Rajapakse snubs Manmohan Singh by refusing to declare ceasefire and commence negotiations
by Special Correspondent in New Delhi
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse delivered a direct snub to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by rejecting a proposal to declare an immediate ceasefire and begin efforts towards a negotiated political settlement.
When both leaders met in New Delhi the Indian Premier presented a copy of a unanimous resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu state legislative assembly that called for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of negotiations.
[Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeting President Mahinda Rajapakse in New Delhi, Nov 13, 2008]
Rajapakse however rebuffed Singh's "diplomatically" couched request for ceasefire - negotiations and instead asserted that the war would continue till the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was vanquished and "terrorism" eradicated.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also urged Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to “ensure at all costs” the safety and welfare of the Tamil community.
Conveying the entire content of the resolution passed on Nov 12th by the Tamil Nadu Assembly on the situation in northern Sri Lanka, Dr. Singh emphasised the need for a negotiated settlement to the conflict within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the need to adhere to the joint statement on fishing arrangements agreed upon by both sides during the recent visit of Sri Lankan President’s special envoy, Basil Rajapaksa, to ensure that no Indian fisherman was killed.
Mr. Rajapaksa gave an assurance that his Navy was exercising the utmost restraint and that Sri Lanka was committed to the joint statement.
The Prime Minister referred to the 2,000 tonnes of food and other relief material being sent by the government of Tamil Nadu for distribution to the internally displaced persons (IDP) in northern Sri Lanka. The consignment is being transported and coordinated by the government of India.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who was present, also stressed the need for a negotiated settlement and desired regular supply of food and other items to civilians and IDPs affected by the conflict. He also emphasised the need for further devolution of power to the provinces and full implementation of the 13th Amendment.
Mr. Rajapaksa said he was committed to a negotiated settlement and urged the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to lay down arms before talks could be held. He assured the Prime Minister that all efforts were being made to ensure the safety of civilians and IDPs in conflict areas and food supply to the affected Tamil population was continuing uninterrupted.
Mr. Rajapaksa acknowledged India’s concern for the well-being of Tamil civilians caught in the battle between the armed forces and the LTTE, but said Colombo wanted to finish off the militant outfit before initiating political talks.
“We must eradicate terrorism first. We can’t pass this on to the next generation,” Mr. Rajapaksa observed. At the same time,. “We assure you. We assured the Prime Minister [Dr. Singh] and the entire world that we will look after the Tamils. Nothing will happen to them. We are looking after our people. It is my duty,” Mr. Rajapaksa told journalists after the meeting with Dr. Singh.
The Sri Lankan Government also issued a separate communique about the Singh - Rajapakse talks
Given below is the full text of the press release issued by the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi:
President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh of India had a bilateral meeting on 13th November, on the margins of the Second BIMSTEC Summit being held on that same day in New Delhi. They were assisted in their discussion by their respective Foreign Ministers, Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama and Mr. Pranab Mukherjee.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for President Rajapaksa having sent to Delhi at the end of last month as a Special Envoy his Senior Advisor and Member of Parliament, Mr. Basil Rajapaksa. The Prime Minister added that the discussions on that occasion had been most constructive and that he valued the facilitatory arrangements expeditiously put in place by the Government of Sri Lanka, for the distribution of relief to the civilian population in the affected Districts of the Northern Province.
Having taken note of the Resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu State Assembly on 12th November 2008 calling for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasized that he and his administration have always been for a political solution.
However, it is the LTTE that repeatedly violated its obligations and embarked on a path of conflict and terror. Moreover, it is necessary to be mindful of the LTTE's past track record of using a ceasefire in order to re-group and re-arm, with no intention of a political solution. Accordingly, the Government will engage in discussions only if the LTTE lays down its arms first, thereby preventing the resumption of a another round of terrorism, as has always happened in the past.
President Rajapaksa emphasized that the Tamil people are very much a part of his responsibilities as the Head of State and Government and that he would take all measures for their safety, security and welfare. He pointed out in this regard that he had invited all opposition political parties to meet with him for a discussion on the situation. All had responded, with the exception of the TNA.
President Rajapaksa used the opportunity to brief his Indian counterpart on the current positive developments in the Eastern Province and the progressive empowerment of the provincial administration. He added that similarly democracy would be revitalized in the North as well through the electoral process, once that area is liberated from the terror of the LTTE.
Even at the present consultations were going ahead with the Commissioner of Elections on holding Municipal Council elections in Jaffna.
The two Leaders also had an useful discussion on the bilateral cooperation currently underway between India and Sri Lanka, including in the field of energy and power generation and in particular the progress being made in setting up of the NTPC - CEB Power Plant in Sampur in the Eastern Province.
26 Comments
Stopping the war is not a major issue, but saying that political process will start only after LTTE is finish is the issue. Because finishing LTTE may take years and by the time Srilanka can turn into another Somalia.
Sri Lanka is waging (North) India’s proxy war on Tigers. Why is there so much support in Tamil Nadu for a ceasefire while there is deafening silence in New Delhi?
The Indian Premier presenting a full copy of the Tamil Nadu’s resolution to Mahinda was mere eyewash; an attempt to appease Tamil Nadu; to show that he has tried something. For his effort most Tamils will give Mr Singh nil points. Tamil Nadu response is likely to be explosive.
I don't know when and how our country has become a state of India. It's not their responsibility to look after the Tamils.
It's the LTTE terrorists who has created hell there in Wanni in blocking the safe passage for innocent Tamil people. Other thing is that this LTTE monster was created by the Indian Government and they have already paid the price when LTTE chief Prabha killed Sri Rajive Gandhi through a sucide bomb. Remember, next time they will tuch you.
Let President Rajapakse finish the LTTE.
Why say the Indian Prime Minister was snubbed? The indian prime minister presented a copy of TAMIL NADU resolution (NOT Indian Resolution), and the President explained the present policy of the Sri Lankan Government.
Who wants to give a break for the terrorists? If the intention is to give relief to Tamil People, it can be done via Red Cross, as India opted to do. This is true democrazy.
Dear 2ndClassTamil,
Kindly ask your first Class Tamils to stop discriminating you. The crux of the matter is so called High caste tamils discriminating low caste tamils for decades. This is the truth. But no sinhalese politician has the guts to say it in public. Sinhalese do not discriminate tamils. Tamils suffer at the hands of their own people. If the Brahamins in Jaffna treat their low caste people as brothers, this problem will be over in a day. So please do not blame the sinhalese.
The premise/logic behind the declared conclusion of this article -- Rajapakse snubs Manmohan Singh -- seems tenuous in the extreme. The stated facts don't seem to warrant that conclusion.
Furthermore, if indeed the Indian PM felt snubbed there are inbumerable ways in which he can signal his displeasure. Is there any evidence of such signaling?
India should have exerted pressure. When SL govt needs help they run to India. If SL govt is looking after the tamils why are they coming to India as refugees.
What's wrong with the Indian Government's attitude towards Sri Lanka? What type of right did the State Assembly of Tamilnadu have to pass resolutions against another sovereign country?
Remember this time people of Sri Lanka has rallied around President Rajapakse to crush the LTTE terrorists. Without crushing them,our country has no future. They have killed our beloved leaders,not only Sinhalese but also Tamils, including President Premadasa, Ministers Lalith, Gamini, Kadiragamar and Neelan. Would you plan to let the LTTE terrorists add some more to this list? They have killed enough civilians and created blood-bath everywhere. They have blown up buses loaded with our mothers and childern. So, don't try to give lifeline to this dying terror outfit. What I want from you is to get ready for last rites for LTTER terror chief Prabha who murdered one of your Prime Ministers, Rajive Gandhi.
Manmohan Singh must tell the tamil Nadu assembly that they should mind their own affairs in Tamil nadu as India is a nation respecting the rights of another sovereign nation Sri lanka to manage their own internal affairs.
LTTE terrorists must lay down the weapons before any ceasefire or peacetalks. Also some intelligent educated Tamils not illiterate maniacs, barbers, constables and TNA stooges with self-allocated titles.
What we fail to understand is that the Tamils have tried all peaceful means for twenty years to no amicable settlement.
The Tamils faced the worst form of terrorism from the sinhala governments - both parties, and repeatedly for the twenty years.
It was as a result of all this that the LTTE finally formed.
Who is to blame?
Down with Indian colonialism and imperialism. The great Indian of all times Lal Bahadur Shastri was murdred by the Third Eye. It is time to dismantle the British Made India and its Empire.
Is it a democretics process? I understand that Mr. Manmohan sing is a just spoke person behafe of Mrs.Sonia Gandi and the congrass party India or the supper power of Asia,,,,,,,,,,
Manmohan Sing and TamilNaadu should worry about how they treat their Dalets (untochables) Christians and low cast people like Tamils befor they worry about Sri Lanka. India trained and supported LTTE and got beaten badly by them (PKF) now let Sri Lanka who can, get rid of terrorism.
Sri Lanka now got a president with a clear objectives, i.e. until LTTE is defeated there is no point of ceasefire and resume negotiaon. He has communicated these objectives to everybody in the world. He is not scared of external influences. This is very good.
Praphakaran has also got clear objectives. i.e. Tamil seperate country. Until it is achieved he/LTTE continues the war.
This is not Rocket science.
Any 15 year old kid living in Sri Lanka irrespective of race, religion, political or any other backgriound undestands it.
Therefore there are only two solutions.
1 Create a seperate country as Tamiland or Ealam in the North and Sri Lanka in the south.
2 Defeat LTTE and implement 13, 14, any other ammendment or solution that Sinhalese/Tamil/Muslims can agree within the united Sri Lanka.
I would challenge anybody who says that there would be any other 3rd solution by negotiating with LTTE.
lalith
If tamilnadu and India are so much concerned about Tamils in SL why dont they ask them to come and settle down in India????
Hats off to MR for standing up to his convictions by not declaring a ceasefire at the cohersion of big bully India. Its high time these Indians are told when to get off & MR has acted in true Srilankan style. India please do mind your own business & do not try to meddle in the Internal affairs of another country. Its as if India itself is not embroiled in various forms of Terrorism & secular unrest in their own backyard.
Nadesan, the LTTE IGP and Spokesman, categorically states they are for a negotiated settlement preceded by a ceasefire. He reiterates this has been the position of the LTTE many a times previously.
But this has been eclipsed in a maze of Sinhala chauvinist media hype and propaganda that continues to feed the gullible Sinhala south with the news Tigers are dead against peaceful dialogue. The Sinhala-English media in the South find the war commercially more remunerative than peace and so obscure out all Tamil voices in support of peace. One can understand the perfidy of GoSL in this regard but what about India and the international community? Why did they not pressure GoSL to take the LTTE on their offer of talks?
Of course, between the two GoSL will prefer the war option - that alone keeps it alive (I am not alone in this but Ranil, the JVP, the Tamil parties and many in the country). Think for a moment what would happen to this profligate, bankrupt Govt if there was no war.
The Cost of Living and ubiquitous corruption will bring them down within a fortnight. The war has merely been a tool of convenience for Sinhala political leaders to switch from one political entity to the other. Look at that mediocrite left-hander Mangala Samaraweera - who fattened himself from 1994 until he was pushed out by Bros Inc. He made that parasite Bogollogama look like a novice when it comes to fleecing the public's meagre resources.
He was one of the biggest war-mongers during his ministerial days and now wants to fool the people as having transmogrified into a peace dove. If Pakistan's Zardari is Mr Tenpercent Mangala S is Mr Fifty-percent. That nondescript nymphet Anarkali Akarsha (what an Iranian name for a Sinhala lass?)is said to over cost over Rs2 million per month when she worked as Samaraweera's Pvt Secy with the ministry picking all of her private bills. This is the sincerity of our leaders in the pursuit of peace. There is no decent politician around who can bring us the peace and the recipe for some form of average subsistent development. The generation of 1956 to the present is gone.
One can only pray our generation thereafter will be fortunate to see unity, peace and prosperity. Unless, of course, India is presented with sufficient provocation she can convince the world with to enforce a Cyprus-like surgery for which the likes such as the ignorant Buddhist monks, Sarath Fonseka, Minister Ranawake, Nalin de Silva, Gunadasa Amarasekera and Co are laying the wicket for (if you will permit me some cricket parlance) We miscalculated the Indo-Lankan problem during Madame Indira's time and we are miscalculating again - as the continued heat in Tamilnadu shows. It was not a snub, as
I see, from MR to Dr Manmohan Singh but what India would exact as quid pro quo for MR's refusal to yield what Basil reportedly promised. MR will very likely engage no different fate than SWRD who tried to run an achcharu Govt of political purposes with violent and cross purposes. As Mao was to point out there is very little chance of political stablility and survival in a regime of clear contradictions.
Dear Jagath,
Thanks to the LTTE, cast has very much become a non-issue in Tamil society. Maybe in another 3 decades (with the passing away of the older generation) it would vanish completely. This is the fate of sexism too. The Sinhala south could do well to emulate the north and get rid of the Karawa, Durawa and Salagama casts (originally acquired from south India).
Talking about discrimination, I think I know a thing or two about it (as once upon a time I happened to be a Head of a Department in Sri Lanka). If things are different now, as you say, I don’t see it reflected in politics. They still fear devolution, let alone self-determination.
80% of the process to crush terrorists is done. SL is capable of crushing the rest. India needs to mind their own bussiness.
“Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh urged Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to “ensure at all costs” the safety and welfare of the Tamil community.” It is a joke. It is India that is conducting a proxy war in Srilanka .The negligence and negative approaches shown by the International Community towards the Tamil cause in Sri Lanka and towards the Tamil Diaspora are allegedly more due to the Indian attitude than due to pressure from the Colombo government.
Where is India's concern for over 50 000 Indian Christians who were made homeless by extremists Hindu mobs? Where is India's concern for the hundreds of millions of Dalits who are still burnt alive in villages? Where is India's concern for all the thousands of Muslims killed in the pogroms in Gujarat? Where is India's concern for her own people?
If MR or anyone else thinks that they can eradicate the LTTE they are dreaming, and is wishful thinking.Super powers have struggled & are struggling in Iraq,Afghanistan,VietNam,Pakistan,Congo,Somalia,Sudan,Palestine,Columbia & various other spots in the world. I do not think that the hawkish Sri Lankan regime can defeat the LTTE.The LTTE have been in similar situations in the past.They will go underground & surface to fight another day.The Govt of Sri Lanka claims that there is peace in the East. Is there? Everyday there are people being murdered & going missing. The Govt of Sri Lanka should first make life easier & better for the Tamil people of the East, Jaffna & the hill country for a start & get the ordinary innocent people onto their side.
Crocadile tears of Indian leaders for SL tamils!! In SL only 7% of the population is below the poverty line while in India it is 59%.!!.They never feel sorry about their own population who die of hunger.These politicians are the ones who created, armed,trained and nutured LTTE by giving them arms and training when Indira was PM.When SL army cornered LTTE leader Indian army air lifted him to Soth India and he ended up killing Rajiv.!!These disgusting leaders now say how to govern SL to SL leaders.Try to catch the moon while more than half of the country have nothing to eat.SL is unfortunate that it has this bullying and harassing neighbour.But one good thing is Indian population has nothing to do with these power hungry and greedy politicians.
President Rajapakse snubbing the Indian Prime Minister would be similar to the Prime Minister of, for instance, Barbados in the Carribean snubbing the U.S. President.
Such antics may warm the cockles of a segment of the people in Barbados, but Barbados will not gain anything from such antics. It is time that Sri Lankans of all communities woke up to the fact that President Rakapakse, in the face of grave problems in the country, is continuing to simply play politics and not deal with the pressing problems in the country.
There is a reference in this thread to Karawe, Durawe, and Salagama. I understand that quite a number of the foot soldiers in the Sri Lankan army belong to these, and similar castes. Could this be why the GoSL is willing to continue sacrificing the lives of our soldiers, in addition to sacrificing the lives of scores and scores of innocent Tamil civilians?
President Rajapakse must come to grips with the fact that only mediation and a ceasefire can move forward the now non-existent peace process.
Hi, As a good prime minister of India, Mr.Manmohan singh should inform the people of India about what he had spoken to Mr.Rajapakse. People of India should be informed about the pacts signed between the Indian government and the Srilankan government.
Not a single word in the pact should be hidden. There should not be any secrecy behind, because it will affect humanity, and indirectly supports a government playing terrorism.
We Indians are responsible for the massacre of huge Tamil brothers and sisters. Dr.Singh you are just a spokesperson for Ms.Gandhi.Ms.Gandhi want my srilankan Tamils to be died bcoz she thinks that ltte was responsible for her husband's death.LTTE could be a reason for Mr.Gandhi's death but she should know what her husband did by sending the peacekeeping force to lanka. Mr.Karunanidhi also another person who is also responsible for this massacre. He did not take any effort to stop this war,while he was interested in getting the minister for the post for his party.Tamil Guys let us think about it.