V. Anandasangaree, leader of the TULF and probably the only true moderate in Tamil politics today, has some words of advice for UN human rights chief Navi Pillay. He says 'look for an alternative'. An alternative to the course of action chartered for her by the US, that is. The wise words are open to other interpretation of course. How about an alternative to Sri Lanka bashing? Wouldn't the USA itself be the ideal alternative given its horrendous HR track record throughout the 20th century (and before too) and right up to 2014?
UNP candidate gets it right
Manju Sri Arangala, UNP Colombo District candidate was spot on when he
said 'Opposition will not be in the opposition forever'. The problem is
'forever' is an open date. If asked 'when?' there's bound to be a lot of
chin-scratching. Also, there are many UNPers who would agree with
Arangala. The solution is easy, they might say. If you don't want to be
in the opposition for ever, there's something you could do: cross over!
Ananthi is a touch-me-not
Jeyakumari is also a touch-me-not
This is funny. Jeyakumari, an 'activist',
gets arrested. Two men, claiming to be human rights activists (yes, that
word again) go to see how they could assist the lady. The two men are duly
detained and questioned. People are livid. We get statements from
London and from Washington. No, not about Jeyakumari, but about those
other 'gentlemen'. Why are they neglecting the poor lady? Is it because
of her not-so-activist connections with terrorists and criminals? Why is
the TNA, which used Jeyakumari as a pin-up girl in their various petitions (to
whoever entertains their petitions) at one point, taking a 'hands-off' position
on her now? Hmmm....
Digging graves
Minister Mervyn Silva (Dr) has decided to dig his own grave. The colourful and thuggish UPFA strongman knows how to get media coverage (in life, in death, and in planned death-rites, one may add). It would take a lot to put the man down, considering that he gets re-elected by wide margins despite his distasteful antics. The question is, who’s grave has he been digging all this time, his or his government's?
2 comments:
It is increasingly evident that the UN's Human Rights Commission has become politicised. The LTTE supporters among the Tamil diaspora in the Western countries has the funds and the energy to influence the relevant politicians, hence at least 3 US/UK sponsored unnecessary UN Resolutions merely to discredit Sri Lanka with alleged Human Rights violations and that claim had already been debunked this week by the provincial elections which supports the present government with increased majorities. There are indeed organisations such as Sri Lankan-Americans which on the 26th March met Members of Congress in the US Senate and House of Representatives and were able to express their concern over the Resolution and presented the satisfactory progress made by Sri Lanka in the absence of terrorism and also recognise the strategic importance (which appear lost in translation) of keeping Sri Lanka as a friend. These meetings had led to the introduction of Senate Resolution 364 calling for the U.S.Government to adopt a balanced and comprehensive policy towards Sri Lanka, which is a good start.
There are indeed organisations such as the Sri Lankan-Americans in almost all of the influential Western countries but alas, unlike the LTTE diaspora, they get very little support or recognition from the Sri Lankan government. Many of these Sri Lankans were compelled to relinquish their Sri Lankan citizenship because of the otherwise travel restrictions needed in their employments etc. but now face visiting restrictions in Sri Lanka with the introduction of visas limiting their stay and the denial of Dual Nationality. They have also lost their pension rights forfeiting their contributions while they worked in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Seneviratne, weren't you privy to the session in Geneva? Surely journalists from SL were present. Weren't you among them? If so, looking fwd to reading your observations.
Post a Comment