By Janaka Alahapperuma

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Nesan Shankar Raji, Senior leader and spokesperson of Eelam Revolutionary Organisation (EROS) and their political wing which is actively involve in democratic political main stream in East and North of Sri Lanka, Eelavar Democratic Front (EDF) issued a statesment on newly appointetd LTTE leader Kumaran Pathmanathan allias KP’s TV interview on UK Channel 4 news. It was broadcasted on 22nd July 2009 at 7.00pm and EROS is furious about many misleading claimes made by KP in the interview. It was recorded in a hidden place out side Sri Lanka.EROS has already complained to the TV channel and other relevant authorities about hiding some facts and misleading their viwers in Europe taking sides. Nesan’s full statement as follows.

Statement from EROS

Re: KP’s interview on UK’s Channel 4 news
Kumaran Pathmanathan allias KP claimed that “LTTE is prepared to strike” is ludicrous

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ As far as the now defunct LTTE is concerned we (EROS) are dealing with two fundamental issues here. Firstly the LTTE were victoriously militarily defeated by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in May 2009 leading to the death of their leader Prabhakaran which was much to the relief and joy of the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora who are now experiencing the euphoria and meaning of true liberation from the clutches of the Tamil Tigers after nearly 3 decades.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Secondly, KP is not recognised amongst the fast dwindling international support base of the now defunct LTTE as their leader or representative.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It may be that our people have to be temporarily housed in IDP camps until the areas where they are from are de-mined and cleared of weapons dumped in hideouts which were used by the LTTE. Civilians in these camps also need to be screened and their identities verified and cross-checked for national security purposes. This is the duty of any responsible Government in power as there are many ex-LTTE Intel agents in these camps including former cadres who need to be rehabilitated before being re-introduced back in to ordinary civilian life. These camps constructed by the Sri Lankan Government are a far cry from Concentration Camps as they are being labelled by the pro-defunct LTTE supporters in the West including KP.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ I personally visited these camps in April between 9th and 19th and our members on ground in Vavuniya visit the camps regularly to gather feedback from the civilians. Yes, there have been issues with food not being delivered on time etc, but our people are not starving or being mistreated. They are receiving 3 meals per day and are being housed in adequate and safe conditions with full medical facilities being provided. There are 52 NGOƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s including the ICRC and the UN working on ground. KPƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s claims are ludicrous and he and his supporters ought to take a reality check.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Nesan Shankar Raji
Senior Leader & spokesperson
EELAM REVOLUTIONARY ORGANISATION (EROS)
EELAVAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT (EDF)