The JVP is not making unfair demands:Vijitha Herath

The JVP is not making unfair demands:Vijitha Herath

Electoral reforms

By Ayesha Zuhair

There has been long-standing agitation for electoral reforms in the country due to the overarching disenchantment with the prevailing electoral processes. In the JVP’s view, what are the major drawbacks of the current electoral system?

We believe that there is a necessity to amend the present electoral system because of the acute forms of corruption and malpractice that have been fostered by the preferential system of voting. Under this existing system, candidates have to be extremely rich in order to contest, and if not, they have to obtain money by resorting to other devious methods. This is one of the main causes of the high level of corruption that we see in our society today. Furthermore, there is inadequate representation of the different communities in the various elected bodies and the JVP firmly believes that any attempt to reform the current system cater to minority needs as well.

Q:The JVP is insisting that the abolishment of the executive presidency must be part of the reforms package and is opposing the reforms primarily on those grounds. However, the PSC has made it clear that it has no mandate to make such recommendations. Why then does the JVP continue to make such demands?

Yes, we have been insisting that any change to the system must include the abolishment of the executive presidency but the Select Committee is refusing to recognise this very critical factor. They are not even considering it as an issue! We made numerous representations to the Chairman but he has refused to accommodate our demand. It may be his point of view that there is no such mandate, but our view is entirely different. We’re only insisting that there should be a comprehensive change to the system and that is not an unfair demand.

Moreover, the proposed reforms are not favourable to individual political parties. For example, if one party gets around 8% of the total votes, the party can only secure around 5% representation in parliament. That, in our view, is not justifiable. Those are the two main reasons behind our decision to oppose the recommendations made in the interim report.

Q:But would you agree that reforms need to be ultimately favourable to the people of this country, and not necessarily to political parties per se? In other words, shouldn’t political parties be willing to compromise if democracy stands to gain?

We too want better democratic representation for the people of this country. In fact, the present system is favourable to our party but in considering the difficulties it entails and the need for greater democracy, we have stressed on the need for reform. We could have opposed reforms altogether, but we didn’t stand in the way taking into account the larger interest of democracy in this country.

Q:Do you disagree with Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s assertion that the choice of the voter will be better reflected in parliament?

Yes, we disagree with that completely. One of our main concerns is that the party which has the most number of seats in parliament can obtain executive powers as well. That is not healthy for a democratic set-up. In fact, it seems that the government’s aim is to create a system whereby they will get a very strong majority whilst retaining executive powers.

Q:Are you alleging that the whole exercise is politically motivated?

We think there is a hidden political agenda behind the move to introduce reforms so hurriedly. The SLFP wants to get majority representation in parliament while making full use of the executive presidential powers. Their actual aim seems to be to revert to the kind of administration that we saw under President J. R. Jayewardene.

Q:Even if that’s the case, given that there is a dire need for reform is there no possibility of further engaging the various parties to reach a some sort of a compromise?

We think this issue should be further discussed. These are not the kind of reforms that can be pushed through over night; it requires serious deliberation. The fact that all the opposition parties as well as those who are part of the present administration, are against the proposals show that the majority of people in this country are against the system. Of course there is a need for reform but we can’t give a wrong remedy for that. Without obtaining the consent of all political parties, the government should not table the report in parliament because they will not be able to make any constitutional changes without the required majority.

Q:Even though you say that reforms are being rushed, the PSC has already spent over 1 ½ years of public time discussing this issue to little avail. Don’t you think it’s high time for the Committee to put forward its final report?

No, it is not a waste of time because this is a very important subject which has to be studied in great detail. Those of us in this country waste so much of time on useless pursuits, and such wastage goes unquestioned. But given the importance of this matter, one cannot consider it a waste of time. We should have more meetings in the future, get ideas from experts in the country and formulate a fresh set of proposals. If we submit a new system for the country, it must be better than the past one.

Q:What kind of system does the JVP consider to be the most suitable arrangement for this country?

The JVP has not put forward any system as the ideal one. We feel that all parties in the country have to discuss this issue and arrive at a decision together. As a party, we haven’t recommended any system as the ‘ideal’ one.

In terms of promoting gender equity in elected bodies, does the JVP view the recommendations made in relation to female representation as adequate? For instance, there has been no push to introduce a quota system for females even though many of our Asian neighbours boast of this feature.

We cannot limit the participation of women through the introduction of percentages. That should be left in the hands of the party’s executive committee for decision-making. While I agree that female representation is insufficient, a quota system is not the answer to that. In this context, it must be recognised that women in Sri Lanka are subject to certain social pressures which prevent them from participating in politics and those pressures need to be addressed first. That being said, I must add that recommendations have been made by the Select Committee to include a certain percentage of female nominees, even though there is no specified figure.

In addition, we have seen a trend where most of the women who come forward are the widows or daughters of famous political figures in the country. In my view, that trend should be changed as it is not good for the country. If there is a female who is intelligent and capable, she must be given the necessary backing to contest. It must be noted that our founder leader Rohana Wijeweera’s wife did take to politics. Our emphasis should therefore shift from dynasty to individuality.

Q:The TNA has taken up the principle position that ‘piecemeal approaches’ should not be the way out. Do you agree with their position that electoral reforms have to come as part of a package aimed at resolving the ethnic conflict or do you see it as an urgent necessity?

There is no linkage between the ethnic problem and electoral reforms. I think there must be a hidden agenda behind this. No doubt we have to take into consideration the ethnic distribution of our people, but I don’t think it’s fair to tie it down to a political solution to the ethnic conflict at all. I suppose their plan is to have their own system of elections in the so-called state of Eelam, which is their actual goal.

Q:If there is a reversion to FPP do you think that you would lose your strength in Parliament?

Our party will be strong under any system, so long as elections are held in a free and fair manner. There is nothing for us to be fearful of. In 2004, we joined with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to form the United People’s Freedom Alliance and canvassed for preferential votes from the people for the first time. It was the JVP which obtained the highest number of preferential votes from all districts.

Q:Leaving aside the JVP, do you think that the present proposals help smaller serving minority interests?

I think minority parties will lose out and that can lead to unwarranted tensions. Minority parties should have the right to express themselves. There are also other some ideologically-oriented parties who don’t have mass appeal but they propound new, very important ideas. If this country is to develop, there must be a chance for new ideas to come in. What we would recommend is the abolishment of the executive presidency and the introduction of reforms that will reflect the actual strength of minority parties and ideologically-driven groups. That is what true democracy is all about.

This is the third in a series of interviews giving voice to diverse viewpoints on the proposed electoral reforms.
From http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/27/opinion/01.asp

Only CFA can save Sri Lanka - Thamilchelvan

[TamilNet, Monday, 25 June 2007, 16:14 GMT]
S.P Thamilchelvan, head of the Political Division of the LTTE, in an interview with TamilNet on Monday said that to bring peace and pave the way for talks, the international community should come forward to "support the struggle for rights of the Tamil people and force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the ceasefire agreement in full.” Characterizing the "efforts” to bring a united position among the southern parties as the "same old drama," that has gone on throughout the Tamil people’s struggle for their rights, he said only the CFA can save the island from the disaster.

Welcoming the timely meeting by the Co-chairs in Oslo, Mr. Thamilchelvan said Tamil people have become suspcious as to why there is no firm united stance even among the members of the Co-chairs. Some members are indirectly encouraging Colombo by giving military and economic aid while some others are attempting to implement practical steps to put pressure on the Sri Lankan Government, LTTE's political head said.

"International community must gain a profound understanding of this long history [of prolonging and time buying tactics by Colombo] and act to end the ethnically biased efforts by the Sinhala leadership. I believe the constructive step by the international community is to accept and support the struggle for rights of the Tamil people and force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the ceasefire agreement 100% to pave the way for peace talks."

On the military situation in the east, Thamilchelvan said, LTTE chooses military strategies to suit the “place, environment and time,” and that Sri Lanka Army (SLA) will soon find out the “trap they have set for themselves.”

TamilNet: What are your views on the Co-chairs meeting in Oslo to discuss the current situation in Sri Lanka?

Thamilchelvan: We welcome the Co-chairs meeting to discuss issues relating to permanent peace and resolution to the ethnic conflict. The International community has reiterated the futility of the military option and the need for the two sides to return to the negotiating table. While welcoming this, we point out that the Tamil people are deeply saddened that the international community has not taken any constructive and concrete measures to end the State-sponsored violence against the Tamil people. In particular, nothing has been done to bring an end to the ethnic cleansing, horrendous human rights violations, and the grave human misery that the Tamil people have been subjected to. Indeed suspicions have arisen among the Tamil people as to why there is no firm united stance even among the Co-chairs. The Tamil people are puzzled as to why some countries are indirectly encouraging the Government by giving military and economic aid while some other countries are pressuring the Government to seek a political solution.

TamilNet: What shifts in policy, perception, and approach do you think the international community should adopt to create a climate conducive to permanent peace ?

Thamilchelvan: The ceasefire agreement brought at least a temporary reprieve to the high intensity war that went on for more than twenty years. This is important because it was the first agreement that came about after a long time with the assistance of the international community. The world supported this agreement unanimously. This brought hope to the communities affected by the conflict. Yet, due to the competition for power among the Sinhala ruling class, the conducive environment that was created for peace was destroyed. By their actions the ruling class has created confusion about the position of the majority Sinhala people and has brought about a dire situation in this island. They rejected the very first proposal put forward by the Tamil people for an interim government, and they also destroyed the agreement, after it was signed by the two sides, on a joint structure put forward by the international community, following the tsunami devastation for humanitarian work. Through these the Sinhala chauvinistic leadership has destroyed any remaining hope among the Tamil people.

International community must seriously view the long history of the Tamil struggle and act to end the ethnically biased efforts by the Sinhala leadership. I believe the constructive step by the international community is to accept and support the struggle for rights of the Tamil people and force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the ceasefire agreement 100% to pave the way for peace talks.

TamilNet: The International community, in particular the USA, thinks that a common agreement must be reached among the Southern political parties and through this form the basis for negotiations with the LTTE. Is this possible? Is this the right strategy?

Thamilchelvan: As far as the southern political parties are concerned there has never been the practice of following party policies. They jump from party to party to seek power and for financial benefits. The current “efforts” to bring a united position among the southern parties is the same drama that has gone on throughout the Tamil people’s struggle for their rights. Finding a solution has never been the motive of these “efforts”. The latest “efforts” too will not produce the desired outcome of a common agreement. When decisions have to be made later, these parties will not cooperate towards it. Agreements or solutions will be reached only when those in power act with honesty to find that solution not otherwise.

In addition, whoever newly takes control of the Sri Lankan Government is always interested in a military solution and they are more bent on exploiting the international community for that end. This has always been the pattern. A point must be emphasized. Sri Lankan Government will never agree to peace talks after strengthening it militarily. On the contrary it will reject peace efforts and ceasefire agreements and will jump into a war saying it is going to bring a resolution through military means. Then after facing heavy losses from which it is unable to pull back it will agree for a peace talks. I do believe that the international community would have understood this pattern of deceptive behaviour of the successive Sinhala Governments. The latest ceasefire agreement, which the international community believed will deliver a solution, was the result of military and economic difficulties faced by the Sinhala Government. Therefore, hopes to find a solution by militarily strengthening the Sri Lankan Government and thus destroy the Tamil collective and thus their struggle for freedom will always remain a daydream.

Firstly, there has never been a history where a Sri Lankan Government has come down and agreed for talks or peace efforts in such a situation. Secondly, a solution found through such a means will not be a just solution to an affected and oppressed people.

TamilNet: Sections of Southern leadership and clergy are advancing the idea that peace can be brought about by militarily weakening the LTTE. What is your position on this?

Thamilchelvan: Tamil people have been fighting for their rights for the last 60 years. Initially, Tamil people did not choose military means for their freedom struggle. They took forward their struggle through non-violence for thirty years. Sinhala leadership could have put forward a solution to the ethnic problem during these thirty years. There was never an open minded humanitarian approach to this problem by the Sinhala leadership. On the contrary, ethnic cleansing and ethnic genocide were visited on the people. Many thousands of Tamil people were killed and hundreds of thousands of Tamil were chased from their land, in effect a huge human misery was created. It was in this environment that our freedom movement was born. Only when their struggle by peaceful and democratic means was broken and military violence was let loose to wipe out the people, the people took up armed struggle as self defense. People of Tamil Elam did not wish to create this situation. This was forced by the Sinhala violence. If the issue of the rights of the Tamil people has captured the world attention, it is only because of the dedicated military strength of the Tamil people. Therefore, Tamil people will never allow the military strength that was built up step by step as self defense to be weakened. The Sinhala leadership knowing this well repeats this proposition again and again solely to buy time and opportunity from the international community to intensify their ethnic genocide and destroy the rights of Tamils.

It is only when the Sinhala leadership understands, the true aspirations of the Tamil people, that the military strength of the Tamil people is not against the Sinhala nation or the Sinhala people, that it was built as self defense to protect their homeland, and that only when Tamil people create the environment where they too can live with security, freedom and self respect, this island will become a violence free peaceful place.

TamilNet: Certain countries that are rejecting a military solution and emphasizing a political solution, are also taking actions against representatives of Tamils and the LTTE. As the conflict now plays out on a domestic and international platform, how does this impact the issue of Tamil representation?

Thamilchelvan: Hundreds of thousands of our people chased out from their home are living in several countries. They help their kith and kin in this island who have suffered immense misery. It is a real tragedgy that humanitarian concern and the natural affinity between kith and kin are smeared with labels of assisting ‘terrorism.’ Neither the Tamil people nor their representatives have broken the laws of the countries where they reside when carrying out their political or humanitarian work. They do their work to achieve their aspirations by respecting the people and their governments of these countries. After the tsunami devastation, during the peace efforts, and when an ethnic violence is let loose on their people, expatriate Tamils worked tirelessly for their brethren in the Tamil homeland. Smearing this work they do to help their kith and kin with terrorism is not only distressing the Tamil people, it will also encourage the Sinhala chauvinists to intensify their violence.

TamilNet: How accurate is the claim by the Sri Lankan Army, that the LTTE has been evicted from the East, and this eviction translates into SLA military superiority?

Thamilchelvan: As far as the LTTE is concerned we were never defeated. We adopt military strategies to suit the place, the environment and the time. In particular, in the east it is common for the Sinhala forces to advance and then withdraw when faced with heavy losses following our strong defense. This is the past history. No people will accept the occupation of their land by a foreign force or a force that they detest. They will always seek their own security. Very soon the Sinhala forces will understand the trap they have set for themselves.

Mangala invites CBK to join hands

Mangala invites CBK to join hands

Vows to revive SWRD policies of democratic socialism

Ousted minister Mangala Samaraweera leaving Parliament after making a special statement, was warmly welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers at the Parliament drive roundabout yesterday. Here, a supporter garlands a beaming Mr. Samaraweera. The other ousted minister Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi is also in the picture. Pic. by Manoj Ratnayake

By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera

Ousted Minister Mangala Samaraweera vowed in Parliament yesterday to embark on a fresh and dignified political journey in conformity with the socialist democratic principles of the SLFP as outlined by the party’s founder leader, the late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike at the party’s inaugural convention in September 1951.

“I would like to extend an invitation to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunge, a woman who despite tremendous obstacles gave direction to the party and the country, to join us in our struggle to guide the party in the right direction” said the former minister.

“ Though she has emphatically stated that she is out of active politics, I respectfully request that she join us in order to solely protect the party” he said.

Mr. Samaraweera who crossed over to the Opposition benches on Tuesday, told a House listening to him in pin-drop silence: “It is a sad moment when we have to sit with the Opposition when a Government that we helped elect is in power. It is an ironic twist of fate. However, the little consolation I have is that I am not alone in my profound disappointment with the Government and the President we worked tirelessly to elect.”

Making his special statement, Mr. Samaraweera recalled the late Mr. Bandaranaike’s celebrated statement at the party’s inaugural sessions: “We are democratic because our party does not tolerate one man’s or a group’s dictatorship. We are a genuine party of the people.”

The former minister continued: However, 56 years after the SLFP was formed, we are seeing a complete reversal of these noble principles.

Today the party is being run by a quartet of brothers. According to the June 13 issue of the Economist magazine, the quartet of brothers control more than 70% of the country’s budget. I would like to read to you the relevant segment of this article.

“Although Mr. Bandaranaike made his statement then, today, after 18 months of the present regime, we have a Government that is controlled by a few family members and their political cronies.

This select group enrich themselves everyday while the rest of the people of this country, from a labourer in the village to a middle class Government servant and a small business owner to a business tycoon, suffer one form or another of injustice and harassment. Corruption is rampant and many people live in a climate of fear. The white van has now become the symbol of alleged state sponsored terrorism which has now reached alarming levels. Wealthy Tamil and Muslim businessmen are being abducted for ransom. Due to the political instability of the country, most other businessmen in the country, who have contributed immensely to the economic development of Sri Lanka, are taking their investments elsewhere.

“The cost of living is going up as never seen before in the history of this country. Rural development has come to a complete standstill. Social development programs have been completely cut down. Although our founder Mr. Bandaranaike stated that his goal was to offer the highest standard of living that can be afforded by the country to its people, today’s rulers have destroyed the standard of living of the poor. An example of the insidious cynicism of the Government is the frivolous squandering of the Employee’s Provident Fund and Samurdhi funds from Lankaputra Bank to finance a budget airline to boost certain individuals’ egos while in Kalutara recently, a mother unable to cope with the cost of living, attempted to kill herself and her two children.

“Today, more than 100,000 innocent Tamil people are in refugee camps. These citizens of our country who for years had suffered under the LTTE are now suffering under the Government. Instead of winning their hearts and minds by earnestly seeking a political settlement to the ethnic question which will bring forth an honourable and durable peace and enshrine the rights of all citizens, we are pushing them into the lap of the LTTE.

“Today there is no room within the party for internal debate or dissent. At a recent All Island Committee meeting convened at extremely short notice by an executive order, party members were ordered to approve a document that was said to offer the SLFP’s solution to the ethnic conflict. No member was allowed to study this document nor were they given copies of it. This is in stark contrast to President Kumaratunga’s period when party officials were hosted to a three

-day workshop to discuss the pros and cons of the ‘Council of regions proposals’ of the SLFP in 1997. “Even I was ousted as a minister on February 9 because I expressed dissenting views, both orally and in writing on some policies of the Government,” Mr. Samaraweera said.

“Today our country has become a quasi-police state. The man who claimed that ‘a leader is not the owner of your children’s heritage but its caretaker’ and obtained executive powers is fully exploiting his executive powers without any qualms. Furthermore, he has empowered his brothers with executive powers as well. At a time when the LTTE is becoming stronger because of the misguided actions of the defence establishment, kidnappings for ransom, criminal acts and killings by Government-sponsored goon squads are escalating rapidly, The Defence Secretary, the IGP, the DIG of the CID, head of the Terrorist Investigation Division and others who have been hand-picked by the Defence Secretary spend most of their time harassing and intimidating political opponents. In the guise of fighting terrorism, the Defense Secretary and his cronies have initiated a witch hunt against all democratic opposition to the Rajapaksa brotherhood.

“The day I was ousted from the Cabinet, my friend and colleague Sripathi Sooriyarachchi was also dismissed. However, the executive leader was not satisfied with that. He also ensured that Sripathi was arrested on a trumped up charge. Maubima and Standard newspapers were forcibly shut down as they were suspected of being loyal to me. The former publisher of these two newspapers, Dushyantha Basnayake was arrested on a trumped up charge and imprisoned for 71 days. Maubima journalist Ms. Parameshwari was arrested and detained by the Terrorism Investigation Division for 119 days before being released without any charges being filed. The Chairman of Maubima newspapers Tiran Alles, who is a close personal friend of mine, had all his bank accounts frozen. The business operations of his companies were forcibly halted. The day I declined to accept a new ministerial portfolio, Mr. Alles was taken in for questioning and arrested. Who knows what else will happen in the future?,” he said.

He said today, the politicized police force has a new job. Members of Parliament who exercise their civil rights and speak against the Government are now being harassed by the police. The main opposition United National Party parliamentarians such as Johnston Fernando, Lakshman Kiriella and Lakshman Seneviratne have been threatened and harassed by the police. All members of the Tamil National Alliance are under similar threats. Furthermore, I like to state that even several leaders of the JVP, who tirelessly worked to ensure the victory of this President, have been threatened and intimidated. A great portion of the media worked hard to ensure that our party candidate would come into power. Today, the media is under severe pressure and is being suppressed.

“As a matter of fact, the only thing that is preventing this country from becoming a fully fledged police state is the impartiality of the Supreme Court and the justice system.

“Internationally, Sri Lanka is now almost completely isolated,” he said.

However, today we are fast becoming an internationally isolated and cornered pariah nation. World opinion of Sri Lanka is that we are on the verge of becoming a failed state that abuses human rights and suppresses the media, he said.

Mr. Samaraweera while inviting former President Chandrika Kumaratunga to join ‘in our struggle and guide the party in the right direction’, called upon the loyal SLFP members disillusioned with the Government to throw in their lot with the new party.”

“While guiding the SLFP in the proper direction there should be a nationwide movement to fight against the extremist, fascist polices of the Government,” he said.

Govt. Muslim Ministers deny alleged abductions

Govt. Muslim Ministers deny alleged abductions

• Will definitely resign if govt. is
  involved
  
• Rumours spread by interested
  parties
  
• Coordinating Committee to search
  for credible information

By Kelum Bandara
Muslim leaders in the government yesterday downplayed the issue of Muslim businessmen being abducted and said that it had been blown out of proportion by parties with vested interests.

These members representing various parties in the ruling coalition addressed a press conference yesterday after the UNP Muslim MPs urged on Thursday that Muslim members in the government should resign from their portfolios.

The Muslim leaders noted that they would quit the government if the government was involved in the abduction of Muslims for ransom as alleged.

Petroleum Resource Development Minister A.H.M. Fowzie said the government had already initiated investigations although only two incidents had been reported, one in Kandy and the other in Colombo.

Minister Fowzie said they took up the matter with President Mahinda Rajapaksa who subsequently directed the CID to investigate into it.

“The government is not involved in abductions as alleged by the UNP. If there is any involvement by the government in an act against our community, we will definitely resign from office,” he said.

The Minister noted that no one had found sound evidence to prove that ‘certain leading Muslim businessmen’ had been abducted for ransom.

“There are only rumours to that effect. There is speculation that Muslim businessmen running leading enterprises such as No Limit, Hameedia and Expo-Lanka were abducted for huge ransoms running into millions of rupees. But, they confirmed to us that they did not pay even five cents. What more should be there to reject these allegations?” he asked.

Minister.Fowzie, however, said the Muslim members are confident that the President would ensure the safety of Muslims and other communities.

“After a meeting with the President, he appointed a special unit to look into complaints on the matter. We arranged facilities so that victims could lodge complaints while concealing their identity. But, no one came forward,” he said.

Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana said they vehemently condemn the UNP making “baseless” allegations.Disaster Relief Minister Amir Ali said over 75, 000 Muslims were evicted from the Northern Province during the UNP regime eighteen years ago.

Minister Ali said these persons still live in welfare centres in Puttalam and other areas, but the Opposition MPs did not utter a single word about it.

He said the UNP is envious of the President winning over the Muslim community, and therefore is engaged in rumour mongering for petty political purposes.

SLMC Deputy General Secretary Nizam Kariappar said their politburo discussed the issue on Thursday, and appointed a coordinating committee for a fact finding mission regarding abductions from those victimized.

He said they established this mission because people are reluctant to go to the CID or the committee appointed by the President, due to fear of their identity being exposed. “We have this committee to search for credible information regarding various allegations. Once, we posses confirmed information, we will take it up with the President,” he said.

He said speculation is also rife that some underworld groups are involved in the abductions.

Abductions: UNP tells Muslim ministers to quit

Abductions: UNP tells Muslim ministers to quit

By Yohan Perera

UNP Muslim MPs yesterday came out hard on the government over the abduction of Muslim businessmen and vowed to take to the streets and also take the issue up with the diplomats of Muslim countries. They also called on the Muslim ministers to resign from their posts if they were scared to talk while being part of the government.

UNP Kegalle MP Kabir Hashim told a media conference that Muslim ministers should resign from their posts if they couldn’t take up the issue with the President. He said it was a pity that these ministers were keeping silent when the Muslim community was so immensely affected by this growing trend of abductions.

Mr. Hashim explained the Muslims had lived in harmony with other communities from the times of the Sinhalese kings. Citing examples he said Prince Mayaduna had two Muslim generals in his army.

“However some power hungry forces are disturbing this friendship between the two communities by abducting and terrorising the Muslim business community,” he said.

Mr. Hashim said a large number of Muslim businessmen were leaving the country because of the growing trend of abductions.

UNP Kandy district MP Abdul Carder said the government couldn’t pretend it was not aware of these abductions as it was happening under their very eyes. “President Rajapaksa promised to put an end to ‘Kale Nithiya’ (law of the jungle) but is it not the ‘Kale Nithiya’ reigning supreme today,” he asked.

UNP Colombo District MP Mohamed Maharoof said the UNP would give the government two weeks notice to resolve this issue and if not it would take to the streets against this lawlessness.

The MPs also vehemently condemned the questioning by the CID of former Colombo Deputy Mayor Azath Salley over a statement he made on abductions.

“Help me to help you” says President

“Help me to help you” says President

By Yohan Perera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called on Muslim businessmen to make complaints against any abductions and attempted abductions if there are any. He said the government had given a special telephone number to complain about abductions but no complaints have been received so far.

He made this point when several Muslim politicians and organizations met him yesterday.

According to sources the President said that there is a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the government. He said these forces are doing this to come into power. “These forces are creating a fear psychosis in the minds of Muslim businessman by sending faxes and emails saying they are in danger” he said. He assured the politicians and organization heads that he will not discriminate against any religious or ethnic community in this country. “Therefore help me to help you,” he told the Muslim Leaders.

The President had also assured that he will not play any politics with the situation. Meanwhile leading opposition politician and former deputy mayor of Colombo Azath Sally who commented on the matter said there was clearly an alarming trend of abductions in the country. Citing some examples he said one Muslim businessman had to pay ransom twice in order to get released. He had to pay Rs 22 million first and Rs 7 million later. In addition he said a popular garment shop owner too had to pay ransom to escape.

“The country had not faced such a dangerous situation before,” he added.

Mr. Sally questioned as to how a person can lodge a complaint after he is already terrorized by abductions and paying millions as ransom. He was of the opinion that police should go ahead and collect statements from those people who are abducted and released.

Mr. Sally said the minorities are a part of this country and they should not be treated in this way. He called on the Muslim community to rise against these terrorizing acts.

It was a big mistake-Govt.

Regrets evicting North, East lodgers from Colombo

By Sunil Jayasiri
In a new turn of events to the drama surrounding the eviction of Tamil lodge dwellers from Colombo last week, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake yesterday expressed regrets to the hundreds of Tamils for their eviction from the city, saying it was a ‘big mistake’ by the government.

“It was a big mistake. As the government we express our regrets to the Tamil community,” Premier Wickremanayake told a media briefing at the Prime Minister’s office in Colombo yesterday.

While rejecting Police Chief Victor Perera’s claim that the Tamil dwellers had left the lodges on their own accord, the Premier said, “Police had asked from them whether they want to go or not only after they were taken to Vavuniya and not while they were in Colombo.”

He said it would not happen in the future, adding that the government took full responsibility for the action. “We accept the responsibility and the government must take the responsibility for all actions of officials, whether they are good or bad,” Mr. Wickremanayake said.

He said that they were investigating as to who was behind the decision to evict these Tamils and said that it would never happen again. “It should have never happened,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Commenting on the killing of the two Red Cross volunteers and the discovery of nine bodies in Wennapuwa, the Prime Minister said police were conducting investigations into these incidents.

He said the government should take the responsibility not only for the eviction of Tamils from the city, but also for every incident taking place in the country, including abductions, disappearances and killings. “The government should take the responsibility of all of these,” he said.

Mr. Wickremanayake declined to reveal further details on what led to the eviction of the Tamils as a court case is pending and said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had asked for a special report from the Police Chief about the incident as soon as possible.

“If anyone is found guilty the President is ready to take necessary action against them,” the Premier said.

Last week, police rounded up lodges in Colombo and evicted 376 Tamils from Colombo, to Trincomalee and Vavuniya to be sent to their homes in the north and east, prompting protests from civic groups, human rights organizations as well as political parties.

Shocking execution of 9, bodies in dump

Hands tied and blind-folded; woman among victims found in Wennappuwa

Recent mystery killings

• Two Red Cross workers found dead in Ratnapura on June 03
  
• Five bullet rid dled bodies found in Muthurajawela on March 3
  
• Five bullet riddled bodies found in Thirappane in Anuradhapura on March 06

By Hubert Fernando and Ravindra Liyanage
As fear gripped the country over the spate of killings and abductions, police yesterday revealed shocking news that nine unidentified bodies were found near a garbage dump at Dummaladeniya in Wennapuwa.

“The bodies were in a badly decomposed state and mutilated. We are still searching the area because there could be more bodies,” a senior police official of the area told the Daily Mirror last night.

He said the victims including a woman had been killed in “execution style with their hands tied behind their backs and blindfolded.” He also said the police suspected the bodies might have been brought to the area yesterday after carrying out the killings elsewhere about a week ago.

“The killers had shot and killed these unidentified persons,” the official said adding that there were gunshot wounds in the bodies.

According to Wennapuwa police Inspector V. Somaratne, these mutilated bodies were found in a rubbish dump near the Dummaladeniya Bridge by a group of women, who had gone to the jungle to collect firewood.

“We cannot even identify whether these were male or female bodies,” the inspector said.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said in a statement the bodies were “badly decomposed and in an unidentifiable condition.”

Three months ago police found an unidentified body with gun shot injuries in the same area.

Under a special directive from President Mahinda Rajapaksa, police Chief Victor Perera dispatched a police team from Colombo to probe the massacre.

A week ago two Red Cross Workers from Batticaloa were found killed in Ratnapura, hours after they were abducted by gunmen posing as policemen in Colombo.

MCSL Press Letter to H E Mahinda Rajapakshe

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakshe
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo 1

Your Excellency,

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka expresses its deep concern and urges Your Excellency to immediately halt the expulsion of Tamils from Colombo. This action by the Police and armed forces is understood to be a follow up to the statement made by the IGP claiming that Tamil people cannot remain in Colombo without a valid reason. Your Excellency, this action will tarnish your good name and the image of your government, both among the minority communities within Sri Lanka and the international community.

The Tamils of the North and Eastern province come to Colombo for various reasons; among them include the threat to their lives by the various armed terrorist groups. It is indeed sad that this form of ethnic cleansing is being carried out on civilian population that has borne the brunt of a horrendous conflict for over 25 years.

While we acknowledge that a concerted effort needs to be undertaken to ensure the security and safety of the people living in the city, we urge you to not do so at the cost of further polarizing the ethnic groups of Sri Lanka.

The Muslims of Sri Lanka were the first community who faced the brunt of ethnic cleansing from Jaffna by the LTTE in 1990. The scars of that action by the LTTE will remain upon the Muslim community forever.

Enshrined in the constitution of Sri Lanka is the right of every citizen to choose their place of residence in the country and to enjoy freedom of movement within the country. We kindly urge your Excellency as the head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces to call an immediate halt to this ethnic cleaning and to champion the rights of all citizens of Sri Lanka.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter. We assure Your Excellency of our continued co-operation at all times.

Yours sincerely

NO M Ameen
President - MCSL

Electoral reforms in Sri Lanka A Muslim point of view:

M.I.M. Mohideen

Constitutions: The laws relating to parliamentary elections as embodied in the 1978 constitution made a drastic change in the electoral method of representation embodied in both the 1948 and the 1972 constitutions.

All citizens must be eligible to have their share of representaion in Parliament

It should be noted that while the Donoughmore and Soulbury constitutions of 1948 as well as the 1972 Republican Constitution provided for election of individual members to Parliament, the 1978 constitution obliterated the importance of the individuality of the members and made it compulsory to elect registered political parties or independent groups to Parliament.

In other words the 1978 constitution handed over the role of representation of the people in Parliament from individuals to political groups.

The Proportional representation system together with the original 12.5 per cent cut-off point, and the concept of the district bonus seat went against the very spirit of the concept of "Representation according to the proportion of the votes".

In view of the fact that the Sri Lankan Muslim community does not constitute more than 12.5 per cent (of the total population of the electoral district) except in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Vanni districts; the 1978 constitution dealt an effective blow to the political representation of nearly 69% of the Muslim minority community who are scattered in the other 18 districts.

The 1976 Delimitation Commission worked on the basis of the 1971 census which reflected a total population of 12,701,143 and 11,605,903 citizens. This Delimitation Commission created 143 territorial constituencies on the basis of 90,000 people per constituency and 25 additional constituencies for the land area of 1000 sq. miles. This exercise resulted in the creation of a total number of 190 territorial constituencies returning 168 members.

However, the fact that a population of over 1 million (1,105,240) were not citizens and therefore, ineligible to vote meant that they were deprived of their due share of representation in Parliament. The loss of representation of that community became the gain of the majority community.

The resulting position was that the 73 per cent Sinhalese were left with 83 per cent seats in Parliament whilst the 12 per cent Sri Lankan Tamils had 11 per cent of the seats and 8 per cent Muslims and 6 per cent Indian Tamils were left with 3 per cent of parliamentary seats respectively.

The 1976 Delimitation commission did not pay adequate attention to create smaller electorates with a view to ensure the Parliamentary representation of "substantial concentration of persons united by a community of interest where racial, religious or otherwise, but differing in one or more of these respects from the majority of the inhabitants of that area".

The last Delimitation Commission created constituencies with less than 1/2 the average number of voters in predominant Sinhala areas like Mahanuwara, Teldeniya, Viyaluwa and Colombo West.

It is a matter of regret that a substantial concentration of a minority Muslim community, living in a predominant Muslim village in Akkaraipatu in the Ampara district was irrationally divided into two areas so that one area became part of Sammanthurai electorate and the other area became part of Pottuvil electorate.

This resulted in the permanent deprivation of a reasonable opportunity for a voter from Akkaraipattu from successfully contesting either the Sammanthurai electorate or the Pottuvil electorate.

The 1981 Delimitation was carried out without the figures of the general census held in that year. As a result, the 160 territorial constituencies were retained and the 1976 Delimitation and 36 seats were added to the nine provinces at the rate of four seats per province without any consideration for the population or land area. A further number of 29 seats were added on the national PR, thus making the total membership of parliament 225.

Drawbacks in the present proportional representation election system

1. It is evident in the past that the linkage between the MP and the constituency is very feeble under the present PR system.

2. No identified member represents an electorate to whom the voter can go to redress his/her grievances.

3. Voters do not have much choice because in the PR system the party hierarchies' determination is final and conclusive.

4. In the present PR system the district constituency is very large when compared with the smaller territorial Constituency for the FPP. A candidate who can afford to spend large sums of money for propaganda can accumulate more number of preferences from the existing large district electorates in the PR system.

5. Stability of a Government is paramount for the progress of the country. The main objective of introducing the Proportional Representation election system was to ensure a fair and just representation for a stable government. The tone and tenor of the Interim Report is focusing more on facilitating stability without guaranteeing due representation to the minority communities.

6. Those who favour Stable Government prefer an equal Mixed system of FPP and PR.

7. The high degree of rejection of ballot papers at the two stages of counting of votes are the other drawbacks in the present PR system.

Drawbacks in the Electoral system proposed by the Parliamentary Selection Committee in the Interim Report

1. Inadequate provision for minority representation. No Multi Member Constituencies

2. There is no separate voting for the FPP and PR. Voting methodology proposed is only the FPP system of voting with one ballot paper for each voter to elect a candidate nominated by the Party/Independent group in each electorate for the election of members.

3. a). There is no separate PR voting system to elect PR candidates b). Wrong voting result is used. The voting result used in the example of 150 territorial electorate is not from the FPP election system but from the voting result of Proportional Representation system of 2001 and 2004. If the voting Pattern under the First Past the Post system is used in the sample 150 electorates, as in the case of the last FPP election held in 1977 the results would be quite different.

4. Unequal Mixture of FPP and PR 2/3 - 150 on FPP and 1/3 - 75 in the parliament of 225 members

5. The 75 seats supposed to be elected on the basis of PR is not elected on the basis of PR election system but from the votes polled on FPP system by defeated candidates and selected on the basis of preference of highest percentage.

6. Preferential vote to select a representative is one of the obnoxious features in the present PR system which is indirectly applied in the Interim Report.

Proposals

1.(a) Any proposed reforms should consider all level of governance namely, Executive Presidency, Parliament, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the system devised should be uniform and simply applicable to all these levels and concurrent with the Devolution package.

(b) Electoral reforms should provide equal opportunities to all communities and the legislature should reflect the true national ethnic composition.

(c) In view of maximum devolution contemplated, the parliament need not be large. Present 225 members should be reduced to 220 members.

(d) One half of the members of Parliament 110 seats from territorial constituencies on First Past the part - FPP and the other half 110 seats on National Proportional Representation - NPR

2.(a) Votes on the National PR is the deciding factor for the number of seats Party/Group should have in the Parliament as in the German system.

(b) Two ballots - first to elect the candidate for the territorial constituencies on FPP and the second to elect the Party/Group on National PR

(c) The 220 seats in Parliament should be allocated as follows:

Ethnic Group % Seats/FPP Seats/NPR Total
Sinhalese 74 80  80  160
Tamils  8 9  9  18
Indian Tamils 6 7  7  14
Total  100 110  110  220

3. Preference votes, cut-off point and district bonus should be abolished.

4. A Delimitation commission should be established immediately.

5. In the demarcation of constituencies, reduced electoral strength should be utilised by the delimitation commission in order to give adequate representation to the minorities according to their national ethnic ratio.

6. The delimitation commission should have the power to create multi-member constituencies in appropriate areas in order to render possible the representation of minority communities in the legislature according to their ethnic proportion.

7. Parliament should reflect the true voting pattern of the people. Votes on National PR should be the deciding factor each Party/Group should have in the legislature.

8. The Commissioner of election will determine the total entitlement of seats in Parliament of individual parties/groups based on the composition of the 2nd ballot at national level. From that entitlement the Election Commissioner will deduct the total number of seats secured by the parties at individual constituencies on the basis of the first ballot.

9. The political party/group concerned, on the direction of the Election Commissioner will nominate names of Candidates from the National PR list to fill only the remaining number of seats to which that party is entitled.

10. The 90 territorial constituencies will consist of 75 one member constituencies, 10 two member constituencies and five three member constituencies.

Muslims Stake a Claim to their Rights

Having endured discrimination and hardship for many years, the Muslim
community of Sri Lanka is learning to speak out for itself. Its goal
is to claim a position as one of the country's political
stakeholders, and the community has charted a clear path to reaching
that goal.

Muslims in north and east have been caught in the crossfire of the
decades-long conflict between the country's Sinhalese Buddhists and
Tamil Hindus. Sri Lankan Muslims, historically known as Moors, make
up only 7 percent of the island's population.

With help from USAID, the Peace Secretariat for Muslims is working to
ensure that Sri Lanka's Muslims gain a political voice and protect
their rights. As a start, the secretariat has opened regional centers
where Muslims can learn about their rights and apply for government
assistance. In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, these help centers have
become a lifeline for many affected families.

In Kinniya, near the eastern port city of Trincomalee, Muslims
displaced by the conflict and living in camps on government land were
hit especially hard by the tsunami. Through the secretariat's local
help center, USAID negotiated issuance of land deeds for the most
needy families, rendering 1,200 families landowners through a single
consultation with local officials. USAID helped others receive
compensation for the death of family members and assisted women who
were home-bound by the traditional Muslim 40-day mourning period in
accessing government services.

In the short run, the help centers are teaching Muslims how to tap
into government assistance. More importantly for the long term, they
are teaching Muslims about their rights and about opportunities for
contributing to the country's political landscape. The help centers
have a deep connection to grassroots Muslim sentiment, which is rare
in a country where political organizations tend to be highly
centralized. USAID is now helping transform the help centers into
district-level secretariat offices that will engage Muslim
constituents in the peace process and open the door for coordination
with local representatives of counterpart organizations. New offices
will open in regions where significant numbers of Muslims reside.

Telling Our Story
U.S. Agency for International Development
Washington, DC 20523-1000
http://stories.usaid.gov

Peace through war in Sri Lanka

Peace through war in Sri Lanka
By Teymoor Nabili, presenter 101 East

A quarter century of war in Sri Lanka has claimed more than 70,000 lives [GALLO/GETTY] "The ceasefire has failed," Sri Lanka's president says, and peace is not far away. Compared to the otherwise complex details of Sri Lankan politics, this paradoxical formulation is relatively simple to interpret: although the war against the Tamil Tigers has resumed, the army is winning, and it will not be long before the rebels' leader, Prabhakaran, recognises this and stops his aggression. Rajapaksa insisted the military had weakened the Tamil Tigers At that point, a peace agreement will be negotiated. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan president, is a forthcoming interviewee, and this unusually frank assessment of the conflict was far from the only interesting observation that emerged from a long conversation on Thursday. He also told me that there is no religious or ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka; that the international community is completely wrong in accusing his army of human rights violations; and that India holds the key to Sri Lanka's political future. But mostly we talked about the Tamil Tigers. It was the administration of his predecessor Chandrika Kumaratunga that coined the Orwellian phrase 'Peace through War', but it seems apt enough as a description of Rajapaksa's policy, too. "Until the terrorists are weakened, they will not come for talks," he says. 101 East Watch the full interview with Mahinda Rajapaksa on 101 East on Al Jazeera at these times: May 31 1430 June 1 0530 June 2 0730, 1330 June 3 0830 June 4 0230 June 5 0300, 1130 June 6 0130, 0700 June 7 0030 (All times GMT) But the president strongly rejects the suggestion that this amounts to pursuit of a "military solution". Instead he says his increasing emphasis on military action is a minor element in the pursuit of a political compromise. Isn't this just political finessing? Maybe we can describe his game plan as "ready for immediate negotiation depending on prior military victory?" Empathically no, he says. A political solution is his only aim, but at the same time Prabakharan must be weakened militarily, and although they do not have to surrender arms, the Tigers must stop fighting first. "I am ready if Prabhakaran is ready," he says. "We have said that very clearly. I am ready, but I am not prepared to kneel before the terrorism of the LTTE. I have said that many times. "If I am attacked, I will counter attack. That is what we have done at every occasion.” Eighteen months into his term, a quarter century-long conflict has reignited and some 5,000 more people are dead. On the scene At Sri Lanka's front line Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley gets exclusive access to the heart of the conflict in the east of Sri Lanka The Tigers have brought their campaign to Colombo and to Galle, and for the first time in their history they have demonstrated air power. Is this military weakening/political solution even vaguely plausible? Rajapaksa has no doubts: yes, he says, and sooner than most people realise. "I must say this very clearly. We have cleared the East from terrorism." It won't be long, he says, before Prabhakaran realises that he has no choice but to negotiate. "We have weakened them…. When he is weak he talks about peace. When he becomes strong, then he wants war." Headline news Conflict in Sri Lanka Ethnic tensions first surface after independence in 1948 Tamil minority make up 12 per cent of island's 20m population They complain of discrimination from strengthening Sinhalese nationalism Decades of protest erupted into civil war in 1983 Up to 70,000 have died in fighting, both sides accused of atrocities Ceasefire in 2002 led to period of relative peace Rebel attacks surged in late 2005, intensified fighting since and renewed calls for Tamil state News of our interview with the president leaked out fast, making Sri Lanka's papers the following morning. According to "The Morning Leader", Rajapaksa is angry that Sri Lanka is being treated unfairly, because other countries accused of human rights violations do not attract as much criticism. It's not quite what he said, but the leak does illuminate what some people in the administration believe. Certainly the president was critical of Europe, and the US, both of which have talked of cutting off aid. He accused European leaders in particular of callously stopping humanitarian aid for tsunami victims. Sri Lanka "is not a colony of England, America or any other country" he said, accusing those of who would criticise his policies of interfering in Sri Lanka's internal affairs. Abductions When I asked specifically about the accusations of human rights violations, of the reported abductions of more than 700 people, Rajapaksa denied it categorically. Instead, in an elaborate and circuitous explanation, he placed the blame on almost everyone else - the LTTE, the breakaway Karuna group, international powers, even the abductees themselves. "Many of those people who are said to have been abducted are in England, Germany, gone abroad," he says. "They have made complaints that they were abducted, but when they return they don't say." Asked whether talk of a humanitarian intervention, or a Kosovo-style imposed separation, disturbs him, he says there is only one country that can acceptably involve itself in Sri Lanka – the giant next door, India. "India’s support is necessary," he says, "There must be more support from the Indian government." Roots of conflict There are more interpretations of Sri Lankan history than there are political parties represented in the country's parliament. But common to most of them is the belief that at the root of the conflict is political distrust between the Tamil minority and the Sinhalese majority. But as Rajapakse is concerned the roots have long been buried. The real divide, he says, is now between the terrorists and the rest of the country. "Prabhakaran does not represent the aspirations of the Tamil people," he says. "What he represents, is the interests of a small group. Not the needs of the Tamil people." The Tigers, he says, are "not a Tamil terrorist organization, there are Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils in this group." So while many argue that the roots of the problem remain important, and that reform of the domestic electoral system is a vital stepping stone to real peace, it seems Rajapaksa's solution to the problem relies on an unyielding principle. It is one that might be called 'Washington terms': First you accept my position, then we talk.