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Talks on JVP-SLFP alliance commence tomorrow By Harinda
Vidanage JVP MP, Wimal
Weerawansa confirmed that the JVP was preparing the guidelines for
consideration by the SLFP on the formation of an alliance. The JVP has
decided to give priority to issues related to the peace process
as both parties have expressed conflicting views on the subject. The Sunday
Times learns that the draft proposals on the formation of a JVP-SLFP
alliance have been forwarded to JVP leader Mr. Somawansa Amarasinghe
who is residing in London. He is expected to make a final decision
on the principles of the alliance shortly. JVP parliamentarian
Nandana Gunathilaka told the Sunday Times that the draft proposals
will mainly relate to the peace process, the economy and other vital
issues necessary to govern the country efficiently. He said that
the guidelines would also encompass even issues like cultural affairs
and sports. The Sunday
Times learns that President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Lakshman Kadirgamar
would lead the SLFP delegation. The SLFP negotiating team was to
include Mr. Maithripala Sirisena. Mr. Mangala Samaraweera and Dr.
Sarath Amunugama, however, they are presently out of the country
with a parliamentary group on a tour of four European countries
to study the Federal framework. Meanwhile, a special committee is preparing the draft of the SLFP proposals for consideration by the JVP. According to informed sources the proposals are based on the draft constitution the PA government presented in 2000. "In the name of Buddha" an affront to Buddhists-Musthapha From Neville
de Silva in London High Commissioner
Faisz Musthapha has written to the British Minister for Tourism,
Film and Broadcasting, Dr Kim Howell complaining that the film not
only tarnishes Buddhism and gives a jaundiced account of events
in Sri Lanka, but is inimical to the on-going peace process which
the UK supports. He is now to
follow it up with a formal meeting with the British minister to
convey the concerns of the government and of the Buddhist community. High Commissioner
Musthapha says that credible reports received by him indicate that
the film is calculated to "tarnish Buddhism and ridicule the
noble message of Lord Buddha whose teachings abhor violence and
preach compassion". In this regard
the High Commissioner also quotes The Sunday Times which in a comment
from London, wrote: "In the name of Buddha does not merely
condemn and castigate the Sri Lankan soldiers for human rights violations.
The implication is that this is done by Buddhist soldiers in the
name of Buddhism". The Sunday
Times went on to state, says the High Commissioner, that "the
Buddhists are shown as the perpetrators of violence". On the basis
of the synopsis of the film reported on the producer's website,
they have been neither fair nor balanced, complains the High Comissioner. Mr Musthapha
who returned to London last week after about three weeks in Colombo
where he was consulted on the peace process, particularly with regard
to human rights issues that will soon be under discussion, is also
due to meet the Ambassadors of predominantly Buddhist countries
such as Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos to personally
underscore the offensive nature of the film that unjustly condemns
Buddhism. He will also
meet with the Indian High Commissioner to London to apprise him
of the derogatory portrayal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force whose
soldiers - particularly the Sikhs- are depicted as rapists, murderers
and looters. It is also possible that the attention of the Home Office will be drawn to the film in which one of the protagonists, called the "freedom fighters", is easily identified as the LTTE which is an organisation banned in the UK under its Anti-Terrorism Act of 2000. The same Act makes it an offence to support, be a member of, display any signs that relate to a banned organisation.
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