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Mumbai eye-opener to India - Dinesh
Sunday, 30 November 2008 - 9:35 PM SL Time
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Emphasising the Government`s priority to defeat the LTTE until the last Tiger is killed to re-establish democracy in the country, the Chief Government Whip and Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Dinesh Gunawardena said that it was time for the Indian politicians to think of the burning need to combat terrorism which had now come to their doorstep.
`Are they going to cultivate and help and strengthen terrorist forces in future?, he questioned. Minister Gunawardena,in an interview with the Sunday Observer, said that any Indian political leader who was genuinely committed to democratic norms would strongly oppose terrorism taking the Mumbai massacre into consideration.
Following are the excerpts of interview:
Q: Is there any truth in the Government forming an alliance with other political parties?
A: Yes, the President has always invited all the democratic forces to join with him to protect the motherland and also to develop Sri Lanka so that Sri Lanka would play a much more important role in the development process. This open invitation has been repeated by the Government to all democratic forces. Today, it is upto all democratic forces to join hands with the Government to defeat terrorism which is the biggest threat to democracy.
More than forming an Alliance, it is to bring all different forces together to build our motherland. What is the major task of a politician or a political party? It is to protect and build the motherland. This is not also just forming an Alliance with extra few members or with extra few political parties. This has much broader meaning and this is an opportunity to put together all their efforts to develop the country.
Do you think that JVP and SLMC will agree to join the Alliance without putting forward any demands?
A: Our position is very clear on most of the issues. The SLMC did join the Government and left the Government. When there are major issues it is very difficult to fathom. The JVP was also a part of the Government and the main issues that they raised were to protect the country and to defeat terrorism. These two demands have been fulfilled. So, there does not seem to be major differences on those fronts. The Mahinda Chinthanaya was implemented to build a new Sri Lanka. That does not happen overnight and it happens after tireless efforts by the people. I only hope that these parties will understand the reality than stick to extreme positions.
The government has made a very broader and open framework of a democratic and national development policy to meet the aspirations of all the citizens of this country. We are also inviting foreign investment and bringing in technology for development.These are the challenges faced not only by us, but also by the whole world, today. These are incorporated in our economic and political policies. The era of extreme theoretical positions contribute very little because they are far away from reality.
Q: It is said that the Indian PM has asked the Government to have a dialogue with the TNA to finalise a political settlement to resolve the national problem. What is the Government`s position?
A: The TNA on its own kept away from discussing issues or having a dialogue with the political parties and with the Government. So, it`s up to them to re-think and have a more pragmatic approach rather than condemning the Government at every moment. As I said before, the doors are open to any political party to have a dialogue or continue with a dialogue and try to work with the Government for the sake of the country.
Q: What India has pointed out is that TNA represents majority of Tamils in the North and it is vital to have talks with the party to arrive at a solution. Will the Government agree on what India wanted?
A: Sri Lanka Government has representatives of the Tamil people of the North and East. There are political leaders who have given up arms and joined the democratic mainstream and shown their keen interest to strengthen the Eastern Province. The other political organs are also welcome to have a dialogue with the Government.
Q: Does this mean that the Government is ready to have talks with the TNA?
A: Yes, the Government is always ready to have a dialogue not only with the TNA, but with any political party which wants to talk to us. But, I must say that this is not because someone is insisting of us to do so. The Government is always ready to have talks with any political party in the democratic process. If they on their own keep away from having a dialogue with the Government and later if they realise that they should talk to the Government, the platform for discussion is always open for them.
Q: The Government was talking highly about a political package few months ago, but why is there a delay in finalising a political settlement to resolve the national problem?
A: There is no delay in finding a solution. It depends on the priorities. The Government had to take a decision clearly after the talks with the LTTE. The LTTE did not want to continue talks with the Government as before. They ended the talks and as a result the Government had to take action in order to curtail terrorism. Terrorism is not only in our country but condemned world over. Even the SARRC Summit condemned terrorism. So, the Government`s position has been vindicated. And the LTTE was defeated in the Eastern Province and democracy was rekindled in the East after the liberation. The entire Mannar District has been liberated by the Security Forces and they are now entering Kilinochchi. This means that one side of the thrust is to defeat terrorism, to protect the unitary state and to continue to move with a dialogue with political parties to find any acceptable solution. Those who are now interested in talking to the Government never wanted to talk with Government. That was the position.
Q: Is this delay because the Government is anticipating a full scale military victory before arriving at a political package?
A: Defeating terrorism is one prime objective to restore democracy. No one can say to have functional democracy while terrorism is active. This is a contradictory position but the Government is very clear that terrorism will not be tolerated and will not allow this menace to grow in this country. And we will restore democracy irrespective of the ethnicity whether it is Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims, everyone must enjoy democracy and democratic rights.
And to achieve this, the Government wants to introduce changes in the administrative structure in the electoral structure and also give more benefits for rural masses despite their ethnicity. The Government is openly dedicated to bring changes in the political, social and economic structures for the benefit of all the people.
Q: The UNP claims that the Government is preparing for a ceasefire due to Indian pressure. Is it true?
A: The UNP has been telling so many things at different times but all what they tell are not true. So, this is another stance by the UNP. What the President has declared was that if the LTTE lay down arms and if they want to discuss with the Government, he is ready to discuss. This open invitation to the LTTE was rejected by the LTTE.
Q: Do you see any need for a CFA at this moment when the Security Forces are advancing into Tiger strongholds defeating the LTTE?
A: There is no ceasefire announced by the Government at the moment. What the Government announced was the opportunity for the LTTE to surrender.
These are two different things. The LTTE is now losing the battle and the Government has asked them to surrender. If they surrender nothing will happen to them. Then, if the LTTE wants to talk, they can come for talks. There won`t be any change in the conditions laid down for the LTTE to enter into a dialogue and the same set of conditions are valid today and tomorrow.
Q: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has warned that they would take tough action against Sri Lanka if the Government would not take immediate measures to safeguard Tamils in the North. Do you think that the Indian government would listen to Karunanidhi?
A: They have been saying this for the last several weeks and we know the results. We could accept more and more slogans of this nature as the Indian elections are round the corner. What has happened in Mumbai last week is a good example and the political leaders of India should say whether they stand for this type of terrorism or not. It is terrorism that is taking the big cities of India today. Are they going to cultivate and help and strengthen terrorist forces of this nature in future. But, I do not think that any of the Indian political leaders who are genuinely committed to democratic norms want to make such utterances as they are strongly opposed to terrorism.
Q: The All Party delegation headed by Karunanidhi is scheduled to meet the Indian Premier Manmohan Singh asking for an intervention into the issues in the North. Is there any possibility of the Indian government changing its mind after meeting the Tamil Nadu leadership?
A: So many delegations are meeting in Delhi which means that their coalition or alliance partners are meeting. In any issue, the political parties meet to discuss the matters.
There would be more and more such meetings in the coming weeks because the Indian elections are round the corner. I hope that they will talk more on what happened in Mumbai. Can any one keep silent over what happened in Mumbai?
One can`t rule out that terrorist forces in South Asia are having a dialogue among themselves.
Terrorist forces are spread by other international forces which would like to see South Asia or India destabilised. We should not forget that there are enough forces in the world wanting to see this happening.
This region will be the major development areas along with China in the 21st century. `I do not want to comment any thing about Mr. Karunanidhi. He is a senior Indian politician and I am sure all the leaders in India will not ignore terrorism which has come to their doorstep today.
Q: Some say that the real picture of the battlefront is not conveyed to the people. Is there any unofficial censorship in force to cover up the realities of the battlefronts?
A: How can it be so in this advanced state of media and information technology. If any one is saying that the Government is suppressing news, I do not say that is acceptable today. Misleading news is being deliberately planted in order to help the destabilising forces in this country. That is also a very sad tragedy because sometimes news with no basis is being published to demoralise the Government and the Security Forces. Why are we doing this to destroy our own country? This is the question that everyone should ask from those who engage in this nature of agendas.
Q: The jumbo Cabinet is said to be one of the main paths created by this government for more corruption.Is there any idea to reduce the number of ministers soon?
A: the Government having more ministers, perhaps is not some thing which is understood by many political groups. They want this government to collapse. What we ask the JVP is do they want this motherland over run by terrorism and separatism. If they say `no`, this government has to have a majority in the Parliament with the help of the broadest possible coalition.
Those who have joined the Alliance from the Opposition have been accommodated as Cabinet Ministers. I say it is a contradictory position and the present election system does not give room for a comfortable majority for any political party during an election. That is why the Government wants to change the electoral system which the JVP and the UNP do not support.
This claim means that they want an unstable Parliament which is difficult to be run by any administration. Minister Karu Jayasuriya and his team had extended their support and they also wanted to be a party in the decision making of the Government. This is a reality and is for the benefit of the country. What is the figure of the Cabinet that the JVP wants.
They never mention about the number of Cabinet Ministers that they wish to see in a Cabinet. What is the right they have to say so and what is the vote percentage of the JVP in the country and the Parliament to say so. They supported President Rajapaksa and he demerged the North and East because it was a demand of the JVP. The President had brought terrorism to an end in the East and held elections installing a democratic administration there. Doesn`t the JVP appreciate these actions by the Government? That is the big question and it is very difficult not all the time but sometimes to please the JVP.
Q: Will 2009 be an election year?
A: Yes, there will be provincial elections. But no possibility to go for a general election. The Government has a majority of 107 and it was clearly shown in the recent budget.
With a comfortable majority there is no urgency that calls for a general election. There are rumours and when rumours about an election spreads there are lots of things that come to a standstill. These will cause to buckle the Government. Those who are spreading these rumours want to weaken the Government.
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BangaloreTami
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 30 Nov 2008 17:22:44 GMT Report for Abuse
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| This Minister is living in stone age and thinking that people would believe LTTE is a terrorist organisation. The root cause is the chauvinistic Singhla and backward policies ( no senseless person would have done even 1% of what these Politicians of Srilankan done from Senior Bandaranayeke to the Present Ravana Mahinda!). We are absolute clear that all these idiot Politians of Present lanka are making next generation Singhla to pay a heavy prize. It is your karma and you can not escape from that ( after all Srilanka is Ravana's place and need to pay). |
Daisy
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 30 Nov 2008 17:54:46 GMT Report for Abuse
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This Minister is living in stone age and thinking that people would believe LTTE is a terrorist organisation
LOL!... why do you think they r banned in so many countries???..coz they r NOT a terrorist group?..hilarious!
hit your head on something???
( after all Srilanka is Ravana's place and need to pay).
and you say that the minister is living in stone age???..
that's classic! :D
Edited By - Daisy - 30 Nov 2008 17:57:02 GMT |
BangaloreTami
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30 Nov 2008 18:09:02 GMT Report for Abuse
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Daisy
All countries have an eye on a portion of Srilanka ( Trincomale., Kadirkammam etc). That is the reason they all paraded along with Lanka and against their conscience. Days are not far off all countries would reverse their decision. Tell me why Srilanka is not banned LTTE?. In India also British branded Subhas Chandrabose as terrorist. But we worship him. Like that Srilankan Singhales would brand independence movement (LTTE) as terrorist organisation. But things will not happen against Dharma for long. India would lift the ban soon. kindly wait. Days are nearing that you need to break your head ( not hit!) |
Daisy
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30 Nov 2008 18:19:01 GMT Report for Abuse
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All countries have an eye on a portion of Srilanka ( Trincomale., Kadirkammam etc). That is the reason they all paraded along with Lanka and against their conscience. Days are not far off all countries would reverse their decision
u know...they say that too much dreaming is a sickness! :D
by the way...would you mind telling me as to why these countries banned LTTE??? India ,United States ,United Kingdom ,Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,????????
Now dont come up with something like 'Estonia' has it's eyes on Trinco!!hehehe
Tell me why Srilanka is not banned LTTE?.
need a history update???
***
Sri Lanka itself lifted the ban on the LTTE before signing the ceasefire agreement in 2002. This was a prerequisite set by the LTTE for signing of the agreement
-wiki
India would lift the ban soon. kindly wait
LOL..yeah... 'Deccan Mujahideen' made sure that the ban would be removed very soon!....funny!...India has too many problems at the moment that they wont be thinking much abt KarUna Nidhi's requests with regard to SL!...too bad for you guys though!... The mujahideen destroyed your last hopes!
Edited By - Daisy - 30 Nov 2008 18:20:49 GMT |
BangaloreTami
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30 Nov 2008 18:33:06 GMT Report for Abuse
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Dear Daisy
You have not answered my question. Why Srilanka has not banned LTTE yet?.
I have told you the answer about why countries have supported Singhalese Srilanka on proscribing LTTE. Kadikamam and India canvassed throgh out world. do you expect us to think with out India's pressure all these countries have done it?. Anyway as I told you all you people have done unpardonable crimes against native Srilankan Tamils and continue to do so thinking that might is right. But all are answerable in the days to come.
Silverlining is that 'Deccan Mujahideen ' made Shivraj Patil to resign and made Chidambaram Indian Home Minister. Now you see what is going to happen ( Mr.Narayanan need to report to him. It may not be possible as before to cladestinely send weapons to Srilanka). There is a rumour that in 10 days time an Independent Eelam would be declared in India by your 20+ MP of Tamils who are here ( I just attended a conference in Bangalore convened by Karnataka Tamils where Mr.Shivaji Lingam delivered a detailed report on Srilanka including a movie ( you should see)). |
Daisy
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30 Nov 2008 18:47:50 GMT Report for Abuse
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You have not answered my question. Why Srilanka has not banned LTTE yet?.
can you read what i posted earlier???..as to why they decided to lift it?..
04th September, 2002
LTTE ban lifted
The Government deproscribed the LTTE from midnight on Wednesday 4th September, paving the way for the Peace talks in Thailand scheduled for 16-18 of September. The Gazette notification on the deproscription was issued by the Defence Minister Tilak Marapana. The lifting of the ban on the LTTE was a key demand by the LTTE prior to the peace talks in Thailand
And the reason why they did not re-impose the ban is due to government's willingness for talks with the LTTE if it came to the negotiating table after laying down arms.
BTW...the fact that it's not banned in SL, doesnt exactly come in the way of the SLA activities in the North! :D
There is a rumour that in 10 days time an Independent Eelam would be declared in India by your 20+ MP of Tamils who are here ( I just attended a conference in Bangalore convened by Karnataka Tamils where Mr.Shivaji Lingam delivered a detailed report on Srilanka including a movie ( you should see)).
hehehehe.. Geeeee..sorry for laughing like that!....it's one gr8 joke!..how old r u?.. 10? :D
Eeeeelam in 10 days!..never mind...coz as you said..it'll be declared in India nah? There were some others from your country who were talking abt eelam in 15days!..but sad part was, your CM's stunt ended without any results! ... by the way..how abt we say yes to independent Kashmir?..and Nagaland?..in India?..... lets apply the same theory? :D
Edited By - Daisy - 30 Nov 2008 18:57:06 GMT |
BangaloreTami
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30 Nov 2008 19:08:00 GMT Report for Abuse
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I agree with you on Kashmir. As per UN declare a referendum and decide. There is no point in keeping unwilling partner with you and pay heavy prize. You know how much India spends to retain Kashmir. Unbelievable. Added to that we Indian can not own a piece of land there! Is it possible in Srilanka ( you people are settling Singhalese prisioners in Tamils land and changing the demography - Reverse). I can not believe these things were allowed to happen in this era. All srilankans are feeling emboldened whether they are in srilanka or foreign. It is very sad all Srilankan Singhalese settled in foreign countries also suggest solution to finish LTTE at what ever the cost.I think they are genetically went wrong and lost the sense to think neutrally. It is pity that only a force can make them set right. No argument or sense of appealing would help.
Note: Daisy you are selectively replying leaving hard questions! |
Daisy
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30 Nov 2008 19:18:27 GMT Report for Abuse
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I agree with you on Kashmir. As per UN declare a referendum and decide. There is no point in keeping unwilling partner with you and pay heavy prize. You know how much India spends to retain Kashmir. Unbelievable. Added to that we Indian can not own a piece of land there!
hahaha..maybe you should do the same in nagaland, arunachal pradesh, assam, mizoram and manipur too? :D
Is it possible in Srilanka
in Sri lanka, any sri lankan can buy land anywhere!!!....It's SRI LANKA!!... Tamils can buy land in South and Sinhalese should be allowed to buy land in North!... COZ both r Sri lankans!..and it is SRI LANKA! simple as that!
It is very sad all Srilankan Singhalese settled in foreign countries also suggest solution to finish LTTE at what ever the cost.
back to square one eh?..remember.. LTTE happens to be a terrorist group!... SRI LANKANS want them kicked out! :D.
we've taken some rubbish from them for 30 years...but not anymore!... they will be flushed out. SO..get ready to take in the bad news!
I think they are genetically went wrong and lost the sense to think neutrally.
genetically went wrong? eh?..hahahha :D
It is pity that only a force can make them set right. No argument or sense of appealing would help.
yup..the force is in the North... Shrinking the peelam map!
Note: Daisy you are selectively replying leaving hard questions!
oh really?..which question is that?...abt the ban?..... well..i answered,,... maybe you should read it slowly! :D |
BangaloreTami
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30 Nov 2008 19:33:43 GMT Report for Abuse
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Daisy
Nice thing. I was about to sleep ( after seeing your reply I started replying and now it is 1 AM). I had a good conversation with you nice Singhalese person ( with out abusing words !). Here it is 1 AM. Good Night see you this evening. |
Daisy
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30 Nov 2008 19:38:05 GMT Report for Abuse
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nice Singhalese person ( with out abusing words !).
As for the 'nice' part, well... im known as one of those 'not so nice ppl' in LNP! wink!
And as for the 'sinhalese' part, i prefer to be called 'SRI LANKAN' :D
Here it is 1 AM. Good Night see you this evening.
Adios! Goodnight!... |
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