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 1st August 1999 |
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Neelan's epitaphModerate Tamil leader Neelan Tiruchelvam who was slain last Thursday gave what could now be his epitaph in an interview with Roshan Peiris of The Sunday Times last year. The widely respected constitutional expert and civic rights campaigner outlined his political philosophy based on human rights, democratic values, pluralism and respect for diversity. We republish below the answer or epitaph he gave in the interview. Q: I feel that as long as the LTTE exists, the lives of TULF politicians face danger. What is your view? A: There are fundamental and perhaps irreconcilable ideological differences between those who are engaged in the armed confrontation and a political party which is committed to non-violence. These differences go beyond the methodology of the struggle, but also relate to issues such as human rights, democratic values, pluralism and respect for diversity. The TULF has paid a heavy price for the commitment to these values. An entire generation of leaders have been cruelly assassinated and this cycle of violence has recently overtaken two successive mayors of Jaffna. It is not only the TULF which has had to encounter political assassinations. Since 1994 nine MPs belonging to the UNP, the PA, the DPLF and the TULF have died under this unending cycle of political violence. This clearly casts a dark shadow over our public life and the need is to create political conditions which restore respect for the sanctity of human life. In other contexts, such conditions have been created when para-military organisations re-enter the political mainstream in the wake of a political resolution.
Powerful voice silenced: ClintonWASHINGTON, Saturday (Reuters) - U.S. President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, expressed shock and sadness yesterday at the assassination in Colombo of moderate Sri Lankan parliamentarian Neelan Tiruchelvam. Mr. Clinton said he and his wife, who once met Dr. Tiruchelvam in Sri Lanka, were "shocked and saddened" by his "tragic death at the hands of terrorists." "Neelan Tiruchelvam was a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate who was well-known and well-respected far beyond his country. He devoted himself to seeking a peaceful and just solution to the tragic conflict that has caused so much bloodshed in Sri Lanka." Mr. Clinton, who expressed condolences to Dr. Tiruchelvam's wife and family, said the Sri Lankan lawmaker devoted himself to seeking a peaceful and just solution to ethnic conflict. The president said Ms. Clinton had been "deeply moved" by her meeting with Dr. Tiruchelvam in 1995. "With his death, a powerful voice for reconciliation in Sri Lanka has been silenced," Mr. Clinton said. "I hope that this tragedy will spur efforts to find an end to the fighting and to build a lasting peace in Sri Lanka."
Final journey for pacifist and son of LankaMourners from various walks of life gathered yesterday to pay their last respects to Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam, at a simple funeral ceremony at the Borella cemetery. Intellectuals, ministers, diplomats and party members streamed in to Dr. Tiruchelvam's residence at Rosmead Place, upto the moment the funeral procession left. The coffin carrying the remains was entirely covered in wreaths, circlets and garlands of flowers and by the rising sun TULF flag and the blue, gold and blue flag of his alma mater, Royal College. Dr. Tiruchelvam's sons Nirgunan and Mithran performed the final rites. Funeral orations were delivered by Ven. Baddegama Samitha Thera, R. Sambandan of the TULF, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Savithri Goonesekera, Paikiasothy Saravanamuthu, Ms. Ruwanthi de Chickera, Ms. Janet Laine, a representative of the UNHCR, and Dr. Vasudevan Thiruchelvam, the brother of Dr. Neelan Thiruchelvam. Mr. Sambandan speaking on behalf of the TULF referred to Dr. Neelan Thiruchelvam as being the "Think Tank of the TULF". He also read out a statement from President Clinton, which had been handed to him by the Ambassador of the United States. Professor Savithri Goonesekera, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, stressed that it was time that everyone recognized the hypocrisy and evilness of destroying lives in the name of peace. Ms. Ruwanthi de Chickera spoke on behalf of the three institutions Dr. Thiruchelvam headed, The International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES), Law and Society Trust (LST) and Tiruchelvam Associates. Speaker K.B. Ratnayaka, Ministers Dharmasiri Senanayake, Alavi Moulana, A.H.M. Fowzie, M.H.M. Ashraff, Mangala Samaraweera, C.V. Gooneratne, Indika Gunawardena, and Deputy Minister Hisbullah attended the funeral. The Indian High Commissioner, Secretary of Defence, Chandrananda de Silva, MPs D. Siddarthan, Joseph Pararajasingham , Dylan Perera, Jayalath Jayawardena, Wijeyapala Mendis and A.T. Ariyaratne, were also among other present.
'Like heated tar being thrown up' eyewitnessBy Nilika de SilvaMedical Representative Shanaka Viraj Fernando had a miraculous escape when he stopped his vehicle he was driving to allow Neelan Tiruchelvam's vehicle to cross over from Rosmead Place on to Kynsey Terrace. It was seconds later that a suicide bomber threw himself against Dr. Tiruchelvam's vehicle blasting himself and the MP to death. Thursday's bomb blast was manoeuvred in such a way that it was dead on target. The only two deaths were those pre-planned by the LTTE. Seven were injured and admitted to the National Hospital. We visited 30-year-old Mr. Fernando at his residence to get an eye witness account of the blast. Mr. Fernando who works at a private company in Borella, said he was travelling from Nawala towards Borella when the explosion took place just a feet away from where he was. "It was exactly 9.18 am when the blast took place. The MP's vehicle and the back-up vehicle were trying to cross Kynsey Road to turn into Kynsey Terrace, but no one gave way but I allowed him to go, but the line of vehicles from Borella to Ward Place was not stopping. "Then I saw a man walking in between the jeep and the car because there was a space. He came from near the parapet wall, behind my vehicle and then the blast occurred. It was like heated tar being thrown up. "I was so confused I got off my vehicle and ran away from the scene of the blast. After about five minutes, I returned to the scene. Within 10 to 15 minutes the Police were there. The car was on fire. They splashed water and put out the fire."
Amnesty condemns killingAmnesty International has blamed the LTTE of breach of international humanitarian standards over the assassination of Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam on Thursday. The AI while condemning the killing states that the attack comes amidst speculation that a new constitution will be included in the devolution package to be presented in parliament. The statement adds that the LTTE who were not consulted at the initial stage have opposed the peace plan. Amnesty International states that the LTTE have recently stepped up their intimidation of MP's and public officials. 'In May this year the LTTE ordered government employees in Jaffna to abstain from work on Tuesdays and Fridays. Several MP's from different political parties in the Batticaloa district were ordered to restrict their public activities and two Mayors from the North were killed'.
Appreciation :The Neelan I knewI was on my way to the ICES on Thursday morning, just as I had been for the past week, when I reached the police cordon. It was from a tearful Dayananda de Silva of the SLBC standing with me a few yards from Kynsey Terrace, that I had confirmation of my fears. Neelan had been killed. My father often referred to Neelan as "genuinely concerned... warm.... helpful". A sincere friend. I had always been able to communicate with him easily and freely. The accuracy of my father's judgment was brought home when Neelan sent me a comforting letter from abroad after my father died. The morning after Neelan returned to Sri Lanka I dropped in on him unannounced at his office. He had a long chat with me about my father disclosing that he had planned to host a reception for his 70th birthday in September my future plans for the Lanka Guardian, some frank and critical suggestions, offers of support and tie-ups. Most importantly, he was keen on the possibility of several publications, including a major anthology of my father's articles. In a subsequent conversation he suggested that I immediately reply a condolatory note from the legendary bibliographer Ian Goonetilleke and invite him to be the Chief Editor of a 'Mervyn de Silva anthology'. My unusual daily visits to the ICES in the last week a return to a habit of 15 years ago was because Neelan and Mr. Thambirajah were publishing a collection of the newspaper tributes that had appeared for my father; a collection that was to be launched at a commemorative event on September 4 at the ICES auditorium. I'm sure of one thing: had my father not died on June 22nd, he would have anytime now. His regular three wheeler driver told me that he used to drop in frequently at Kynsey Terrace between 9 and 10 a.m. Even if he and my mother hadn't been caught in the blast, the news of Neelan's assassination would have brought on the coronary that got him around noon on June 22nd.Neelan was a genuine liberal scholar, a democrat, a highly enlightened man, a pluralist, a man committed to intellectual endeavour and its encouragement. The history of Europe in this ending century, specially the history of the years 'between the wars' demonstrate how prone such intellectuals were to underestimating fascism and fetishizing pacifism. Nirgunan for one will recall my insistent warnings that Neelan was at risk in the specific context of the 'package'. I recall another chat in the ICES office at which Prof. K.M. de Silva and wife were present as was Radhika and I made my warning, this time with characteristic sharpness, which as usual was seen as excessive, even a little harsh and unkind. Neelan was perhaps the Sri Lankan most liked and respected in the Western world - and in India - today. That did not act as a deterrent, in the final analysis to the LTTE. I was looking forward to chatting to him on Friday at the launch of the Felicitation volume for Sri Lanka's most distinguished scholar, Prof. K.M. de Silva, Neelan's colleague, counterpart and counterpoint. Neelan was hosting the banquet at which the volume was to be launched. Now, no more festschriften we shall all be mourning him instead. While my mother Lakshmi joins me (from her hospital bed) to express our deepest condolences to Sithi, Nirgunan, Mithran and all Neelan's colleagues at the ICES, I hope that this tragedy, which has blown open an unfillable gap in the ranks of the Lankan intelligentsia, widening the breach made by Mervyn's death, will conclusively bring home to government, opposition and 'civil society', the unremittingly fascist character of the LTTE. And fascism cannot be bargained with, de-fused, outwitted, by-passed, ignored, evaded, negotiated or compromised with. It cannot even be contained or defended against. It can only be confronted, combated, defeated and destroyed. That in turn requires, at least on this one issue, a broad consensus among all democrats, transcending party loyalty and ethnic identity. We had only a few good men; and they are being hunted down one by one. Dayan Jayatilleka
Tamil politicians blast LTTE as 'barbaric fascists'By Chris Kamalendran and Nilika de SilvaTamil politicians have slammed the LTTE over the slaying of moderate TULF leader Neelan Tiruchelvam, saying the barbaric terrorists must be stopped now before they lead the Tamil people any further on the path of collective suicide. EPDP leader Douglas Devananda said the slaying of Dr. Tiruchelvam was further proof of the fascist nature of the LTTE. He was also critical of the government, saying the delay in pushing through the devolution package had frustrated peace makers such as Dr. Tiruchelvam. PLOTE leader Dharmalingam Siddarthan said the LTTE's policy of killing those who did not agree with its view should be totally condemned by all. He said it was tragic that Dr. Tiruchelvam who had helped other countries to bring in vital constitutional reforms had been obstructed and slain before he could give such a helping hand to his own country. EPRLF leader Suresh Premachandran said the killers of Dr. Tiruchelvam were cowards who were trying to eliminate democratic Tamil leaders so that they could spread their dictatorial tentacles. He said the Tamil people must no longer tolerate such groups which were perpetrating barbaric crimes in the name of liberation. He called on all Tamil parties, including the TULF to come out strongly against groups such as the LTTE before the terrorists lead the Tamil people any further on the path of self-destruction and collective suicide. TELO President Selvam Adaikalanathan also described the assassination as brutal but he was equally critical of the government for dragging its feat and leaving room for such atrocities. Dr. Tiruchelvam played a key role as an intellectual giant and the reaction from those circles was equally forthright. Political scientist Dr. Jayadeva Uyangoda said the assassination was shocking and outrageous while Marga Institute Director Godfrey Goonetilleke called on all moderate and peacemakers to get together now to prevent any more such tragedies.
Duped men seek President's helpThree Sri Lankans who have been hoodwinked by a former counsellor of Sri Lanka in Lebanon promising employment, appealed to President Kumaratunga to intervene and take necessary action against him. The former Counsellor Elias N. Bousader claiming to be a travel agent is said to have taken large sums of money as an advance payment and promised these men employment in Cyprus within 45 days. The Sunday Times learns that Mr. Bousader's services as counsellor has been terminated after this incident. The only document to prove that a transaction has taken place was a piece of paper with basic details. The contents of the transaction was roughly written in this piece of paper with a Lebanon address and a logo as an agreement. The agreement stated, "we receive from Mr. P.A. Gunasena only Rs. 31,000 to help him go to Cyprus. The balance after receiving Visa". The transaction has taken place in a room in a leading five star hotel in Colombo in July last year. A victim stated that to date, he had received no reply from Bousader despite several phone calls and fax messages.
Which way UNP?By Shelani de SilvaThe UNP will decide tomorrow on what to do regarding a JVP resolution in the Western Provincial Council calling for the abolition of the executive presidency. The JVP last week moved resolutions in the Western and Wayamba PCs and the vote is to be taken on Tuesday. Approval of the resolution would be a serious embarrassment for the ruling PA. The JVP needs the support of the UNP and MEP to get the resolution passed. A UNP provincial councillor said the members would meet with group leader Karu Jayasuriya tomorrow to take a decision.
First cricket; now racingInterim body stops autocrossAn autocross organised privately by members of a reorganised motor sports club in a privately owned land in Wattala scheduled to be held today has been disallowed by police following a letter from another sports body claiming that the meet is not authorised. The event had been organised by members of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC), the oldest motor sports club in the country. CMSC members said the OIC of the Wattala Police station had informed them that the autocross could not be allowed as they had received a letter from the Sri Lanka Association of Motor Sports (SLAMS) which claimed that the meet was not authorised by it and should not be allowed. The CMSC states that though SLAMS has been the national association for motor sports since 1975, the Sports Ministry dissolved it in May this year and appointed a new controlling body in its place. "It is this interim body which has written to the Police to ban the event," alleged the CMSC. The SLAMS was represented by seven motor sports clubs, with a committee constituted by two members of each club. The Ministry, acting on complaints made by one of these clubs, the Upcountry Motor Sports Club (UMSC), dissolved SLAMS without a proper inquiry or without seeking the views of the other clubs. The majority of these clubs were agitated by the action of the Minister S.B. Dissanayake as they feel the interim body is not an elected body representative of the sport, but comprises mostly members of one particular club. Court action has been instituted by the executive committee of the dissolved SLAMS against the ministry officials and members of the interim body.
CMC condemns attack on mediamenBy Kumaradasa WagistaThe Colombo Municipal Council yesterday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the brutal attack by the Police and Presidential Security Task on media personnel and causing damage to CMC property during a protest organised by UNP on July 15. The resolution was moved by UNP's M.Azath Sally and seconded by UNP's Gamini Hemachandra at the monthly general meeting of CMC. PA's W. Ariyaratna said the UNP had no moral right to organsie a demonstration calling for the abolition of the executive presidency as it was the UNP regime that introduced this system.
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