Sri Lankan envoy in Tel Aviv supports war agaianst Palestine by Israel
By David Negev
Sri Lankan ambassador: We back Israel's war on terror
Donald Perera, who served as Sri Lankan chief of staff during offensive that ended in Tamil rebels' surrender after more than 30 years, is enjoying a change of pace in Israel. In interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, he recalls seeing body of rebel leader Prabhakaran, says IDF needs public's support to successfully eradicate terror. 'Citizens must realize struggle will exact a heavy price,' he adds
Donald Perera saw the blood-soaked stretcher carrying the body of Velupillai Prabhakaran being transported through the jungle, but he was not calm. Air Chief Marshal Perera, the Sri Lankan chief of staff at the time, had been chasing after the leader of the Tamil Tiger rebels who had terrorized his country for over 30 years. He wanted to make certain that the lifeless body in front of him was indeed that of his long-time adversary.
"I asked to see his personal gun," recalls Perera. "I knew precisely what type of gun he was carrying, as well as its serial number. Only when I saw the number 001 did I realize that he had finally been taken out. I drove home, took off my uniform and told myself that now I can retire."
Perera, 60, has since been appointed Sri Lanka's ambassador to Israel. His wife, a military dentist, and his daughter, a university student, remained in Sri Lanka.
"I was familiar with Israel before coming here," he tells the Yedioth Ahronoth daily. "In the framework of my previous positions as air force commander and chief of staff, I had a great relationship with your military industries and with Israel Aerospace Industries.
"For years Israel has aided our war on terror through the exchange of information and the sale of military technology and equipment," says Perera.
"Our air force fleet includes 17 Kfir warplanes, and we also have Dabur patrol boats. Our pilots were trained in Israel, and we have received billions of dollars in aid over the past few years. This is why I asked to be assigned to Israel – a country I consider a partner in the war against terror. Many Sri Lankans admire Israel," says Perera, a native of the capital Colombo.
As chief of staff, Perera commanded over 240,000 soldiers. His greatest challenge was to crush the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), or Tamil Tigers, who since 1976 had fought to establish an independent Tamil homeland.
Guerilla forces led by rebel leader Prabhakaran eventually took over east as well as north Sri Lanka.
The Tamil Tigers was one of the first organizations to resort to suicide bombings. "They carried out attacks against soldiers, civilians, army officers, ministers, army bases, public buildings, planes and trains. Over the years they became more advanced and formed a naval and aerial force as well. At the height of its power, the organization's guerilla force numbered some 35,000 fighters," according to Perera.
Some of Perera's close associates were killed in these attacks, others were left handicapped. Perera was also targeted by the rebels. "I was supposed to fly a cargo plane from one of the air force bases. The plane was carrying dozens of military personnel. During take off I suddenly felt a strong thump. I brought the plane to a halt, and when I got off to see what had happened I found an RPG launcher that was used to fire a rocket at the aircraft. Luckily, it passed right by me," Perera says.
Since the incident, Perera changed his daily routine. "My army-issued vehicle would be part of a military convoy while I was driving my private car, wearing civilian clothes over my army fatigues," he says.
The Tamil terror became more and more extreme, culminating with assassination of Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Perera was appointed chief of staff in 2006, just as Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapksa decided to eradicate Tamil terrorism once and for all.
"We purchased military equipment from Pakistan, China, the US, Russia and of course Israel. The president told the nation we were headed for an uncompromising war. He explained that the price will be heavy, but called on the citizens to be patient and rally around the army. Then we got the green light to move with full force against the rebels," the ambassador recalls.
After rebel forces attempted to take over an important port in east Sri Lanka, Perera gave the order, and large army forces began pouring into the region while pushing the rebels northward. Some 7,000 people, including many army personnel, were killed during 11 months of fighting, he says.
"The victim's families understood we were fighting for an important cause – the future of their country," Perera says during the interview, conducted at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tel Aviv. "The opposition tried to persuade the citizens not to enlist in the army or support it, but it convinced no one. Everyone knew this struggle was important and that it would exact a heavy price, but after so many years of terror they were willing to pay the price."
Prabhakaran was killed on May 16, and a day later the LTTE announced its surrender. The 30-year battle against the Tamil Tigers claimed the lives of some 70,000 Sri Lankan citizens.
After noting the similarities between the Tamil Tigers and Hamas, Perera says Sri Lanka is a staunch supporter of Israel's fight against Palestinian terror. "No one wants bloodshed. The other side (Palestinians) should be offered direct negotiations, without preconditions, to determine its level of seriousness. These talks should focus on trying to reach a compromise that would allow both sides to sign an agreement," he says.
"In case the other side shows it is not interested in a compromise, (Israel) must move on to the military phase with full force. (The government) will have to explain to the citizens that (Israel) is headed for a long and difficult struggle that will exact a heavy price, but at the end of this struggle the country's situation will be much better," says the ambassador.
"Once you have the public's support, you should fight relentlessly until all of the terror hubs are destroyed. There is no going back."
Addressing the deadly May 31 commando raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish ship, Perera says, "As a military man I can understand that Israel had to protect itself. Due to Sri Lanka's vast experience in fighting terror, I can say that it will always support countries that also oppose (terror)."
Despite its warm relations with Israel, Sri Lanka has also managed to maintain close ties with the Jewish state's biggest threat – Iran. "Sri Lanka is a developing nation in need of assistance. Iran helps us in the civilian realm," he says. "As to the sanctions imposed on (Tehran), these things should be discussed in the different forums. The Sri Lankan government is in favor of imposing military – not civilian – sanctions."
Perera, who has already visited Jerusalem, Eilat, Haifa, Netanya and Jaffa, says life in Israel suits him just fine. "The people here are very warm, open and easy-going, but on the other hand they are successful in many fields, such as technology, agriculture and education.
Some 5,000 Sri Lankan nationals are currently working in Israel. "We rarely receive any complaints from them," says the ambassador. "They like working here."
Perera's wife and daughter are expected to join him in Israel in the coming months. "When they arrive, we will travel throughout the entire country. In the meantime, I recommend that Israelis visit Sri Lanka. We'll accept you with open arms."
Courtesy: Ynetnews
14 Comments
The interview shows the unprofessional statements of Ambassador (?) Perera. He has to think about the long history of bilateral ralation that Sri Lanka has been maintaining with Islamic world particularly with Palestine. Already Sri Lanka has lost the support of Malaysia and Pakistan from NAM for UN panel. The information of military assistance of Israel may anger Islamic countries. The serious statement of strong milliatory action against palestine factions is unthinkable in the present internatinal setup. He could have answered diplomatically to reflect the good bilateral relation with Israel while conveying our solidarity with Palestine.
It shows the fate of Sri Lanka’s Foreign policy and Diplomatic service. Who will correct them ???
Such irresponsible statements by Sri Lankan diplomats place the friendly ties we have with the Arab world as well as ICO on the line. Here we are asking the UN and western countries not to interfere in our affairs and our diplomutts are advising Israel to wipe out the Palestinians. Lets see if the Govt and Rajapakse take any action against this zionist.
Donald Perera's revealtions give further lessons to SL Diplomats recent past and now who takes anti West, Anti Israel stance.
In the contemporary world order, when the powerfulls apply the "game theory " for their strategic interests, the West or the East do not care the consequential plight of the minorities. The long march era, 1000 flowers bloom era, holocaust era, the world war2 and forming of UN era, I had a dream era and son, are all over.
This is a back room diplomacy of DIAMONDS CUT DAIAMONDS era. Thank you Donald Perera. Sooner or later the regime you represents have to undergo " cutting to size " process.
LOL! Donald claim's he's been MISQUOTED... not really a surprise when it comes to Israel's Media Propaganda...
Perhaps you people should hear HIS SIDE of the Story before FOAMING FROM THE MOUTH and jumping to conclusions....?
After noting the similarities between the Tamil Tigers and Hamas Perera says,
Sri Lanka is a staunch supporter of Israel's fight against Palestinian terror. "No one wants bloodshed. The other side (Palestinians) should be offered direct negotiations, without preconditions, to determine its level of seriousness. These talks should focus on trying to reach a compromise that would allow both sides to sign an agreement," he says.
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Let me conclude Donald Perera’s comparison for better understanding of the UN panel
Israel is a staunch supporter of Sri Lanka’s fight against Eelam terror. "No one wants bloodshed. The other side (Eelam citizens) should be offered direct negotiations, without preconditions, to determine its level of seriousness. These talks should focus on trying to reach a compromise that would allow both sides to sign an agreement," he probably says.
-An Eelam citizen
What is curious is diplomatic ties are a two-way Street. Here we have Donald Perera as our Ambassador in Tel Aviv. Where is the counter-part in Cbo? As far
as we know there is an Israeli Interests Section at the US Embassy/Colombo that takes care of Israeli matters. Or is there more to it than what meets the eye?
This "running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" perfidy is like the old
indigenous proverb of trying to hide the Elephant/Pumpkin in the Rice separater
(Malla/Sulagu) I fear for our Mid-east Tea market and the 800,000 workers there - an indispensable source of our foreign-exchange earnings.
ISS
Donald Duck has spoken. He is represent sri lankan govenment.
Now Muslim people of world knows sri lanka's true nature.
Israel exists because of USA which gives it annual support of funds and armaments.
To the Government:
kindly keep Airmen in the Air, Army firmly on the ground and Diplomats manning the missions overseas.
At this rate, that man G.L. Peiris may not have time to catch a wink of sleep!
The So called Envoy giving an impression that he was at the forefront of the battle. You cant blame him. But country knows who were the real contributors. No one speak about the share of the Sri Lanka Foregn Service in the overall battle. How they got the outfit banned during trying times facing any odds. These Gallery men in Diplomatic clad just need publicity. Thats the why they demonstrate such 'MARIAKKADE' Diplomacy.
What these parachuters fail to understand is that Diplomacy is not just English or Rhetorics aimed at some browny points. Its all about TACT. And Tact is something that one make his point without making an enemy. This is the Elementary lesson in the Art of Diplomacy.
With these kind of people around, how do we now expect the Islamic world who is the chunk of Non Aligned Movement would support our stance on Moons' Panel?? Now as usual we could say, Donald was misquoted or some thing. Damage is already done. Its hightime that Some damage control measure to be urgently done. The most easiest is to Cross post the novice to some place before anti Sri Lankan Elements cash in on the blunder.
Up to His Excellency thr Prezee.
The Palestinians are fighting for their lands from which they were forcibly removed by the White man.
It is up to the same people to force the Israelis to give back the lands that belonged to the Palestinians.
Nothing more nothing less.
Palestinians on the other hand must fight for their rights as a united front not the suicidal factional fighting that is evident for the last so many years.
Guss what. The beneficiary of this infighting is the White man and they want to keep it going as long as possible for obvious reasons.
Donald Perera's comments I am sure must be totally different to what has been reported as he is a sensible and brilliant Military Officer.
Ambassador is refecting the true face of Sri Lankan policy of killing people. Some officials like Perera tell the truth others talk diplomatically but truth is same. Sri Lankan government is blood thrusty.
Now it appears that Donald Perera never said any of these things. Mr.Perera's comments regarding above article are as follows.
A) Comments in the Israli newspaper is totally erroneous.
B) Regarding Palestine, Sri Lanka supports the position of Non-Aligned movement, ie, 'Palestine as an independent nation.' Who ever planted this article is now exposed. Full stop.
Come on dear chap Arvinda. Don't you know the ruling elite are nothing but a bunch of congenital liars - inter alia. The Duck is nothing compared to what I saw of the exchange of letters of one of our "diplomuts" in Malaysia. The ex-uniformed guy now presumes he is at the top of the universe in terms of wisdom and shoots 10-page letters in even in respect of minor matters - where a single line is what
Vernon Mendis would have suggested.
The country has not merely gone to the dogs. From there it has gone to the cats and then to the rats.
As a friend of mine told me "Rata ballangen dheng poosata geela; ethinin miyonge athata geella" Buddy, what we are seeing now is nothing different to Zombie Jamboree. Believe me, we are yet to see the worst of it. Tightening your seat belts ain't gonna help.
ISS