Comments on: A response to Michael Robert’s Dilemma at Wars End: Thoughts on Hard Realities

By: pacheez

pacheez — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:08:32 +0000

With regard to Wijayapala’s remark, flattening the LTTE will not dampen Tamil separatist sentiment, around the world. The present approach will augment an elaborate LTTE marytrology already in place and promises that the dream of a separate state prevails. Funds or materiel have not been problems to produce, an error made if believing that the LTTE will not resurface.
Also, can we please cease referring to Tamils as For or Against the LTTE as if a clear delineation can be made under the present circumstances? Those supporting the SLAF’s approaches might ask why the Trinco hospital to which some civilian casualties have been evacuated remains hopelessly under-staffed and witout adequate drugs or supplies? How are SLAF casualties managed?

By: wijayapala

wijayapala — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:18:50 +0000

Please educate us Megan- what other group is waiting in the wings after the LTTE's demise to start the war anew?

By: wijayapala

wijayapala — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:17:05 +0000

In reply to D B Wijetunge, MD. DB, how would you specifically suggest the armed forces to defeat the LTTE while not causing any civilian casualties? And please name one terrorist organization which has threatened a country the same way that the LTTE has threatened Sri Lanka.

By: Megan S. Mills

Megan S. Mills — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:06:39 +0000

I am disappointed by Dr. Roberts' remarks as Will mislead an ill-informed or indifferent reader, including an intriguing suggestion that rubbing out the LTTE will permit normalization… a ridiculous aim, when one thinks of it; the clearest manner in which to perpetuate separatist sentiment. References to WWII are very curious in the article's early sections, along with an implication that war zone Tamils have not been deprived by the Govt of Sri Lanka. Above all, one sees a disagreeable way of referring to two 'sides' — the north a sort of rugger field, the idea given that a chauvinist ideology will permit a peaceful unitary SL if the Tigers can be obliterated.

By: Dr Jaya

Dr Jaya — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:40:54 +0000

It is certainly clear in the above discussions that the LTTE supporters do not want to accept the fact that no country in the world is going to let go an armed terrorists group, having fought a bitter battle so far, without fully dismantling its fighting capacity before introducing any political solution. Neither Sri Lankan government, nor any other country in the world, would have a second thought of the necessity of eradicating an organization like the LTTE. Don't forget that the LTTE had many chances to accept a political solution without undergoing so much suffering by the Tamil and all other communities in Sri Lanka. I know this is hard to digest for those who have funded this organization for nearly 30 years and will keep promising to do the same. But the government of Sri Lanka will have no choice but to eliminate the LTTE before putting forward any power devolution for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, not those LTTE supporters in foreign countries. That's the truth!

By: D B Wijetunge, MD

D B Wijetunge, MD — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:48:54 +0000

I am rather disappointed with Dr. Michael Robert's attempt to completely mislead the readers of quoting totally inappropriate example of world war 2 and to justify the misery caused to poor helpless Tamils caught up between the might of Sri Lankan armed forces and the vicious LTTE. It is the duty of any government to protect all its people. Calling every one with differing view a 'do-gooder' is a totally unintelligent statement from an intellectual. He should have compared our terrorist problem to how other governments handle terrorist problems in other parts of the world. For eg IRA vs. Al-Quaida. We can learn important lessons from such a exercise. Dr. Roberts' should use his 'God' given wisdom for the betterment of humanity rather writing like a another extremist.

By: Dayan Jayatilleka

Dayan Jayatilleka — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:11:45 +0000

In reply to A. Rajapaksa. Think post-election and a new arithmetic, new allies. Even pre-election, there are economic ( growth, investment) and geopolitical realities ( India) which cannot be ignored and which require devolution. Finally , do not underestimate the factor of the full representation of the Tamil voters in a new parliament.

By: Dias

Dias — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:30:35 +0000

In reply to Dayan Jayatilleka. It is regrettable that in Sri Lanka's struggle, it is always "our" and "yours" but never the congenial middle-ground "us" together. This childish you vs. us must end. Both sides must mature to give and take. Sad.

By: A. Rajapaksa

A. Rajapaksa — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:09:23 +0000

Dayan,____Are you saying that your government is going to offer autonomy to Tamils after eliminating the LTTE? Coalition partners of the government, JHU, Weerawansa fraction, MEP & majority of SLFP MP’s are dead against granting full powers to the Provincial Councils. The army general has also made it clear where he stands on this. ____So it would be good if you can explain how the government is going to offer some sort of autonomy to Tamils. ____What we see is president & his allies using the war victories to muzzle dissent, intimidate opponents and create a culture that leads towards a dictatorship.__

By: Dayan Jayatilleka

Dayan Jayatilleka — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:47:42 +0000

Good luck and thanks – our large armed forces need the exercise and training. By the way, as Prof Jeevan Hoole keeps warning, your numbers are dropping as you keep playing this game…