Letters to the Editor

The LTTE, the most brutal and barbaric terrorist organisation in the world stands exposed in the eyes of the rest of the world after the EU ban. Whatever little sympathy the world community had for it has collapsed. There is a saying that you can fool some people some of the time but not all the people all the time. The LTTE is the master of the art of duplicity and lies. Even with the CFA in operation it is exploding claymore mines to provoke the forces to attack the innocent public and get mileage out of it. Dr. Anton Balasingham has reportedly said that banning the LTTE would pave the way for war. Little does he realise that if another war breaks out it will bring misery and mass destruction to the same community for whose liberation he was fighting. Tit-for-tat massacres are taking place on both sides.

The Tigers have effectively stifled the independence of the Tamil press. It was reported that representatives of some media associations made a pilgrimage to Kilinochchi recently to plead with the Tigers not to kill Tamil journalists working for the state media. Tamilchelvan with his usual cunning smile had reportedly told them that the Tigers never target media personnel. Again it proves that the LTTE is a master in the art of lying. The Tigers killed Relangi of Rupavahini, Iyer of EPDP and a host of journalists like the Editor of Thinamurasu.

The LTTE gave assurances to the Principal of the Jaffna Central College, but he too was killed. Its promises are not worth the paper they are written on. Let these journalists who went to Kilinochchi remember that you can never trust the Tigers. They say one thing and do another.

And finally a word about the Karuna factor which is a major sticking point for the commencement of the peace talks. What the govt. delegation should note is that the Karuna group does not come under the definition of para-military groups as they did not exist at the time of signing the CFA. What the govt. can do is to bring about a ceasefire between the Wanni Tigers and the Karuna group through the SLMM. In fact Karuna himself declared a cease-fire but nobody took any serious note of it. The Tigers also should be made to tolerate any dissenting opinion.

The security forces are not in a mood to fight another war with the Karuna faction. What the LTTE wants is for the govt. to do the dirty work of disarming the Karuna faction so that the LTTE could annihilate them one by one as they did the EPDP & EPRLF cadres. Then the LTTE will turn its guns on the govt. It is a pity that Ranil Wickremesinghe has fallen into this trap of the Tigers, calling for the disarmament of the Karuna group. Let us learn from history.

Remember ‘Karuna checkmates Prabha’. Let us suppose tomorrow three splinter groups break away from the LTTE, is it the duty of the government to disarm them all?

Minister Fowzie has always been a very active minister keen to solve problems. Unfortunately he has been infected with “fly-over fever” possibly by advisers who prefer the most expensive solutions. Big costs – big contracts – big commissions!

A fly-over at Nugegoda junction would be disastrous for this thriving business area.

The most practical and least expensive solution to ease traffic problems at this point would be construction of a subway crossing under High Level Road to accommodate traffic on Kohuwela Road and development of the by-roads for traffic entering High Level Road.

Topographical conditions are favourable as High Level Road is at a much higher elevation than the road crossing it at this point.

The vast amount of money saved on acquisition and construction could be used to better purpose elsewhere.

Whenever I hear news of “a soldier shot dead”, “a guard killed by hand grenade”, or “an LTTE cadre shot dead”, I think – “Now, whose son is that? How is the mother facing it? Whose husband is he? How is the wife coping with the shock of the news? Whose father is he? Are the children at an age to understand that he is never coming back?” and my heart bleeds.

But often we, Sri Lankans have become so desensitized to reports of death at the war front that the news of the dead has become just numbers. Not a day passes without us hearing of some death due to the war. Though it’s true that such losses are to be expected, too often the calamity seems to be a lapse on the part of the government. How many lives are lost in vain? Do we keep quiet knowing that – if only the proper cannons were used so many lives would have been saved? If only life jackets were available so many would have survived and so many women need not have become widows. If only the proper guns were purchased some mother’s son need not have died? How can we? After all they are all our children - Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims, all are Sri Lankan youth.

The only way to combat this menace is to insist that the children of politicians join the army and navy. Then the politicians will doubly make sure no second class equipment is used, that all safety measures are taken and no unnecessary retaliation will take place. Easier said than done, but is there any other way?

The people put a lot of faith, trust and confidence in President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his “Chinthanaya” to seek a reasonable solution to their sufferings. The vital issue has been the ever-spiralling cost of living, which has now reached dizzy heights with no concerted efforts to bring some permanent relief and redress.

These are some of the startling ‘achievements’ of the “Chinthanaya”:

Sugar, flour, rice, bread, vegetables, kerosene, petrol, diesel etc., including electricity, water charges and bus fares have all gone up phenomenally in price. At this rate life has almost become a veritable struggle for survival. These were not the pre-election pledges promised to the people. Instead they have been taken on a jolly good ride. The only consolation however, has been the setting back of the clock by half an hour, which the Chandrika regime put forward.

It is also quite strange that the so called political parties who claim to be the “saviours of the people” are now maintaining a mute silence.

The recent trial I underwent has been painful,
But I realize now it was a blessing in disguise;
I feel so privileged to have so much support -
From so many people, all loving and wise.

My friends, family, professionals, the President,
And the entire society never failed -
To show that they would stand by my side -
To show that justice would prevail!

My faith in God has only increased,
And my faith in all of you has too;
I have learnt and gained so much from this,
And for that, I must thank you.

My dear friend, you being there for me -
When I was in pain and suffering too,
Is something I will deeply cherish -
My whole life through!

I did not know whether to laugh or cry when I read a letter from Pro Bono Publico titled the "CCD and a few street truths".

First, in trying to deal with your reporter, Asif Fuard’s account about the dastardly murder of Inspector Douglas, the writer has chosen to remain anonymous. Whoever this Pro Bono Publico is, he must know that your esteemed and widely read newspaper published his revelations only because it was deemed fit to print.

He says the CCD is not so naive to arrest fellow police officers without any justification. Come, come Pro Bono who told you this? All you have to do is go through past records and you will know that the Police Department, that includes the CCD, have made arrests without justification.

In this instance, he forgets the fact that all police officers arrested by the CCD have filed fundamental rights applications in the country's highest legislature -the Supreme Court. Six of these officers, believe it or not, have been re-instated even before the cases were heard. If as the writer says there was justification in the arrest of Inspector Douglas and they took him in with lightning speed, no arrests have yet been made over his murder. Whilst ignoring the fate that befell Inspector Douglas and his wife, Pro Bono has chosen it fit to chide Fuard's account in The Sunday Times.

He has no facts to rebut them except to make a few tardy and irrelevant comments. This makes it clear that whoever Pro Bono is, he is hurt and hurt very badly. Perhaps such Pro Bonos would naturally feel anything is mala fide if the truth, the bitter truth and nothing but the truth hurts them.

Your reporter Asif Fuard and your newspaper should be congratulated for having the courage and conviction to bring out the truth.

Let a few frustrated, disgruntled Pro Bonos scream but the truth will always triumph. More strength to Fuard's elbow. The vast silent majority are with him and The Sunday Times.

Over twenty years ago on May 11,1985, I wrote expressing concern that sport was being indulged in on the Thrice Blessed holy day of Vesak.

This is an event respected and venerated not merely in Sri Lanka but throughout the entire civilised world as well.

A year later, it was reported in the Press (16. 5. 86), that sports competitions on Vesak days had been banned by the Sports Ministry from that year. However, to my utter surprise I learned that a Tennis Tournament was conducted by the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, on May 12 this year, the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi Vesak day.

If this is true I would like to know from the Sports Ministry how this came about and what they have to say. It is not altogether unknown that this is a country famous for law and order being observed in the breach, and nonchalantly tossed overboard with the least regard for propriety, a glaring example, amongst many, being the contemptuous disregard for the ban on liquor on the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi, thus spawning the underworld and giving rise to lawlessness and crime.

Is it to be wondered why we are sliding headlong into a degenerate society not withstanding our proud boast of an ancient, much cherished and rich culture which must surely be a myth?