Dr.P.A.Samaraweera, Australia

Jehan Perera, National Peace Council, who argued for peace talks, pauses and supported the West to stop the war against the terrorists in an article titled, “The importance of Ranil Wickremasinghe” to an English Daily of 12th Jan. 2010 says, “…Tamil National Alliance decision to support the candidacy of Sarath Fonseka reflects the trust and confidence that members of the ethnic communities (Tamils) have in the UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe … Members of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and abroad had expressed the view at different forums that they have greater confidence in Ranil than in any other Sinhalese leader…”

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ This is because Ranil gave way and avoided treading on Prabhakaran. In May 2000, in a statement to the Indian magazine “WEEK” ,Ranil paid a glowing tribute to Prabhakaran, practically issuing him a clean testimonial. According to the magazine Ranil had said, “…Prabhakaran is striving to achieve a goal which is the only target in his life. He has devoted and dedicated his life to achieve this goal. He has also proved that he is a leader who has determination and tenacity and he has also confronted a great deal of criticism on several occasions. He has also displayed that he has the capacity to establish a fully fledged military force…”

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ This was reproduced in the LTTE Newspaper, EELAMURASU of 11-17 May 2000, captioned, ” A leader who pursues the goal with enthusiasm and determination – Ranil Wickremasinghe on our national hero”.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The recommendation given by Ranil to the leader of the world’s ruthlelss terrorist organisation was undoubtedly alarming. His veneration of a terrorist leader concerned many as the statement had been issued especially when the country was on a war footing to preserve the territorial integrity and when there was a severe threatening for the dismemberment of Sri Lanka.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ What was surprising at the time was when the country was attempting to organise national and international support the leader of the opposition Ranil, was taking an antinational stance paying so much homage and offering a glowing tribute to a terrorist leader who had earmarked one-third of the country as his territory?

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Therefore, the endorsement of Sarath Fonseka by the Tamil National Alliance is no surprise as Sarath is sponsored by Ranil Wickremasinghe who avoided any confrontation with Prabhakaran. The TNA is a sympathiser of the LTTE. Jehan Perera of the National Peace Council as well backed the LTTE and argued for Peace talks and supported the West in their effort to thwart the war against the terrorists.