After India's recent ‘unexpected' vote against Colombo at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, newspaper columns in Sri Lanka have contended that the relations between the two countries have touched the lowest point.
And now, a Sri Lankan Minister has joined the ranks of these columnists.
“By voting against Sri Lanka, India has not only dealt a killer blow to India-Sri Lanka relations, but also to reconciliation efforts between Sinhalese and Tamils. This in turn is akin to committing an act of diplomatic hara-kiri, as both Tamil fascism and Western imperialism — which India is attempting to protect through its actions — are the real enemies of India,” Patali Champika Ranawaka wrote in the Nation newspaper on Sunday in an article titled ‘Why India voted against Sri Lanka.' He has repeatedly made statements against India.
Days of friendship
Recalling how India stayed firmly behind Sri Lanka in the closing stages of the war in 2009, despite considerable pressure from political parties in Tamil Nadu, the Minister, who is in-charge of Electricity, said, “India's action at the UNHRC clearly has nothing to do with the threats coming from Tamil Nadu.”
It was also not motivated by India's desire to protect human rights, given its own record, he argued.
The Minister touched upon the story that indicated that Congress president Sonia Gandhi became highly distressed after seeing a picture of the body of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam chief Prabakaran's younger son, Balachandran, but stops short of accusing her of being the deciding factor in the Indian vote going the other way.
‘Promises fulfilled'
Another English language newspaper, Lakbima News, has quoted the former Attorney General, Mohan Peiris, as saying that Sri Lanka had fulfilled all the promises that it made in 2009.
“We had a resolution in 2009; we made certain pledges in 2009 and we delivered on those pledges,” the newspaper quoted him as saying.
This, in essence, is where the contradiction lies. Both Mr. Ranawaka and Mr. Peiris — like countless others in the Sri Lankan establishment — have constantly held that Sri Lanka has delivered on the promises that it made in 2009. The United Nations, the United States, India, Great Britain and many other European powers insist that this is not true.
Sri Lanka is yet to deliver on any promise made on political autonomy, and even provincial elections have not been held in the Northern Province, a diplomat said.
Keywords: India Sri Lanka ties, Sri Lanka war crimes probe, Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Eelam War IV, UNHRC resolution, Mahinda Rajapaksa government, Tamil Tigers
There are serious allegations, By UN and HR bodys across the world. India done right thing. Moving in the right direction. China is already in Sri Lanka, can't do much about it, take step prvent the Chings steeping in Northern Tamils area. These should really become part India. Lankans have betrayed the trust of India and slaughtered their own Tamils population. Associating and protecting Lanka should be left to those country like Iran, Pakistan and China.. India has high moral and Democratic values.
We Asians are still falling into the same divide and rule tactics by the imperialists US & UK. Motivation is clear .Americans and British want to create instability in the region. They can sell outdated weapons to improve their economies. I don’t think US would have voted if the same thing has happened in Canada.
India supported the US resolution mainly for the Tamilnadu political pressure. Tamilnadu cause only trouble to India since failed Dravidian movement. While pretending to be concerned about Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamilnadu Tamils invade Sri Lankan waters and get into fight with Sri Lankan Tamils, who try to benefit from the end of the war. When Sri Lankan navy act to protect the interest of Sri Lankan Tamils they accuse the Navy of attacking Tamilnadu Tamils. For them it is just a political game.
Mahinda gains more and more support internally with the actions of the West and India. If not for the foul play of the international community the Sri Lankans would have voiced their concerns against Mahinda for the fact that Mahinda has become a dictator since the end of war and it is Sri Lankans who suffer from this. As usual the international community play political games in expense of happiness of Sri Lankans.
India wants to have alliances with countries around India. If Sonia Gandhi thinks that regional politics are important than the relationships with sovereign countries around India, that means India is not capable of acting as a regional power or to make alliances with surrounding countries. Because, India's internal politics are more important than the relationships with other countries. Because people living in countries all around Indiah as connections to India.India gives priority to Local politics over the countries.
India has no right to dictate to a sovereign nation re how to deal with it's own issues. It can contribute in a positive, unbiased manner when requested by the govt. of Sri Lanka. India should concentrate on solving it's own issues with the Kashmiri's and the disputes in Eastern India. Human rights abuses in Kashmir are well documented. Sri Lanka has not been reminding India about it's obligations towards those downtrodden people. There is little truth is certain historical claims, but even if there were, re-carving the world based on mythology or even o credible historical references would require Obama to hand over the US to the Native Indians, Gillard to hand over Australia to the native people of Australia, parts of Europe to the Vikings, re-establishment of the Ottoman Empire etc!!! Get real, you TN folks. Sri Lanka in an independent country where Tamils make up less than a 1/4 of the population
Sri Lanka should appreciate that it was the very survival of the UPA government that compelled the Manmohan Singh government to vote for that unfortunate resolution at the UNHRC.
Which Tamils are to be brought back to India ? those ones who have been there for the same time Tamils were in India?.This is the real problem. Many Indian people beleive that all Tamils went there from Tamil Nadu which is not True . Tamil happens to be a language spoken in the South in India and the North in Sri Lanka To name a few Tamils who got back from Sri Lanka - Dr Abdul Kalam, Dr.M.G Ramachandran - I have given you the names of a President of India and also that of a Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Just like Bengali being spoken in Bangladesh and Bengal in India.
UNHRC simply asked Sri Lanka to complete recommendations made under its own plan. This does not necessarily single out the Sinhalese government: war criminals from both sides could be found, publicly debriefed ala South African Reconciliation Commission methods, possibly prosecuted in the most recalcitrant and egregious cases. They could ask for help from UN to conduct this work. Local elections and allocation of resources are a simple functions of everyday governing that must happen regardless of political views.
Decisions are not made based on single events. 'You violated and so I can violate' type of arguements are self defeating. Sri Lanka as well as all countries in the world has to practice all inclusive policies. Sri Lanka should preserve its image of peaceful country.
I dunno why many in India feel India has lost something by voting
against Sri Lanka in the UN,instead the Sri Lanka should analyze why
India has voted against it and it should do things to normalize the
relationship with a powerful neighbour like India. If Sri Lanka thinks
it can threaten India by taking sides with China, it is a big mistake
and it will definitely suffer for that in the future.
Sri Lankan politicians and their media have a contributing role in the creation of the
LTTE. They should realise that the war against the LTTE was won with India and Tamil
Nadu government's support. It appears that because of their arrogance they will
create another LTTE. It is time that they concentrate on rehabilitation of their Tamil
citizens and secure their nations future or they run the risk of being dependent on
another nations for their security like the way Pakistan depends on China.
India's decision was largely a result of massive pressure from political parties in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. They threatening for weeks to quit the government if it did not support the resolution. What is interesting here is that only a few days before the vote in Geneva, on March 22, none other than Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Adviser Shiv Shanker Menon had been telling Congress party members that India had never voted on a "country-specific" resolution
Now it turns out that it was none other than Congress president Sonia Gandhi who told the Prime Minister that India should vote against Sri Lanka in Geneva because She was disturbed by watching C4
The truth is that this time, the India-Sri Lanka relationship has turned on the death of a child. The irony is that he is Prabhakaran's son. They forgot that Sonia’s husband was killed couple of years ago.
Some people are more concerned about the relations with Lanka
rather than justice for the war crime. No civilized world accept
the Lanka's version of justifying their move. In fact the UN should
have initiated the proceedings against Lanka for its worst ever war
crimes. India spoiled the resolution by diluting the text which
will protect Lanka. As per India's version,"The consent of murderer
is required to investigate the cruel murder". India is not all
concerned about the human lives but concerned only about the
friendship.
We tamils are Tamil Nadu people and India should be concerened of our future. Last time I checked Tamil Nadu is still part of India.
Stop talking,weeping and start work on rehabilitating and bringing the Tamil
community back to India.
At last india done something good at srilankan issue. all the
massacares of innocent people at the name of ''war'' cannot be
forgotton by the world and lankan authorities indifferent attitude
towards the world put them in sheer hot spot. Srilanka no more in a
position to blackmail india showing China or pakistan as the two know
very well they cannot argue their case and US now leaning more towards
india . let first lankan autorieis honestly approach this issue and do
the some remedial works to their own affected tamil people otherwise
they may have to face more serious situation soon.
Stop talking and start work on rehabilitating and bringing the Tamil
community back on its feet. Stop blaming the West and India. Begin work
with people in Jaffna. If this pressure was not there the Tamils would
have suffered more in Lanka.
Sri lanka should take serious steps to come to terms with the Tamils.Prabhakaran demanded independence for tamils through violent means and failed.But Rajapaksa offering the same independence through his violent ways.He should not create Congo,Rwanda,Ethiopia type of situation in this lovely Country. Allow them to live with you in peace and dignity.Else leave them to go their own way to lead a peaceful and dignified life.How long they can endure your torture? You are all Budhists,but have no compassion and concern for others.
India decides on the merit of the situation. Sinhalese, don't waste your time here go and reconcile with your compatriots the Tamils of Sri Lanka.
India the country that trained and armed the LTTE, Sent in the IPKF whose atrocities against the Tamils are well known has no moral right to accuse GOSL of human rights abuse.
The Lankans went beyond wiping out LTTE and committed war crimes and humanitarian crimes. It is an open fact. But since the war ended in 2009, Sri lanka has not made any substantive progress in process of rehabilitation of the Tamils. One may think the UNHRC resolution is proposed by USA, but strategists may well know it is the handwork of India to coerce Srilanka that it has some promises and duties to be fulfilled towards political and social settlement of the Tamil Minority which it has not done. Moreover srilanka thinks it can rely on China while dealing with US and western allies playing china card. The global power center still rests with USA and it's western allies. Even China cannot dare for open confrontation with them. The Lankans have to be pragmatic in understanding the obligations of being part of UN the legitimate authority. Lanka better not fool itself by playing china card against india and others better Implement the 13th Amendment and also rehabilitation of Tamils.
India is way too much interfering in to neighboring country’s internal affairs. (i.e. in eighties then PM Rajiv G ordered to drop dhal on to Northern Sri Lanka, ironically, the very same people who consumed that dhal made Mr. R.G perish in the end.) India never learns from the past and continuing to repeat the same mistake over and over which is bad for the whole region. Time to rethink as the most populous democracy of the world, good luck India.
Sri Lanka may interpret India's vote in favour of the UNHRC resolution in whatever way they want but the fact of the matter is that India's action is quite justified for the following reasons :
1) First, India's primary concern is rehabilitation and security of the Tamil population in northern Sri Lanka that bore the brunt of the war crime as shown in the Channel 4 video. Equation of bilateral relations with them comes after that.
2) Sri Lanka set up a committee after war but implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC has been tardy if at all. Sri Lankan Tamils have not been accorded voting rights among other denial of basic rights.
3) The resolution itself is a benign one and India went out of its way to get it shaped that way. It persuaded countries to remove clauses that were intrusive. It also insisted that the final call in this reconciliation effort should be taken by Sri Lanka and not the world community. If Sri Lanka decides to ignore India's role that's their choice.
It is not correct to say that tamil sentiments made India to vote
against Srilanka in UNHRC. India should have made it clear that the
vote was for the extreme human rights violations committed by Srilanka
and their imperialism against tamils there still after 2 years since
the war was over.
Quoting china's presence in Indian ocean, Srilanka is taking India for
granted. If India had not voted against Srilanka in UNHRC, our
moraleas a democracy could not have existed.
Political autonomy to any region is a no no, as there is absolutely no case for such autonomy, and I'm not aware of such a promise by the SriLankan Govt. I wonder who this diplomat is to make such a distorted statement. Could he kindly quote from where he got this wrong information?
What constructive steps has the GOSL taken been taken towards
reconciliation? A clear proposal for political solution is the
absolute necessity for reconciliation. Minister Champika and his
party strongly oppose any such proposal. So the Minister's point that
India's voting is a blow to reconciliation does not make any sense.
When India supported Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in 2009 it was hailed as the
best of friends. Since it voted in favour of the resolution this time
India has become an arch enemy. Oh..Sri Lanka's politicians.
So the British have succeeded in driving a wedge between India and Sri Lanka. But we cannot blame British govt. It is our shallow thinking and lack of self confidence which led us to abondon our own path and follow that of british govt.Sri lankans are not blaming UK, USA but India and India has as usual made a self goal. For that media is partly to be blamed, because it failed to give 360 degrees view on the matter to the public. It would be interesting to know which elements forced govt to change the stance.
Those who believed Sri Lankan government has been betrayed. The repeated denial of even the basic political rights to Tamils only gives rise to the idea that Sinhalese Fascist hold sway in Sri Lanka. The militarization of every day life made sure there is no dissent to this behavior. Sri Lanka today resembles a lot like the Nazi Germany – the minorities are being persecuted, and anyone from the majority who questions it is silenced. How can any democratic country go along with this behavior?
Their continued denial of basic rights to Tamils will only lead to LTTE-2. If that is what they desire, they will surely get it sooner or latter.
Whatever be the compulsions of India in voting for NHRC resolution, Sri Lanka completely forgetting the support extended by India at very crucial times in Sri Lankan history, befriended other countries in the neighbourhood to the detriment of Indian interests. It is this diplomatic bungling which cost Sri Lanka by way of the current strained relationship with India and there is no reason to cry now.
Dear Indian friends and Govt., please do not take these minister's comments seriously.
Perhaps at least now, Sri Lankans should invest their time to figure out where in
fact Tamil (language as well as in culture) originated. Historical records stands
proof to the fact that the Island nation also has its share with the origins of Tamils,
Sangam Poets, for instance. The Tamil Sinhalese conflict has a deeper origin, that
dates back beyond 1300. The tri-lingual inscription of truce at Galle by Chinese
Admiral Zheng He is proof to this fact. Of the many issues that have plagued Sri
Lanka in the 'modern era' - read post 1945 - is the country's demonstrated and
varied attempts to subvert the rule of law. The constitutional amendment that
created an Executive Presidency is the last nail to it. Most Sri Lankas believe that
India is behind their ill fate so far. At the same time they lament about India not
supporting them at the UN. India's reaction is not an individual's opinion, that is
what parliamentary democracy is about. Understandable Colombo would find it
hard to digest.
Krishnan,
Sri Lanka is less than third of Tamil Nadu. And there are more
Tamils live outside the so called Tamil homeland. So, we cannot
devolve race based power like in India. But we are not averse to
devolution is for villages and towns manage their own affairs. But
Land, police, and such security matters cannot be considered local
affairs for they affect all citizens equally in a small country.
Also, we cannot afford to let disputes like the one that Tamil Nadu
and Karnataka had for Cauvery river water develop between our PCs.
Last paragraph of a resolution Tamils passed say; "the State of
TAMIL EELAM shall consist of the people of the Northern and Eastern
provinces" and its says; “and this Convention calls upon the Tamil
Nation in general and the Tamil youth in particular to come forward
to throw themselves fully into the sacred fight for freedom and to
flinch not till the goal of a sovereign state of TAMIL EELAM is
reached.” They haven't withdrawn it todate.
India sri lanka diplomatic relations were that of giving everything to sri lanks at the cost of Tamil nadu and tamils interest-e.g sastry-srimao accord and handing over of katchatheevu till Mrs Indira gandhi realised the defiant and pro western policies of Sri lanka. Mrs Indira gandhi decided to keep away china and western powers out of Indian ocean and actively supported sri lankan tamils, negotiated for a settlement by arranging tripatriate talks in Thimbu and She was about to achieve her goal. Unfortunately she was assassinated and her son Rajiv Gandhi completely damaged the talks by his immaturity in making political decisions and sided with sri lankan government. India never had a proper policy except during the tenure of Indhira Gandhi
india should not have succumbed to the pressures of tamil leaders in supporting the resolution. the results are obvious now.
Without a question of a doubt, the Manmohan Singh government has goofed up big time on this one. The fallout, if any, with the West, would have been miniscule if India had voted against the UN resolutions. What is India's track record here? Sending peacekeepers to Sri Lanka - directly in favour of the Sri Lankan government. Having to bear the brunt of a terrorist attack on an Indian political figure in which he was assassinated. Why this turnabout now? This may not be a killer blow or anything like this minister has expressed here, but why this confused stand? Surely not to appease Tamil people of any denomination!
India needs to deliver a killer blow by forcing the Sri Lankan
Rajapakse regime and its cohorts to stand trial at the ICC
for war crimes against the Tamil people.
Singala politicians and the media in Sri lanka should contribute to reconciliation with the suffering tamils being their fellow sri lankans and their tamil brethren.
It is very clear that the Sri Lankan leaders are obstinately refusing to learn from their bitter past. By continuing to be in the denial mode, they like their myopic predecessors, are creating an impression that the uncivilized violence is the only language understood. It is beyond comprehension as to why they are so much bent on creating a fertile ground for yet one more LTTE only much more diabolic.
Nothing wrong with letting a neighbour who is used to playing off several nations against each other - in this case India Pakistan and China - against each other that it can not take one for granted
The President of the mighty US, Obama promised during his election
campaign that he would close down Guantanamo bay prison and bring
back the US forces from Iraq and Afghanistan if elected. It’s
almost four years since he was elected to office but Obama is yet to
close the notorious prison or bring back all his soldiers home.
Instead fulfilling his promises, the President of the US seems more
concerned about when and how President Rajapakse would implement
LLRC recommendations. India should tell us the truth behind why it
backs the US at UNHRC.
Damage done by the Indians is irreparable. India should have reciprocally discussed those outstanding issues without being hypobaric at the run-up to the date of the vote; instead of emitting false signals that India was with Sri Lanka. It is the general consensus that India stabbed on the back of Sri Lanka. While one would agree to the statements made by the author of this article, there are few other slants to this issue of India betraying Sri Lanka. Given a careful thought to the events that has taken place during the months prior to the vote; such as USA’s involvement through its diplomatic channels ( Robert Blake factor) and United States foreign secretary’s physical involvement with Tamil Nadu politicians, the Indian government’s and USA’s nervousness about China’s relationship with Sri Lanka, there is the strongest belief that India and has connived with the USA and its closest European allies to take this route. Nevertheless, it was not an outright vote against Sri Lanka. There was a good number of countries that opposed this ludicrous and nonsensical resolution that has no significance or a legal binding. India’s greatest mistake is now made and Sri Lanka and its allies will take the necessary action wherever they could. Fast advancing China can be the biggest head ache for India – like from pan to the open fire. As the saying goes, very dog has it own day!
So, India has finally shown the true colours and Sri Lanka will act accordingly.
We should think twice before taking a decision of this stature. I
believe that we should not blindly go and support the USA in all the
forums as they are totally undependable. We should not forget that we
too have a issue of Kashmir which can be brought into UN in a similar
fashion. If we proceed with our current behavior, we won't be left
with any friends to support us . Our International policies should be
made by keeping in mind the long term benefit, safety and security of
India. This cheap decision was taken by keeping in mind of a
particular state to protect its vote bank, but it will have a far
reaching after effect, we have lost a time tested friend with this
decision. Another historic blunder by the UPA government.
We should think twice before taking a decision of this stature. I
believe that we should not blindly go and support the USA in all the
forums as they are totally undependable. We should not forget that we
too have a issue of Kashmir which can be brought into UN in a similar
manner. If we proceed with our current behavior, we won't be left with
any friends to support us . Our International policies should be made
by keeping in mind the long term benefit, safety and security of
India. This cheap decision was taken by keeping in mind of a
particular state to protect its vote bank, but it will have a far
reaching after effect, we have lost a time tested friend with this
decision. Another historic blunder by the UPA government.
Its high time Srilanka black mails India with its treacherous ties. Friendly ties with neighbours does not mean that India should remain a mute spectator to mass killings in its neighbourhood. Moreover, the minister seems to be part of Chinese conspiracy in creating a mass opinion in Srilanka against India. By introducing changes in the resolution, that even Sri Lanka would not have expected, India has actually helped its 'strategically and historically' important friend. India should remain neutral in issues concerning two nations. But, if a nation is working strategically against its own people, behind the mask of fighting terrorism, any nation with right conscience should stand against it. By mocking India of its own record of human rights, the minister is surely working on the behest of China and Pakistan. By saying that Indian vote will affect reconciliation programme, the minister is actually trying to black mail India and showing there is no real intention of rehabilitation.
Let Sri Lankas never forget that under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi
and their hegemonistic doctrine, India armed, trained and financed the
Tigers.. And that the Indian army killed many Tamil civilians when
they finally had to go to war with their own creation the LTTE facist
racist Tamil Tiger movement. Indian army raped scores of Tamil women.
One of those women later blew herself up to assassinate Mr. Gandhi.
India is one of the reasons we Sri Lankans had to go through hell.
Quote "By voting against Sri Lanka, India has not only dealt a killer blow to India-Sri Lanka relations, but also to reconciliation efforts between Sinhalese and Tamils"
Shows the typical mentality of SL govt that is not at all interest in a negotiated settlement, rather wants to impose what they think on minorities. Believe the Indian govt now getting to know the true colours of the current SL govt.
It should be obvious to anyone that Sri Lanka has told India to shove it! These Ministers are just voicing the (unofficial) opinion and position of the Govt. and its Sinhala majority of people.
Sri Lanka no longer needs India for anything. To many Sri Lankans, Indians are a laughing stock of the world, having its own intractable problems of uniquitous corruption and a geriatric clan of inept politicians that run India. India can never get anything done. It badly needs its own reforms to stay alive.
This is the story repeated again and again by SriLanks for more than a thousand years. Somehow they thinks that Tamils are their mortal enemies. It is aided and abtted by the Buddhist monks, who should be preaching peace, Buddha's message. India should have worked with Norway and other peace loving countries to bring peace to that island instead of supporting either side.
This government deserves such comments from the SriLankan government. When people were crying hoarse to do the right thing during the closing stages of the war the UPA-2 turned the other way. The DMK shamelessly stayed silent just to negotiate the 2G case's postponement. The folks who did not have any power at that time tried their best to educate the the Congress but they protected the Sri Lankan government at the cost of hapless people who suffered both at the hands of LTTE and the Sri Lankan Army. Now for all that Karma, they have to read more such columns. I hope the current governor of Bengal also reads these columns. There is no strategy bigger than protecting innocent lives. India failed the Tamils at their moment of need. Nobody could drag their faces in dirt better than the Sri Lankan government. I am very happy to read these columns now. I hope the policy makers pay attention to this.
Even when the ties were strong, Indian fishermen were getting killer
blows from Srilankan Navy. India has not derived any benefit from the
ties except wasting its money and resources on the ever elusive goal of
getting better deal for the marginalized Tamil citizens of Srilanka. If
you can not deliver justice through persuasion, it has to be delivered
through coercion.
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