|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 25th February 2004
|
April 2 is the Day of the Meritorious. Providing such a day is timely,
because as much as for lovers on Valentine's Day, the meritorious in our country
too should have a special day for them. Much merit is due to the Constitution and
the electoral system for enabling this day.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 18th February 2004
|
It was reported the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake intends to hold fresh
elections for polling stations where polls malpractices have occurred and not to announce
the election results of that district or the entire
election results until the fresh elections in affected polling stations are
completed. This will be the first time such a procedure will be followed.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 11th February 2004
|
There is a Persian saying that individuals receive the leadership they deserve.
And having got such leadership they have definite duties and responsibilities to perform.
According to it rulers have a duty to solve problems common to a nation without delay.
If a leader hems and haws on vital issues the country and the nation will invariably suffer.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 4th February 2004
|
The Tamil Net website had reported that the LTTE was against the Defence Pact between
Sri Lanka and India. It is well known that despite being initially helped and nurtured by India,
the Tigers in their characteristic style, hit back, killing Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 28th January 2004
|
When will the scourge of strikes, fasts protests and picketing end?
The helpless public remains severely inconvenienced by these trade union actions.
The continuous strike by the Health Service Trade Union Alliance and the strike by
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 21st January 2004
|
People's aspirations are being talked about in public in very serious and rhetoric
language these days. But the sad fact remains that a large majority of politicians from
1948 failed to recognize people's aspirations in the true sense.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 14th January 2004
|
The serious charges leveled against sons of two Ministers has now become sensational
news as gross misbehaviour and lawlessness among sons of Ministers has been on the increase.
In this instance these sons were involved in a fracas at a popular night club of a leading hotel
in Colombo.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 7th January 2004
|
The SAARC was formed in 1985 jointly by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal
and the Maldive Islands in the South Asian Region. From then on, this organization undertook
many development activities in the region. But when compared to the EU and ASEAN, nothing much
has been achieved.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 24th December 2003
|
Apart from the ethnic conflict, now religions conflict too is taking place in the
country. The recent incidents that took place in Puttalam and Wattala are
glaring examples of religious conflict. In a multi-racial country like
ours, such division is not a healthy sign for the future.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 17th December 2003
|
Murderers in this country are not afraid of the gallows. This is because former President
J.R. Jayewardene under his so called "Dharmista" society suspended the death sentence
indefinitely. Even President Premadasa did not think of canceling this suspension,
despite headless bodies and bodiless heads being left on waysides during a period of unbridled
violence earlier.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 10th December 2003
|
As the Human Rights Day is celebrated today, it is imperative to draw attention to
the fact that respect for Human Rights was legally included in our 1978 Constitution.
However, it has to be admitted that violations of Human Rights occurred mostly during the 1980 decade.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 3rd December 2003
|
Those who profess privatization as a panacea for all ills do not admit that worldwide
privatization has failed to yield expected results. As for us in Sri Lanka the
private bus strike alone is sufficient to make us realize this un-debatable fact.
The shameless and most unconscionable strike, which spread island wide was in fact
a violation of the Human Rights of bus commuters.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 26th November 2003
|
Though the Constitutional crisis has subsided to some extent due to allowing the
presentation of the budget, both parties have still not reached a common
agreement. The Speaker's statement regarding the prorogation ofParliament
has further complicated the issue.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 19th November 2003
|
The great disappointment felt by the people about this state of affairs
finally has given hope as it was decided at yesterday's meeting between
President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to
appoint a joint official committee to take the peace process forward.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 12th November 2003
|
While the main issue faced by the country and the nation has come to a head, we continue to indulge in the
usual pastime of our political bickering, trading accusations and insults at each other. The Government's
stand on the LTTE proposals and that of other parties vary to a great extent. The JVP considers these
proposals as meant to create a separate State. The Sihala Urumaya also considers them a complete
sell out ending up in a separate state.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 5th November 2003
|
Party conflicts can be solved through discussions and the opportunity has now arisen to do this.
The Interim self-Governing Authority for North-East has been placed by the LTTE before the Government.
All parties should hold talks on this issue. But the Opposition PA and the JVP are only trying to mount
opposition against the Government and the LTTE in a manner as to pep up communal feelings.
The US has requested both sides to start talks.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 29th October 2003
|
Yesterday it was reported that the business community in Jaffna had issued a communiqué
that it was not possible for its members to continue paying taxes and extortion money to the LTTE.
Even Tamil businessmen in Colombo had to pay these monies to the LTTE at various times.
The businessmen in the North who failed to pay these taxes and extortion money were subjected
to various forms of harassment and torture and even death.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 22nd October 2003
|
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's latest visit to India has strengthened relations between
Sri Lanka and India and paved the way for an economic agreement. He has told India that
Sri Lanka needs India's helping hand and that it will not by pass India and act of its own on political matters.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 15th October 2003
|
President Chandrika Kumaratunge has told during discussions with the Prime Minister of Singapore
that it is a great victory that the two main political parties in Sri Lanka share the common stand
that the only solution for the ethnic issue is not war but discussion.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 8th October 2003
|
A Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms has been appointed to examine and
make necessary recommendations on reforms to the existing electoral system to Parliament.
Prior to 1978, elections were held on the first past the post basis, but thereafter, elections
are being conducted on the Proportional Representation (PR) system.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 1st October 2003
|
Today is World's Childrens' Day as well as Elders' Day. The UN Charter on Children
has clearly declared 10 undeniable rights of children. One of these is that anyone
under 18 years of age should not be engaged in labour. In Sri Lanka too, there
are many laws and Institutions concerning the rights of children.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 24th September 2003
|
President Chandrika Kumaratunge has sent a letter to Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremesinghe last week stating that there is imminent danger to the
country by the LTTE and that the Government is keeping mum. She has stated in
that letter that the Trincomalee Harbour and the Naval Base will be
captured by the LTTE if another war starts.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 17th September 2003
|
It was reported that Tigers had severely protested against the National Sports Festival scheduled
to be held at the Duraiyappah Stadium in Jaffna. This is extremely unfortunate since
Minister Johnstan Fernando had planned to hold this festival as a measure of good will to
the people in the North and also give an opportunity to the school children in the North
to participate in such an important sports event and display their talents.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 10th September 2003
|
After holding talks with the UNF Government for six months the Sub-committee on Immediate Humanitarian and
Rehabilitation Needs (SIHRN) was created. But it did not yield any results. The LTTE is fully aware of
this situation and has prepared its counter proposals, which will serve as a base for future political solutions.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 3rd September 2003
|
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said at a religious ceremony in Kadawatha that the first stage of peace
talks has ended and we have now come to a serious stage. We greatly appreciate this candid statement since the
Prime Minister has not only indicated that he was aware of the reality of the situation but has also considered
it necessary to inform the public about it.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 29th August 2003
|
What Army Chiefs in the North-East said during the war was that indiscriminate arrests and harassments were the orders of the day.
Apart from the destruction by war, there were Army excesses, which resulted in destroying of property. Armed forces occupied
whatever buildings at their whims and fancies. Such activities on the part of armed forces have not ceased even during the
present ceasefire.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 26th August 2003
|
The tense situation, which prevails in the East is being used by certain extremist and racist political
parties such as the JVP and the Sihala Urumaya. President Chandrika Kumaratunga seems to have given support
to these unwarranted and most untimely efforts by saying that two separate Governors should be appointed
to the North and East.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 22nd August 2003
|
Killings, violence and power struggles are cropping up in the East, seriously affecting the Tigers' inner meeting in Paris. The tension caused by incidents in Muttur
and Sammanthurai is being intensified by daily happenings in the Eastern
Province.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 19th August 2003
|
The Tigers' are studying the Government's proposals for an interim administration for
the North-East deeply and experts are expected to assemble in Paris to finalize the LTTE's counter proposals.
The LTTE's participation in future peace talks will depend on the type of response Southern
Sri Lanka will indicate to the Tigers' proposals.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 15th August 2003
|
Prevention of Ministers visiting Jaffna has become a big issue now. Ministers trying to visit Jaffna are trading blame on each other
for stopping their visits. The Vali North Displaced Persons Federation has said , in a statement that it is not going to permit any
Minister to visit Jaffna until barriers to the displaced persons to undertake normal life are removed.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 12th August 2003
|
The Jaffna Teaching Hospital is functioning amidst several shortcomings. However, the hospital has the distinction of serving
fairly well under unimaginable odds during the war. The people of Jaffna expect to obtain up to date services during the
present time when the war has ceased and the shortcomings at the hospital are being eased gradually.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 8th August 2003
|
At a time when efforts are being made to find a permanent solution to the ethnic issue, the peace efforts
are being used in the south to unleash a communal hurricane. As a result, the Tamil speaking people
and peace lovers among the Sinhalese are fearing that such activities might lead to a destruction
like that of Black July of 1983, once again.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 5th August 2003
|
The complaints and confessions made by the Tamils in the police stations are
not recorded in Tamil. This shortcoming is existing for a long time. As a
result, the people who do not know Sinhalese have to undergo immense
difficulties. In the North-East the Tamils are living in a majority.
In some police stations complaints are registered in Tamil.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 1st August 2003
|
Yesterday, it was reported in the the news that a well planned and meticulously executed effort is being made
to sully the good name of Sri Lanka among the international community. It has to be stressed that when compared
with the situation, which existed in our country before the ceasefire agreement, the conditions are so much improved and safe.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 29th July 2003
|
Discussions about the peace process in the country have taken a new turn with the LTTE pulling out of peace talks.
Anyone indulging in discussions on this new trend should do so with great amount of attention to facts and all
implications and not based on superficially seen matters which could be so misleading.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 25th July 2003
|
Although President Chandrika Kumaratunga was scheduled to address the nation last Wednesday, it was postponed.
As declared by the Presidential Secretariat this postponement was due to the difference between the Government's
proposals for Interim Administration to the North and East released to media, and what was sent to the LTTE.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 22nd July 2003
|
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said at Polonnaruwa recently that his Government
will make not only the P.A. but all other political parties as well, to join as partners of peace,
which will be achieved after seeking their views.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 18th July 2003
|
Notwithstanding the massive support given by the international community
for the peace initiatives in this country local events are not ensuring a
successful ushering in of peace. However, the decision by donors to base
their aid on progress made on the ground will no doubt be an encouragement
to an active pursuit of objectives in the peace process.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 15th July 2003
|
Attempts are being made at various levels to establish peace in the country. But another section is working against it.
Due to the war that was going on for two decades, the majority of the people in the North-East have become refugees in
foreign countries.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 11th July 2003
|
Both the Government and LTTE are firm in their conviction not to go for war again. However, the Government's efforts towards peace are less vibrant after the Tokyo Aid Group Meeting than when it started its peace initiatives.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 8th July 2003
|
The LTTE has insisted that the war-ravaged North-East should be rebuilt
through an interim administration. Only such an administrative arrangement
can bring prosperity to the North-East and proper administration in those
areas. The UNF Government is now aware that constitutional and
administrative restrictions have prevented the implementation of decisions
taken at six rounds of peace talks with the LTTE.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 4th July 2003
|
It is due to political parties struggling for power on national issues without
trying to find a consensus on vital issues affecting the country that has
made international countries to interfere into the affairs of this country.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 1st July 2003
|
The issue about Tigers establishing a training camp at Manirasakulam, Kinniya, in Trincomalee has created a grave problem since
this is a Government controlled area, as shown by army officials. But the LTTE has said that this area has been under its control
for nearly 10 years.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 27th June 2003
|
Before his visit to Britain, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met President Chandrika Kumaratunga
to inform her about the prevailing situation on the peace talks and exchanged ideas. He also briefed
her about the interim administrative structure proposals for the North-East and that it will be sent
to the LTTE for their comment and observation.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 24th June 2003
|
Tigers have mastered the silent type of war which is being effectively waged today while
the loud war they conducted has stopped for now. Dehiwela police Intelligence chief, Inspector Sunil Thabrew
is the latest victim of this silent war which is conducted by the Tiger pistol gang.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 20th June 2003
|
The whole country wants peace. The UNF Government, which wanted to avoid the war
and find a political solution to the ethnic issue through discussions is faltering now.
The two major parties in this country, which have been engaged in
anti-peace activities are at loggerheads today in the midst of peace initiatives.
This conflict is intensifying daily and the coffin incident in Parliament is a good example
of how intensified this is.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 17th June 2003
|
Difficulties were envisaged in the path of peace initiatives from the
very beginning of peace initiatives. The controversy over the sinking of the
LTTE ship in the seas off Mullaitivu recently has not been resolved as yet,
with the two parties trading accusations about the responsibility for the sinking.
The LTTE has charged that this is a plot by the Navy to scuttle the peace process.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 13th June 2003
|
Despite various criticisms made about the Tokyo Aid Meeting it has proved to be a resounding
success since Sri Lanka has received an unprecedented amount of aid from the leading and
powerful countries and monetary agencies.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 10th June 2003
|
There is no sign that a peaceful solution can be found to the interim administration issue.
As a result of the Government's failure to do so, the LTTE refused to participate at
the Aid Group Meeting held in Tokyo.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 6th June 2003
|
The special delegation of the European Union has stressed to the LTTE that it should essentially participate in the Tokyo aid conference.
They have also emphatically told LTTE Political Wing Leader S.P. Thamilchelvam that the agreement reached to find a political solution to
recreate a united Sri Lanka should not be breached at any cost.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 3rd June 2003
|
Sri Lanka is today in the situation of a county that faces death on three fronts. On
the one hand, there is all the tragedy caused by the recent natural calamity
of floods and landslides. On another is the power struggle between the
Legislature and the Executive, while on the third is the impasse by the LTTE on the issue of an interim administration.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 30th May 2003
|
The LTTE had asked the government for an Interim Administration to speed up the rehabilitation
and reconstruction work in the North and East. Responding to this, and instead of an Interim
Administrative structure, the government has offered the establishing of a special institution,
which will be tasked with the responsibility of carrying out reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in these areas.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 27th May 2003
|
LTTE leaders went to areas affected by the recent floods and landslides in Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara and Matara Districts
to distribute flood relief to victims of the recent floods and landslides in those areas. They even visited Matara,
which is considered to be a JVP fortress. They were given a rousing welcome by the people of affected areas.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 23rd May 2003
|
Leaders of the LTTE have put forward a proposal to establish an Interim administration structure to
rehabilitate the North and East. LTTE Chief Negotiator and Leader of team for peace talks,
Dr. Anton Balasingham, has written to Vidar Helgessen, Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister
about this and said that the returning of the LTTE to the negotiating table and the donor
confab in Tokyo will depend on the response shown by the Government to this proposal.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 20th May 2003
|
In the midst of a political turmoil, nature has also caused serious devastation
in the form of floods, landslides and damage to property. Flood victims are
clinging on to rooftops and branches of trees while rescue and refugee
operations involving officials headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are on the way.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 13th May 2003
|
The decision taken by President Chandrika Kumaratunga to take over the Development Lotteries
Board has created a political crisis as well as confusion in the country. Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremesinghe has said that the reasons cited by the President for her action have not been
decided upon by the government.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 9th May 2003
|
It has all along been the practice in Sri Lankan politics to talk, decide and
dilly dally in implementing decisions taken. Whatever pacts and agreements
reached were not implemented in the past and Tamil political leaders were cheated. The
LTTE which is mindful of this is standing firm in its demand that decisions
taken so far be implemented before the LTTE comes back for peace talks.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 6th May 2003
|
The diplomatic community is trying to steady the peace moves which are dragging on today. But communal forces
in the South are trying to prevent this unprecedented support of the international community for the peace initiatives.
These disruptions are cropping up by finding fault with the Government and the LTTE. President Chandrika Kumaratunga,
going a step above political manoeuvres, is using the sovereignty of the country and its security as reasons to find
fault with the Government in its peace initiatives.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 3rd May 2003
|
A World Hindu conference is being held in Sri Lanka after about 20 years.
This country which has a heritage of the Hindu religion and culture is ideally
suited for such a conference. It will also serve as a balm to minds troubled by wars and
conflicts in recent times. Religions guide people who are usually troubled
by conflicts and turmoil, which they see around them. Today marks a great
event in this country where Hinduism has great acceptance among its people.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 26th Apr 2003
|
The LTTE's decision to withdraw from the peace talks has made us to review
the Socio-Political situation in this country today. In whatever way the forces
opposed to peace analyze this situation, the wish of the common people is peace.
Even the enemies of the present Government's peace efforts now say that the crisis
in the North should be solved by way of discussions.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 19th Apr 2003
|
Following revelations that the large amount of information supplied to
Government by the State Intelligence Divisions have been false, the
Government has decided to re-structure the Intelligence Divisions.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 12th Apr 2003
|
This time, the Tamil and Sinhala New Year dawns at a time not quite auspicious
from the point of view of world peace. While the local war situation has eased mercifully
enough due to the ongoing peace process the entire world scene is under severe threat
of another war, which has created hatred and conflict among nations.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 29th Mar 2003
|
The people of Jaffna are faced with the threat of a massive army base in
the Jaffna town similar to the one at Palaly. The army is at present
converting the Jaffna Esplanade and
the Fort in the Jaffna Beach into a large army camp.
This activity could very well develop into a full fledged army base.
This is the fear gripping the Jaffna man today.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 22nd Mar 2003
|
The sixth round of peace talks took place in Japan amidst tension.
The attack and destruction of the LTTE ship in the Mullaitivu seas
had made peace talks doubtful. But with high political diplomacy
the LTTE participated in the sixth round of talks. This has increased
the stature of the LTTE at the international level.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 15th Mar 2003
|
Desperate efforts are being made to derail the next round peace talks in Japan.
The first attempt was to tell the world that there is a strong opposition for the peace
initiatives by forming the SLFP - JVP alliance and having a massive protest rally in Colombo.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 8th Mar 2003
|
Why not implement Prabhakaran's new idea?
It has been reported that LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has requested the
SLMM to handle all alleged Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) violations by
itself. The terms of the MoU are not legal provisions. It is, therefore,
unnecessary to refer violations to the police and the courts. Such an activity
would only cause delays and confusions.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 1st Mar 2003
|
It is fortunate that an armed conflict was averted following the Kuchchaveli
incident last Sunday. Conflicting versions of the incident have confused the issue,
but the commitment of both sides to avert confrontation is commendable.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 22nd Feb 2003
|
The vote of no confidence Motion on Tilak Marapana, Minister of Defence has
proved to the country how the peace initiatives have produced significant results.
Tamil and Muslim MPs, irrespective of party affiliations, voted against the vote
of no confidence against the Minister, thereby showing their faith in the
peace initiatives.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 8th Feb 2003
|
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the UNF and the
LTTE 22nd, February 2002. An year has been completed and the UNF Government is preparing to celebrate the occasion island-wide.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 1st Feb 2003
|
The Government is doing fairly well on the political side while facing serious problems on the economic side.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 25th Jan 2003
|
Japan's increased involvement in Sri Lankan affairs in recent times has caused concern to our
respected neighbour, India. It has even cautioned Japan to go slow on its activities in Sri Lanka.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 18th Jan 2003
|
The LTTE Theoretician and representative to the peace talks, Anton Balasingham has pledged in
Thailand that it will lay down arms immediately after a political solution is reached to the
North- East problem. This is indeed a great success reached as a result of the commitment and
patience and forbearance demonstrated by peace delegates who were brought to peace talks
by the mediation of the Norwegian government.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 11th Jan 2003
|
The manner in which the fourth round of talks were held has given confidence to the people that
future talks will also be held in a peaceful atmosphere.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 04th Jan 2003
|
In the New Year 2003 there will be several challenges that will have to be faced. 2002 saw the start
of the peace initiatives. It will today bequeath considerable responsibilities in the peace process for
2003. Federalism will rank as the most important issue to be grappled with.
|
|
|
Window on Sri Lanka , By Dr Hilary Rajakarunanayake, 28th Dec 2003
|
It is heartening to note that peace efforts are making a steady progress despite many conflicting
views expressed by various sectors of the society. It is quite obvious that the commitment to usher
in peace through a lasting political solution is continuing resolutely even in the face of several
issues about resettlement of civilians in the High Security Zone and the LTTE's obtaining a
high-powered radio transmitter.
|
|
