Another episode of the series of sagas that are being staged by the Sri Lankan sinhalese government at the face of international community has been ended abruptly much to the disappointment of the suffering Tamils as well as to the facilitators who try their best diligently to end this civil war in a peaceful manner.

In particular, it could not be much disappointing to anyone than those who are actually being held captive in the open jail created by the Srilankan government by closing the A9 highway suddenly and only to further the misery of Tamils’ life in that region.

It must have caused so much pain on the Norwegian part to bring these varying parties of Singhalese and Tamils to the table more than ever. This is quite evident and explicable as there have been many rounds of talks and agreements before and none of them were put in action to this moment. The government’s account on this matter is extremely heavy and unattended. One must accept the fact that it is a measured and deliberate action by the Srilankan government because they hold the power to implement what they have agreed upon.

Just to name a few:

1. Settlement of displaced people who were thrown out of their own houses in the name of high security zones.
2. P-TOMS, purely aimed at the relief of Tsunami victims.
3. Dismantling of the paramilitary groups created and used by the Sri Lankan government to carryout their covert actions of killings and disappearances.

Beyond this there are many hateful actions carried out at present by the Srilankan government.

1. Many military offensives undermining the Peace accord. Also it is important to notice that the military had conducted major offensive at “Muhamali” just days after the LTTE military spokesman Mr. Ilanthirayan pointing out the Srilankan army’s build up at the front lines and appeal to the SLMM and the International Community to stop this belligerence.
2. Countless killings and disappearances throughout the country. No investigations. After all, what for? All these are happening only to the Tamils by whom we expect to investigate and give justice.

It will be even harder for negotiators in future if there is no change in the government’s attitude. Also one can think of what remains for the coming days, by reading the news that government forces are preparing for another offence.

This could not have been an easy decision to the Tamil Tigers as well to agree and come to the negotiating table before the government correct its misbehaves and shows genuine interest in finding a solution through its deeds. It was however a very positive response by the Tamils to put aside the awful experiences of the previous rounds of talks and the current vile actions of the government and to look forward to open up a new venue and create an environment conducive to talk about core issues.

It is regrettable however that the government has denied the opening of A9 with the total disregard to the humanitarian needs of the Tamils and shuts down the light at the end of the tunnel for the future talks.

But it has helped clear the confusion, if any, to the international community on the fact that who is representing whom.

When the “Mavilaru” dam was closed by the people of that area, in protest to the government’s unfair act in a new project and requested impartiality to re-open, the Sri Lankan government was depicting it as a humanitarian issue. Also we have to notice that the SLMM and the LTTE had discussions with the local people to resolve this issue and informed the government of their presence at that dam to re-open it unconditionally. But surprisingly the government had different agenda. They fired artillery to that area on that particular time risking the lives of the then SLMM chief Ulf Hendrickson and the LTTE Trinco political wing leader Mr. Elilan. Then the Srilankan forces moved into LTTE controlled area violating the peace accord and still occupying this area.

One can recall the pictures and the statement made by the SLMM regarding this issue and exposing harsh actions of the Sri Lankan government.

Further, for the same Srilankan government, holding more than 600,000 people captive in an area with no adequate food, medicine and other essentials for a human life, is not a humanitarian crisis. The shameful fact is that the government itself - one that suppose to find solution to resolve any humanitarian issue - artificially creating this crisis just because the people affected are 100% Tamil minorities.

The government delegate who came to the table empty handed was wasting time on fooling the international community that there is no humanitarian crisis by the closure of A9.

Mr. Nimal Sripala de Silva was saying that Mr. Jeyaraj Fernando pillai is taking all effort to send food by sea to the area.

Does Mr. Nimal Sripala de Silva know how many innocent people have died in Vanni since the closure of this A9 just because they could not get to the Jaffna hospital for treatment, which is the only hospital with some facilities to mention?

Does Mr. Fernando Pillai is waiting with the Ship or Helicopter to airlift those who need this kind of emergency service?

Does Mr. Nimal Sripala de Silva know how many farmers have give up their only livelihood just because no fertilizers or can’t afford to buy one which had the luxury of cruise?

This listing can grow lengthy.

There cannot be any idiotic referral like the one Mr. Nimal Sriplala de Silva had mentioned in the talks. He had pointed out that this A9 highway was closed during the wartime 1994 to 2002. So why was it opened? It was crystal clear and identified by everyone as a blockade to the normalcy of the people of that region.

The decision that the Srilankan government wants it to be closed now shows its intention in backtracking into the war that’s why it shows no interest in building up mutual harmony by resolving this minor and basic humanitarian issue, one can think of as the first step towards a meaningful discussion to the core affairs. This is a blatant action by this Sinhalese Sri Lankan government purely aimed at the well being of its military disregarding the Tamils’ suffering.

This was the very A9 route the government was fighting to open before the peace accord to establish a supply route to the “Elephant pass” military base for the reason that it could not afford to airlift food and other supplies to it. And they failed in it and finally lost the “Elephant pass” base itself. Its shame to watch a bunch people holding respectful posts comes to the international arena with mouth full of lies.

Now the Srilankan government feels the danger of holding on to the “Palaly” base, which is important for their hidden military agenda waiting for an auspicious time. The only way they can hold this camp is using the Tamil civilians as a safety ring for their base as well as to their movement in the sea. That’s what it is all about as most people think.

It is now government’s responsibility to act positively and create an environment in which any meaningful discussion to end this conflict can proceed. Because Tamils were forced and started this armed struggle only after 40 years of failed negotiations and ripped off agreements demolishing their confidence on the government of Srilanka.

Also the International community must persuade the Srilankan government to open this A9 to resolve these humanitarian issues regardless of the next round of talks. It is a humanitarian issue after all.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed