Muslims who make up eight per cent of the population and live mainly in the East are reported to be dismayed over what they see as harassment by Tamil groups.
The Muslims allege that most Tamils have little concern for Muslim aspirations in the region and therefore they are compelled to liberate their areas from the clutches of Tamil chauvinists.
In the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress there is much disenchantment over the manner the five-party Tamil alliance has been acting. The alliance comprises EPDP, the PLOTE, the TELO, the EPRLF and the EROS.
More particularly, the SLMC is perturbed over the role played by TELO which has no voter base in the East.
The chauvinistic approach of the TELO will not be tolerated anymore by the Muslims who are on the verge of launching a massive campaign to protect their political rights in the area, SLMC officials say.
In political terms the main objective of the Muslims is to create a South-Eastern Regional Council with Kalmunai as the base. The Council will cover Sammanthurai and Pottuvil.
The TULF has reportedly agreed to this.
The SLMC policy makers think that the LTTE is also sensitive to Muslim problems in this area and will respect the aspirations of the Muslims.
The SLMC top brass had discussed these matters at length and brought out instances where they were subjected to harassment by the Tamil parties purely on a racial basis.
They think that they would not be able to co-exist with the Tamils in a merged North-East, unless their rights are protected. They feel the chauvinistic line taken by smaller Tamil parties would strain Tamil-Muslim relations in the area.
The Muslims are also of the opinion that their views are not correctly interpreted by the majority Sinhalese while the emergence of a Muslim intelligentsia has been stifled by Tamils.
It is due to Tamil chauvinism they believe, that they had been denied of a campus in the Eastern University in Sammanthurai. The formation of the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum is a direct result of this suppression, SLMC politicians claim.
At a recent special meeting of the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum, the following matters connected to the state media were discussed by its executive members.
There they have pointed out as to how the Muslim community has been suppressed in these institutions and suggest solutions to overcome the situation.
(a)There is no Muslim on the Board of Directors of the ANCL;
b)
Only about 50 out of 3000 employees are Muslims;
c) Paucity of Muslim
journalists in the Daily News and Observer;
d) Eighty per cent of readers of
Thinakaran are Muslims, but there is no Muslim who can make a decision;
e)
Only five out of 25 Editorial staff are Muslims;
f) Not a single Muslim
graduate trainee.
a) Appoint a Muslim by reconstituting the Board, if necessary;
b)
Maintain the ethnic ratio in appointments;
c) Appoint more Muslim
journalists;
d) Appoint a Muslim as Associate Editor of Thinakaran;
e)
Appoint more Muslims to the Thinakaran Editorial;
f) In co-ordination with
the Planning Ministry, recruit at least 25 Muslim graduate trainees.
a) There is no Assistant Director to handle publications in Tamil;
b)
Training for journalists.
a) Appoint a non-SLAS officer as Assistant Director in charge of Tamil
publications;
b) Ethnic ratio basis should be followed in selecting
participants.
a) Step-motherly treatment in Tamil National Service of SLBC;
b) The
Tamil speaking population is 24%. Therefore, Muslims are entitled to one-third
the time allocated to the SLBC Tamil Service;
c) Paucity of Muslims in the
News Desk.
a) Appoint a Muslim as Additional Director (Tamil Service);
b) Allocate
one-third the time to the Muslims;
c) Appoint at least five Muslims to the
News Desk.
a) There is no Muslims with executive authority in the SLRC;
b) Lack of Muslim producers;
c) No Muslim graduate trainees;
d)
Paucity of Muslim news readers;
e) Muslims have been removed from Ayubowan
Programme.
a) Appoint a Muslim as DDG;
b) Appoint more professionally qualified
Muslim Producers;
c) Contact Planning Ministry and appoint Muslim graduate
trainees;
d) Appoint a few Muslims as News Readers;
e) Ensure Muslims
have a place in this Programme.
a) There is no Muslim with executive authority;
b) Paucity of Muslim
producers;
c) Ramazan Ifthar Programme is now sponsored.
a) Appoint a Muslim as DDG;
b) Appoint more Muslim producers;
c)
Ensure that this short religious programme is not sponsored but continue without
sponsors.
a) Muslims appear to have been ignored;
b) Ensure adequate Muslim
representation.
a) No Muslims to monitor editorials or news reports;
a) Appoint Muslims as readers or monitors.
a) There is only one Muslim on this Board
a) Enlarge the Board and ensure that at least six Muslims are appointed to censor Sinhala, Tamil and English films.
Though the SLMC has voiced its concern over what is taking place in the East and brought pressure on the government to consider its demands, little seems to have taken place in respect of the South- Eastern Council for the Muslims.
Though the Muslim factor is a key element when setting issues in the East, the Select Committee on Constitutional Affairs is yet to study the Muslim proposals.
Meanwhile the DUN(L)F also alleges that the Select Committee has not given a fair hearing to smaller parties.
DUN(L)F leader Srimani Athulathmudali has written to the Chairman of the Committee, setting out her case, she states:
"The Committee which comprises members of all political parties, represented in Parliament, has been in session for the past several months deliberating proposals on constitutional reforms and the devolution of power.
"During the course of these deliberations several important issues arose, which need to be examined. Our representative, however, is concerned that the present time limit of two hours per month which is allocated to the Committee is most inadequate for the Committee to have comprehensive and far-reaching discussions on any significant issues, to be able to arrive at a meaningful consensus by the end of the year.
"We are also perturbed at the manner in which important issues are being dealt with at the Committee sessions. As you are aware, the Democratic United National (Lalith) Front prepared and presented our observations on the devolution proposals for discussion at this forum. Many of the issues evolving from this Committee are the concern of all communities and not that of just one minority community. Therefore, it is vitally important that the views of all the parties concerned should also be considered and dealt with on their merits and not on the basis of whose proposal it is. In preparing our observations we have sought to take into account not only the concerns of the majority but incorporated the views of all minority communities as well, particularly those who feel neglected and left out of this issue. We wish to reiterate our position that any solutions evolving from our deliberations should be equitable and satisfactory to all communities, without creating further problems that future generations of this country would have to deal with.
"Our representative feels that due consideration is not given to any of the proposals put forward by us, but detailed attention is paid to every suggestion made by other members of the Committee, especially those who belong to one minority community. This has therefore created an impression of discrimination against small parties represented in the Committee.
"In the context of the foregoing, we, as a party, have decided to express our concern and dissatisfaction at the manner in which these deliberations are being conducted."
Besides this, another significant event in the week was UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to London to participate in the Conservative Party conference.
Before visiting London, Mr. Wickremesinghe went to Germany and Switzerland where he briefed leaders on the political situation in Sri Lanka.
He alleged that a cycle of violence was unleashed by the government's politicians on their opponents. Meanwhile, Anura Bandaranaike and UNP Chairman Karu Jayasuriya met officials of Amnesty International and other organisations.
Mr. Wickremesinghe made a hard hitting speech at a meeting of the UNP London Branch Organisation which had been started by former President, J. R. Jayewardene.
He said, "Sri Lanka is heading towards total chaos with a President who has no experience and a government that cannot govern."
Significantly choosing London as the stage for his assault, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the UNP would do everything possible to end this chaotic situation, but pledged his party would not instigate or condone any move to overthrow the democratically elected government through means other than the ballot.
Mr. Wickremesinghe assured that in the ethnic conflict the UNP would not play communal politics but would work for the unity and dignity of all races and religions.
He explained that the UNP was seeking a consensus which would accommodate the aspirations of the Tamil people and also any fears and reservations that the majority Sinhala people might have.
Referring to the economy Mr. Wickremesinghe charged that the PA government had blundered and bungled with the solid structure the UNP had built up during its 17 years in office. The share index which was 1300 in April 1994, had plunged to 589, the overall growth rate from 7 to 3 percent while inflation had soared to 19 percent forcing thousands of lower income families to survive on one meal a day.
In the meantime foreign investors were pulling out because of the bleak situation and the government had brought things to breaking point by introducing a bill to re-nationalize privatised ventures. It was the first time in the world such a thing was done in an open economy and he felt the government had lost direction.
On the erosion of other democratic freedoms, the UNP leader said the independent media which had championed the cause of President Kumaratunga was now being persecuted with at least three newspaper editors being hauled up in courts. The government was also crossing swords with the Buddhist and the Catholic clergy on various issues and paradoxically alienating or attacking all those who helped it come to office.
"Sri Lanka today is facing its greatest crisis. The war is raging and the economy falling apart. The government is running on the reserves we created. The cost of living burden is so heavy that the salaries that most people get are not sufficient for even 20 days of the month. The government budget and government itself is out of control," he said.
On his return from London on Thursday, Mr. Wickremesinghe heard some disturbing news about Mr. J. R. Jayewardene.
He rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the Nawaloka Hospital where the former President was warded after surgery.
Mr. Jayewardene, suffering from a bowel ailment, was operated on by Professor Dayasiri Fernando and Dr. Yogeswaran, two of Sri Lanka's most eminent surgeons.
When Mr. Wickremesinghe arrived at the Hospital former President D. B. Wijetunge was also there speaking to Mr. Jayewardene.
Mr. Jayewardene, after some time told Mr. Wijetunge:
" Den parakku una, ikmanata yanna " (It is getting late, you could go soon).
The former President was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit with what were known as 'obstructive symptoms' at midnight on Saturday and Professor Dayasiri Fernando and Dr. Yogeswaran were called in immediately to attend to him.
The two doctors decided on emergency surgery and performed it by 2.00 a.m. Later he was transferred to the coronary care unit after he developed ischaemia, a reduction of blood supply to the heart.
Mr. Jayewardene was examined by his cardiologist Dr. Hemal Fernando, but by Thursday he was seen taking a walk and was fed by his daughter-in-law Penny.
Mr. Jayewardene has repeatedly told his doctors he wants to go home since he had not been away from his wife Elina any day.
Mrs. Jayewardene who was nursing a hip injury at home could not visit her husband in hospital.
While there was serious concern in the UNP over Mr. Jayewardene's health, government business went on as usual.
The removal of the President's Press Secretary Victor Fernando, drew the attention of journalists and politicians.
This is the second time in two years that the President has replaced her Press Secretary.
First it was Chulawamsa Siri Lal who resigned on his own accord. Mr. Siri Lal who played a big role in President Kumaratunga's campaign however couldn't continue in his post as Press Secretary due to differences!
In Victor Fernando's case, it was reported that he had to leave due to differences with the President's Press Consultant, Sanath Gunatilleke.
It is said that the dispute with Mr. Fernando became serious after Bruno Phillips of the Le Monde interviewed President Kumaratunga.
Mr. Phillips had, reportedly, to spend over four hours at Temple Trees without even a glass of water before interviewing the President.
Apparently, the President's Press Secretary had arranged for the President's Unit of the Rupavahini Corporation to record the interview thinking that it would help her, but at the end of the interview the President directed the Rupavahini not to telecast the interview since Mr. Phillips fired some sensitive questions, which could be construed as detrimental to the People's Alliance, politically.
In this backdrop, Mr. Fernando was served with a letter of termination, to his utter dismay.
Mr. Fernando has even remarked that the government should not throw out people like cats and dogs even if their services are not required any further.
At the weekly Cabinet meeting President Kumaratunga took the Ministers to task for leaking details about Cabinet proceedings to newspapers.
The President came out with a scathing attack after Minister Richard Pathirana raised the matter saying it would be difficult for anyone to express their views in the Cabinet since everything got reported. He said, "We can't talk or laugh. Everything is reported in detail."
President Kumaratunga said if this trend continued she would be compelled to tap telephones and said sneaking and leaking out information to the newspapers was disgraceful.
She also said matters pertaining to administration and other important issues were discussed with few Ministers in whom she could place confidence and trust.
Earlier there was only one who gave Cabinet information to journalists but now there are about six who are doing this.
When the President said she would be compelled to tap telephones if this trend continued, Minister D. M. Jayaratne whispered to his colleagues, that he could take calls from their neighbours' telephones. Those who heard the remark had difficulty in resisting laughter, but the President apparently did not hear what Mr. Jayaratne told them.
At this stage Mangala Samaraweera joined the discussion and said it could be the work of Minister Rajapakse since the newspapers had portrayed him as the saviour of the working class.
Mr. Rajapakse replied he was the only Minister speaking on behalf of the working class.
Referring to Cabinet leaks Minister Srimanie Athulathmudali cited the Thawakkal case as one occasion where letters had been leaked out to the Press from the Presidential Secretariat. The President admitted that, but dismissed Ms. Athulathmudali's criticism.
Ms. Athulathmudali also said she would express the party's views on the Public Enterprises Rehabilitation Bill shortly. She said her party was under pressure from the Business Community to oppose the Bill.
The President at this stage said she would like to discuss this issue at the People's Alliance Executive Committee where leaders of all PA parties meet. But Ms. Athulathmudali said she would bring the matter up at the government group meeting next week.
Minister G.L. Peiris who attended the Cabinet meeting after returning from the United States raised some queries about references made by the President to him and opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe two weeks ago.
The President reportedly had said though she had several files against Ranil Wickremesinghe she couldn't take legal action since several Cabinet Ministers did not want to do so.
When Minister Rajapakse queried as to why she could not go to Courts if there was evidence of any malpractices, the President allegedly told Mr. Rajapakse that he should ask that from Minister Peiris.
After Dr. Peiris raised a query on this matter, the President explained what she actually meant and said the newspapers had not carried the correct version.
As this was happening and the President was taking Ministers to task for leaking out Cabinet secrets, Minister S. B. Dissanayake left the meeting saying that it was totally irrelevant to him.
The President also had a verbal duel with Ports and Shipping Minister and SLMC leader M. H. M. Ashraff when the Minister proposed to have a circuit bungalow and a Marine Training Centre in Oluville where he is developing a new port.
The President rejected proposal for the circuit bungalow, but said the matter relating to the Marine Training Centre could be discussed.
When Minister Ashraff said there was no training centre to train Tamil speaking people on marine matters, Fisheries Minister Indika Gunawardene said in that case the Minister should set up the Training Centre in Trincomalee, where he could provide facilities.
Minister Ashraff did not stop at that. He reminded the President of how she told him to develop Oluville. The Minister said he had already given a pledge to his people in the East. But the President snapped back saying she wanted him to develop the entire East and not Ampara only.
It appears that the relationship between the President and Mr. Ashraff has become somewhat strained over the past few months, specially after his Cabinet paper on the P&O matter where the President wanted the P&O Shipping Corporation of Australia to develop the Queen Elizabeth Quay.
But in the long run it would not be wise for the government to be at loggerheads with the SLMC, since it might undermine the very foundation of the People's Alliance. On the other hand Minister Ashraff should also be cautious in dealing with the People's Alliance since the SLMC might not get a better deal from any other political party in the present atmosphere.
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