivalist movement with a militant agenda.

Q: Will the TGTE have an international recognition?

A: The TGTE is just a room on top of a shopping mall on 6th Avenue in New York. It is an imaginary government.

I don t think any recognised member of the international community will take the TGTE seriously, but we have to be careful about the anomalies in the international system such as defacto states and newly created states.

I am most concerned about the relationship being built between the TGTE and the Government of South Sudan. As you know the Sudan People s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led a separatist struggle in Sudan and established a separate state after a referendum.

The LTTE had built relationships with several separatist groups in Africa such as the Eritrea People s Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Sudan People s Liberation Movement (SPLM) that have now achieved statehood.

The US based representative of SPLM, Domach Wal Ruach addressed the inaugural meeting of the TGTE in Philadelphia in May 2010 as a guest speaker. Immediately following the referendum in South Sudan, the SPLM which is in fact the government -in-waiting sent a letter to the TGTE on 18 January 2011 inviting an official delegation from the TGTE to visit South Sudan.

There is a strong possibility that the TGTE is setting the stage to receive an invitation to attend the July 9 independence celebration.

The Sri Lankan government needs to urgently develop a dialogue with the allies South Sudan, in particular Kenya which the most influential in terms of South Sudan. The Sri Lankan embassy in Nairobi needs to urgently take a proactive role preventing any form of legitimacy being afforded to the TGTE.

Q: The government says the majority of the Tamil diaspora is in support of peace and they want to rebuild the N & E. How will this affect the pro-LTTE elements?

A: I think that is a good assessment, most in the Tamil diaspora want to see a peaceful Sri Lanka in which all citizens are treated equally.

What is more interesting is they also feel a sense of freedom from the dictatorial monopoly that the LTTE/TCC had on Tamil diaspora activity.

Now the Tamil diaspora can engage in social and cultural activities without being worried that the LTTE/TCC goons will be watching them.

Q: In this scenario do you think Rudrakumar should abandon his mission?

A: The idea of a separate state of Tamil Eelam has always been, and will be, a pipe dream, so anyone espousing to such an idea should find better ways of using their talents. All communities, be they Tamil, Sikh or Basque, will have extremist elements that can only relate to a zero sum objective. There is nothing new with Tamil extremists.

Q: Recently it was said India is still a LTTE hideout. Do you agree?

A: Sri Lanka and India have an excellent relationship which has worked well with - Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and President s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga - regularly meeting with their Indian counterparts.

Any concerns must be channeled through this bilateral process of quiet and constructive diplomacy. India is a friend and has contributed significantly towards the defeat of the LTTE.

Q: What more should be done to defeat LTTE operations internationally?

A: We need to understand the new threat. The old LTTE is defeated.

What we have now facing is political lobbying to discredit or defame Sri Lanka, and former LTTE criminal networks. We have to understand that the centralized LTTE structure no longer exists, now we have multiple groups espousing a common ideology.

We cannot have a one size fits all approach to our counter strategy. They have different strengths and weaknesses, we need to identify these and have group specific responses. Unfortunately, we are still in the mindset of the old LTTE and constructing our counter-strategies without understanding the new threat.

The Sri Lankan Air Force celebrated its 60th Anniversary of its formation on 2nd March 2011, and coincidentally the 37th Death Anniversary of Air Vice Marshal E. Rohan Amarasekera falls on 20th March 2011. Air Vice Marshal Amarasekera was the first Sri Lankan commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force.

On the occasions of anniversaries of formation of armed services and at a time so much is written about war heroes of the Second World War and their valour, it is appropriate and timely to recall the illustrious career of AVM Amarasekera.

I consider it timely and also my obligation and duty to write this appreciation to focus the attention of those who knew him and associated him, as well as acquaint the young men and women now serving in the Air Force with the remarkable achievements and rare qualities of their first Sri Lankan commander, an officer and gentleman par excellence.

When I joined the Royal Ceylon Air Force in the late 1957 AVM Ameresekara was the Chief of Staff. While we had heard so much about this decorated flyer from our senior officers, I was somewhat confused on observing his humility, simplicity and gentleness.

A native of Kegalle, he received his early education at Kingswood College and later at Wesley College. Young, daring and adventurous, he decided to join the Royal Air Force, during the most turbulent war years, despite stiff opposition from him elders.

Joining the Royal Air Force in 1940 at the age of 24, he distinguished himself as an Air Gunner in active service, while serving two famous Royal Air Force operational squadrons 153 and 640.

With an enviable record of logging 68 operational flights ( sorties ) over Nazi Germany and occupied territory during World Wars II, he was decorated for his bravery and awarded the most coveted flying award, the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.
Air Commodore Fred Papple who was Rohan A s pilot and later his squadron commander of 640 squadron flew many missions together.

Papple in his book on the 640 squadron, as a tribute to those who served the squadron says he has devoted a chapter on Amere (as he was known in the squadron) whom he admired for his devotion to duty, attention to detail and impeccable conduct whether in the air or on the ground.

After a period of distinguished service in the Royal Air Force, anxious to make available to his Motherland his service and experience, and particularly to the Royal Ceylon Air Force which was being formed, he returned to Sri Lanka. On his return he was closely associated with Air Commodore J. C. Bladen, during the formative period of the Royal Ceylon Air Force.

He made a significant contribution to the building of the Force. Functioning as the Chief of Staff, when Air Vice Marshal J. L. Barker relinquished command of the Royal Ceylon Air Force he assumed duties as the first Sri Lankan Commander on November 1, 1962. He continued to command the Sri Lankan Air Force till December 31, 1970 and retired from the service at the age fifty seven.

As the commander of the Air Force, he reorganized the force and built it to the status of a force to be reckoned with, virtually inversely proportionate to its size and despite it being the most junior of the armed services. He set a high code of ethics to his officers and set exemplary standards for other to emulate.

When Rohan A. had to send his son and daughter to school, he never used the official vehicle assigned to him, but his old Wolseley to drop them and pick them, most of the time he drove himself.

His exemplary ethical conduct, integrity and high moral values left an indelible impression on those came in contact with him. He adhered to a strict code of professional rectitude. A man of principles he never hesitated to speak for what he believed in and what he was against. He never bowed to any outside pressure or interferences. He always stood steadfast to his principles and maintained what was right at all times with his personal example of a life of devotion to his country and the Force.

He brought to bear on his officers as Commander, a dignity and pride which enabled him to weather the many storms easily and philosophically.

The government had to rely heavily on the Air Force during the abortive coup. Ameresekera with the Air Force played a significant role in quelling the attempts to overthrow the government. The dependence on the Air Force and non involvement of any Air Force personnel in successive attempts to overthrow the government, unmistakably demonstrated the firm and sound principles and the high values he had inculcated in the minds of the Air Force officers and airmen.

On retirement he led a quiet, secluded life. His life revolved around his family, his wife Aloma, son Ajith and daughter Roshanthi. He actively pursued the study of contemporary religions. With his wife Aloma, he would discuss religion particularly on the facets of impermanency of life and life after. The loss of thousands of lives in active combat made him ponder on the impermanency of life, losing many of his contemporaries in the squadron.

He wrote a few booklets on the various facets of Buddhism. The most impressive and soul searching was his book The Power within dedicated to his dear friend Mr. D. C. O. T. Amaresekara.

When Ameresekera retired he did not have a house of his own in Colombo and he rented out one in the suburbs. His ancestral properties in Kegalle had been grabbed by encroachers. Till his death he could not recover them.

Ameresekera passed away on March 20, 1974 and was afforded a full service funeral. The funeral service was unique. In deference to his wishes Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic religious services were held at his graveside.

Sri Lanka lost a great man, apart from his remarkable and enviable professional record, throughout his life he epitomized gentlemanliness and other good traits which are now fast disappearing, Sri Lanka indeed lost a great man who should be remembered in a very fitting manner by his service, his successors and his country alike.

SQN. LDR. J. T. Rex Fernando (S.L.A.F. Retd.)

The curtain has come down on the illustrious career of a fearless officer who iconized the elite STF. Indeed the names of Senior DIG Nimal Lewke as well as that of the late DIG Karunasena are synonymous with the STF. In more recent times Nimal Lewke served in Vavuniya and the North Western Province.

In a career spanning 38 years, Lewke acquitted himself with professional excellence and enjoyed the confidence of his superiors and the respect of his subordinates.

In leading the STF in the recently concluded war, Lewke displayed cool courage of a high order on many an occasion in the face of difficult and dangerous situations. Importantly he interacted cordially with the Armed Services as well enjoyed an exceptional rapport with the Service Commanders. Such camaraderie was principally due to his charisma and candour. His fearless approach in leading the charge as chief of the STF to repulse the enemy attack at the peak of the war in the Eastern boundaries was amazing.

In every operation in the North/East territory, Lewke guided his commandos with incredible militaristic acumen and leadership. It is said that his strategic planning was outstanding. Unlike in many other cases I have come across during my career Lewke s eagerness to learn and his enthusiasm to improve did not diminish in any way with the passage of time on the contrary he showed an insatiable thirst for police and allied matters.

It was the late DIG Karunasena and Lewke who were responsible for streamlining the VVIP security network to bring it abreast of international standards. On completion of his education at St. Sylvester s College, Kandy where he excelled in studies and sport, he joined the Sri Lanka Police Service.

A good athlete who excelled in rugby football and boxing but more important a sportsman in the true sense of the word, his sporting attitude permeated his official and unofficial life at all times. His contribution to rugby football in the Police Service earned him many a public accolade. He captained the Police A Team and also represented the Kandy Sports Club and the National Team and was a member of the winning teams of the coveted Clifford Cup.

He also served as President of the SLRFU and the Asian Rugby Football Union. His services as a professional coach were in demand by leading schools and clubs. He coached St. Thomas College, St. Peter s College, the National Team, and the Kandy Sports Club with remarkable success.

The secret of his success was his devoted and charming wife Chrisanthi, the daughter of a onetime police stalwart and cricketer of repute, the late S.L. de Silva. They have two children- Dushanth and Anushka, with Dushanth also a brilliant ruggerite who captained the National team as well as Royal College Colombo & CR & FC.

I was privileged to have known Nimal as a colleague and team mate at cricket. In my estimate he is the embodiment of sincerity with an abundance of compassion and understanding as well a deficit of deceit, craft and guile.

At a time when the Police Department has lost some of its lustre due to the distressing effects of mediocre leadership saddled with a litany of recent atrocities and dearth of top management material some of who are clueless in the art of dispensing justice in the matter of the many police chores like investigations or strategies required in combating crime or dealing with sensitive matters without leaving room for complaint of unfairness or ethical shortcomings, Lewke was the exception who symbolized sound management and leadership.

Generous, compassionate and kindhearted, he reached out to people especially at the end of the war when he confronted scores of displaced persons as Senior DIG Vavuniya, demonstrating understanding and compassion irrespective of caste, creed or race.

A highly decorated Officer who was awarded the coveted Bravery Medal and several other decorations, Lewke carried a heavy burden on his relatively young shoulders as chief of the STF. With his retirement the Police Service has lost an exemplary officer who set standards to be emulated by the younger generation.

I wish him a happy retirement with the message that as a policeman of whatever rank you are not a person, Nimal, but rather a purpose. May God Bless and be with you always. Remember that they cannot keep a good man down.

Carlyle de Silva

An exhibition and demonstration of radio controlled model aircraft is to be held at Panape in Bandaragama, on March 27.

The event has been approved by the Sri Lanka Air Force & Civil Aviation Authority Joint Panel. It commences at 9.00 a.m. and would go on till 1.00 p.m. Entrance is free, a spokesman for the organizers The Pan Model Flying Club - said.