PRESIDENT SHOULD INTERVENE TO RETAIN TAMARA KUNANAYAKAM IN HER CURRENT POST as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva
Posted on May 8th, 2012
Malin Abeyatunge
I wrote to many websites (published) on 20 August 2011 titled ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Will new Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office Ms Tamara Kunanayakam be able to deliver the goods?ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ when she was appointed. Following are few extracts from my article on this issue.
quoteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚We have no qualms of the appointment of Ms Tamara Kunanayakam as Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office at Geneva. Do we? May be she will join the caliber of our gentleman Politician late Lakshman Kadirgamar. However, having observed and experienced the biased attitudes towards LTTE by a Tamil Sri Lankan Radhika Coomaraswamy holding one of the UNO top positions, Sri Lankans at large will be little more skeptical of this appointment to that prestigious position at a crucial time which is a life and death situation for Sri Lanka. UnquoteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ I was wrong in my view and Tamara did a splendid job defending Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions.
QuoteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ The government strategy (if there is) will be successful only if she acts as a Sri Lankan but not as a Tamil. It was Dr. Dayan Jayatilake and his efficient colleagues who saved Sri Lanka at the last session from another catastrophe on a venomous campaign launched against Sri Lanka by the west. Tamara has to perform better than Dayan as the things have gone from bad to worse against Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s image after the infamous Channel 4 fake film clip which the gullible west is banking on as a proof of war crimes and the Darusman Report (not a UN report. Even SG Ban-ki-Moon doesnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t want to proceed further on this report). Will she or can she perform fearlessly as we will have to accept the fact that the Tamil DiasporaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s propaganda is very strong in Switzerland and other EU Countries in influencing the gullible. She may have to expect some aggressive demonstrations by the LTTE rump opposite UN Office in Geneva. Can she deliver the goods the way Sri Lankan Government expects?UnquoteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ She won the hearts of allƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sri Lankans for her courageous speeches and statements in defending Sri Lanka at the UNHRC session. She acted as a true Sri Lankan ant not as a Tamil.
QuoteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚Tamara has a Herculean task ahead in handling the very powerful LTTE supportive Tamil Diaspora widely spread in Switzerland and the neighboring EU countries. Will she be tough enough to tell the Sri Lankan truth at the next UNHRC session without facing resistance from the Tamil Diaspora? She has represented Sri Lanka in countries like Cuba and Brazil which there were no big presence of Tamil Diaspora. So she has to show her metal to safeguard the Sri Lanka Government from brickbats that will be thrown by the west.UnquoteƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Tamara at the last UNHRC sessions has performed beyond all expectations in defending Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka lost the case ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ when we were represented by ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-YES MINISTERSƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ like GLP and MS ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ with some nincompoops with GCE O.Level qualifications as advisors and ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ not because of Tamara K..
We have another Herculean task with Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s scheduled Universal Periodic Review (UPR) coming up in November 2012. It is outrageous to see that the External ministry wants to remove her from the current post as UN Rep in GenevaƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ at this crucial moment? ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Only few months ahead for the next run against Sri Lanka and any one who will be appointed will take time to hatch the egg.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ However, we are happy to learn that Tamara has flatly rejected this offer. This itself shows that she is ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ straight forward and donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t lick the boots of the politicians. What Sri Lanka needs is diplomats of this caliber. The public has read TamaraƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s various statements at the UNHRC and submissions made to the delegates where she was upfront in attacking the US Resolution against Sri Lanka diplomatically and effectively. Is this the price she had to pay for defending Sri Lanka at every turn whereas the politicians came from Sri Lanka were complacent that everything would work according to their plan and they failed. But then why Tamara is being used as the guinea pig?.
She is a diplomat of high caliber according to our knowledge and she did an excellent job within the resources made available to her at the UNHRC and all Sri Lankans will be thoroughly disappointed if she is removed from her current position. We therefore earnestly urge the President to intervene and retain her as SL Rep at the UN at least until such time our problems with the UNHRC are waned.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
Malin Abeyatunge
May 8th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
I do agree with Malin Abeyatunga. Tamara has done what is expected of her, being a rookie in the difficult position. Only few months ago, most of our own Sri Lankans passed judgement saying. she might be like another N.PILLAI at UNO.
It is always nay sayers passing judgement on others. I strongly felt that any person cannot be pre-judged & cast aside because she is new, or beacuse she is of another race.
If she performed well, we have not only pursued & given a responsible position to a female, a tamil & also dispelled the myth that Sri lankan leaders ONLY promote & appoint only Sinhalese or party supporters.
I am quite pleased although I am not very familiar with UN & UNHRC activities, but upto now all agree that she had perforned well being a new Ambassodor at the helm.
We can judge again how she matures & get more experienced in her job. Its only fair to give her a chance in her job. Lets hope she will deliver as she has done before………Thanks Malin for your contribution.. Just expressing my views as an expat from Canada….~ GAMUNU, retd Engineer-Canada
May 8th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Tamara did an excellent job. She should be made the FOREIGN MINISTER one day SOON.
But the reality is she failed. Not solely her fault but the team’s fault plus geopolitics.
Ravinatha Ariyasingha has been appointed to her place. He is EVEN BETTER.
Geneva 2013 is coming up. The same team that failed in 2012 should NOT be used. Otherwise it becomes like RUN-NIL’s UNPee.
May 8th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I am lost for words. This is a great injustice. USA controls “UN VOTE” of number of client states. Even under these conditions, she acted with great dignity and forthrightness. Lets hope higher powers will intervene and saner minds would prevail. Tamara, you were the face of Sri Lanka and we are proud of you.
May 8th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
This morning BBC was trying to show mismanagement in SL by showing Sri Lankans bathing in milk. I viewed this differently. It shows the country is flowing with milk and nobody is starving. I am sure the President can fix the minor problem of collection and quality issues. There were two other good news today: We have a surplus of maize and the government is going to export it to Africa and according to Patali, Norochchlai power plant is performing beyond expectation saving money.
I am sure the president can steer SL out of this current problem in Geneva.
May 9th, 2012 at 12:55 am
How about dismissing Mahinda Samarasinghe, G L Pieris, and the 70-odd hangers on who went to Geneva because at the end it is the team led by the 2-ministers who failed. Then there were the advisors in Colombo who are making a hash of things as they want to get back to European posts to feather their cushy nests. It is blatantly obsvious to the western observers that GOSL has lost its nerve and now wriggling. MR get your act together.
May 9th, 2012 at 6:14 am
Is Tamara being transferred for her own safety and well being ? Switerland is full of Tamil pro-ltte types. A recent article in the LankaPage revealed that Switzerland has a large number of schools with Tamils where the ltte ideas are propagated. Germany too has such schools, even a larger number than Switzerland. Sri Lanka must stop schools abroad being used by pro-ltte elements.
May 9th, 2012 at 7:57 am
Fran Diaz, do not take me wrong !
Ref: Sri Lanka must stop schools abroad being used by pro-ltte elements- my opinion we should solve our problm in Sri Lanka between ourself , inviting outsider alway they have hiden agenda !
These Tamils are call Tamils living in Switzerland / in Germany ( ofcause their parents were called Tamils living in Sri Lanka & their great great perants were call Tamils living in Tamil Nadhu)
Is Tamara being transferred for her own safety – Not agreed, reson for transfer she did not perform well in last UNHRC thats all !
May 9th, 2012 at 8:02 am
Fran Diaz,
Sorry I am deviating from the thread a bit.
Read Lanka Truth web site to see who is propagating LTTE ideas. It is none other than the world’s most powerful woman today- Hilary Clinton. According to the story she is to discus with Indian PM and FM on establishment of Tamil Ealam. Obviously she is doing it for the contributions made by billionaire Raj Rajaratnam who got seed money from LTTE. Another rich man of Sri lankan origin has been thanking Malaysia every half hour on his TV channel during the past two weeks. Is it for abstaining in the UNHCR vote?. He has control over SLT through Maxi.
May 9th, 2012 at 8:27 am
aloy,
you say ‘according to story ….’ Lanka is rife with stories ! what is the truth ? Ever since India turned down the offer to open 500 Walmarts in India (under Indian sounding name), India has been warned at UNHRC level too re strong laws there to quell terrorism/separatism which they say ought to be removed. The west will use all means available for control of regions, Human Rights being the current heading.
Andy,
We have been trying to solve The Problem for 30+ yrs. with no go ! What do you suggest be done ? It is the Tamil folk educated at Lankan tax payers cost like RR who have gone abroad to raise money for Separatism. Please, no 13-A’s – that is the long road to Separatism. Also, we do not want to be involved in Tamil Nadu caste/poverty problems. So, once more what do you suggest be done ? We are waiting for ideas from your side that are acceptable to ALL Sri Lankans.
May 9th, 2012 at 8:34 am
My advice to TAMARA KUNANAYAKAM , ask assulam in swiss …….. ( joint the q with us)
Poor woman!Havana to Geneva now Geneva to Havana !
May 9th, 2012 at 8:39 am
Fran Diaz
We are waiting for ideas- you Chinhala brothers you ( I mean srilankan policy makers ) are in right track …. We Tamil were 30% (including state Tamil ) in 1948 now only 3%.
you may need another 10 or 15 years to bring this to .03% than 0.003% than 0.003% (app zero) !
May 9th, 2012 at 8:47 am
Andy,
Your Tamil population percentages in Sri Lanka are entirely wrong. N&E together have 8% Tamil. Then there is Upcountry & South too. We await the figures of the new Census 2012.
We think it is a good idea for both India & Lanka to put our countries in good order, whatever the west or east does.
May 9th, 2012 at 8:59 am
Malin, the writer was obviously not aware it was a Presidential directive to demote TK.
If one only looks at the Diplomatic failures of this Government, there is no comparison with any previous Administration in the level of idiocy. I pity the SL foreign service, who do not have a chance to excel in their field with the interference by incompetents such as Sajin Vass. Even though TK was not a career diplomat, she was ideal for the Geneva job, having an insiders perspective of how the system works, but I believe was not allowed an element of independence to carry out her job, without interference.
TK should have realised the “condom mentality” of MR from his past actions against his so called “friends” eg: Lasantha, Tiran Alles,Tissanayagam, Mangala, Sarath Silva etc.
It’s only a matter of time, before she realises its best to maintain her credibility and dump the “demotion” to Cuba.
Her letter to GLP was revealing with facts and hard hitting.
May 9th, 2012 at 9:00 am
Fran Diaz
a good idea for both India & Lanka to put our countries in good order- sorry i did not get it?
We are waiting for ideas from your side – You know very well what is our lasting solution !!!
We are greed bastards this 13A was give to us in gold plat by india in 1987 but what we done it we all know !
now 2012 We are asking 13A , do you think you can satisfy us even if you give N&E? NO than we will fight for state Tamil etc. etc…. kick this bustards out from your mother lanka !
Eela Thamilan !
May 9th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Andy,
It is a good time for both India & Lanka to put both countries in good (better) order because there are problems of poverty, education needs to suit each country, better shelter, and many other areas, some specific to each country, i.e. Caste issues for India, and Separatist issues for Lanka. Why is it so difficult for Tamils of Lanka to embrace Peace, regardless of selfish politicians ? Change can be made for the better living for all through peaceful and creative means. If the Tamil people take matters into their own hands, then they can effect some Change, notwithstanding politicos who are always calling for Separatism because without that they have no job.
May 9th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Fran Diaz
Mr Sampanthan had Sri Lankan National flag with Rani Wickramasinha , What else Sinhalas want from Tamils to say We are for united Sri lanka !
VP came to negotion with this Rani ( if a person want separation than he is negotiating what is mean , he is willing give up separation is not it ) but what Rani done to VP at the end We all know about it !
Same think will Rani will do it Sampanthan wait & see 5 to 10 years time !
Fran Diaz , We never want separation !!! that is the fact !
May 9th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Andy,
This is the kind of help needed for the North – see at link below. Help needed for other regions of Lanka, for different problems. Simple thinking, out of the norm (box) is what is needed, not Games leading to death, mistrust & misery for all.
Shall we now close this thread – there’s nothing more to say.
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2012/05/09/sri-lankan-diaspora-urged-contribute-development-motherland
May 10th, 2012 at 12:23 am
According to BBC, Tamara had said this.
“”Removing one of the very few Tamils heading diplomatic missions abroad will allow questioning of the government’s commitment to reconciliation,” she said.
Furthermore it would “reinforce extremist elements on all sides”.
She told BBC Sinhala she totally rejected being removed from her current post, which she said would heighten perceptions of ethnic tensions.
“We will fall into the hands of those who say there is a conflict between Sinhala and Tamil.”
If she actually made these statements, then she is a racist.
NO ONE should be allowed or disallowed a job due to ethnicity. Both ways. She can’t claim a right to the post just because she is Tamil. This is a racist mentality.
I hope she didn’t say this and BBC as usual lied.
May 10th, 2012 at 2:36 am
Fran Diaz
Shall we now close this thread !
their is no thread appart from sinhalese imagination !
This sinhalese unnecessary imagination leading to disaster, Why our govt looking for help from China, Pakistan ,India etc , etc…. do not we have money (eg:arr 1 million Srilankan Tamil living in western world if they give one $/£/€ per day We get €1m per day ), do not we know how , do not we one of the best cultural well civilesed people in this world .
What we need Trust , Trust ,Trust !
We Tamil already have own country Tamil Nadhu ( Tamil country ) in the world !
We Tamil living in Sri Lanka need a life!!!!! that all , It is Bhuddist Sinhala Govt of Sri Lanka’s reposiblity !!!
Nothink alse We Tamil can offer appart from when We will prodect our motherlanka from outside inveters as respectable Sri Lankan Citizoen(eg: We kicked out IPKF) & We solve any intenal problm with us not to invite outsiders ( eg:We Tamil Sir Ponnambalam solved first Sinhala & Muslim riast in our mother land )
Shall we now close this thread – there’s nothing more to say.
Lorenzo
hope she didn’t say this and BBC as usual lied.- No said that , Yes We are Tamil living in Sri Lankan !
May 11th, 2012 at 6:39 am
I for one, am a great fan of Ms Tamara. Her speeches and essays are eloquent, well crafted to the point with wonderfully gifted command of English. As she comes from a minoritybackground she is an ideal candidate to represent Sri Lanka at the highest levels. Her long apprenticeship in Europe, specially as a human rights activist in Geneva qualifies her specially for the post in Geneva.