your whole argument is based on two foreign based sources or rather cables. that lacks credibility. what does the local media say about it? please include those as well, you just cant ignore the local media and have faith in foreign sources. Also you only talk about the Human Rights violations from the SL Government side. Do you even have the guts to go through the unclosed cases of which the millions of Sinhalese been killed over the 30 years? All in all this piece of writing is a crap which is ONE SIDED!
Ref Article- http://colombotelegraph.com/2012/02/04/basil-a-traitor-and-rajapaksas-delegation-to-the-us/
journalism should not be used as a weapon to attack the people who tries to do something good for the country. Professor H.L Senevirathna will also agree on it. Uvindu does the same thing which the western media does,attack the men in power if they are not doing what they need. Does that secure us a better Sri Lanka ? no they make it worse. Talk about local corruption, money mishandling is fine, but this is way too over the limits when dealing with a national issue. “Kuliyata Kahinawa”
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
JR, Premadasa betrayed the country- Pillayan
Tamil issue should be addressed carefully...as stated in the article JR opposed to Chelvanayagam since the requests were not reasonable.True, if it was done the Tamils have more power than Sinhalese. Still i dont think that Pilleyan realizes that.
Also not a single Sinhalese family owns a piece of land in Jaffna. That is not because they dint lived there but since the "sudda" came up with a rule saying not to sell land to the Sinhalese (had to be a Tamil if some one intended of buying land in Jaffna). So all the Sinhalese people who lived there many years ago also sold their lands to Tamils. If Tamils are allowed to live in Wellawatte then same has to be done in Jaffna. Pilleyan needs to understand that as well.
All in all, I dont see a point in documenting rights.Sinhalese will be the first while others are treated equally.
It is a fact that most people dont know much about the real history....this is a great explanation to all those who think that a War Victory is possible with out the help of the leader....even tho its a well proven fact some Colombo based idiots still cant admire MR's role during War era...best to read this article and see it your self...
link-http://www.sundaytimes.lk/101024/News/nws_10.html
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Also not a single Sinhalese family owns a piece of land in Jaffna. That is not because they dint lived there but since the "sudda" came up with a rule saying not to sell land to the Sinhalese (had to be a Tamil if some one intended of buying land in Jaffna). So all the Sinhalese people who lived there many years ago also sold their lands to Tamils. If Tamils are allowed to live in Wellawatte then same has to be done in Jaffna. Pilleyan needs to understand that as well.
All in all, I dont see a point in documenting rights.Sinhalese will be the first while others are treated equally.
It is a fact that most people dont know much about the real history....this is a great explanation to all those who think that a War Victory is possible with out the help of the leader....even tho its a well proven fact some Colombo based idiots still cant admire MR's role during War era...best to read this article and see it your self...
Chief Minister- Eastern Province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan better know as ‘Pillayan’, on Wednesday suggested that the powers of the provincial councils should be strengthened with more powers to the provinces.
 Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan addressing the Lessons Learnt & Reconciliation Commission |
“Government should allow to fully exercise the powers vested in the provincial councils,” the Chief minister told the Lessons Learnt & Reconciliation Commission. “That is the only way we can win the hearts and minds of the people,” he said.
He said that, in the past, mistakes made by successive leaders had paved the way for the creation of armed groups. “This is an appropriate time for the government to take correct action to safeguard the rights of the citizens of this country, as the government currently has a two-thirds majority in Parliament,” he said.
“There are land issues in the Eastern Province. In the past, permits have been issued for lands in the Eastern Province, but due to the war situation, people fled the area. If those people return and demand their land, we will not be able to allocate the same land, as they have been already allocated to other persons.
“However, if persons in possession of the original deeds, return and demand their land, we can make arrangements to get back the land for them,” he said. “I am doing my best to solve the land issues in the area, and have visited some of the locations personally. I am working towards restoring ethnic harmony,” Mr. Chandrakanthan said.
Responding to a question about his reaction to Muslims chased away from the north, he said that Muslims were not chased from the east, but that he was willing to submit a full report on land issues to the commission.
“In Sampur, there are about 6,000 people living in camps. The coal power project backed by the Indians is coming up. We will benefit economically from the project, as the sea is deeper than in the Hambantota port area. But the people want to return to their original lands. I am trying to resettle them in other areas. However, if the people insist on returning to their old areas, it is only the President who can take a decision on the matter,” he said.
“In the 1990’s, the armed forces committed atrocities against the people. That made me join the LTTE. I have seen many bodies. In 1990, there was a group who killed people by slashing them with knives. Three of my classmates too were taken away. Some who worshipped seeking their release were shot. Therefore, the politicians who were responsible for these incidents should tender their apologies,” he added.
He was asked whether he shouldn’t tender an apology for the killing of 600 policemen in the east.
“As a former member of the LTTE, I can tender an apology. They were killed in June 1990, while I joined the LTTE in 1991. Therefore, it is not proper for me to tender an apology. The then leader Karuna (Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, currently a minister in the government) could tender his apology.
“Initially, S.J.V. Chelvanayagam formed the Thamil Arasu Katchchi, and signed a pact with former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. But J.R. Jayewardene who was in the opposition opposed it.
“As a former member of the LTTE, I can tender an apology. They were killed in June 1990, while I joined the LTTE in 1991. Therefore, it is not proper for me to tender an apology. The then leader Karuna (Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, currently a minister in the government) could tender his apology.
“Initially, S.J.V. Chelvanayagam formed the Thamil Arasu Katchchi, and signed a pact with former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. But J.R. Jayewardene who was in the opposition opposed it.
He claimed the Tamils will have more rights and therefore, the pact was not implemented. Thereafter, former Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake and Chelavanayagam signed another agreement. That too did not work out. Later, the District Development Councils were formed, and that too failed. The Tamil people never asked for separation, but opposition politicians gave distorted versions of the Tamil demands. As a result, there were atrocities against the Tamils. When the Tamil parties failed to fulfill their aspirations, armed Tamil groups sprang up. There were differences among the groups, which resulted in rival killings. Finally, the LTTE became the recognized group to achieve the Eelam goal”.
He said that, after former president Jaywardene formed the government, the provincial council system was introduced with the assistance of the Indians.
He said that, after former president Jaywardene formed the government, the provincial council system was introduced with the assistance of the Indians.
“The person who opposed the Bandaranaike-Chelvanayagam pact, eventually went beyond that and entered into an agreement with India to set up the provincial council system,” he said.
“However, then President Ranasinghe Premadasa opposed the provincial council system, and captured power. He provided the LTTE with weapons and sabotaged the functioning of the provincial councils.
“However, then President Ranasinghe Premadasa opposed the provincial council system, and captured power. He provided the LTTE with weapons and sabotaged the functioning of the provincial councils.
“I feel that former leaders Jayawardene and Premadasa betrayed the country,” he added.
link-http://www.sundaytimes.lk/101024/News/nws_10.html
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Friday, October 1, 2010
A Nutral Comment
Was reading the derana news article on the approval of imprisonment by HE on SF.....found a good long comment on it n thought of shearing it...here goes...
September 30, 2010 10:44 am
Oh ! Prison... it´s a pity. It isn’t a place favorable for you sir. But there are people stays in peace than the outside. In year 2008 I was sent into the prison because of deserting the Army (leaving the job as a military doctor. I left the military during Ranil-Prabha peace pact time in 2003. I willingly joined military in 1996 just after my medical degree, merely to serve the soldiers. I served for 7 difficult years treating soldiers in various operational areas, mostly during Jayasikuru operation and several debacles such as Kilinochchi, EPS etc. ) I was astonished the worst sentence given by the military, but convinced myself as I breached military regulations. I didn´t develop any personal hatred against General Fonseka who personally took my case into consideration and willingly put me in civilian jail for more than 3 months. All my siblings and friends started cursing General Fonseka giving me such an awful punishment. Yet, I thought it in a different angle. He really did his job and no favors. This was 2008 when he was leading our army against LTTE rascals. I continued to respect him during the time of imprisonment as he was doing a great job for my country. Still, he is a real son of mother Lanka. Nobody can destroy that image even though he was sent to the prison. Unfortunately he sent me to Civilian Jail where I met underworld gangs, thieves, murderers, robbers, rapists etc. I was thinking that why they didn´t sent me to a military prison. Now I feel it was better that they sent me over there. People in the prison are a mirror image of the civilian society. They started taking care of me. As a matter of fact, most of the high-fi fellows sentenced to the prison never enter into prison wards but get treatments in the prison hospital. This is the reality. I never tried to use my connections and influences towards that destination if I had any. People who were in the prison never purposely ill-treated me though there were some painful incidents. Some found paper articles written about me during the battle time, working as a military doctor. At the end of the period I really felt bad to leave the place. Wlikada prison is a disgusting place. I never hope a person must go there, it is a real mess. There are lots and lots of irregularities being done by gangs inside. But the place I was sent secondarily, Padukka- open prison was a great relief for me. I set my mind to "go through every second of my time POSITIVELY”. It´s so unfortunate, that I met lots of military personal imprisoned for several years because of Desertion. Some deserters were forced to take the decision due to family matters, personal illnesses etc. There had been no imprisonments for some military men who did the same offense and no even a court-marshal for commanders who cowardly withdrew some of the big military camps killing hundreds of officers and thousands of soldiers. And no court cases for some ex-ministers who were involved in corruptions. There was a time that the government did operations to win elections. Just to recover 1km area Army had to sacrifice hundreds of casualties. I am not here to support HE the president for his decision. But it’s very apparent that the decision is biased. Honestly, General Fonseka’s extraordinary personality and psychology boomeranged into himself. He was a brilliant military man. But as a human being, he would not score much marks from people who have closely worked with him. He is a real rude person. Of course that’s the very reason he led the army such a remarkable way to neutralize the enemies. A priest cannot do that. Nevertheless, it is not an unknown thing there were several staff absentees during his stay in military hospital after experiencing injuries of the blast in Army HQ because of his cruelty. "If" general fonseka did breach the law, he deserves the punishment. But there must be more transparency on the issue as he was one of the key members led our national forces to eradicate LTTE terrorism. His name must have written in golden letters. But he himself shares the responsibility for the disaster what happened to him today.
Dr. Kolitha Lelwala
Friday, September 17, 2010
Fonseeka !!!!!! ahoooo
watch this as well....
Karannagoda vs SF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQodt57xn3Q&feature=related
Gotabaya on SF,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w30spvTbmKk&feature=related
if SF was President ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Kg_skZeE-8&NR=1
Still the guy lives in a dream word... at least now let him realize da reality....
Thursday, September 16, 2010
You are living in a fantasy land, thanks to JVP
අය්යො මෙ නහින දෙහින කාලෙ....ඉල්ලන් පුකෙ මාර්මඊට් ගාගෙන....අනෙ මන්ද වෙඡ්ඡ දෙයක්...දෑන් නම් හොදටම පිස්සු තද වෙලා!!!
Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First - VIDEO: We will win and establish law, says Sarath Fonseka: "You are living in a fantasy land, thanks to JVP
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First - VIDEO: We will win and establish law, says Sarath Fonseka: "You are living in a fantasy land, thanks to JVP
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Thursday, September 9, 2010
a comment from a soldier....
Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First - VIDEO: Dictatorship will ruin country, Ministers and family, says Fonseka
a comment from a soldier....
September 8, 2010 04:10 pm
Once I was proud soldier becuase you too were from my regiment. I still proud of my regiment, but sad becuase you too were from same regiment. General sir, do you think ordinary soldiers are stupid, power blinded and pettyminded as you are? As stories unfolded and judgging by the your bahaviour it was you and only you could possible stage a coup against lawfully elected government. No other soldier or military leader will do that. We all know how H.E. President Rajapakse and Hon Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse led this war against terror. We know for sure how you used internal military power to your personal gains and your family gains. You used your powers to support your daughters and son in law. It was you who brought personal undue influence for family gains. Do not ever think that military personals are fools. They know very well what H.E. Rajapakse did for this country and his leadership. If President is like "sun" you are like "torch" no comparison at all.
Soldier from Singhe Regiment
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Our President is a Lefty....!!
n He's using a new SF bat...he definitely used the old one with purpose n care , then gave the deserving treatment!!!
anyway it was not the bat which scored all the runs ,but the man who handed it did!!!
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Friday, September 3, 2010
UNP to hand over no confidence motion
Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First - UNP to hand over no confidence motion against GL - source
after reading this readers comment i felt i dnt have to write any thing....well said to the point :)
"Do not fight with GL. Please bring no confidence mortion against general public of 6 million voters who vote for Mahinda. We, the general public wanted President to not to capitulate or surrender to terms of EU. In fact President very openly and bravely informed EU that we do not want GSP+ on their terms. After all it was Ranil, Jayalath J, Pakiyasoorthi, Gehan Perera who ran to EU and West to lick boots of their white master to stop GSP+ to my country. Those who did everything to stop is now bringing vote of no confidence in Parliament. Agsinst whom? GL? In fact GL has nothing to do with this. President Rajapakse with full backing of general public rejected all terms that EU spelled in to obtain GSP+. In fact GL has been very successful in all missions entrusted to him and he is only second to Mr Luxsman Kadiragamer who did yeoman service to mother Lanka."
after reading this readers comment i felt i dnt have to write any thing....well said to the point :)
"Do not fight with GL. Please bring no confidence mortion against general public of 6 million voters who vote for Mahinda. We, the general public wanted President to not to capitulate or surrender to terms of EU. In fact President very openly and bravely informed EU that we do not want GSP+ on their terms. After all it was Ranil, Jayalath J, Pakiyasoorthi, Gehan Perera who ran to EU and West to lick boots of their white master to stop GSP+ to my country. Those who did everything to stop is now bringing vote of no confidence in Parliament. Agsinst whom? GL? In fact GL has nothing to do with this. President Rajapakse with full backing of general public rejected all terms that EU spelled in to obtain GSP+. In fact GL has been very successful in all missions entrusted to him and he is only second to Mr Luxsman Kadiragamer who did yeoman service to mother Lanka."
Records shattered at CSE-
Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First - Records shattered at CSE
seems the business community badly wanted MR to continue :P
seems the business community badly wanted MR to continue :P
Monday, August 30, 2010
KPs last words...
the below given is the last Q shot at KP .....n dat includes da cream of the whole 4 week interview.....
glad that he accepts that the whole cope was a mistake...but do we need to forgive him/them?
Q: We have spoken for a long time. There are so many things to talk about. Maybe we can talk on another occasion. But before we conclude do you have any special message to Sri Lankans in general and the Tamil people in particular?
glad that he accepts that the whole cope was a mistake...but do we need to forgive him/them?
Q: We have spoken for a long time. There are so many things to talk about. Maybe we can talk on another occasion. But before we conclude do you have any special message to Sri Lankans in general and the Tamil people in particular?
Yes I have two messages. The first is to my fellow Tamils. This is what I say. The war is over. Prabhakaran and other senior commanders are no more. Tamil Eelam is a lost cause. Please dont be deceived by irresponsible people into thinking that the armed struggle is not over. Please give up the confrontational attitude and help our broken people to re-build their lives. I appeal to members of the Tamil Diaspora and Tamil Nadu politicians to refrain from idle rhetoric and instead help Tamils in Sri Lanka to live in harmony and prosperity with others. We need reconciliation and co-operation not confrontation and friction
The second is to all my fellow Sri Lankans. We of the LTTE and other militant groups commenced an armed struggle to win back our lost rights. We thought Tamil Eelam was the answer and that the end will justify the means. In the course of our armed struggle we have caused much harm and misery to the people of Sri Lanka. We have violated all norms of civilized conduct at times. When I reflect on the past I am appalled by what has happened. As a senior leader or ex –leader of the LTTE I sincerely beg the forgiveness of all Sri Lankans for this. Please pardon us and help us to forge a bright future for all Sri Lankans.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Nimal FB page
Nimalesh Paramasivam Nearly 300 goats and chicken were slaughtered today as a part of a Hindu sacrifice.................is this called real Hindusiam???????????
Adaderana - Breaking News from Sri Lanka. The premium Sri Lankan News Network providing around the clock breaking news in politics, business, sports and entertainment.
- Sujah Sivashanthi Kumar A true Hindu never do this kind of bloody things. Hindu means anbe sivam
Yesterday at 4:35pm · · 1 personLoading...
Ratha Rukmani if you eat chicken it is slautered some where
so
why you bother about this. millions of chicken and goats sluatered everyday in the globe because of the eaters of flesh
this matter is tiny when compared with the whole affair
Yesterday at 4:47pm · · 1 personLoading...
Kapilkanth Sithambaram Hi dude would you think all those above peoples who are carrying animals are Hindu??
Look at their face..
Yesterday at 6:12pm ·
Prashan Jayatheepam How many people were slaughtered during the war...?...The monks should have protested then...!
Yesterday at 7:10pm · · 1 personLoading...
Don දුමින්ද @ Prashan so u agree with this act ??
sad dat u dnt get da difference betwen a war n this...
23 hours ago · ·
Prashan Jayatheepam
Mr Duminda Karunaratne……Nice to have got a comment from a fellow Thomian……OK It was a ‘War’ yes…but it was more of Genocide – now don’t you dare say ‘NO’ to this – because the whole world knows it was ‘Genocide’ and this is why Mahinda and ...his relatives are not letting foreign investigators in to the country…! So where is the transparency…?
To your question ‘Prashan so u agree with this act ??’ my Answer is ‘No’ I don’t agree with this act either...!
But my initial point was - Buddhist Monks were against this act…OK good! So shouldn’t have they been against the Genocide act during the War…? It’s a Shame to see they care for animals now when they didn’t care for humans during the War…?
Also I am not sure if you are a vegetarian…but if you are I respect your earlier ‘Comment’ – If you aren’t a vegetarian then you are doing the same thing Sir…it’s just that they killed everything in 1 day and you might eat more meat than this during the course of your entire life.
Also clicking through some of your ‘photos’ under ‘SICI Random clicks’ – looks like you are having a good bite with some roast ‘Chicken’ on your plate…? Killing or Eating they are all the same mate! If you don’t agree with this act…then you should be seriously thinking of becoming a vegetarian!See More22 hours ago ·
Don දුමින්ද
1. As long as we (Sri Lankans) declare LTTE as a terrorist group y care abt transparency ? how many inocent ppl lost thr life's coz f them??n this transparency rule applies only to 3rd world countries??
2. Yes the Monks were always against... the Genocide acts by the Bloody terrorists...
this is not abt me being the a vegi or wat evr..u seem 2 hate wat evr da monks do...again u hv brought in mahinda into this without ny relation to this topic...Sri Lanka is not wat it ws wen u left SL :) things hv changed...things like these will be banned soon...See More20 hours ago · ·
Prashan Jayatheepam
Mr Duminda Karunaratne your reply is all muddled up!
Let’s start it somewhere else as Nimalesh doesn’t accept this on his wall…
I don’t have to Live in SL to know about SL…I read more transparent news Online than what you would read in SL…mos...tly all opaque by the media! If by chance you read some transparent news then the Reuter gets shot by a mob of 4 on motorbikes in Attidiya...
'things hv changed...?' - That will be an Idle Conversation!!! That will never happen!!! - Living in SL you wouldn’t know how corrupt & crooked the country is – Only when you live abroad can you weigh against the 'Kith & Kin' Government!
Yes I agree to one pint – These things should be prohibited soon!See More6 hours ago · · 1 personNimalesh Paramasivam likes this.
Don දුමින්ද
transparent news??? lol i doubt u get those kind f stuf wen u live abroad ..haha crap..n plz dnt think dat u read more than another person...not gud for u
no point talking to a guy who sees nothin positive...hope u dnt hv plans to cum back t...o SL...jst pay a visit, aft that v'l talk...dnt jst b based on media :) tc byeSee More6 hours ago · ·
Prashan Jayatheepam
If you doubt why don’t you come and live abroad to see whether you get transparent news or not from BBC & CNN Reuters? And what’s crap? I can promise you we get more transparent news from Reuters in the UK than what you would get in SL – an...d our Reuters don’t have to be petrified to get shot by a mob and we have the right to report!
Who said I was talking to you – for God’s sake I was only arguing…! I don’t personally know you to ‘sweet-talk’ you!
I have visited SL more than 10 times in the last 8 years and I will keep on visiting the country – but the Corruption, Sleaze & dishonesty has to stop somewhere! A good place to start would be the parliament!
If you don’t want to base it on media - what else should you base it on Sir…? Can you give me some examples…?
“no point talking to a guy who sees nothin positive...” – This is the easiest escape route you can trigger in an quarrel! I am up for it…What’s next…? You started it…I should finish it!
I pity the country if you become president one day!See More5 hours ago ·
Don දුමින්ද
ayyo..i am wasting my time hear arguing with a guy who rely on BBC & CNN Reuters....atleast read a SL based online paper...
"Who said I was talking to you – for God’s sake I was only arguing…! I don’t personally know you to ‘sweet-talk’ you!... "
hel no i dint mean it...i left college 5 years back n i left ma old habits thr..so i dnt think thr's a chance for any sweet things :P
"what else should you base it on Sir…? Can you give me some examples…?"
ya..cum c it in ur own eyes.... Colombo is not al abt Sri Lanka..stupid idiots think dat colombo equals SL..... at least visit Gampaha..:P
no more replies please...wasting time...See Moreabout an hour ago · ·
Prashan Jayatheepam
Gampaha...Surely there's a better place for an Example? If it was wasting your 'Valuable' time why did you start it Initially...? I never started it...!
“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear 'Stupid' than to open it and prove you'...re a complete FOOL!" Stupid people always think they are right!
It's 'here' not 'hear'...Disgrace!See More34 minutes ago ·
Don දුමින්ද
seems u dnt kw wr Gampaha is ....haha
"It's 'here' not 'hear'...Disgrace!" ya accept it...
“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear 'Stupid' than to open it and prove you'...re a complete FOOL!" Stupid people always think they are ri...ght!"
exactly :P
Thursday, August 26, 2010
How PRABHAKARAN met his death :KP Speaks out
How PRABHAKARAN met his death :KP Speaks out(Exclusive Videos of KP visiting the IDP camps with a delegation of senior diaspora)
http://www.nftnews.com/ful
http://www.nftnews.com/ful
| Written By Daily Mirror | 2010-08-25 01:15:20 | ||
Q: What happened finally to your plan of rescuing Prabhakaran and his family by helicopter? Why did the plan not take off? It�s a very sad story After Prabhakaran�s son Charles Anthony asked me to rescue his family members by air I devised a plan and made preliminary arrangements. I arranged for a ship to be kept waiting at a far �off port beyond the reach of the Sri Lanka navy. I also made arrangements to buy a second-hand helicopter from an Ukrainian contact. The idea was for one or two trained pilots from the LTTE�s airwing �Vaan Puligal� to fly into the Wanni. If Prabhakaran was willing ,the family except for Charles Anthony were to be flown out. If the leader was unwilling then he and a few other of his bodyguards and senior leaders were to be flown by the copter and dropped off in a jungle location in Lanka. Afterwards the heli would fly out to the ship with Prabhakaran�s wife Madhivadhani, daughter Thuwaraga and younger son Balachandran and perhaps a few others. I would be waiting for them at the ship. Thereafter I planned to keep the family safely in one of three countries. Perhaps in rotation. Q: Were these countries ready to accept the family? Were they western nations? No, they were not countries in the west. Two were in Africa and one in Asia. I had been in touch with senior govt officials of these countries through my representatives. When I had sounded them out on this matter they were willing. Q: The plan itself was rather risky? Were you confident of it succeeding? Yes, it was risky but I was ready to carry it out. We had no choice. If we didn�t risk it, the alternative was certain death. I also had a secret hope that Prabhakaran may agree at the last minute and opt to fly out. So I devised the plan. The key element was surprise. If the first stage was successful we may have tried further flights too to rescue others. Q: But then what went wrong? It never worked out. It required about 1.5 million US dollars to implement the plan. I did not have that kind of money. The LTTE overseas structure had to give me the money. Castro had promised Charles Anthony that Nediyavan in Norway will transfer the necessary funds to me. But he never did it. I made repeated requests that it was urgent and time was running out. I would be told, �the money is coming, money is coming�. But sadly it never came. Also Nediyavan was in touch with Atchuthan the Air wing chief living abroad. Earlier he had agreed to provide the required LTTE pilots for the operation. But then suddenly acting perhaps under Nediyavan�s orders he stopped communicating with me. I was really frantic. I approached mercenary pilots to fly the helicopter but nothing further could be done without necessary funds. And then in mid-May the Sri Lankan army launched a three �pronged offensive and boxed off the Valainjermadam- Mullivaaikkaal- Vattuvaahal area. After that it was too late to attempt a helicopter rescue. So with great sorrow I abandoned the plan. I was furious with Nediyavan and Castro but helpless to do anything. Q: And within days all were dead? Yes. They were all dead. The whole family was gone. I was extremely sad at Balachandran�s death. He was only 12 years old. I had never seen the boy in person but when he was a child I used to talk to Prabhakaran frequently. This boy would be on his lap and Prabhakaran would often give the phone to him saying �Intha KP Mamavode kathai�(Here, talk to KP uncle) So I would chat with him. Later I lost touch with the boy but I was apparently still existing in his memory. When the war escalated and shelling increased the boy was very frightened. Later when Charles asked me to arrange for an aerial rescue and I started working on the plan , young Balachandran had been told not to worry and that he would be going to KP uncle soon. The little fellow had then put some of his belongings in a small bag and had been carrying it around with him all the time saying �Naan KP Mamata poren.� ( I am going to KP uncle) Sometimes in my thoughts, I visualize Balachandran with his bag telling people that he was going to KP Mama and waiting for a rescue that never took place. When I think of that I get so sad and angry at Nediyavan for obstructing the plan. Q: Why did he do that? I really don�t know but it must have been on Castro�s instructions. They did not want KP to get credit I think. But this was really a symptom of what had gone wrong in the LTTE. Individuals were letting their petty jealousies and divisions affect the overall good of the movement and struggle. Q: You are sure about the entire family being killed? There are stories spread by sections of the Tamil Diaspora and Tamil Nadu politicians that Prabhakaran is alive and Madhivathani is alive and so on? What do you say? These types of tales are spread by some for their selfish motives and others believe them because they don�t want to accept emotionally that it is over. Q: But you don�t have first �hand knowledge of this? Obviously no! But I was in touch with Soosai till the last stages. I have also heard about these matters from official sources. Most importantly I saw Prabhakaran�s body on TV. Q: But these people disputing it say it was not his body? Utter nonsense. When I saw the TV image I immediately knew it was Prabhakaran. I was so upset that I cut myself off from people and spent hours alone crying, reflecting and meditating. Q: One of the reasons for this confusion was due to yourself also. When Prabhakaran�s death reports surfaced you announced to the media that it was not so and that he was alive in a safe location. Subsequently you went back on that denial. This action eroded your credibility greatly and provides ammunition to your critics. Why this flip-flop? Can you explain? Yes, I will be happy to explain. What happened was that Prabhakaran ,Pottu Amman and some others broke out clandestinely in one group and moved through the lagoon and coast. Two other groups also moved out in different directions. The idea was to reach the jungles safely. Reconnaissance missions done earlier showed that the soldiers were in three layers around the encircled area. Soosai with whom I was interacting was informed that Praba and Pottu had broken through all three layers. After that there was no communication. We both assumed that the leader had reached a safe place and predictably cut off communication to avoid being monitored. It was after this that I issued the statement about silencing our arms. I did this in consultation with Soosai. I was using this statement as a basis to accelerate peace initiatives and come to an arrangement where the remaining people could be saved. Nadesan and Pulidevan from another location were also engaged in negotiations. It was the earlier, information received by me that Prabhakaran had broken through the military layers that gave me the belief that he had reached safety. It was this confidence that made me dismiss reports of Prabhakaran�s death and state that he was safe. Also the first media report about Prabakharan being dead was in relation to the ambulance escape. That report was false. Prabhakaran was not in an ambulance But shortly before I lost contact with Soosai the sea Tiger chief surprised me by saying that Prabhakaran could not break through and had returned. Soosai said that he was only a few hundred yards away from the place he was in. Soosai said that the break out attempt had failed and Prabhakaran had returned without Pottu Amman. He could not give me any more information other than that ,except to say the fighting was really fierce. A little later I lost contact with Soosai. Some time later I saw Prabhakaran�s body on TV and immediately realised it was all over. But I must emphasize that my earlier statement denying Prabhakaran�s death and subsequent statement confirming it were both given with all honesty. I did not intend to mislead anyone. I made them on the basis of the information available at that time. People must remember that fighting was going on and communication was difficult. They say �Porin moodupani�(fog of war) about war situations where people get wrong information about the situation. | ||
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sri Lanka defends war conduct, slams rebel "human shields"
Sri Lanka defends war conduct, slams rebel "human shields": "
By Ranga Sirilal | Reuters
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
Sri Lanka said on Tuesday the army did all it could to avoid civilian casualties during the war with Tamil rebels and blamed the United Nations for failing to halt the rebels' use of civilians as human shields.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who led the army to victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) last year, justified the troops' conduct in the final days of the fighting.
Speaking about civilian deaths, into which Western countries and the United Nations had called for an independent probe, Rajapaksa said the government fought with a zero-casualty policy among civilians and most of those killed in the rebel-held area were separatists.
'Nobody talks (about) how you can identify civilian casualties from combatants. It was very difficult to identify civilian casualties,' he said. 'There is video evidence how the LTTE were fighting in civilian clothes and how they were changing uniform to civilian clothes when they were injured.'
The war prompted repeated accusations of human rights violations by both sides. Allegations by rights groups that thousands of civilians died just before the war ended amplified that criticism.
Rajapaksa, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, was testifying before the state-appointed Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation, focusing on the final phase leading to the surrender of the Tamil Tigers in May 2009.
He blamed the United Nations and international community for not pressing the LTTE to release civilians who he said had been used as human shields since the war began.
'They could have done much more to force LTTE to release the people,' he said. 'Unfortunately it was the other way around, pressurising the government and president to cease the operation.'
Political analysts and rights groups have questioned the credibility of the commission. Some analysts say it was set up to divert the U.N. war crimes probe and pacify Western nations.
Over the weekend, Sri Lanka's minority Tamils complained of a number of human rights violations. Witnesses told the commission of loved ones taken away by unidentified gangs and by the military, never to be heard of again.
Sri Lanka has criticised the U.N. war crimes panel, appointed as to advise Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, on 'accountability issues' and accuses the West of applying double standards.
© Reuters
"
By Ranga Sirilal | Reuters
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
Sri Lanka said on Tuesday the army did all it could to avoid civilian casualties during the war with Tamil rebels and blamed the United Nations for failing to halt the rebels' use of civilians as human shields.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who led the army to victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) last year, justified the troops' conduct in the final days of the fighting.
Speaking about civilian deaths, into which Western countries and the United Nations had called for an independent probe, Rajapaksa said the government fought with a zero-casualty policy among civilians and most of those killed in the rebel-held area were separatists.
'Nobody talks (about) how you can identify civilian casualties from combatants. It was very difficult to identify civilian casualties,' he said. 'There is video evidence how the LTTE were fighting in civilian clothes and how they were changing uniform to civilian clothes when they were injured.'
The war prompted repeated accusations of human rights violations by both sides. Allegations by rights groups that thousands of civilians died just before the war ended amplified that criticism.
Rajapaksa, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, was testifying before the state-appointed Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation, focusing on the final phase leading to the surrender of the Tamil Tigers in May 2009.
He blamed the United Nations and international community for not pressing the LTTE to release civilians who he said had been used as human shields since the war began.
'They could have done much more to force LTTE to release the people,' he said. 'Unfortunately it was the other way around, pressurising the government and president to cease the operation.'
Political analysts and rights groups have questioned the credibility of the commission. Some analysts say it was set up to divert the U.N. war crimes probe and pacify Western nations.
Over the weekend, Sri Lanka's minority Tamils complained of a number of human rights violations. Witnesses told the commission of loved ones taken away by unidentified gangs and by the military, never to be heard of again.
Sri Lanka has criticised the U.N. war crimes panel, appointed as to advise Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, on 'accountability issues' and accuses the West of applying double standards.
© Reuters
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
KP FULL INTERVIEW
Part 1
“KP”SPEAKS OUT: AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FORMER TIGER CHIEF
It was one year ago on August 5, 2009 that Thambiaiya Selvarasa Pathmanathan alias “KP” was taken into custody in Kuala Lumpur at First Tune Hotel on 316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman road.The former chief arms procurer of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) was brought to Colombo the following day. KP’s capture was hailed as a significant breakthrough because the senior Tiger operative was at that time the nominal chief of the re-structured LTTE. In the aftermath of the Mullivaaikkaal debacle resulting in the demise of LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran and senior Tiger commanders, KP assumed leadership of the movement abroad. The LTTE was re-structured with KP being appointed “Thalaimai Seyalar” or chief secretary.
With KP’s capture punitive action against him by Colombo was anticipated. However in an unexpected turn of events there evolved a remarkable relationship between captor and captive where the Sri Lankan government extended its hand of friendship towards KP in a magnanimous gesture. KP in turn reciprocated pragmatically by responding in a conciliatory and co-operative spirit.
Though under detention, KP has been afforded great autonomy of action by the Government to play a constructive role in uplifting the Tamil people and achieving ethnic reconciliation.. The ex-LTTE chief has set up a new non –governmental organization known as the North – East Rehabilitation and Development Organization (NERDO).
The NERDO is focusing on the release, rehabilitation and re-settlement of ex –LTTE cadres and IDP’s of the North – East. KP himself is concentrating on garnering aid and assistance from sections of the Tamil Diaspora for the NERDO to formulate and implement projects.
The current status and role of KP is now a matter of great controversy. He is viciously attacked by extremist sections of the Diaspora as a traitor who has sold out to the Rajapaksa regime. The Sri Lankan opposition questions the “leniency” shown to the ex-LTTE chief by the Govt and contrasts it with the treatment meted out to former army chief General Fonseka.
It is against this backdrop that this writer had an extended telephone conversation with KP on Thursday Aug 5th the first anniversary of his capture. In what was a frank and open discussion in Tamil, the ex-Tiger chief disclosed several details about the past,present and future. In the process KP dispelled several rumours circulating about him and set the record straight on a number of issues.
KP is firmly of the opinion that Tamil Eelam is a lost cause and that the armed struggle is a thing of the past. He feels that the immediate priority of Sri Lankan Tamils is to get out of the tragic situation they are in right now. The future is to live with equal rights and dignity in a united ,pluralistic Sri Lanka.
KP also expressed regret for the violence perpetrated by the LTTE against civilians and hardship caused during the course of the LTTE campaign for Tamil Eelam. A remorseful KP tendered an open apology to all the people of Sri Lanka for the suffering caused in the past.
Here are some translated excerpts of the interview –
Q:You were seized in Malaysia last year on August 5th. How will you describe your present situation after being under detention for one year ?
A: I was shocked when I was arrested and for about an hour I was dazed. But later I recovered. I was also worried when brought to Sri Lanka. But I believe in an almighty God. Though I feared, the worst would happen I have been fortunate.My being captured in a way has been a benefit to me. I have now got an opportunity to serve the suffering Tamil people. Our struggle has reduced our people in Sri Lanka particularly those in the Wanni to a pathetic situation. Now I have a chance to help them in a small way at least through the work of NERDO .
Q: What are the conditions under which you are being detained?
A: I am being kept in a house. I cannot go outside. But within the house I can move about freely. I am given full freedom to talk to people on the telephone. People are not allowed to meet me here. When I want to meet people outside I have to get clearance. Some officials accompany me when I have to go out to meet them. I also have unrestricted e-mail access
Q: Were you ill-treated in any way?
A: No. I have been treated with great kindness and courtesy. In the early days there was some sort of mild tension. But as the days progressed an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and cordiality prevails.
Q: How did this situation develop? Some people in the Tamil Diaspora allege that you had a “deal” with the govt and that your arrest itself was a drama? How were you arrested and brought here?
A: I know that these types of accusations are being levelled against me. But you know how I was arrested. You were the first person to write about my arrest in detail in English. When I got to read it much later I found that most of what you had written was correct except for some minor details. Whatever these people may say the truth is that I was arrested and transported to Sri Lanka
Q: Can you relate how you were caught and brought here?
A: I was sitting in the Hotel room talking to former LTTE political commissar Nadesan’s brother and son who had come down from England to Malaysia.I then got a telephone call from Canada. It was Ragavan from the CMR radio . The reception was not good. So I excused myself and went out.
I sat outside on a chair in the lobby and kept talking. Suddenly a group of Malaysian officials surrounded me. One of them said “Very sorry Mr.KP” and grasped my phone. It fell to the ground and was picked up by an officer. They asked me to come with them. I had no choice but to go with them
I was taken to the immigration detention centre in KL and kept there for nearly 36 hours for about two days and a night. I had to sleep there in the detention centre room. I realised from their conversation that I was going to be officially deported. But I was not sure whether it was going to be Sri Lanka, India ,USA or somewhere else.
Then I was taken to the KL airport where a Sri Lankan airlines plane was waiting. Then I knew I was going to Colombo. I was taken into the plane through the economy class entrance and then moved inside to the business class. There I was formally handed over to some Sri Lankan officials and brought to Colombo.
Q: You were a Resident in Thailand when you were arrested. Why did you operate out of Kuala Lumpur instead of Bangkok? Was it because you were arrested in Thailand in 2007?
A: I had been leading a quiet life in Thailand for many years when I was out of the LTTE. It was also known that I was living there. So when I started being active in the LTTE again I did not want to attract attention to my family in Thailand. That is why I moved to KL. Also it was easy for people from all over to travel to Malaysia and meet me.
Actually I was never arrested in 2007 .What happened was that there was a move to arrest me then and some officials had rounded up my residence early morning. Fortunately I was not there. But the news was leaked in Sri Lanka that I had been arrested. This helped to prevent follow up action to arrest me. But after that I kept a very low profile in Thailand.
Q: What happened when you arrived in Colombo? I’ve heard some stories about how you established rapport with the Defence secretary at your first meeting itself?
A: During the flight to Colombo I had a long chat for about three hours with a Sri Lankan officer. He was very cordial. The way in which I was treated by the Lankan officers was very decent. That made me relaxed.
But I was still worried in my heart about what would happen after reaching Sri Lanka. To be honest I was very concerned about the Defence Secretary . The impression I had of him was that he was a tough talking Sinhala hardliner. Therefore, I was really dreading an encounter with him.
But something happened when I was taken to the Defence Secretary’s residence. There was a Buddha statue there with a light shining at the back. For a few minutes I simply stood and gazed on the Buddha. My nerves got calmed by that.
In Thailand, I have gone to Buddhist temples frequently with my wife. In my house there are pictures of deities from all three religions including the Buddha. So somehow I felt that no great harm will come to me then.
The Defence Secretary was seated with some other officials. He got up as I entered and shook hands with me and said “please sit down”. He introduced the others to me. Mr. Gotabaya was very polite. He told me not to worry about anything. I don’t exactly remember what I then told him but it was something like this “ I saw the Buddha statue near the entrance and felt safe and calm”.
Q: Your reference to the Buddha statue incident will also be twisted by your critics within the Tamil Diaspora to portray you as a traitor praising the Buddha?
A: I know .You are right but I am telling you what really happened. I don’t want to hide anything. I told about the Buddha statue to the nine-member Tamil expatriate delegation that came to Sri Lanka last June also.
Because of my home environment and my wife’s religious belief I am familiar with Buddhist worship and temples . So seeing the Buddha statue really helped me emotionally. This is the truth. If they want to attack me because of that , then let them do it. I don’t care. I have nothing against the Buddha or Buddhism.
Q: I understand your feelings. So how did your meeting with the Defence secretary go?
A:Cakes and tea were served. The Defence Secretary said that they had tried to solve the problem peacefully but were compelled to wage full fledged war. He said it was sad that finally all the LTTE leaders including Prabhakaran had to die in the war.
He also had lots of information about the communications within the LTTE during the last days of war. He asked me some questions and I answered truthfully . When I didn’t know something I told him so instead of bluffing. He seemed satisfied with my response. I also told him clearly that the war was over for me a long time ago and that my only goal now was to help my people recover from the war and lead normal lives.I was really amazed by the attitude of the Defence Secretary. At one point I told him that the image I had of him when I saw TV interviews was that he was a tough hardliner and that his soft behaviour was a pleasant surprise. He laughed and said”I am really like this all the time.Some of these media people irritate me. That is why I get angry like that”.
After a long conversation, he introduced a particular officer and said he was responsible for me. I was told that I could communicate with him on all matters and that I could send word through this officer to him if necessary. He then shook hands again and I was taken to a house in Colombo. So began a new chapter in my life.
Q: What happened thereafter? There are allegations and reports that you have been collaborating with the government and providing information about Diaspora LTTE activities abroad to the Govt?
A:Let me tell this clearly. When the Sri Lankan intelligence officers began talking to me there were two choices for me. One was to confront them and the other was to cooperate. If I confronted I would have had to face long prison term and not be of any use to anyone. But if I cooperated I could win their trust and confidence. This may have given me an opportunity to do be of some service to our people.
If the struggle was still continuing and my leader was alive then I would have willingly challenged the govt and not cooperated. I would have faced any consequence. But that was not so. Everything was over. So there was no point in confronting. So I chose to cooperate.
Again another point I must mention is this. I had been out of the movement from 2003 January to 2008 December. I had knowledge only about pre -2003 matters. Much of the structure had changed in these years and personnel involved had been changed by those who came after me. I told this very clearly to the intelligence officials who knew and understood my position.
When we kept on talking a funny thing happened. At one point the officers started laughing at me and said jokingly “You don’t know anything about the LTTE now”. They were right because I was in a way living in the past. I could only tell about things and structures existing years ago. I was not well informed about the post -2002 situation . They realised it and that is why they were laughing at me.
You know what? The Sri Lankan intelligence is not stupid as some of our people think. They are very modernized and sophisticated. Besides there is lots of exchanges with intelligence agencies of other countries. From their conversation I gathered that they were very well informed about the LTTE and its overseas structures.
Q: But the propaganda against you by the pro-Castro group headed by Nediyavan and some media organs allege that you are supplying the govt with information about LTTE activity in the Diaspora?
A: I know that. But the truth is something different. In addition to the information gained by the intelligence people through different sources the y have been presented with lots of information by Castro’s people.
Q: How is that?
A: I am a little reluctant to tell this but since you are asking I will tell. When the army advanced into Viswamadhu, Castro and his department people abandoned everything and ran. So now the Sri Lankan officials have lots of data about the overseas activities of the LTTE. They have computers and data bases. They have charts of the people who gave money to the LTTE and the amounts and dates. They have copies of tax receipts. They know who the fund raisers in each country are. They know who and who are running LTTE funded businesses and properties. They even have all the visiting cards of people from overseas who visited the Wanni during the peace talks period.
So the reality is that Castro and his dept people have let all this information fall into the hands of Sri Lankan officials. The Lankan intelligence don’t need outdated or hearsay information from people like me. They have real up to date information now. The reality is that the Lankan intelligence knows far more about overseas tigers than I know. But what can I do if people keep slandering me as an informant?
Q: There were newspaper reports about the personal diaries of Castro also being recovered? Is that true?
A: I have not seen any diary. But intelligence people talking to me unofficially on a friendly basis told me that Castro’s diaries of about 20 years are in their possession. Apparently he has written lots of things in those diaries. Once an officer asked me with a smile “Did Castro have a love affair?”. I said that I was not aware of it. He then laughed and related the whole story. Castro had written about that too.
Q: There was a time when you were very powerful in the LTTE overseas structure. You were in charge of three key functions namely arms purchasing, macro-management of LTTE branches and fund raising. You seemed to have lost clout after you quit the movement in 2003 and found it difficult to re-establish yourself when you re-joined in 2009. What happened then? Why did you quit?Was it because you got married?
A: No ,no. It was not due to my getting married. I got married in the early nineties of the last century and not in this century. My daughter is in her late teens now.
What happened was something else. When the peace process began and a ceasefire was declared in 2002 the leader Prabhakaran tried to re-organise the LTTE in a new way. He wanted me to come and see him in the Wanni about these matters.
But I was then high on the lists of people wanted by intelligence networks of many countries.The incidents of Sep 11th 2001 in the USA had changed the security situation world-wide. I did not want to take the risk of travelling to Sri Lanka then. I knew from my own sources of information that I had been specifically targeted and that several intelligence agencies were very keen to get hold of me.So I hesitated. This annoyed my leader.
Another thing that happened was the change in the “link” between me and the movement and leader. There was this person called Velu. For more than 15 years he had been the “communications link” between me and the LTTE and Prabhakaran. Suddenly he was changed and another took over. I had grown accustomed to Velu and found myself unable to adjust to the new guy. In a way there was a break-down in communications for me.In the meantime different senior leaders in the LTTE were keen on using the ceasefire to enlarge their authority.
Sea Tiger commander Soosai wanted the sea tigers to control the LTTE shipping fleet. Up to that time I was in charge. Political Commissar SP Thamilselvan wanted to control political activity in the Diaspora. Castro who was in charge of overseas administration wanted to exert full control over overseas branches. Thamilendhi in charge of finance division wanted a greater say in fund raising functions
So they all wanted Prabhakaran to curtail my power and authority and allocate control to them. Since there was a ceasefire many people from Diaspora travelled frequently to the Wanni. So the other senior LTTE leaders were able to persuade Prabakharan that they could handle everything through direct contacts and through telephone, fax and e-mail.
Then Prabhakaran told me that I was burdened with too many responsibilities and that I should take a rest from some of these functions. So what can I do? I agreed.
Q: Were not some allegations also made against you and some of your key assistants abroad?
A: Yes. There were some allegations. They went to the extent of getting some people including women to go to Wanni directly and complain against me, Mano in Paris and Sarve in Oslo to Prabhakaran personally. I heard some women wept and sobbed loudly in front of Prabhakaran
Q: This was a put up job then? Who was behind it?
A: Of course it was a plot. Castro and Thamilselvan were behind it. Sadly the leader was deceived and we could not defend ourselves in person.
Q: So then what happened?
A: As I said earlier the leader asked me to take rest. So I had to retire. Castro took over the overseas administration in full.He removed all the old hands whom he regarded as my loyalists. Almost everything was changed in a few months . Many old faithful LTTE activists were removed from their positions in a very unfair manner.
Q: But you were still in charge of overseas purchasing or arms procurement. Why was that changed? How did Anandarajan alias Aiyah replace you?
A: That’s another story. Aiyah was in a sense my man. He had good travel documents and could travel freely.He was also a qualified accountant. So on my instructions he used to go to all the countries and audit our accounts.
Later as I became increasingly known and wanted by the intelligence agencies I was forced to restrict my travelling and movements. So I began to use him to some extent in travelling to source points where one could purchase in arms bazaars. He became familiar with these places .
Then I sent him to meet Prabhakaran also as my representative. I was very confident about him and thought he was loyal to me. I was shocked when one of my friends in the Wanni asked me “Is this guy really your man? He is poisoning the leader’s mind against you”. I learnt that Aiyah was giving an impression that he had been handling all the arms purchasing and could do everything on his own.
I realised then that Bala Annai was right about Aiyah.
Q: What did Bala Annai (Anton Balasingham) tell you about Aiyah?
A:You see when Bala Annai and Adele Aunty had come out of the Wanni by sea in 1999, I made arrangements for them to stay in Malaysia and Singapore and get medical treatment before going to London. Since I was stuck in Indonesia at that time I got Aiyah to look after them. But Bala Annai, a shrewd judge of people told me later “You are trusting this fellow but wait and see, he will grasp what you have one day”.
By the time I realised Bala Annai’s wisdom it was too late.
Q: So you were relieved from the LTTE’s overseas purchases department known as KP department? What was the reason given?
A: You see as I had told you earlier I had not been travelling to Sri Lanka to meet the leader because I felt that it was dangerous for me to travel about as I was high on the wanted list of so many intelligence agencies. Now Prabhakaran told me that he did not want me to risk danger by travelling about to purchase arms
He simply told me to take rest for a while and to try and come and meet him. He said only when I meet you in person can I tell you what I think and what my plans are.
After this I had no choice other than to relinquish my duties
Prabhakaran said that those who would replace me will continue to ask me for advice. But that never happened
Q: When did this happen? Was there an estrangement with Prabhakaran and yourself? What happened next?
A: This happened in the latter part of 2002. From 2003 I was out of the movement in day to day life but had never formally resigned or quit the movement.It was like retirement without a pension.
There was also no estrangement like that with Prabhakaran. I can never be estranged from him.My loyalty and respect to him never changed. He was my leader and friend and like an elder brother to me. But I was hurt by what happened and did not contact him regularly as I did earlier. He may have expected me to do so but I did not . We sort of drifted away from each other but never split.Our mutual regard remained.
Q: Part of the campaign against you is that you and Prabhakaran had fallen out and that you were regarded as a traitor by him then?
A: I am aware of that. Since I went off the LTTE radar after 2003 the new crop of tiger activists abroad don’t know anything about me or the past. So anything could be said against me.
The reality was that both of us had great regard and affection for each other though we had parted ways.
Thanks to an incident there is written testimony about Prabhakaran’s regard for me. One of the LTTE Air wing operatives abroad needed to consult me for some matter. He was not sure whether the leader would approve. So he sent a message asking the leader whether he could contact his “Munnaal Nanbar” (former friend) KP.
Prabhakaran replied in writing that he could do so and emphasised that KP was not a former friend but was “Indrum endrum nalla visuvaasamana nanban” (Now and forever a god and loyal friend)
Q: So when you went into retirement from the LTTE. Did you think it was all over and between you and the tigers?
A: I did think so at that time. I remember telling my wife then that I was out of the LTTE and that I would spend more time with her and our daughter now. But she asked me “Can you really do that? If VP asks you again will you not go back”?
My wife realised the strength of bonds between Prabhakaran and myself. She used to talk to Prabhakaran’s wife Madhivadhani on the phone those days and both knew about the close relationship between their husbands
Q: So how did the return occur? How and why did you re-join the movement? What was your role during the last days of the war?
A: That’s another long story
(To be continued next week)
DBS Jeyaraj can be reached at djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
.
(CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)
Q:So how did the return occur? How and why did you re-join the movement?What was your role during the last days of the war?
That’s another long story.
I was now out of the movement and leading a quiet life in Thailand with my family. I had no idea of returning to the movement though my wife felt that I would always go back if asked by Prabhakaran himself.
As for me I did not think that I would re-join because it is extremely rare for anyone being recalled by the LTTE after his or her services were discontinued. Also I knew the extent to which some senior LTTE leaders had worked against me and poisoned Prabhakaran’s mind against me.
But even though I was out of the LTTE I was always following the news about what was happening. Though I was out of the LTTE, I was getting worried as events unfolded because I could see from the news that the LTTE was not faring well.
The Tiger ships were getting knocked out at sea by the Sri Lankan navy. As the man who had kept the LTTE supplied, I knew how important it was for the LTTE to maintain supplies throughout by the sea. So I realized that the ships getting destroyed was a bad thing
Q: How did that happen? How did the Sri Lankan navy become so efficient in taking out so many Tiger vessels?
I think various Colombo governments over the years had gradually built up and modernized the Navy. They were also getting additional intelligence inputs from different countries. So the Navy at the time of the ceasefire had reached high levels of efficiency. The ceasefire conditions and rules were not clear about movement in the sea. So the Navy was able to move about freely and monitor LTTE ships
Q: Did not the LTTE anticipate this?
Prabhakaran did anticipate this. He told me in 2000 that in the coming years the outcome of the war would be decided at sea. He wanted to build up the Sea Tigers to greater levels and meet the challenge.
I don’t know why but he seems to have changed plans later. The LTTE started to build up the fighters in the land and develop the air wing. Prabhakaran did not develop the LTTE’s sea power as he had intended earlier.
On the other hand, the Navy was very active and strong. They put up a blockade around Lanka’s territorial waters. The navy also went out to far off spots and destroyed LTTE ships at sea.
The combination of effective Intelligence about LTTE ship movements and increased efficiency of the Navy resulted in LTTE sea movement getting severely restricted. I was told later that no LTTE ships were able to bring stuff to the east coast from 2007 onwards. Soosai told me “not even a panadol.”
Q:But did not this situation change after you re-joined the movement? There were reports in the media that the LTTE had been able to get two ships through in late 2008 and early 2009. It was believed that you were responsible.
No that is not correct. I did not send any ships through. In fact, I had not even tried to do that.
Q:I was under the impression that you had re-joined the movement to be in charge of sending supplies by sea and you had done that by sending two ships through?
It is correct that initially the LTTE wanted me to re-join in order to send supplies by sea. But I had clearly explained that it was not possible at short notice. I went back to the LTTE to help work out some ceasefire arrangement and stop the war and not to resume supplying by sea
Q:Before we talk about that matter, I want to ask you something bluntly. Some of your detractors blame you for the way in which LTTE ships were destroyed by the Navy. I have seen accusations against you in the Tamil media that you had pocketed the money given to buy arms and sent empty ships to Lanka and gave information to the Colombo govt and got the navy to destroy the ships.
Yes. I have seen the propaganda against me which you describe. This conspiracy theory shows the levels of imagination of some of our people.
Let me tell you clearly. I was out of the LTTE effectively from 2002 December. But the duty of handling the LTTE shipping fleet was taken away from me end of February 2002 as soon as the ceasefire came into place. It was brought under the Sea Tigers headed by Soosai.
I had nothing to do with the ships from that time. Then in December 2002 I was relieved of my duties of overseas purchasing (euphemism for arms procurement).The department known as KP dept was disbanded.
The arms procurement and transport responsibility was handled by Aiya and another called Ilankuttuvan. I had no knowledge of anything. I was not in charge of “kolvanavu” (purchasing). That being the real situation how could I have any information to pass on to the govt?
Q:But could you not have obtained info about ship movement from other LTTE cadres involved and passed it on? Some of your KP dept people with whom you would have some influence?
The LTTE works on a strict need to know basis. One unit does not know what the other does. So it would be impossible to get full info unless one contacted all the units involved.
As for my KP dept people almost all of them were recalled and given new duties or discontinued. So there was no way that I could get information from them.
One thing to note is that I too stopped talking to those involved in the work. Even when I got a friendly call once in a way I never asked about these matters.
I know the LTTE mentality very well. If I had even referred to these matters casually and then due to bad luck something drastic happened they would start suspecting me. So I never tried to get info about these matters from anyone.
You must remember that these types of accusation s are being said only now by people who have no knowledge about how the LTTE works. There was no charge like this earlier when the LTTE leadership was there. If there had been any suspicion I would not have been approached by the LTTE or given a new role after re-joining.
Q:Yes. I think we have digressed a little. So please relate the circumstances of your re-joining the LTTE?
As I told you earlier, I was observing events and realized that the LTTE was getting into difficulties because the sea supplies were not getting through. But I was now out and could do nothing. Then in the latter part of 2008 , Sea Tiger commander Soosai and senior military commander Sornam began calling me frequently.
They explained that the situation was getting bad and that sea supplies had to be restored. They said that only I could ensure resumption of sea supplies and appealed to me to re-join the movement and take charge of overseas purchasing again.
I was in a dilemma. Though I felt bad I was reluctant to get back again. I had been living quietly for many years and enjoying family life. Also I fully well knew the international situation. Earlier the LTTE was not on the global terrorist radar. We could discreetly purchase what we wanted from the arms bazaar’s and ship them to the Island.
But now in a post – Sep 11th 2001 situation it was not so easy. I doubted very much whether even I could do what was expected of me. Besides I was out of touch for five years and needed time to set up things again. So I did not give them a word.
But then on December 31st 2008 everything changed.
Q:What happened on that day?
Prabhakaran called me and had a very very long conversation. He told me of the military situation in very frank terms. When he called me on Dec 31st Kilinochchi had not fallen but Prabhakaran said it would fall very soon. He then said that the fighting would shift east of the A-9 road afterwards.
Prabhakaran was optimistic that the LTTE would be able to hold on to a piece of territory with access to the coast for a long time. But he knew it could not be for ever and ever. Meanwhile he wanted me to re-join the movement and start purchasing and transporting supplies again.
When Prabhakaran asked me directly I could not say no. I agreed to re-join the LTTE but told him that my immediate goal would be to bring about a ceasefire and not resumption of supplies.
Q: Why did you say this and how did he respond?
I explained to him that the international situation had changed drastically. Intelligence agencies of many countries in the west particularly the US were swarming on areas of potential arms sales. Maritime movement was being monitored very strictly. Unlike the earlier days it would require much effort and preparation to resume sea supply effectively
I also told him that my KP dept network had been dismantled. I was out of touch and lost most contacts. Also I was being closely watched. So if I was to resume arms procurement I needed time to start work clandestinely and set up the network again. I told Prabhakaran ,I needed at least one year to get things going. He said that may perhaps be too late.
In that case I suggested that the LTTE should go in for a ceasefire. Earlier in 1989 when the Indian army was strangulating the LTTE, Bala annai had played a crucial role and brought about an understanding with the Premadasa govt. I too had a supportive role in this.
Now Bala annai was no more. Prabhakaran said that I must spearhead the task of bringing about a ceasefire and getting the LTTE a respite. He wanted me to commence talks with whoever necessary and bring about a ceasefire.
I then said I must be given a relevant position so that I could represent the LTTE officially and that I should get full cooperation from the LTTE overseas branches. Prabhakaran agreed and so when 2009 dawned I was back in the LTTE again.
Q:So you came back to the LTTE to coordinate and lead efforts to bring about a ceasefire? How did you go about it? Did you get the backing of the overseas Tiger structure?
I was made the head of International relations in the LTTE. I was tasked to interact and negotiate with international actors and somehow bring about a ceasefire. The overseas branches were instructed to support me fully in my efforts.
Since Castro and I were not on good terms the Political commissar Nadesan was to be my link with the leader in these matters. Nadesan was to coordinate with Castro about issues concerning me.
But things were not easy or rosy. Even though I started work from January first week in 2009, the announcement about my appointment was delayed. Castro took a long time to convey it to the overseas branches. The “Tamilnet” delayed carrying a news item. The overseas Tamil media under Nediyavan’s control blacked me out.
Through Nadesan and the political wing, I got overseas branches to organize demonstrations highlighting the civilian plight and demanding a ceasefire. I specifically asked them to demonstrate without any symbols of the LTTE and make it a non-partisan humanitarian exercise.
There were many demonstrations and we were getting a positive response. But within weeks Castro gave instructions through Nediyavan that the demonstrators should carry LTTE flags and Prabhakaran’s portrait. Placards were shown asking the international community to remove the ban on the LTTE and recognize it as the sole representatives of Tamils.
When I tried to stop that I was portrayed as being against Prabhakaran. As a result of this political stupidity we had massive demonstrations without any results because they were seen as pro –LTTE and not pro-People demonstrations.
Q:In such a situation where Castro’s people were sabotaging you, how did you carry out your duties as LTTE international relations chief?
The way in which the overseas branches started sabotaging my work was terrible. They would not cooperate. I was not given sufficient funds. When I tried to get some funds from the branches it was refused. So I had to rely on my own funds and funds from supporters and LTTE associates in a personal capacity. I also had to set up my own staff and network by appealing to the old loyalists many of whom were now “retired”. These people rallied around me in a wonderful way
Q:But why did you not complain to Prabhakaran and rectify the situation?
I did and sent messages to him but with 2009 the military situation had changed. The army was rapidly advancing. Prabhakaran’s personal security was threatened. So he had to maintain a low profile. Also without Velu, my earlier contact-link with Prabhakaran, communicating with the leader was difficult. The new guys were not very efficient or helpful in these matters. Nadesan also was hesitant to complain about Castro. Both had a good relationship.
Besides with the war hotting up I was also reluctant to pressure Prabhakaran continuously on these matters. I was also doubtful whether even Prabhakaran could have changed the situation. The Castro group was well-entrenched abroad. His deputy Nediyavan was running things. They knew how to delay or scuttle matters.
Q:I want to clarify something. I hope you will give me a candid answer. Was this peace initiative to bring about a ceasefire a time –buying exercise? Were you striving for a ceasefire on the one hand and trying to buy arms and ship them on the other?
My answer is NO.
I do not know about others in the LTTE leadership. Some may have thought of using it as a ploy but I was sincere and serious about a ceasefire. I was genuinely trying for one because I knew the LTTE was doomed if the war continued and I wanted to save the life of the people, Prabhakaran, my other comrades and the young fighters of the movement.
I did not play a double game of trying to negotiate peace and acquire arms at the same time. I believe in doing whatever task at hand with sincerity and without deception. If I were to try hard for a ceasefire openly and at the same time try to transport arms clandestinely it would be dishonest. I have to give my 100 per cent to peacemaking and nothing else.
Also look at it this way. If I were found out or if international players helping me for a ceasefire got information that I was shipping arms then my credibility would have been lost. Trust in me and the intentions of the LTTE would have been destroyed. Just imagine the Sri Lankan government’s position if it was discovered that I was playing a double game? All chances of a ceasefire would have been lost forever.
Q:Did this mean that the LTTE was not trying to ferry arms while you were working towards a ceasefire?
What I can say is that I was not doing or trying to do anything of the sort. But others may have been trying. You see with arms procurement and transport becoming difficult Prabhakaran had delegated such duties to some other divisions also. While Aiya was in charge of arms procurement the intelligence division under Pottu Amman, the international affairs division under Castro and Sea Tigers under Soosai were also delegated arms procurement duties. The situation was so desperate that Prabhakaran had put all these actors on to this stage. But still no progress was made.
Q: It looks like a case of too many cooks spoiling the soup. Do you think that you may have never let this situation develop had you been in charge all along?
Well I must say that arms procurement is not a simple thing like buying things over a counter. It is because of inexperienced eager people being entrusted with this task that some arrests were made like in Canada and the USA.
When Soosai, Sornam and later Prabhakaran spoke to me they did say that it was a mistake to have removed me from arms procurement and that these problems would not have occurred if I was in charge.
Though I was happy to hear that I doubt whether I could have managed to succeed under changed circumstances. With powerful countries monitoring movements like us in the global war against terrorism and the performance of a highly improved navy, I too may have found it difficult to procure and transport arms as required.
Q:Again let me ask you – were you trying for a ceasefire only to save the LTTE or was your commitment to peace deeper and really genuine?
I am glad you asked me this because I can speak openly about my change of heart. It was a slow process.
The time that I was out of the LTTE and leading a quiet life gave me time to give deep thought and reflect on things. I was also able to observe the world being transformed in the aftermath of September 11th 2001. Earlier they used to say one man’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. Now they were saying there is no good or bad terrorist. All are terrorists.
I realized that a movement like the LTTE could not continue to fight and survive in a changing environment. The whole world will gang up against us. Also after decades of conflict the Tamil people were suffering. They needed peace.
So I really thought we must negotiate and reach a political settlement. Bala annai and I were of the same mind in this. I tried to convince Prabhakaran also of this. He then said to negotiate we must have a ceasefire first. So I began working earnestly for a ceasefire as a first step for a negotiated peace
Q:But were you really hopeful of a ceasefire? Were you not fighting a lost battle? Looking back with the wisdom of hindsight what do you think?
At that time I was really hopeful about a ceasefire. I knew that somehow a ceasefire had to be brought about to save the lives of the LTTE leaders, cadres and innocent civilians caught in the middle.
Q:Did you not try to save the civilians by getting the LTTE to release them?
I did try at the start.
There was even an offer by the Americans to transport them by sea to Trincomalee. But the LTTE hierarchy was not agreeable. This attitude was most unfortunate and may appear as inhuman. I am not trying to condone or justify this action but when I reflect upon the past I think the LTTE leadership also had no choice. If they released the people first, then only the Tigers would be left there. Thereafter all of them could have been wiped out.
Q:Mao Ze Dong’s famous dictum about guerillas being the fish swimming in an ocean of people. If the ocean was drained the fish would flounder. So the fish wanted to retain the water?
Exactly. That is why I tried for a ceasefire so that everyone, the people and the fighters could be saved. But looking back now I think the LTTE leadership was too late in trying for a ceasefire. Had we tried in mid 2008 when the fighting was on the west of the A -9 highway there was a good chance of working out an agreement
But after Poonagary, Paranthan, Kilinochchi and Elephant pass fell the prospects of victory were imminent for the government. The pace of events was too fast. From their point of view, with outright victory in sight, it would have been stupid to go in for a ceasefire.
Q:Under these circumstances what did you do? What could you achieve?
I am essentially a worker. If given a responsibility I start doing it instead of finding reasons for not doing it. Also in this case it was a matter of life and death. I had to somehow work out a ceasefire and save the people, movement and leadership.So with the meagre funds at my disposal and the support of like-minded people I commenced my work. I was in touch with international political leaders, top bureaucrats, diplomats, opinion-makers of different countries and also high –ranking UN officials. I contacted some of them directly. Influential people contacted some others on my behalf.
In March 2009 I thought I had made a breakthrough but sadly Prabhakaran rejected the proposal.
Q:Was this the “lock-off” plan that was rejected by Prabhakaran in just three words? Could you elaborate please?
Well, Yes. I had a tentative plan with international endorsement. The LTTE was to lay down arms by hoarding them in specific locations. The words used were “lock –off”. That is arms particularly heavy weapons were to be locked off in specific places.
They were to be handed over to representatives of the UN. Afterwards there was to be a cessation of hostilities in which the people were to be kept in specific “no firing zones”. Negotiations were to be conducted between the Govt. and LTTE with Norwegian facilitation.
Tentatively about 25 to 50 top leaders with their families were to be transported to a foreign country if necessary. The middle level leaders and cadres were to be detained, charged in courts and given relatively minor sentences. The low-level junior cadres were to be given a general amnesty.
The scheme was to endorsed by the west including Norway, EU and the USA. The Americans were ready to send their naval fleet in to do evacuation if necessary
Q:Was the Sri Lankan government agreeable?
I don’t think there was any official intimation to Colombo but maybe they were sounded out informally. But the plan was never concretized because the main man concerned, Prabhakaran rejected it.
I had written an outline of the plan and sent it to him for approval. If he said “Proceed” I would have concretized it and started work on implementing it. But when I faxed the details in a 16-page memorandum he rejected the 16 pages in just three words “Ithai Etrukkolla Mudiyathu”(This is unacceptable) So. I had to drop it.
Q:Even if Prabhakaran had agreed to it, do you think the Govt would have complied given the fact that the armed forces were on the verge of annihilating the LTTE?
I don’t know. Most probably the Govt may not have obliged because it was on the verge of victory and would not have wanted to be deprived of it. But the point is that it was never concretized and submitted to the Govt. Given the situation the LTTE was in, Prabhakaran should have taken it.
Q:Why did Prabhakaran reject it then?
I don’t know I can only guess. It is too painful to dwell on it because he is no more and I will always be thinking “why didn’t he accept this opportunity”?
Q:But your attempts to save Prabhakaran did not stop did it? There was some talk of a helicopter rescue attempt?
Yes. That was another plan but that too did not materialize because of the non – cooperation of Nediyavan and his cohorts abroad. Whenever I think of the fate that befell Prabhakaran’s family I grieve and then silently curse Nediyavan and his people.
Q:Do you think you can relate what happened if it is not too painful for you or you think that it needs to be told?
It is painful but I do think our people must know the truth about this matter. Maybe speaking about it may give me emotional relief.
What happened was that in early May 2009, Prabhakaran’s eldest son Charles Anthony called me frantically. He calls me “KP Mama” or KP Uncle. Charles said that the situation was getting very bad and that I should somehow arrange to get his father, mother, sister and younger brother out to safety.
Q:What about Charles himself?
No he did not want to escape. Charles said he was ready to fight to the last and die if necessary. It was his family he was worried about.
I was very upset after talking to Charles. So I thought of a plan. I wanted to charter a ship and keep it ready in international waters way beyond the reach of the Sri Lankan navy. I wanted to buy a helicopter and get some of the trained LTTE air-wing pilots to fly it into the Wanni and pick up the family and bring them to the ship. Thereafter I had plans of keeping them safe in one of three countries.
Q:But would Prabhakaran have agreed to this?
I am not sure but after I had formulated a plan I got in touch with Charles and told him. I asked him whether his father would agree. Charles said he will try and make Prabhakaran agree but if he would not agree, I was to save his mother and two younger siblings.Knowing Prabhakaran I felt he would never try to escape with his family ,leaving others behind. But I thought the helicopter could take him and some others to a jungle somewhere first and land him safely. Then the helicopter could fly out with Madhivadhani, Duwaraga and Balachandran.
Q:What happened finally? Why did the plan not take off?
It’s a very sad story.
(THE THIRD AND FINAL PART OF THIS CONVERSATION WITH KP WILL CONCLUDE NEXT WEEK)
DBS Jeyaraj can be reached at djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
With KP’s capture punitive action against him by Colombo was anticipated. However in an unexpected turn of events there evolved a remarkable relationship between captor and captive where the Sri Lankan government extended its hand of friendship towards KP in a magnanimous gesture. KP in turn reciprocated pragmatically by responding in a conciliatory and co-operative spirit.
Though under detention, KP has been afforded great autonomy of action by the Government to play a constructive role in uplifting the Tamil people and achieving ethnic reconciliation.. The ex-LTTE chief has set up a new non –governmental organization known as the North – East Rehabilitation and Development Organization (NERDO).
The NERDO is focusing on the release, rehabilitation and re-settlement of ex –LTTE cadres and IDP’s of the North – East. KP himself is concentrating on garnering aid and assistance from sections of the Tamil Diaspora for the NERDO to formulate and implement projects.
The current status and role of KP is now a matter of great controversy. He is viciously attacked by extremist sections of the Diaspora as a traitor who has sold out to the Rajapaksa regime. The Sri Lankan opposition questions the “leniency” shown to the ex-LTTE chief by the Govt and contrasts it with the treatment meted out to former army chief General Fonseka.
It is against this backdrop that this writer had an extended telephone conversation with KP on Thursday Aug 5th the first anniversary of his capture. In what was a frank and open discussion in Tamil, the ex-Tiger chief disclosed several details about the past,present and future. In the process KP dispelled several rumours circulating about him and set the record straight on a number of issues.
KP is firmly of the opinion that Tamil Eelam is a lost cause and that the armed struggle is a thing of the past. He feels that the immediate priority of Sri Lankan Tamils is to get out of the tragic situation they are in right now. The future is to live with equal rights and dignity in a united ,pluralistic Sri Lanka.
KP also expressed regret for the violence perpetrated by the LTTE against civilians and hardship caused during the course of the LTTE campaign for Tamil Eelam. A remorseful KP tendered an open apology to all the people of Sri Lanka for the suffering caused in the past.
Here are some translated excerpts of the interview –
Q:You were seized in Malaysia last year on August 5th. How will you describe your present situation after being under detention for one year ?A: I was shocked when I was arrested and for about an hour I was dazed. But later I recovered. I was also worried when brought to Sri Lanka. But I believe in an almighty God. Though I feared, the worst would happen I have been fortunate.My being captured in a way has been a benefit to me. I have now got an opportunity to serve the suffering Tamil people. Our struggle has reduced our people in Sri Lanka particularly those in the Wanni to a pathetic situation. Now I have a chance to help them in a small way at least through the work of NERDO .
Q: What are the conditions under which you are being detained?
A: I am being kept in a house. I cannot go outside. But within the house I can move about freely. I am given full freedom to talk to people on the telephone. People are not allowed to meet me here. When I want to meet people outside I have to get clearance. Some officials accompany me when I have to go out to meet them. I also have unrestricted e-mail access
Q: Were you ill-treated in any way?
A: No. I have been treated with great kindness and courtesy. In the early days there was some sort of mild tension. But as the days progressed an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and cordiality prevails.
Q: How did this situation develop? Some people in the Tamil Diaspora allege that you had a “deal” with the govt and that your arrest itself was a drama? How were you arrested and brought here?
A: I know that these types of accusations are being levelled against me. But you know how I was arrested. You were the first person to write about my arrest in detail in English. When I got to read it much later I found that most of what you had written was correct except for some minor details. Whatever these people may say the truth is that I was arrested and transported to Sri Lanka
Q: Can you relate how you were caught and brought here?
A: I was sitting in the Hotel room talking to former LTTE political commissar Nadesan’s brother and son who had come down from England to Malaysia.I then got a telephone call from Canada. It was Ragavan from the CMR radio . The reception was not good. So I excused myself and went out.
I sat outside on a chair in the lobby and kept talking. Suddenly a group of Malaysian officials surrounded me. One of them said “Very sorry Mr.KP” and grasped my phone. It fell to the ground and was picked up by an officer. They asked me to come with them. I had no choice but to go with them
I was taken to the immigration detention centre in KL and kept there for nearly 36 hours for about two days and a night. I had to sleep there in the detention centre room. I realised from their conversation that I was going to be officially deported. But I was not sure whether it was going to be Sri Lanka, India ,USA or somewhere else.
Then I was taken to the KL airport where a Sri Lankan airlines plane was waiting. Then I knew I was going to Colombo. I was taken into the plane through the economy class entrance and then moved inside to the business class. There I was formally handed over to some Sri Lankan officials and brought to Colombo.
Q: You were a Resident in Thailand when you were arrested. Why did you operate out of Kuala Lumpur instead of Bangkok? Was it because you were arrested in Thailand in 2007?
A: I had been leading a quiet life in Thailand for many years when I was out of the LTTE. It was also known that I was living there. So when I started being active in the LTTE again I did not want to attract attention to my family in Thailand. That is why I moved to KL. Also it was easy for people from all over to travel to Malaysia and meet me.
Actually I was never arrested in 2007 .What happened was that there was a move to arrest me then and some officials had rounded up my residence early morning. Fortunately I was not there. But the news was leaked in Sri Lanka that I had been arrested. This helped to prevent follow up action to arrest me. But after that I kept a very low profile in Thailand.
Q: What happened when you arrived in Colombo? I’ve heard some stories about how you established rapport with the Defence secretary at your first meeting itself?
A: During the flight to Colombo I had a long chat for about three hours with a Sri Lankan officer. He was very cordial. The way in which I was treated by the Lankan officers was very decent. That made me relaxed.
But I was still worried in my heart about what would happen after reaching Sri Lanka. To be honest I was very concerned about the Defence Secretary . The impression I had of him was that he was a tough talking Sinhala hardliner. Therefore, I was really dreading an encounter with him.
But something happened when I was taken to the Defence Secretary’s residence. There was a Buddha statue there with a light shining at the back. For a few minutes I simply stood and gazed on the Buddha. My nerves got calmed by that.
In Thailand, I have gone to Buddhist temples frequently with my wife. In my house there are pictures of deities from all three religions including the Buddha. So somehow I felt that no great harm will come to me then.
The Defence Secretary was seated with some other officials. He got up as I entered and shook hands with me and said “please sit down”. He introduced the others to me. Mr. Gotabaya was very polite. He told me not to worry about anything. I don’t exactly remember what I then told him but it was something like this “ I saw the Buddha statue near the entrance and felt safe and calm”.
Q: Your reference to the Buddha statue incident will also be twisted by your critics within the Tamil Diaspora to portray you as a traitor praising the Buddha?
A: I know .You are right but I am telling you what really happened. I don’t want to hide anything. I told about the Buddha statue to the nine-member Tamil expatriate delegation that came to Sri Lanka last June also.
Because of my home environment and my wife’s religious belief I am familiar with Buddhist worship and temples . So seeing the Buddha statue really helped me emotionally. This is the truth. If they want to attack me because of that , then let them do it. I don’t care. I have nothing against the Buddha or Buddhism.
Q: I understand your feelings. So how did your meeting with the Defence secretary go?
A:Cakes and tea were served. The Defence Secretary said that they had tried to solve the problem peacefully but were compelled to wage full fledged war. He said it was sad that finally all the LTTE leaders including Prabhakaran had to die in the war.
He also had lots of information about the communications within the LTTE during the last days of war. He asked me some questions and I answered truthfully . When I didn’t know something I told him so instead of bluffing. He seemed satisfied with my response. I also told him clearly that the war was over for me a long time ago and that my only goal now was to help my people recover from the war and lead normal lives.I was really amazed by the attitude of the Defence Secretary. At one point I told him that the image I had of him when I saw TV interviews was that he was a tough hardliner and that his soft behaviour was a pleasant surprise. He laughed and said”I am really like this all the time.Some of these media people irritate me. That is why I get angry like that”.
After a long conversation, he introduced a particular officer and said he was responsible for me. I was told that I could communicate with him on all matters and that I could send word through this officer to him if necessary. He then shook hands again and I was taken to a house in Colombo. So began a new chapter in my life.
Q: What happened thereafter? There are allegations and reports that you have been collaborating with the government and providing information about Diaspora LTTE activities abroad to the Govt?
A:Let me tell this clearly. When the Sri Lankan intelligence officers began talking to me there were two choices for me. One was to confront them and the other was to cooperate. If I confronted I would have had to face long prison term and not be of any use to anyone. But if I cooperated I could win their trust and confidence. This may have given me an opportunity to do be of some service to our people.
If the struggle was still continuing and my leader was alive then I would have willingly challenged the govt and not cooperated. I would have faced any consequence. But that was not so. Everything was over. So there was no point in confronting. So I chose to cooperate.
Again another point I must mention is this. I had been out of the movement from 2003 January to 2008 December. I had knowledge only about pre -2003 matters. Much of the structure had changed in these years and personnel involved had been changed by those who came after me. I told this very clearly to the intelligence officials who knew and understood my position.
When we kept on talking a funny thing happened. At one point the officers started laughing at me and said jokingly “You don’t know anything about the LTTE now”. They were right because I was in a way living in the past. I could only tell about things and structures existing years ago. I was not well informed about the post -2002 situation . They realised it and that is why they were laughing at me.
You know what? The Sri Lankan intelligence is not stupid as some of our people think. They are very modernized and sophisticated. Besides there is lots of exchanges with intelligence agencies of other countries. From their conversation I gathered that they were very well informed about the LTTE and its overseas structures.
Q: But the propaganda against you by the pro-Castro group headed by Nediyavan and some media organs allege that you are supplying the govt with information about LTTE activity in the Diaspora?
A: I know that. But the truth is something different. In addition to the information gained by the intelligence people through different sources the y have been presented with lots of information by Castro’s people.
Q: How is that?
A: I am a little reluctant to tell this but since you are asking I will tell. When the army advanced into Viswamadhu, Castro and his department people abandoned everything and ran. So now the Sri Lankan officials have lots of data about the overseas activities of the LTTE. They have computers and data bases. They have charts of the people who gave money to the LTTE and the amounts and dates. They have copies of tax receipts. They know who the fund raisers in each country are. They know who and who are running LTTE funded businesses and properties. They even have all the visiting cards of people from overseas who visited the Wanni during the peace talks period.
So the reality is that Castro and his dept people have let all this information fall into the hands of Sri Lankan officials. The Lankan intelligence don’t need outdated or hearsay information from people like me. They have real up to date information now. The reality is that the Lankan intelligence knows far more about overseas tigers than I know. But what can I do if people keep slandering me as an informant?
Q: There were newspaper reports about the personal diaries of Castro also being recovered? Is that true?
A: I have not seen any diary. But intelligence people talking to me unofficially on a friendly basis told me that Castro’s diaries of about 20 years are in their possession. Apparently he has written lots of things in those diaries. Once an officer asked me with a smile “Did Castro have a love affair?”. I said that I was not aware of it. He then laughed and related the whole story. Castro had written about that too.
Q: There was a time when you were very powerful in the LTTE overseas structure. You were in charge of three key functions namely arms purchasing, macro-management of LTTE branches and fund raising. You seemed to have lost clout after you quit the movement in 2003 and found it difficult to re-establish yourself when you re-joined in 2009. What happened then? Why did you quit?Was it because you got married?
A: No ,no. It was not due to my getting married. I got married in the early nineties of the last century and not in this century. My daughter is in her late teens now.
What happened was something else. When the peace process began and a ceasefire was declared in 2002 the leader Prabhakaran tried to re-organise the LTTE in a new way. He wanted me to come and see him in the Wanni about these matters.
But I was then high on the lists of people wanted by intelligence networks of many countries.The incidents of Sep 11th 2001 in the USA had changed the security situation world-wide. I did not want to take the risk of travelling to Sri Lanka then. I knew from my own sources of information that I had been specifically targeted and that several intelligence agencies were very keen to get hold of me.So I hesitated. This annoyed my leader.
Another thing that happened was the change in the “link” between me and the movement and leader. There was this person called Velu. For more than 15 years he had been the “communications link” between me and the LTTE and Prabhakaran. Suddenly he was changed and another took over. I had grown accustomed to Velu and found myself unable to adjust to the new guy. In a way there was a break-down in communications for me.In the meantime different senior leaders in the LTTE were keen on using the ceasefire to enlarge their authority.
Sea Tiger commander Soosai wanted the sea tigers to control the LTTE shipping fleet. Up to that time I was in charge. Political Commissar SP Thamilselvan wanted to control political activity in the Diaspora. Castro who was in charge of overseas administration wanted to exert full control over overseas branches. Thamilendhi in charge of finance division wanted a greater say in fund raising functions
So they all wanted Prabhakaran to curtail my power and authority and allocate control to them. Since there was a ceasefire many people from Diaspora travelled frequently to the Wanni. So the other senior LTTE leaders were able to persuade Prabakharan that they could handle everything through direct contacts and through telephone, fax and e-mail.
Then Prabhakaran told me that I was burdened with too many responsibilities and that I should take a rest from some of these functions. So what can I do? I agreed.
Q: Were not some allegations also made against you and some of your key assistants abroad?
A: Yes. There were some allegations. They went to the extent of getting some people including women to go to Wanni directly and complain against me, Mano in Paris and Sarve in Oslo to Prabhakaran personally. I heard some women wept and sobbed loudly in front of Prabhakaran
Q: This was a put up job then? Who was behind it?
A: Of course it was a plot. Castro and Thamilselvan were behind it. Sadly the leader was deceived and we could not defend ourselves in person.
Q: So then what happened?
A: As I said earlier the leader asked me to take rest. So I had to retire. Castro took over the overseas administration in full.He removed all the old hands whom he regarded as my loyalists. Almost everything was changed in a few months . Many old faithful LTTE activists were removed from their positions in a very unfair manner.
Q: But you were still in charge of overseas purchasing or arms procurement. Why was that changed? How did Anandarajan alias Aiyah replace you?
A: That’s another story. Aiyah was in a sense my man. He had good travel documents and could travel freely.He was also a qualified accountant. So on my instructions he used to go to all the countries and audit our accounts.
Later as I became increasingly known and wanted by the intelligence agencies I was forced to restrict my travelling and movements. So I began to use him to some extent in travelling to source points where one could purchase in arms bazaars. He became familiar with these places .
Then I sent him to meet Prabhakaran also as my representative. I was very confident about him and thought he was loyal to me. I was shocked when one of my friends in the Wanni asked me “Is this guy really your man? He is poisoning the leader’s mind against you”. I learnt that Aiyah was giving an impression that he had been handling all the arms purchasing and could do everything on his own.
I realised then that Bala Annai was right about Aiyah.
Q: What did Bala Annai (Anton Balasingham) tell you about Aiyah?
A:You see when Bala Annai and Adele Aunty had come out of the Wanni by sea in 1999, I made arrangements for them to stay in Malaysia and Singapore and get medical treatment before going to London. Since I was stuck in Indonesia at that time I got Aiyah to look after them. But Bala Annai, a shrewd judge of people told me later “You are trusting this fellow but wait and see, he will grasp what you have one day”.
By the time I realised Bala Annai’s wisdom it was too late.
Q: So you were relieved from the LTTE’s overseas purchases department known as KP department? What was the reason given?
A: You see as I had told you earlier I had not been travelling to Sri Lanka to meet the leader because I felt that it was dangerous for me to travel about as I was high on the wanted list of so many intelligence agencies. Now Prabhakaran told me that he did not want me to risk danger by travelling about to purchase arms
He simply told me to take rest for a while and to try and come and meet him. He said only when I meet you in person can I tell you what I think and what my plans are.
After this I had no choice other than to relinquish my duties
Prabhakaran said that those who would replace me will continue to ask me for advice. But that never happened
Q: When did this happen? Was there an estrangement with Prabhakaran and yourself? What happened next?
A: This happened in the latter part of 2002. From 2003 I was out of the movement in day to day life but had never formally resigned or quit the movement.It was like retirement without a pension.
There was also no estrangement like that with Prabhakaran. I can never be estranged from him.My loyalty and respect to him never changed. He was my leader and friend and like an elder brother to me. But I was hurt by what happened and did not contact him regularly as I did earlier. He may have expected me to do so but I did not . We sort of drifted away from each other but never split.Our mutual regard remained.
Q: Part of the campaign against you is that you and Prabhakaran had fallen out and that you were regarded as a traitor by him then?
A: I am aware of that. Since I went off the LTTE radar after 2003 the new crop of tiger activists abroad don’t know anything about me or the past. So anything could be said against me.
The reality was that both of us had great regard and affection for each other though we had parted ways.
Thanks to an incident there is written testimony about Prabhakaran’s regard for me. One of the LTTE Air wing operatives abroad needed to consult me for some matter. He was not sure whether the leader would approve. So he sent a message asking the leader whether he could contact his “Munnaal Nanbar” (former friend) KP.
Prabhakaran replied in writing that he could do so and emphasised that KP was not a former friend but was “Indrum endrum nalla visuvaasamana nanban” (Now and forever a god and loyal friend)
Q: So when you went into retirement from the LTTE. Did you think it was all over and between you and the tigers?
A: I did think so at that time. I remember telling my wife then that I was out of the LTTE and that I would spend more time with her and our daughter now. But she asked me “Can you really do that? If VP asks you again will you not go back”?
My wife realised the strength of bonds between Prabhakaran and myself. She used to talk to Prabhakaran’s wife Madhivadhani on the phone those days and both knew about the close relationship between their husbands
Q: So how did the return occur? How and why did you re-join the movement? What was your role during the last days of the war?
A: That’s another long story
(To be continued next week)
DBS Jeyaraj can be reached at djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
.Part 2
KP SPEAKS OUT -2: AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FORMER LTTE CHIEF
(CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK) Q:So how did the return occur? How and why did you re-join the movement?What was your role during the last days of the war?
That’s another long story.
I was now out of the movement and leading a quiet life in Thailand with my family. I had no idea of returning to the movement though my wife felt that I would always go back if asked by Prabhakaran himself.
As for me I did not think that I would re-join because it is extremely rare for anyone being recalled by the LTTE after his or her services were discontinued. Also I knew the extent to which some senior LTTE leaders had worked against me and poisoned Prabhakaran’s mind against me.
But even though I was out of the LTTE I was always following the news about what was happening. Though I was out of the LTTE, I was getting worried as events unfolded because I could see from the news that the LTTE was not faring well.
The Tiger ships were getting knocked out at sea by the Sri Lankan navy. As the man who had kept the LTTE supplied, I knew how important it was for the LTTE to maintain supplies throughout by the sea. So I realized that the ships getting destroyed was a bad thing
Q: How did that happen? How did the Sri Lankan navy become so efficient in taking out so many Tiger vessels?
I think various Colombo governments over the years had gradually built up and modernized the Navy. They were also getting additional intelligence inputs from different countries. So the Navy at the time of the ceasefire had reached high levels of efficiency. The ceasefire conditions and rules were not clear about movement in the sea. So the Navy was able to move about freely and monitor LTTE ships
Q: Did not the LTTE anticipate this?
Prabhakaran did anticipate this. He told me in 2000 that in the coming years the outcome of the war would be decided at sea. He wanted to build up the Sea Tigers to greater levels and meet the challenge.
I don’t know why but he seems to have changed plans later. The LTTE started to build up the fighters in the land and develop the air wing. Prabhakaran did not develop the LTTE’s sea power as he had intended earlier.
On the other hand, the Navy was very active and strong. They put up a blockade around Lanka’s territorial waters. The navy also went out to far off spots and destroyed LTTE ships at sea.
The combination of effective Intelligence about LTTE ship movements and increased efficiency of the Navy resulted in LTTE sea movement getting severely restricted. I was told later that no LTTE ships were able to bring stuff to the east coast from 2007 onwards. Soosai told me “not even a panadol.”
Q:But did not this situation change after you re-joined the movement? There were reports in the media that the LTTE had been able to get two ships through in late 2008 and early 2009. It was believed that you were responsible.
No that is not correct. I did not send any ships through. In fact, I had not even tried to do that.
Q:I was under the impression that you had re-joined the movement to be in charge of sending supplies by sea and you had done that by sending two ships through?
It is correct that initially the LTTE wanted me to re-join in order to send supplies by sea. But I had clearly explained that it was not possible at short notice. I went back to the LTTE to help work out some ceasefire arrangement and stop the war and not to resume supplying by sea
Q:Before we talk about that matter, I want to ask you something bluntly. Some of your detractors blame you for the way in which LTTE ships were destroyed by the Navy. I have seen accusations against you in the Tamil media that you had pocketed the money given to buy arms and sent empty ships to Lanka and gave information to the Colombo govt and got the navy to destroy the ships.
Yes. I have seen the propaganda against me which you describe. This conspiracy theory shows the levels of imagination of some of our people.
Let me tell you clearly. I was out of the LTTE effectively from 2002 December. But the duty of handling the LTTE shipping fleet was taken away from me end of February 2002 as soon as the ceasefire came into place. It was brought under the Sea Tigers headed by Soosai.
I had nothing to do with the ships from that time. Then in December 2002 I was relieved of my duties of overseas purchasing (euphemism for arms procurement).The department known as KP dept was disbanded.
The arms procurement and transport responsibility was handled by Aiya and another called Ilankuttuvan. I had no knowledge of anything. I was not in charge of “kolvanavu” (purchasing). That being the real situation how could I have any information to pass on to the govt?
Q:But could you not have obtained info about ship movement from other LTTE cadres involved and passed it on? Some of your KP dept people with whom you would have some influence?
The LTTE works on a strict need to know basis. One unit does not know what the other does. So it would be impossible to get full info unless one contacted all the units involved.
As for my KP dept people almost all of them were recalled and given new duties or discontinued. So there was no way that I could get information from them.
One thing to note is that I too stopped talking to those involved in the work. Even when I got a friendly call once in a way I never asked about these matters.
I know the LTTE mentality very well. If I had even referred to these matters casually and then due to bad luck something drastic happened they would start suspecting me. So I never tried to get info about these matters from anyone.
You must remember that these types of accusation s are being said only now by people who have no knowledge about how the LTTE works. There was no charge like this earlier when the LTTE leadership was there. If there had been any suspicion I would not have been approached by the LTTE or given a new role after re-joining.
Q:Yes. I think we have digressed a little. So please relate the circumstances of your re-joining the LTTE?
As I told you earlier, I was observing events and realized that the LTTE was getting into difficulties because the sea supplies were not getting through. But I was now out and could do nothing. Then in the latter part of 2008 , Sea Tiger commander Soosai and senior military commander Sornam began calling me frequently.
They explained that the situation was getting bad and that sea supplies had to be restored. They said that only I could ensure resumption of sea supplies and appealed to me to re-join the movement and take charge of overseas purchasing again.I was in a dilemma. Though I felt bad I was reluctant to get back again. I had been living quietly for many years and enjoying family life. Also I fully well knew the international situation. Earlier the LTTE was not on the global terrorist radar. We could discreetly purchase what we wanted from the arms bazaar’s and ship them to the Island.
But now in a post – Sep 11th 2001 situation it was not so easy. I doubted very much whether even I could do what was expected of me. Besides I was out of touch for five years and needed time to set up things again. So I did not give them a word.
But then on December 31st 2008 everything changed.
Q:What happened on that day?
Prabhakaran called me and had a very very long conversation. He told me of the military situation in very frank terms. When he called me on Dec 31st Kilinochchi had not fallen but Prabhakaran said it would fall very soon. He then said that the fighting would shift east of the A-9 road afterwards.
Prabhakaran was optimistic that the LTTE would be able to hold on to a piece of territory with access to the coast for a long time. But he knew it could not be for ever and ever. Meanwhile he wanted me to re-join the movement and start purchasing and transporting supplies again.
When Prabhakaran asked me directly I could not say no. I agreed to re-join the LTTE but told him that my immediate goal would be to bring about a ceasefire and not resumption of supplies.
Q: Why did you say this and how did he respond?
I explained to him that the international situation had changed drastically. Intelligence agencies of many countries in the west particularly the US were swarming on areas of potential arms sales. Maritime movement was being monitored very strictly. Unlike the earlier days it would require much effort and preparation to resume sea supply effectively
I also told him that my KP dept network had been dismantled. I was out of touch and lost most contacts. Also I was being closely watched. So if I was to resume arms procurement I needed time to start work clandestinely and set up the network again. I told Prabhakaran ,I needed at least one year to get things going. He said that may perhaps be too late.
In that case I suggested that the LTTE should go in for a ceasefire. Earlier in 1989 when the Indian army was strangulating the LTTE, Bala annai had played a crucial role and brought about an understanding with the Premadasa govt. I too had a supportive role in this.
Now Bala annai was no more. Prabhakaran said that I must spearhead the task of bringing about a ceasefire and getting the LTTE a respite. He wanted me to commence talks with whoever necessary and bring about a ceasefire.
I then said I must be given a relevant position so that I could represent the LTTE officially and that I should get full cooperation from the LTTE overseas branches. Prabhakaran agreed and so when 2009 dawned I was back in the LTTE again.
Q:So you came back to the LTTE to coordinate and lead efforts to bring about a ceasefire? How did you go about it? Did you get the backing of the overseas Tiger structure?
I was made the head of International relations in the LTTE. I was tasked to interact and negotiate with international actors and somehow bring about a ceasefire. The overseas branches were instructed to support me fully in my efforts.
Since Castro and I were not on good terms the Political commissar Nadesan was to be my link with the leader in these matters. Nadesan was to coordinate with Castro about issues concerning me.
But things were not easy or rosy. Even though I started work from January first week in 2009, the announcement about my appointment was delayed. Castro took a long time to convey it to the overseas branches. The “Tamilnet” delayed carrying a news item. The overseas Tamil media under Nediyavan’s control blacked me out.
Through Nadesan and the political wing, I got overseas branches to organize demonstrations highlighting the civilian plight and demanding a ceasefire. I specifically asked them to demonstrate without any symbols of the LTTE and make it a non-partisan humanitarian exercise.
There were many demonstrations and we were getting a positive response. But within weeks Castro gave instructions through Nediyavan that the demonstrators should carry LTTE flags and Prabhakaran’s portrait. Placards were shown asking the international community to remove the ban on the LTTE and recognize it as the sole representatives of Tamils.
When I tried to stop that I was portrayed as being against Prabhakaran. As a result of this political stupidity we had massive demonstrations without any results because they were seen as pro –LTTE and not pro-People demonstrations.
Q:In such a situation where Castro’s people were sabotaging you, how did you carry out your duties as LTTE international relations chief?
The way in which the overseas branches started sabotaging my work was terrible. They would not cooperate. I was not given sufficient funds. When I tried to get some funds from the branches it was refused. So I had to rely on my own funds and funds from supporters and LTTE associates in a personal capacity. I also had to set up my own staff and network by appealing to the old loyalists many of whom were now “retired”. These people rallied around me in a wonderful way
Q:But why did you not complain to Prabhakaran and rectify the situation?
I did and sent messages to him but with 2009 the military situation had changed. The army was rapidly advancing. Prabhakaran’s personal security was threatened. So he had to maintain a low profile. Also without Velu, my earlier contact-link with Prabhakaran, communicating with the leader was difficult. The new guys were not very efficient or helpful in these matters. Nadesan also was hesitant to complain about Castro. Both had a good relationship.
Besides with the war hotting up I was also reluctant to pressure Prabhakaran continuously on these matters. I was also doubtful whether even Prabhakaran could have changed the situation. The Castro group was well-entrenched abroad. His deputy Nediyavan was running things. They knew how to delay or scuttle matters.
Q:I want to clarify something. I hope you will give me a candid answer. Was this peace initiative to bring about a ceasefire a time –buying exercise? Were you striving for a ceasefire on the one hand and trying to buy arms and ship them on the other?
My answer is NO.
I do not know about others in the LTTE leadership. Some may have thought of using it as a ploy but I was sincere and serious about a ceasefire. I was genuinely trying for one because I knew the LTTE was doomed if the war continued and I wanted to save the life of the people, Prabhakaran, my other comrades and the young fighters of the movement.
I did not play a double game of trying to negotiate peace and acquire arms at the same time. I believe in doing whatever task at hand with sincerity and without deception. If I were to try hard for a ceasefire openly and at the same time try to transport arms clandestinely it would be dishonest. I have to give my 100 per cent to peacemaking and nothing else.
Also look at it this way. If I were found out or if international players helping me for a ceasefire got information that I was shipping arms then my credibility would have been lost. Trust in me and the intentions of the LTTE would have been destroyed. Just imagine the Sri Lankan government’s position if it was discovered that I was playing a double game? All chances of a ceasefire would have been lost forever.
Q:Did this mean that the LTTE was not trying to ferry arms while you were working towards a ceasefire?
What I can say is that I was not doing or trying to do anything of the sort. But others may have been trying. You see with arms procurement and transport becoming difficult Prabhakaran had delegated such duties to some other divisions also. While Aiya was in charge of arms procurement the intelligence division under Pottu Amman, the international affairs division under Castro and Sea Tigers under Soosai were also delegated arms procurement duties. The situation was so desperate that Prabhakaran had put all these actors on to this stage. But still no progress was made.
Q: It looks like a case of too many cooks spoiling the soup. Do you think that you may have never let this situation develop had you been in charge all along?
Well I must say that arms procurement is not a simple thing like buying things over a counter. It is because of inexperienced eager people being entrusted with this task that some arrests were made like in Canada and the USA.
When Soosai, Sornam and later Prabhakaran spoke to me they did say that it was a mistake to have removed me from arms procurement and that these problems would not have occurred if I was in charge.
Though I was happy to hear that I doubt whether I could have managed to succeed under changed circumstances. With powerful countries monitoring movements like us in the global war against terrorism and the performance of a highly improved navy, I too may have found it difficult to procure and transport arms as required.
Q:Again let me ask you – were you trying for a ceasefire only to save the LTTE or was your commitment to peace deeper and really genuine?
I am glad you asked me this because I can speak openly about my change of heart. It was a slow process.
The time that I was out of the LTTE and leading a quiet life gave me time to give deep thought and reflect on things. I was also able to observe the world being transformed in the aftermath of September 11th 2001. Earlier they used to say one man’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. Now they were saying there is no good or bad terrorist. All are terrorists.
I realized that a movement like the LTTE could not continue to fight and survive in a changing environment. The whole world will gang up against us. Also after decades of conflict the Tamil people were suffering. They needed peace.
So I really thought we must negotiate and reach a political settlement. Bala annai and I were of the same mind in this. I tried to convince Prabhakaran also of this. He then said to negotiate we must have a ceasefire first. So I began working earnestly for a ceasefire as a first step for a negotiated peace
Q:But were you really hopeful of a ceasefire? Were you not fighting a lost battle? Looking back with the wisdom of hindsight what do you think?
At that time I was really hopeful about a ceasefire. I knew that somehow a ceasefire had to be brought about to save the lives of the LTTE leaders, cadres and innocent civilians caught in the middle.
Q:Did you not try to save the civilians by getting the LTTE to release them?
I did try at the start.
There was even an offer by the Americans to transport them by sea to Trincomalee. But the LTTE hierarchy was not agreeable. This attitude was most unfortunate and may appear as inhuman. I am not trying to condone or justify this action but when I reflect upon the past I think the LTTE leadership also had no choice. If they released the people first, then only the Tigers would be left there. Thereafter all of them could have been wiped out.
Q:Mao Ze Dong’s famous dictum about guerillas being the fish swimming in an ocean of people. If the ocean was drained the fish would flounder. So the fish wanted to retain the water?
Exactly. That is why I tried for a ceasefire so that everyone, the people and the fighters could be saved. But looking back now I think the LTTE leadership was too late in trying for a ceasefire. Had we tried in mid 2008 when the fighting was on the west of the A -9 highway there was a good chance of working out an agreement
But after Poonagary, Paranthan, Kilinochchi and Elephant pass fell the prospects of victory were imminent for the government. The pace of events was too fast. From their point of view, with outright victory in sight, it would have been stupid to go in for a ceasefire.
Q:Under these circumstances what did you do? What could you achieve?
I am essentially a worker. If given a responsibility I start doing it instead of finding reasons for not doing it. Also in this case it was a matter of life and death. I had to somehow work out a ceasefire and save the people, movement and leadership.So with the meagre funds at my disposal and the support of like-minded people I commenced my work. I was in touch with international political leaders, top bureaucrats, diplomats, opinion-makers of different countries and also high –ranking UN officials. I contacted some of them directly. Influential people contacted some others on my behalf.
In March 2009 I thought I had made a breakthrough but sadly Prabhakaran rejected the proposal.
Q:Was this the “lock-off” plan that was rejected by Prabhakaran in just three words? Could you elaborate please?
Well, Yes. I had a tentative plan with international endorsement. The LTTE was to lay down arms by hoarding them in specific locations. The words used were “lock –off”. That is arms particularly heavy weapons were to be locked off in specific places.
They were to be handed over to representatives of the UN. Afterwards there was to be a cessation of hostilities in which the people were to be kept in specific “no firing zones”. Negotiations were to be conducted between the Govt. and LTTE with Norwegian facilitation.
Tentatively about 25 to 50 top leaders with their families were to be transported to a foreign country if necessary. The middle level leaders and cadres were to be detained, charged in courts and given relatively minor sentences. The low-level junior cadres were to be given a general amnesty.
The scheme was to endorsed by the west including Norway, EU and the USA. The Americans were ready to send their naval fleet in to do evacuation if necessary
Q:Was the Sri Lankan government agreeable?
I don’t think there was any official intimation to Colombo but maybe they were sounded out informally. But the plan was never concretized because the main man concerned, Prabhakaran rejected it.
I had written an outline of the plan and sent it to him for approval. If he said “Proceed” I would have concretized it and started work on implementing it. But when I faxed the details in a 16-page memorandum he rejected the 16 pages in just three words “Ithai Etrukkolla Mudiyathu”(This is unacceptable) So. I had to drop it.
Q:Even if Prabhakaran had agreed to it, do you think the Govt would have complied given the fact that the armed forces were on the verge of annihilating the LTTE?
I don’t know. Most probably the Govt may not have obliged because it was on the verge of victory and would not have wanted to be deprived of it. But the point is that it was never concretized and submitted to the Govt. Given the situation the LTTE was in, Prabhakaran should have taken it.
Q:Why did Prabhakaran reject it then?
I don’t know I can only guess. It is too painful to dwell on it because he is no more and I will always be thinking “why didn’t he accept this opportunity”?
Q:But your attempts to save Prabhakaran did not stop did it? There was some talk of a helicopter rescue attempt?
Yes. That was another plan but that too did not materialize because of the non – cooperation of Nediyavan and his cohorts abroad. Whenever I think of the fate that befell Prabhakaran’s family I grieve and then silently curse Nediyavan and his people.
Q:Do you think you can relate what happened if it is not too painful for you or you think that it needs to be told?
It is painful but I do think our people must know the truth about this matter. Maybe speaking about it may give me emotional relief.
What happened was that in early May 2009, Prabhakaran’s eldest son Charles Anthony called me frantically. He calls me “KP Mama” or KP Uncle. Charles said that the situation was getting very bad and that I should somehow arrange to get his father, mother, sister and younger brother out to safety.
Q:What about Charles himself?
No he did not want to escape. Charles said he was ready to fight to the last and die if necessary. It was his family he was worried about.
I was very upset after talking to Charles. So I thought of a plan. I wanted to charter a ship and keep it ready in international waters way beyond the reach of the Sri Lankan navy. I wanted to buy a helicopter and get some of the trained LTTE air-wing pilots to fly it into the Wanni and pick up the family and bring them to the ship. Thereafter I had plans of keeping them safe in one of three countries.
Q:But would Prabhakaran have agreed to this?
I am not sure but after I had formulated a plan I got in touch with Charles and told him. I asked him whether his father would agree. Charles said he will try and make Prabhakaran agree but if he would not agree, I was to save his mother and two younger siblings.Knowing Prabhakaran I felt he would never try to escape with his family ,leaving others behind. But I thought the helicopter could take him and some others to a jungle somewhere first and land him safely. Then the helicopter could fly out with Madhivadhani, Duwaraga and Balachandran.
Q:What happened finally? Why did the plan not take off?
It’s a very sad story.
(THE THIRD AND FINAL PART OF THIS CONVERSATION WITH KP WILL CONCLUDE NEXT WEEK)
DBS Jeyaraj can be reached at djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
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