Dawn of the Tamil Eelam through the Northern Provincial Council – What the Government and we, as citizens can do can do to stop it
Posted on May 25th, 2013
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sri Lanka Support Group, Australia
Further to our Sinhala Media Release (posted on Lankaweb on 24 May 2013), we unequivocallyƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ repeat that formation of the Northern Provincial Council under 13thƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment of the Constitution will lead to formation of the Tamil Eelam.
We say the Government can fundamentally do two (2) things to abolish the 13th ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment, prior to the proposed Northern Provincial Council election, as follows:
- Article 86 of the Constitution ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” Based on the issue of ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”national importanceƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ the President can call for a national referendum. The question to be asked from the people will be ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”Do you agree to abolish the 13th amendment in the Constitution, that was enacted in 1987, that has created the present provincial council system?ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢
Prior to that, a draft Bill in this regard (the current JHU Bill with minor amendments is sufficient)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ should be duly certified by the Cabinet (per Article 80 (2).
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is expected that the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”YesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ vote will win, with a resounding majority.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Thereafter, again per Article 80 (2), The President is required to issue a certificate ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ in the following form: ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-This Bill/provision has been duly approved by the People at a Referendum.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ This activity alone is sufficient to abolish the 13th amendment (no need to obtain 2/3 majority of the parliament). Then, that will be the end of the provincial councils (all 9 of them).
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Note Article 4 (a) of the Constitution ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” In addition to that of the Parliament, ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”the Sovereignty of the People shall be exercised and enjoyed by the People at a referendum.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢
- Article 129 of the Constitution ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” The President can obtain opinion on the 13th ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment from the Supreme Court. If this right is exercised, then, the Supreme Court will investigate the illegality of the enactment of the 13th amendment in 1987 and can essentially, provide opinion to the President (its hearing can be public), such as the following:
(i)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Due to extreme duress put on Sri Lanka by India to sign the Indo-Lanka Agreement that led to the 13th ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” the whole nation opposed it in 1987, ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ the Agreement was signed after placing the country under curfew (more than 300 people that protested against it were shot dead by the government, about ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 500 government owned buses alone were set fire by the angry public and other large scale damage to public property, a vicious assault on the then Indian Prime Minister by a member of his guard of honour and numerous other anti-Agreement incidents), the Supreme Court can find that the 13th amendment is null and void (void ab initio ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”there was no 13th amendment at allƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢). Then, all the 9 provincial councils will instantly become invalid (no referendum or 2/3 majority from the parliament will be required). Due to ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”duressƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢, the Supreme Court is not estopped by Article 80 (3) to provide this opinion in the form of a declaration. The problem herein is that one could argue that then all the acts of the provincial councils since enactment are also null and void.
(ii)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ In 1987, the majority of the Supreme Court ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ was of the view that a referendum should be held ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ to pass the 13th amendment, the then government disregarded it, hence the present government should put the matter ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ to the people at a referendum:
(a)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The President can either follow the procedure prior to the referendum under Article 80(2) (see above 1); the 2/3 ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ vote ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ of the parliament will then not be required or
(b)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ upon successful outcome at the referendum (ie, having obtained the majority ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”YesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ vote), without using Article 80 (2), proceed and obtain 2/3 majority from the parliament.
An ordinary member of the public (as opposed to initiating the above two actions by HE the President), can do the following to obstruct the forming of the Northern Provincial Council which will lead to formation of the Tamil Eelam. These may not be strong causes of action as the above two (2), yet, worth pursuing:
- Use the current JHU Bill or a different Bill to seek any of the above number 2 reliefs from the Supreme Court: (2 (i), 2 (ii) (a) or 2 (ii) (b) (the petitioner ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ is not estopped by Article 80 (3). This will bring the end result of abolishing the 13th amendment (ie, end of the provincial councils).
- A usual resident of the Northern Province, who has not been given voting rights for the forthcoming election (eg. a Navatkuli Sinhala resident) (who is constantly being harassed by northern separatists), can file a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court seeking relief ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…”an injunction to stop the Northern Provincial Council election being held on 7 September 2013, until the petitioner is given voting rights.
- A usual resident of the Northern Province who is currently displaced (eg. an ex- JaffnaƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sinhala resident), can file a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court seeking relief ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” a declaration/mandamus that until the petitioner ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ is duly re-settled in the North, the Northern Provincial Council election should not be held.
The above 2 and 3 will bring the end result of only postponing the northern Provincial Council Election, not abolishing the 13thƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment.
We note the draft Bill that will be tabled by the JHU in the parliament inviting the legislatures to vote to abolish the 13th amendment. If this is passed with 2/3 majority (currently, an unlikely scenario), that will be the end of the 13thƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment. We commend the JHU for taking this bold move.
We have herein shownƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ways how the Government/the Public/MPs can ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ do things legally to abolish the draconian 13th amendment ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” that will lead to creating the Tamil Eelam. We stress that the Government and people of Sri Lanka should do everything possible to stop that from happening. Again, rather than doing things to facilitate the forming of Eelam (like holding the September election), we must do everything to discourage and stop it (like the draft JHU Bill and agitation by the NFF). It is the duty of the general public and the Sinhala Diaspora to express theirƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ opposition to the 13th amendment and holding of the 7 September 2013 election. Unless you express your opposition, the Government will not know it. In this regard, we urge you to sign the Petition in Sinhala in Lakaweb dated 24 May 2013 (see below in the website). This is a joint effort of Sinhala intellectuals, professionals, Buddhist monks and various patriots in Sri Lanka and overseas. If you wish to comment about it,ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ please feel free to do so.
We must be realistic to accept that the abolishment of 13A may solve our problemsƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ domestically, but, like what Mr Dayan Jayatilleka et al state, ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ internationally this could cause us huge problems (opening of a PandoraƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Box). Mr Jayatilleka has argued the abolishment of 13A will lead to stringent Geneva Resolutions in 2014, imposition of sanctions against Sri Lanka etc. Some have predicted even a possible invasionƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ of Sri Lanka by India ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” we believe this is unlikely.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ We should bear in mind whether ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ we abolish the ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 13th amendment ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ or not, the international community (our current ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”enemiesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ in Geneva etcƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” US, UK,ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Canada, Norway, EU, India) will not give up its desire to carve out a separate state in North Eastern Sri Lanka for Tamils. The ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”enemyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ forces are slowly and steadfastly working towards this common objective. The elected ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Northern Provincial Government (most likely led by TNA) and of course the most powerful Tamil Diaspora will continue to falsely agitate the international community (largely western) that Sri Lanka is discriminating against the Tamils ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” they will never give up of making false accusations against the Sinhalese and the Government. Once the Northern Provincial Government is formed, they can request the international community to accept them as a separate nation (similar to how Kosovo was formed). There is provision in the current Constitution for them to merge with theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ East (using Article 154A (3), and eventually create a bigger and more prosperous nationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”North-Eastern Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” encompassing 1/3 of the current Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s land mass and 2/3 of the coast.
To avoid and ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ minimise the international pressure on us, ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ we should do the following (by saying these, we are not being unpatriotic, we believe as citizens it is our duty to assist the Government fully to find solutions to this most difficult and complex problem that the nation is currently facing, and we make the suggestions in that spirit).
- Conduct informal discussions with the US on equal footing (if we can convince the US, the other countries who voted against us in Geneva will fall in line with them) ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” there must be a series of discussions with the US ( it is ok to explain to UK, Canada, Norway, EU and India also, but US is the key). We must clearly explain to them why it is imperative that the 13th amendment must be abolished (true they will not accept our point of view, but, it is important to open a window of dialogue with them. We must openly and freely discuss with our ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”enemiesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ and at least explain them why we do this ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” again, true they may not accept our position, but let us engage them ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” something the Tamil Diaspora does so well and we have failed so miserably).
- We should find out from the US in writing what works exactly they want us to do in order to comply with the current Geneva Resolutions, and if we comply,ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ they will not pursue us again on the same matter/s in Geneva or other forum (we should obtain this assurance from them in writing before embarking on any Geneva compliance work). If the US is too unfair with us in negotiations, we can raise the difficulties in Geneva in September 2013 and beforehand. We should not forget we have thirteen true friends in Geneva ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” we should also work towards cultivating more friends ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” especially those who abstained fromƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ voting.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is a blessing we have such true friends like China and Russia in the UN Security Council, but we should also realise they may not be there for us all the time (note, when the UN Security Council approved the referral of Mr Omar Al Bashir of Sudan to the War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague, his best friends, China and Russia abstained from voting ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” they did not veto the proposal. The same thing happened in relation to Libya, to overthrow Gadhafi).
- For above purposes, we must sit down with Robert Blake et al on equal footing (emphasis added) and engage in extensive discussions/negotiations with them. Only those with exceptionalƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ communication and negotiation skills and possessƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ a sound knowledge on the matters can do this type of work.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The government has to be extremely careful in picking the right people. They should not be mere political nominees. We need the best patriotic brains of the country to go into negotiations with these top US diplomats. Our team should be able to confront/convince John Kerry,ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Robert Blake, Michele Sison ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ et alƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ and obtain best possible outcomes for the country.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
- When negotiating, our team must always keep the best interests of Sri Lanka at head and heart.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ We must constantly bear in mind that we will not agree to anything that will be a threat to Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s sovereignty and territorial integrity (this is what JR Jayewardene and his team failed to do when his Government signed the 1987 pact). We should envisage both short and long term threats toƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ the countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
At talks with the US (can be held both in Washington and Colombo), if we can come up with theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ following agreements in relation to scrapping the 13th ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ amendment and regards to the outstanding Geneva Resolutions, it will be a huge win for us (note, currently we are totally entrapped by 13A, ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ also by the Geneva Resolutions ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…”that is why especially India has taken the upper hand over us).
Again, there is absolutely no alternative but to scrap the 13th amendment (removing the land and police powers from the concurrent list (9th Schedule) will not eliminate the threat to our sovereignty), in lieu of our adversaries accepting this or at least understanding why the country must do this and obtaining assurances from them that they will not take adverse action against us,ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ we could agree to the following:
- We can agree to some toning down of military from the north but not entirely as suggested by the US
- We can agree to hold an independent enquiry about the last stages of war, but, it is not international, but an entirely local enquiry. They must provide us with the complaints
- We can agree to hold an independent enquiry about the alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka,ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ but, it is not international, but an entirely local enquiry. They must provide us with the complaints
- We can implement most of the LLRC recommendations provided that a special fund is set up by the international community to assist Sri Lanka (some of the recommendations are very costly to implement)
- After the provincial governments are abolished, we can agree to decentralise moreƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ power to ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ provinces especially to North and East (so the people can attend to most of theirƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ affairs within the province rather than travelling to Colombo etc), through ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Divisional District Councils (Pradeshiya Sabhas), whose memebers are elected
In summary, basically, we have two solutions at hand ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” (1) abolish 13A ASAP (before the proposed Northern Provincial Council Election), and ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ (2) engage positively with the international community to the maximum to minimise the adverse impact flowing from the abolishment.
After strenuous, positive negotiations with the US (and other adversaries) we would be able to obtain a firm written assurance from the US that we will not be hounded down again in Geneva or any other forum, and that they will not impose sanctions and do other things like initiating action against our leaders and war heroes in the Hague, they will not seek to split Sri Lanka ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ (for a brilliant diplomat, these are achievable), all peoples can thereafter live in Sri Lanka as One Nation. And, Sri Lanka will flourish in international forums, and will be able to keep its head high, like in the past.
The writer, Chanaka Bandaarage, President of Sri Lanka Support Group, is an Australian Lawyer
__________
If you wish to sign the Petition to HE the President requesting him to take action to abolish the 13th amendmentƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ (please read it below ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” Lankaweb, dated 24 May 2013), please provide us with the information below:
| ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚±ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¸ | ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚»ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·’ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚»ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¸ | ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ” -â„¢ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚± |
ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·’ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¯ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ºƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¸ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚°ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ºƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ºƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢-¾‚¢ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚±ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚´ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢-¾‚¢ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ” -â„¢ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¸ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ¢¢”š¬‚¦ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ” -â„¢ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚±ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ…‚¡ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·’ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚»ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢¢”š¬…”ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¸ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ” -â„¢ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚³ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢¢”š¬…¾ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ…‚¡ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚»ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢¢”š¬‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚«ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ”š‚ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ…‚¡ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚» ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚¸ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚¡ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚½ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚´ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚«ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·’ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·’ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚©ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚ºƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ…‚¡ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ¢¢”š¬’ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚±ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚·ƒ…‚ ƒÆ’‚ ƒ”š‚¶ƒ”š‚± ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” srilankasupportgroup@bigpond.com
May 25th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
We should MOBILIZE people to put enough pressure on govt. to SCRAP 13 amendment.
NFF and JHU should threaten to campaign SEPERATELY in future PC elections UNLESS the govt. SCRAPS 13 amendment now.
JVP should also be involved to carryout STRIKES DEMANDING SCRAPPING 13 amendment that will grind the economy to a halt.
Then the govt. will have NO OPTION than to SCRAP 13 amendment.
Without enough pressure govt. will NOT scrap it.
May 25th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Dear Janaka Bandarage……….Sri Lanka Support Group- Australia.
I am realy impressed & feel at least NOW, Sinhalese Diaspora should help this cause. Rally around Sinhalese & other Sri Lankans in Canada, USA, UK & many other countries & form an United Front. As for you Sir, it is imperative that as the proponent of this hard but do-able venture, to visit our HE President Rajapaksha & insist on this has to be done.
ABOLISH this unpopular, divisive 13 amendment, & make way as outlined by you, the process with help of our TRUE friends in International Community.
Our people in Sri Lanka has so many burdens on them and as such we cannot expect or blame them even if they show ONLY a token support. We in Western countries, MId East, Australia and Korea should take more burden of seeing this through as you have outlined.
Please make sure to meet our president with the signatures of all Sinhalese diaspora & others put as much as pressure, beacuse this will be the ONLY chance we will have to save our country.
When US cut off aid during President Kennedy era, we survived, when other problems arose, we faught back & ultimately won. So if India was to invade, we must teach them a lesson, that they will never forget. If our people are united as people of Vietnam, I am sure we will win this situation.
Once this is done India has no excuse to invade or interfere in sovereign democratic country. So please mobilize and also get help from similar organizations of Sri Lankans , from Western World & Mid East & Asia to make it more viable. Strength in NUMBERS help.
Thanks again Sir, I was waiting till someone like you, to brainstorm & come out with such feasible process.
Another retired expat from Canada.~~…expressing his gratitude towards your effort……..May God Bless & Noble Triple Gems protect you & our Motherland……….J
May 25th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
BLESS YOU CHANAKA FOR YOUR VALIANT EFFORT TO STOP AN IMPENDING BLOOD-BATH. It appears to me that the Government Politicians have got hypothermia, and is shivering, because India has got a 13th stomach upset and is passing stinking flatus through its alimentary canal exit. Putting it colloquially, ALL GOVERNMENT POLITICIANS ARE SHIVERING FOR AN INDIAN FART.
If the Government is cheeky and does not act according to the peoples genuine patriotic wishes, Iam inclined to think that there will be islandwide resentment, leading to chaos and dire consequences. The terrorist tamils are looking forward to this, as the Government will be killing the patriotic SINHALESE to control the situation. I get goose flesh when I even think of such an event happening in beautiful Sri Lanka, because of imbecile politicians.
Honourable Minister Basil Rajapakse said that 85% of the loans are spent for Development of the North. FOR JUST A FEW TAMILS ONLY EH ?
Honourable Minister of Defence, Gothabaya Rajapakse said, that given Police and Land Powers to the North, will create a devastating Security Risk for the whole country. This is a positive reflection of ” coming events casting their shadows “.
The feelings and emotions of the patriotic Sinhalese are on fire. Only the patriotic Politicians can douse it. NOW OR NEVER.
May 25th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Chanaka (now in Sri Lanka), you can do this Sir. Sri Lankans in Australia know how a brilliant man (also a lawyer) you are – son of Great Dr DS Bandarage, father of Management – a pioneer who worked for the down trodden Sinhalese. Keep going Sir we’ll be with you!
May 26th, 2013 at 1:36 am
The TNA worshippers of the “ONE True SunGod” hope to win in PEACE through the 13th Amendment Backdoor the Tamils-only Apartheid Eelam that they failed to win by murderous WAR.
A little bit of Eelam today through Provincial Council Elections to get themselves in the saddle, then more and more later by using land and police powers to expel central government and Sinhala and Muslim people and create facts o the ground, onwards steadily towards complete separation and a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Expect to see the resurrection of Tiger cemeteries, building of Monuments to the Tamil Tiger War Dead, a resumption of the brainwashing of future generations of Tamils picking up where the defeat of the Tamil Tigers halted the process, unlimited immigration from Tamil Nadu to change the demographics of Sri Lanka permanently, and so on ad infinitum, ad nauseam.
In what way is this goal different from that of the late unlamented SunGod? His proxies in Colombo, the TNA, who cheered on his murder and mayhem only a few years go, are now masquerading as “democratic legislators” orchestrating the “human rights” approach to Eelam through subterfuge. The murderous wolves of yesteryear are now hiding under the sheepskins of perpetually wailing victims.
Clearly, the GOSL and Sri Lankans as a whole, have not exerted themselves enough, and devocted sufficient resources, to EXPOSE these SERIAL CON ARTISTES for who they really are: Criminal Terrorists who murdered 150,000 innocent citizens of in Sri Lanka with IMPUNITY with the Aid of India and Western Countries who aided and abetted them in committing those crimes.
Rise Up ….. O Patriots of Mother Lanka …. and REPEAL the 13th Amendment from Sri Lanka’s Constitution, and TOTALLY UPROOT Provincial Councils from Sri Lanka’s System of Government.
May 26th, 2013 at 11:39 am
The JHU, demanding REPEAL of the 13th Amendment, asks GOSL to POSTPONE PC Elections until ALL enthnically cleansed Sinhalese and Muslims are RESETTLED in the NORTH!
Bravo, JHU!
…………………..
JHU to mount “three pronged approach” to abolish 13th Amendment
By Franklin R. Satyapalan
Island.lk
May 25, 2013
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), an important constituent party in the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government, yesterday unveiled a “three pronged approach” to abolish the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
JHU spokespesman, Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said the party would mobilize the public to urge the government to change its stand on the 13th Amendment by holding awareness rallies countrywide from the June 1, canvass the support of political parties in government and as well as the opposition and present a private member’s motion in Parliament after the conclusion of the Vesak celebrations.
JHU sources said that the decision to take to the streets and “go before the people” was made in the backdrop of the statement made by Cabinet spokesman, Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa that the government had no intention of abolishing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution or postpone the Northern PC polls scheduled for September this year.
“We are totally against the holding of the polls to the Northern PC as we believe the local and international political situation and pressures being brought to bear could have serious implications for the country”, they said.
If the polls should be held in the North, then the Sinhala and Muslim people who were ethnically cleansed from the North should be resettled. There were about 20,000 Sinhalese living in the Jaffna district earlier. All of them should be resettled before the polls are conducted”, the sources said.
When asked whether there was sufficient time before the scheduled elections in September to resettle these people, the sources replied “In that case, let the government postpone the polls until such time all Muslims and Sinhalese were resettled”.
Warnasinghe said that there would be no problem as the majority of the displaced Tamils are being resettled. All the IDP camps had been closed down.
Asked about the implications the government would face from neighboring India and the international community if it abolished the 13th Amendment and went back on holding the Northern PC poll, Warnasinghe said that Sri Lanka, as a Sovereign country, need not give into pressures from any quarters, be it India or the international community.
May 26th, 2013 at 11:55 am
My Dear Sonia,
Since the Tamil Separatists in Sri Lanka have your support, adore and worship these Maoists are “Freedom Fighters” too!
Oh, by the way, I recommend Full and Complete Devolution of Power to these Maoist Freedom Fighters so they can achieve their “Legitimate Aspirations” outside of India’s control …. as you Indians prescribe to Sri Lanka.
When 800 million people of India are under the control of Maoists during the night in areas the Indian government claims to control by day, I would say that your saree is on fire!
Good Luck with swallowing that poison pill of Devolving Power to Terrorists claiming to be Freedom Fighters!
……………
Sonia Gandhi ‘devastated’ by India Chhattisgarh ambush
BBC
May 26, 2013
The president of India’s Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, has said she is “devastated” by Saturday’s attack on party officials in Chhattisgarh state.
At least 24 people were killed, including Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nandkumar Patel, his son, and local leader Mahendra Karma, when suspected Maoist rebels ambushed their convoy.
Mrs Gandhi visited some of the wounded with PM Manmohan Singh on Sunday.
The prime minister said India would “never bow down” before the rebels.
He denounced the “barbaric attack” which he said should be an inspiration in the fight against extremism and violence.
Unconfirmed reports said they were unable to visit the scene of the attack because of security concerns.
‘Firm action’
The convoy carrying state Congress leaders and party workers was ambushed at around 17:30 (10:00 GMT) on Saturday as it travelled through the Darba Ghati valley, in the Sukma area about 345km (215 miles) south of Raipur, following a campaign rally.
Police said the convoy was first forced to stop by felled trees on the road. At least one vehicle at the front of the convoy was then hit by a land-mine blast before as many as 200 suspected rebels opened fire, they added.
map
The main target of the attack is believed to have been Nandkumar Patel, who witnesses said jumped into a ditch with his son, Dinesh, to take shelter before they were abducted. Their bodies were later found nearby; the Congress chief was reportedly mutilated.
Mr Karma was found dead at the scene. A former home minister in Chhattisgarh, he founded the Salwa Judum, a local militia given the task of fighting the Maoists which has been accused of abuses.
Former federal minister Vidya Charan Shukla was among the 32 people wounded in the ambush, many of them seriously, police said.
He was taken to hospital outside Delhi where his condition was described as stable.
Mrs Gandhi denounced the “dastardly attack” on India’s democratic values, words reiterated by the prime minister as they visited Raipur.
Congress party leader Mahendra Karma with his bodyguards. File photo Mahendra Karma was instrumental in setting up a movement to fight the Maoists
“Those who have lost their lives in this barbaric attack are martyrs of democracy,” Mr Singh tweeted from Raipur, where many of the wounded are being treated.
Maoist rebels, also known as “Naxalites”, have been operating in central and eastern India for the past four decades. They demand land and jobs for the poor, and ultimately want to establish a “communist society” by overthrowing India’s “semi-colonial, semi-feudal” form of rule.
After attending an emergency meeting in Delhi with the prime minister, Mrs Gandhi described the attack in Chhattisgarh as “shocking”.
“Naturally, we are devastated,” she told reporters. “It is despicable that ordinary people engaged in political activity were attacked.”
The prime minister had also spoken by telephone to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and promised him all “necessary aid”.
“Government will take firm action against the perpetrators of violence of any kind,” he said in a statement.
May 26th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
My Dear Sonia,
Since the Tamil Separatists in Sri Lanka have your support, please adore and worship these Maoists these “Freedom Fighters” too!
Oh, by the way, I recommend Full and Complete Devolution of Power to these Maoist Freedom Fighters so they can achieve their “Legitimate Aspirations” outside of India’s control …. as you Indians prescribe to Sri Lanka.
When 800 million people of India are under the control of Maoists during the night, in areas the Indian government claims to control by day, I would say that your saree is on fire!
Good Luck with swallowing that poison pill of Devolving Power to Terrorists claiming to be Freedom Fighters!
……………
Sonia Gandhi ‘devastated’ by India Chhattisgarh ambush
BBC
May 26, 2013
The president of India’s Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, has said she is “devastated” by Saturday’s attack on party officials in Chhattisgarh state.
At least 24 people were killed, including Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nandkumar Patel, his son, and local leader Mahendra Karma, when suspected Maoist rebels ambushed their convoy.
Mrs Gandhi visited some of the wounded with PM Manmohan Singh on Sunday.
The prime minister said India would “never bow down” before the rebels.
He denounced the “barbaric attack” which he said should be an inspiration in the fight against extremism and violence.
Unconfirmed reports said they were unable to visit the scene of the attack because of security concerns.
‘Firm action’
The convoy carrying state Congress leaders and party workers was ambushed at around 17:30 (10:00 GMT) on Saturday as it travelled through the Darba Ghati valley, in the Sukma area about 345km (215 miles) south of Raipur, following a campaign rally.
Police said the convoy was first forced to stop by felled trees on the road. At least one vehicle at the front of the convoy was then hit by a land-mine blast before as many as 200 suspected rebels opened fire, they added.
map
The main target of the attack is believed to have been Nandkumar Patel, who witnesses said jumped into a ditch with his son, Dinesh, to take shelter before they were abducted. Their bodies were later found nearby; the Congress chief was reportedly mutilated.
Mr Karma was found dead at the scene. A former home minister in Chhattisgarh, he founded the Salwa Judum, a local militia given the task of fighting the Maoists which has been accused of abuses.
Former federal minister Vidya Charan Shukla was among the 32 people wounded in the ambush, many of them seriously, police said.
He was taken to hospital outside Delhi where his condition was described as stable.
Mrs Gandhi denounced the “dastardly attack” on India’s democratic values, words reiterated by the prime minister as they visited Raipur.
Congress party leader Mahendra Karma with his bodyguards. File photo Mahendra Karma was instrumental in setting up a movement to fight the Maoists
“Those who have lost their lives in this barbaric attack are martyrs of democracy,” Mr Singh tweeted from Raipur, where many of the wounded are being treated.
Maoist rebels, also known as “Naxalites”, have been operating in central and eastern India for the past four decades. They demand land and jobs for the poor, and ultimately want to establish a “communist society” by overthrowing India’s “semi-colonial, semi-feudal” form of rule.
After attending an emergency meeting in Delhi with the prime minister, Mrs Gandhi described the attack in Chhattisgarh as “shocking”.
“Naturally, we are devastated,” she told reporters. “It is despicable that ordinary people engaged in political activity were attacked.”
The prime minister had also spoken by telephone to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and promised him all “necessary aid”.
“Government will take firm action against the perpetrators of violence of any kind,” he said in a statement.
May 26th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
In the above article on the Attack by Maoist Terrorists in Chattisgargh, India, note the following statement:
“However, Gill said the state government was incapable of devising a strategy to tackle the Maoist threat. “They don’t have the political will and bureaucratic and police set-up to prevent such attacks,” he said.
He said the state government had ignored the need for special forces to tackle the threat. “Most of the special forces in the state are being used for non-operational duties like guarding state politicians,” he said.”
Likewise, if LAND and POLICE powers are vested with a Tamil majority Provincial Council in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, they will not have the “political will, and the bureaucratic and police setup” … to put it mildly …. “to prevent such attacks”.
In fact, it will be the TNA-dominated Provincial Government that will initiate and orchestrate such attacks.
Only the central government can enforce the necessary action to maintain peace in the NATIONAL INTEREST which is not shared by the TNA separatists.
If the TNA gets control of the Northern Province, and land and police powers to boot, there will be INTERMINABLE CONFLICTS between the Central Government and the ProvincialGgovernment setting the stage for another Eelam War …. this time possibly with ACTIVE Tamil Nadu participation.
Why would ANY GOSL allow such a security threat to arise and threaten the lives and livelihoods of ALL of Sri Lanka’s people …. all over AGAIN? But, such STUPIDITY is at the heart of the impending PC Elections in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Are we to gift to the Tamil Separatit Terrorists in PEACE what they failed to win in Murderous War? Have all of our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, police and civilians DIED IN VAIN?
Rise Up …. O Patriots of Mother Lanka …. and COMPEL the Government of Sri Lanka to REPEAL the 13th Amendment rammed down Sri Lanka’s throat by India; an India that does not even know how to maintain its own territory free of terrorism!
Rise Up …. O Patriots of Mother Lanka …. and GET RID OF the 13th Amendment and the Provincial Councils NOW before it is TOO LATE!
May 26th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
As usual Pres Rajapakse gets others to do the dirty work!
He hasn’t got the courage (not surprising from the possible repercussions) to do it directly instead backs the move by JHU to repeal the 13th.
Interesting, both JVP ( the likes of Wimal Weerasansa now NFF) and JHU have been contesting PC elections since 1988.
It comes as no surprise they take the hypocritical stance of objecting to the PC elections for our brothers and sisters in the North and now move to repeal the 13th after nearly 25 years.
I was never a fan of the 13th. MR used the 13th (Provincial Councilors) to his advantage at the last Presidential Election. Let’s see if he has the back bone to dismantle the PC system.
May 26th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Attack in Chattisgargh, Endia is a very good move by the rebels. That should teach Endia a lesson.
China should use these rebels to the MAXIMUM to bleed Endia to death. Keep Endia occupied so it cannot mess around with its neighbors.
May 27th, 2013 at 1:00 am
Bravo, Mr. Defense Secretary!
Indeed Sri Lanka cannot change its system of Governance to suit a Foreign Country; a Foreign Country that Rammed the 13th Amendment down Sri Lanka’s throat while it was Militarily Occupying a large part of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is NOT BOUND BY AGREEMENTS FORCED UPON IT UNDER DURESS. Under International Law, no Country is bound to honor agreements entered into under blackmail.
Sri Lanka did what it had to agree to do then … in order to survive … just as a KIDNAPPED PERSON would sign over his property when a gun is held at his head. But, it is the duty of that victim to regain his freedom and to recover his assets and rights at the earliest possible opportunity.
There are many PRECEDENTS in International Law of NULLIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO UNDER DURESS. For example, Hitler forced Czechoslovakia to give up the Sudetenland to Nazi Germany under the threat of invasion by Nazi Germany, and abandonment by the Allied Powers. As soon as Nazi Germany was defeated, Czechoslovakia ABROGATED the Munich Agreement, and reconstituted itself in full regaining the Sudetenland.
The Rape of Sri Lanka by India, and the attempt to partition Sri Lanka by IMPOSING BY FORCE the 13th Amendment upon Sri Lanka, are CRIMES under International Law just as much as the Rape of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany was a CRIME.
It is the DUTY of ALL PATRIOTIC Sri Lankans to help FREE Sri Lanka of this CHAIN OF BONDAGE to India’s internal and regional political needs.
Sri Lanka MUST NEVER FORGET this CRIME which our own ethnic relatives in India, and our collaborators in the struggle for independence from Western Colonialists, INFLICTED upon us.
Sri Lanka must ALWAYS be PREPARED to DEFEND and PROTECT Sri Lanka’s TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, Sri Lanka’s unique CULTURE that has DEVELOPED INDEPENDENTLY over many millenia from its early Indian origins, and the FREEDOM to GROW and PROSPER in the FUTURE as we Sri Lankans see fit.
There is AMPLE EVIDENCE in the MISSTEPS India has taken since independence, in governance, foreign relations, maintenance of internal security, and the assurance of equity to all of its citizens, that India has little to offer Sri Lanka in the way of SOUND ADVICE. India is travelling on a fast path to disintegration; Sri Lanka would be well advised to avoid all self-serving advice given by India and to protect itself in every way from contamination by India’s self-inflicted social diseases.
Rise Up …. O Patriots of Mother Lanka …. to GET RID OF the 13th Amendment and the Provincial Council System designed to create a Patchwork Quilt of Racist Apartheid Bantustans in Sri Lanka.
Let Sri Lanka move CONFIDENTLY towards the goal of ONE Indivisible Nation, of ONE Inseparable People, sharing ONE Indomitable Destiny!
……………………
Lanka can’t toe India line on 13th Amendment: Gotabaya
By P K Balachandran
NewIndianExpress.com
May 27, 2013
The influential Sri Lankan Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has said Sri Lanka should jettison the system of devolution contained in the India-inspired 13th Amendment of the country’s constitution, irrespective of India’s reaction.
“Just because India or some other country will get angry, we cannot stop doing what is good for our country,” Gotabaya told the Tamil daily Sudar Oli on Sunday.
He was asked if his statements against the devolution of power to the provinces would not irk India, which was responsible for the promulgation of the existing devolution system through the India-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 and the 13th constitutional amendment which followed it. Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid had recently expressed displeasure over Lanka’s attempts to prune the 13th amendment to deny the provinces powers over land and police.
Gotabaya expressed the fear that if the Tamil majority Northern Province went into the hands of the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) following the September 2013 elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC), that province would demand power over land and police and jeopardize national integrity and security.
He recalled that the 13th amendment did not have the people’s support when it was enacted in 1987. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna had “set fire to the whole country,” and the LTTE leader Prabhakaran had rejected it, he pointed out.
“Why should we implement it merely because it meets India’s needs?” Gotabaya asked.
According to him some forces were trying to weaken Lanka’s Central Executive by divesting it of powers of land and the police; demanding independent commissions to make official appointments; and promoting an independent judiciary. Gotabaya, who is President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sibling, suggested that Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims, should all “forget” about the 13th amendment and think about a “reasonable” solution to the ethnic question.
However, according to “The Sunday Times” President Rajapaksa had told the cabinet that the NPC elections should be held as scheduled in September, and under the existing constitutional arrangement. Perhaps, Rajapaksa does not want to ruffle feathers in India and the West ahead of the Commonwealth summit scheduled to be held in Colombo in November.
May 27th, 2013 at 1:24 am
Here is MORE of TNA’s CONSTRUCTIVE attitude!
………………
Sampanthan says Gotabaya is not govt.
DailyMirror.lk
May 27, 2013
“Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said police and land powers would not be given to the Northern Province. I am not ready to talk to him because he is not the government,” said ITAK leader R. Sampanthan at the Trincomalee District General Meeting of the ITAK yesterday.
The meeting was held at the New Silver Star Inn to appoint electoral agents, re-structuring party branches and to explain the current political situation.
“The problems of Tamils have reached the United Nations. UNHCR conducted discussions with regard to Sri Lankan Tamils. Therefore, we cannot give up our principles for the sake of a 2 km road,” he said speaking at the meeting.
“Except for the 50 acre-land acquired for the Sampur Electricity Scheme, all other lands will be released; that was the promise given to me by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, however, in spite of the promise the lands are still not released. Countries which helped to destroy LTTE, should place a solution before Tamils, be it the USA or India; we need a solution and they are duty-bound to provide it,” Mr. Sampanthan said.
He further said “We have shared Rs. 5 million received from our decentralised budget among eleven temples. Had we joined the government, we would have received even Rs.100 million for development, but we will not deviate from our principles.” (Singaravelu Sasikumar)
May 27th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Rise Up …. O Patriots of Mother Lanka …. GET RID OF the 13th Amendment and the Provincial Council System designed to create a Patchwork Quilt of Racist Apartheid Bantustans in Sri Lanka.
Rise up … O Patriotic Sons and Daughters of Lanka …. your Motherland needs you to DEFEND her NOW! Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country … NOW!
Let Sri Lanka move CONFIDENTLY towards the goal of ONE Indivisible Nation, of ONE Inseparable People, sharing ONE Indomitable Destiny!
………………………
Provincial council system fails to address the problems of Sri Lanka’s North and East – JHU
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
May 27, Colombo: An ally of Sri Lanka’s governing party, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), says the provincial council system was introduced to address the problems of the North and East, but has so far failed to resolve the issue.
JHU parliamentarian Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thero has said that the JHU’s decision to move a motion seeking the abolition of the provincial council system was based on many reasons that range from the illegal manner in which the Constitution was amended to establish the Provincial Council system to its failure to address the issues in the North and East.
“The Provincial Council system was brought about as a solution to the problems in the North and East. Over 5,000 Indian forces personnel sacrificed their lives in Sri Lanka’s North and East in order to get this system implemented. However, the terrorists in the North and East did not agree to the Provincial Council system. Therefore, the system has not solved the North and East issue. This is an issue that has been coming from the past,” he has explained.
According to Ven. Ratana Thero, the worst clause in the amendment is on the merging of provinces if there were no objections between the respective provinces.
“Under this clause, the North and East provinces were merged on the basis of the area being the traditional homeland of the Tamil people. This is a wrong concept and it cannot be proven with historical facts,” he has observed.
“After considering all these reasons, the JHU will introduce to parliament next week a motion to repeal the Provincial Council system,” Ven. Ratana Thero has said.
He has added that the JHU would speak to other parties including the UNP, TNA and the JVP to get their support for the draft motion.
The Thero has noted that the party was looking at people’s support before looking for government support for its draft motion to amend the Constitution and repeal the Provincial Council system in the country.
May 27th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
While PATRIOTS rush to her DEFENSE, here is another group of TRAITORS from the LSSP stabbing Mother Lanka in the back.
Our MEMORIES are LONG; we will NEVER FORGET who the TRAITORS are.
………………
Sri Lanka’s leftist ministers to support Tamil party on the 13th Amendment
ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
May 27, Colombo: Several ministers in the Sri Lankan government are to support the major Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in demanding the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
Leader of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and Minister of Technology and Research, Prof. Vitarana, General Secretary of the Communist Party (CP) and Minister of Human Resources, D.E.W. Gunasekera, and Leader of the Democratic Left Front (DLF) and Minister of National Languages and Social Integration, Vasudeva Nanayakkara had reportedly met a group of TNA parliamentarians.
The meeting had taken place last week at the Parliament Complex.
TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said the meeting between the leftist ministers was an encouraging sign given that certain elements within the government are opposed to the 13 Amendment.
He has observed that the three ministers had said the 13th Amendment should not be weakened and the Northern Provincial Council polls should be conducted in a manner without destabilizing the amendment.
The ministers had also said that land and police powers should not be stripped off the 13th Amendment.
Two allying parties of the government, Jathika Hela Urumaya and National Freedom Front oppose giving land and police powers to the provinces and call to abolish the 13th Amendment.
May 27th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
“Prof. Vitarana, General Secretary of the Communist Party (CP) and Minister of Human Resources, D.E.W. Gunasekera, and Leader of the Democratic Left Front (DLF) and Minister of National Languages and Social Integration, Vasudeva Nanayakkara”
These losers are always AGAINST SL. They voted AGAINST govt. in IMPEACHMENT vote too.
Just sack these JOKERS.
May 28th, 2013 at 11:34 am
JHU to hand over private member’s motion on abolishing 13 A tomorrow
by Ranil Dharmasena
Island.lk
May 27, 2013
The Jathika Hela Urumaya would hand over a private member’s motion to the Secretary General of Parliament tomorrow, seeking to repeal the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which established the Provincial Councils, Western Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gamanpila said yesterday.
Gamanpila told The Island that the Sinhala and English versions of the proposed draft bill were ready and the Tamil translation too would be ready by today.
After handing over the bill, they would meet all political parties represented in Parliament, including the Tamil National Alliance, to apprise them of the importance of abolishing the 13th Amendment.