Monthly Archives: May 2011
LankaWeb – Recently Indicted Raj Rajaratnam, Billionaire Financier of Sri Lankan Tamil Origin Residing in the USA Exposed As A Big Time Contributor To The Hillary Clinton Campaigns And The LTTE !
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Darusman Report: The Heights of Hypocrisy
The “War on Terror” may be a recent development to some, but as a Sri Lankan, I have spent the greater part of my life watching my tiny island nation locked in a 30-year struggle against the LTTE, a group universally recognized as the “most notorious terrorist organization in the world.” I have witnessed firsthand the brutal aftermath of Tiger suicide bombers in Colombo. I also closely followed the last stages of the conflict in May 2009, when the Sri Lankan Army finally and conclusively defeated the LTTE. Victory was hard earned, achieved only through steely determination, much blood, and without much help from the rest of the civilized world, who was simultaneously waging an all-out war on global terrorism.
In fact, at a time when the Tigers were on their last legs, western powers, strangely enough, urged the Sri Lankan government to declare a cease-fire so that civilians caught in the war zone (and effectively the whole Tiger leadership) could be safely evacuated. If you’re Sri Lankan, however, you’ve been down that path many times before, and seen your enemy regroup, resupply, and live to fight another day. No, this time President Mahinda Rajapakse, ignoring outside pressure, prevailed against a militant Tamil insurgency that had stooped as low as forcibly conscripting children as soldiers as well as using women and the elderly as human shields. Just as a cornered animal is at its most dangerous, the Tigers, in their final hour, even executed their own people if they fled for safety. Despite the best efforts of the government (including the establishment of a “no-fire” zone), who are not in the business of decimating their own citizens, countless innocent civilians still perished in that last battle. While an actual figure is impossible to ascertain due to a lack of independent, third party sources, the same holds true for Iraq, Afghanistan and every other war throughout human history: It is always civilians who pay the highest price. While morally unjustifiable, this is simply the sad truth.
Here we are now 2 years since the war’s conclusion, and well along the path to reconciliation and reconstruction. Of the approximately 294,000 Tamil civilians who were forced to flee from their villages during the war, 95% have returned home. The remaining 5% will have to wait until de-mining efforts are completed. Of the 11,700 Tiger cadres who surrendered or were arrested after the war, 6,000 have been rehabilitated and returned to normal society. The same goes for all of the child combatants. Sri Lanka is well ahead of any nation in the world when it comes to the healing and reconciliation process, but outside forces are still agitating. While the terrorist threat within Sri Lanka has been vanquished, the Tiger’s support abroad within the very influential Tamil Diaspora has not. Skillful manipulators of the media and public opinion, the pro- LTTE agenda has successfully mounted a smear campaign against Sri Lanka in the form of the recently released Darusman Report, a clearly biased and flawed paper, which looms as a threat to the whole post-conflict reconciliation process.
Commissioned by Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon himself to advise him on the issue of accountability with regards to alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law during the final stages of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, the report, named after one of the “Panel of Experts,” who prepared it (Marzuki Darusman of Indonesia, along with Steven Ratner of the U.S. and Yasmin Sooka of South Africa), is not even an official U.N. document, but purely advisory in nature. None-the-less it has succeeded in raising plenty of controversy.
Although the conflict goes back to 1983, the report chose to focus on its last 5 months when the Tigers found themselves cornered in the Wanni region of the Northeast. According to Professor Rohan Gunaratna, Head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) in Singapore, “What is important to understand is that when the Tamil Tigers blew up planes, set off bombs in Colombo, assassinated so many important leaders, and massacred border villagers, human rights organizations did not issue statements. The UN also did not do much. Many Western governments turned a blind eye to Tamil Tigers functioning very openly – actively raising funds and doing their propaganda and procuring arms, ammunition and explosives.” It is not surprising then, that many Sri Lankans will regard this report as being completely one-sided and patently unfair.
Gunaratna adds, “The terrorists are the worst human rights violators, and most Sri Lankans have suffered as a result of this. The UN and human rights organizations should have issued messages of congratulations for having ended a terrorist group that was responsible for 30 years of human rights violations. There has not been a single act of terrorism in Sri Lanka after the government dismantled the LTTE.”
No doubt the media war was won by the savvy pro-LTTE camp, who were able to infiltrate and manipulate the mainstream western media, and fill the streets of western capitals with protesters. In an effort to combat this bad press, the Sri Lankan government erroneously enforced a press blackout during the final stages of the conflict, which by implication, appeared as if they had something to hide. In similar fashion, they denied the panel access to the country to make their report, so most of the information gathered comes from second and third hand sources—NGO’s and human rights organizations who were directly influenced by LTTE propaganda. If that were not bad enough, the panel has also decided that their sources and the records they compiled will be classified as “strictly confidential.” In other words, none of the so-called sources and material used to substantiate the panel’s conclusions can be examined or verified by the public at large, or the government of Sri Lanka. Fairness, once again, has been completely compromised.
Gunaratna takes his criticism of the report a step further when he observes that the LTTE, a proscribed terrorist organization, “Exerted pressure on key Western actors in the UN by using electoral votes. By identifying blocks of Tamil voters mainly in the US and UK, they provided campaign donations and participated in the political campaigns of some British and American politicians. Some of these politicians even when they knew the money was coming from a terrorist organization did not return the money. Initially, without showing their hand the LTTE would work with Parliamentarians in Britain and the US who have Tamil constituencies and provide the guarantee that so many people would vote for them. In return, these officials put pressure on the American and British bureaucracy and make various statements that were very supportive of the LTTE and critical of the Government.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton even took a donation from the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (T.R.O), which the U.S. government has determined is a front organization for the LTTE, which was promptly returned in February 2008.
As an American citizen, I have seen my government start two illegal wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; kill untold numbers of civilians in both conflicts; and most recently violate the sovereignty of another nation (Pakistan) in their assassination of Al Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden (who, though unarmed, was summarily executed without even thought of a trial). No problem. For a rich and powerful nation, accountability is unheard of, but for a small, developing nation the situation is quite different. The hypocrisy and double standards inherent in the Darusman Report should be painfully obvious to any rational mind.
You may read the full Darusman Report at the following link:
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“UN Report Casts Doubt on Conventional Wisdom”
In this interview in The Nation, Professor Rohan Gunaratna, Head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) in Singapore, who has in-depth experience and knowledge regarding the conflict in Sri Lanka debunks the recent Darusman Report that has levelled accusations of “war crimes” against the Sri Lankan government in their military victory over the world’s most notorious terrorist network, the LTTE.
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“The Plight Of The Refugee” Blog Post
Welcome to Kenneth Abeywickrama’s Blog Site.
A very interesting and informative blog post from Kenneth Abeywickrama brings up some very cogent issues regarding refugees: Namely, that most of the IDPs displaced in the last stages of the Sri Lankan government’s conflict with the LTTE have been returned to their villages in only 2 years. Can the U.S. say that about all the civilians displaced by the war in Iraq or even Hurricane Katrina?
This is actually a good lead-in for the next issue that The Lion will address–The Darusman Report.
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Sri Lanka Spearheads U.N. Celebration of Buddhism’s 2600th Anniversary
Buddhist Monks take over the podium in The U.N.'s General Assembly hall
Dr.Palitha Kohona, Permanent Representative of the Sri Lankan Mission to the U.N., flanked by Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon (L) and Ambassador Hasan Kleib of Indonesia (R)
The gray skies above Manhattan could not dampen spirits below as Buddhist monks and nuns from all corners of the globe assembled before the United Nations midtown headquarters on Monday, their robes a brilliant patchwork of saffron and burgundy against the drab urban backdrop. Early risers marveled at the sight of this colorful and serene procession heading up first Avenue and across 47th Street to Dag Hammarskjold Park, where throngs awaited to give alms, commencing the day’s program in honor of the 2600th Anniversary of The Buddha’s Enlightenment.
Monks assemble outside the U.N. at 7 a.m.
The United Nations in 2000 officially recognized Vesak, held on the full moon day each May to mark the birth, death and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. This year, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the U. N. had the honor of coordinating the commemorative events for this special Sambuddhathva Jayanthi celebration and The International Day of Vesak.
Following the alms giving and a quick breakfast, 198 monks representing Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, the Republic of Korea, Philippines and Japan, convened in the majestic General Assembly hall. Here they blessed the room, chanting pirith—a first at the U.N.–and listened to the opening remarks of chairmen Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., who welcomed them along with the attending dignitaries, missions, members of the tri-state Buddhist community and general public.
lining up for the alms giving at Dag Hammarskjold Park in Manhattan
a Sri Lankan Bhikkhuni (nun) at the alms giving
“It is appropriate that the enlightenment of Gautama the Buddha 2600 years ago, a teacher who preached non-violence, tolerance, understanding and self realization, should be celebrated by the United Nations,” he said. “This organization was created on the smoldering embers of global war and the resulting death, destruction and massive displacement, to maintain international peace and security, to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems and to develop friendly relations among nations based on mutual respect. Against this background, the Buddha’s message remains ever relevant”.
To his right, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, who mentioned that his own mother was Buddhist, echoed these thoughts saying, “The teachings of the Buddha may be twenty six centuries old but they are as relevant as ever today.” In addition, Ambassador Hasan Kleib of Indonesia, representing the UNGA president and 10 permanent representatives of participating missions addressed this full house returning again and again to an underlying theme of peace, tolerance and compassion–some of Buddhism’s central tenets. They also expressed their gratitude to the Mission of Sri Lanka for its supreme efforts in making the days’ events possible.
Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the U.N. makes sure the monks are fed.
Buddhist clergymen The Khamba Lama of the Dashichoiling Monastery of Mongolia and The Venerable Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, a very senior scholar from Myanmar, joined the diplomatic speakers. The Honorable Wimal Weerawanse, the Sri Lankan Minister for Housing, also spoke on behalf of the President of Sri Lanka.
Following lunch, the afternoon session convened in the General Assembly Hall featuring an interfaith dialogue also chaired by Dr. Palitha Kohona. The underlying theme of peace and non-violence and Buddhism’s impact on the history, art, and culture of the vast Asian continent was central to these presentations. Speakers included the Rabbi Arthur Schneier, who echoed a very Buddhist sentiment when he said, “Hatred cannot cease by hatred but only love.” He was joined by the eminent Hindu priest, Swami Viditatmananda; Professor John Knitter, a Christian academic from Columbia University; and Dr John Guy, a senior curator from the Metropolitan Museum of NY, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on Buddhist art.
a capacity crowd fills the General Assembly hall
Sri Lanka was represented by three eminent voices, Buddhist scholar and writer, Dr Ananda Guruge; Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne, a visiting scholar at Swarthmore College’s Department of Religion, who called Buddhism a “doctrine of the intellect;” and senior monk The Venerable Bhante Henepola Gunaratane. “The peace that Buddhism talks about is that which is cultivated in the heart,” said the latter, speaking in a hall where international diplomacy is brokered. He added, “Buddha’s message of unconditional love and unconditional peace is not negotiated,” to rousing applause.
The Venerable Thich Tam Duc (Vietnam), the Venerable Ashin Nyanissara (Myanmar), Reverend Shogun Kumakura (Japan), Venerable Dr. Karunananda (Bangladesh), Reverend Dr. Dhammadeepa (China), Reverend Kodo Umezu, Reverend Kamiya, and The Khamba Lama of Mongolia also spoke on behalf of their communities reflecting on different facets of Buddhism.
Sri Lankan Housing Minister Wimal Weerawanse and Ambassador Shavendra Silva prepare to open the Buddhist Heritage Exhibition
a Thai Buddha statue at the exhibition
The day’s formal events culminated with an exhibition of photographs and artifacts from Buddhist countries at the Buddhist Heritage Exhibition, which was officially opened by the Honourable Wimal Weerawansa at the entrance to the GA hall. Later, in accordance with tradition, an impressive buffet of international dishes was served to the participants in the UN lobby. Evocative of the dansalas in Sri Lanka, hundreds lined up to be fed, capping off this historic and auspicious occasion.
The following is the link to the UN radio broadcast on the “Sambuddhathva Jayanthi” commemorations held on May 16th, 2011 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
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European Parliament debate on Sri Lanka- No international mechanism, Sri Lanka could handle its own affairs | Asian Tribune
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The Money Trail
Only weeks after the demise of Osama Bin Laden, Raj Rajaratnam, another fat cat in the world of finance and international terrorism, goes down with a huge thud–guilty on all 14 counts of securities fraud and conspiracy. While the case against the Sri Lankan Tamil Rajaratnam focussed on the illegal activities of his hedge fund Galleon, no recent mention has been made of his links to and funding of the LTTE, a terrorist group which has been the scourge of Sri Lanka these past 30 years. In an era in which Wall Street greed has nearly collapsed the whole financial system which supports capitalism, Rajaratnam has clearly been made an example of, on the one hand. After all, the white collar crime of insider trading, is more rampant than most people would like to acknowledge, and recent abuses to the system have demanded a fall guy. Sri Lankans and South Asians in general, who represent a minority on Wall Street, have been watching this case with interest, but with an eye towards another issue altogether–that of the money trail. Sure, Rajaratnam made stacks of money–and fast–but the fact that some of those funds were allegedly used to fund the most notorious terrorist group on the planet seems to be an issue that has been buried in the back pages. For even though the LTTE has been rooted out of Sri Lanka itself, their supporters appear to be stronger than ever outside the country, lobbying and agitating for western governments and the UN to make sanctions against the Sri Lankan government for alleged “war crimes.” Money men like Rajaratnam, a prominent member of the Tamil Diaspora, are their life blood. But just as the death of Bin Laden does not spell the end of Al-Qaida, Rajaratnam’s conviction will not cause the Tigers to give up their fight. Until we start following the money trail of people like Rajaratnam’s ill gotten gains, international terrorism will survive and thrive.
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The Lion and Sword 