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‘We support Tamil right to self-rule in Sri Lanka’ ….- Erik Solheim

March 27, 2006 at 10:08 am · ~ Politics, Peace Process, TW Reader Commented

Erik Solheim, Norwegian Minister of International Development in a wide ranging interview to Indian magazine Tehelka has said Norway is supporting Tamil right to self-rule in Sri Lanka. Text of the interview as follows:

The Sri Lankan government was against holding the talks in Norway, as demanded by the Tigers. They insisted that talks be held in Sri Lanka or in some Asian country. How did the two parties agree on Geneva finally?

The two parties agreed to meet after being convinced that the ceasefire agreement must be upheld to prevent further escalation of the situation. Norway reassured the parties of its readiness to facilitate talks wherever they agree to meet. They agreed on Geneva on a suggestion from the facilitator. Switzerland has always, in their eyes, played a constructive role and maintained an unbiased approach in the peace process.

What was the agenda for the talks?

Negotiations in Geneva were not means to end the conflict, but it is very positive that the parties agreed to discuss how to improve the serious security situation.

You have held talks with both the parties. What are the major complaints and grievances on each side?

The main complaints relate to the high level of killings, abductions and violence over the last month. But I cannot paraphrase the parties’ positions on these matters.

Do you believe a negotiated solution is possible, given the history of aborted agreements and failure of peace initiatives in the last five decades between the Sinhalese and the Tamils?

I sincerely believe in a negotiated political solution. The Norwegian government is committed to actively promoting peace and reconciliation internationally. We will continue to give priority to facilitating the peace process in Sri Lanka as long as the parties request our efforts and we see that we can play a constructive role. I hope that the parties gain mutual confidence to take the peace process forward. There is clear pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse from his allies, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Jathika Hela Urumaya, not to concede even the most basic demands of Tamils. Both parties favour a solution within a unitary state structure, a departure from former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe.

With Rajapakse dependent on them for survival, how meaningful can talks be?

I cannot in my position as third party facilitator involve myself in political issues regarding internal dynamics on either side.

Do you think a solution is possible within a unitary state structure?

I take the view that the parties should not be blinded by the use of different terms and find a solution acceptable to all Sri Lankans.

What in your view are the legitimate grievances of Tamils?

There is broad agreement in the international community on support for Tamil rights to some form of self-rule or power sharing within a united Sri Lanka.

Do you agree with the view that trouble started with the controversial Ceylon Citizenship Act in 1948 disenfranchising thousands of Tamils, the declaration of Sinhala as official language, and the subsequent laws in education favouring the Sinhalese etc, resulting in the alienation of Tamils?

Both parties would have a different take on this issue. Norway is tasked to bring the parties to the table and assist them in finding a durable solution to the conflict. We have to be careful in our comments on historical matters, however important they may be.

There is a view that the eu will revoke its travel ban on LTTE cadre post-Geneva talks. Do you see that happening?

Norway is not a member of the eu and thus not involved in eu deliberations. We do not have an official stance on this issue.

The Sri Lankan government’s proxy war against the LTTE through the Karuna group is said to be the main cause for the escalation in violence. Has the government given any assurance of disarming Karuna?

Both the government and the LTTE have reassured that they will do their utmost to stop violence. The Lankan military has been harassing civilians, triggering an exodus of Tamil refugees to India. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission too has attested this.The parties are committed to end the campaign of violence.

What did the LTTE’s Prabhakaran tell you?

Prabhakaran promised to do his part to put a stop to the escalating violence. He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process and a peaceful solution.

The US seems to have taken a pro-Sinhala stand. The recent statements of Under Secretary Nicholas Burns and Ambassador Jeffrey Lunstead betray their bias.

Many governments, including the US, expressed their support to the parties ahead of the talks. We are encouraged by the support of India, US and others to Norway’s involvement as facilitators.

What was the outcome of your recent Indian visit and meetings with NSA MK Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran?

India has always been supportive of the peace process and of Norway as facilitator, and reiterated its support during the meetings. Norway will continue to keep India informed throughout the process. [TamilWeek Mar 26, 2006]

300 Comments »

Nihal / London :

March 27, 2006 @ 11:25 am

Erik Solheim had been a stooge of LTTE all the time and he exposes him-self as a person on LTTE’s pay list.When SLMM has already accused LTTE on recent attack on SL Navy and of breach of talks in Geneva, what stupidity this man is talking about ?
Manthi/ Switzerland :

March 27, 2006 @ 11:54 am

From the day one we have noticed Norway ( Erik Solheim) is supporting LTTE & they are the one who drag this problem for a long time & still the problem is not sortedout. Eventhough LTTE is promising to stop violence they wont, that means Norway cannot controll LTTE, in the under habd Norway is providing money, war equipments. This is the high time for SL government to think & pullout Norway from the peace process. Meanwhile when the other countries are banning LTTE as terrorist organisation why Norway is soft corner for the LTTE.
Kail. T. Rajah - Ont, Canada :

March 27, 2006 @ 12:10 pm

How refreshing - even under the U.N. charter a people comprising Ethno, Lingual, Cultural entity is a nation and a Ethno, Lingual, Cultural and teritorial entity can become a Nation State. The Tamils in the North and East are a majority in an identifiable area of Sri Lanka. So the Tamils are entitled to declare a Nation State if they so wish.
Champaka, Ottawa :

March 27, 2006 @ 12:13 pm

Finally Norway is exposed.

Amazing that this small country is questioning the US and its judgement

Champaka Ratnayake
Subra, Singapore :

March 27, 2006 @ 12:53 pm

What Erik Solheim has said is what any unbiased (Non-Sinhalese), reasonable person, who is aware of the problem, will say no matter where he/she lives or what his nationality is. It is only for the sinhalese his statements are unpalatable and hence you have started this Forum.
You can see this one from the response that you are drawing from your people. Dont you have any other better things to do rather than stroking your inherent communal feelings?
de Mel / Oxford, UK :

March 27, 2006 @ 12:55 pm

I find a part of an answer here very informative. “The Lankan military has been harassing civilians, triggering an exodus of Tamil refugees to India. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission too has attested this.” If the SLMM can be believed when it rules against the LTTE, then it must also be believed when it rules against the army. If we are concerned about children being recruited by the LTTE, we must also concerned about civilians being harassed by the SL army. Making stupid allegations against Eric Solheim and Norway gets us nowhere. Sinhalese people have to find a way to admit their wrongdoings and work honestly for justice. Without justice there will be no peace.
mahesh cooray,Dubai :

March 27, 2006 @ 12:59 pm

Solheime Accept him self as a White Terrorist Tiger . Sri lanka Is not a solheims privet land that he can divided as he like to make an International Mafia State call tamill Eelam, in unitary Sri lanka, British was ruled Sri lanka for more than 100 years but Evan British was not able to do that but this poor solheim think he can do that . he should better to learn more about the Sinhalese and there kings history’s.
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:01 pm

As the scripture says in Romans 12:18, “Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody”
United we stand, divided we fall !
Lanka :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:03 pm

The peace process will not be successful since LTTE is wasting efforts and using the opportunity to regroup and start a war. Norwegians are very biased towards LTTE and should not be a part of this process at all.
Dinesh :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:03 pm

it is hilarious his openion on tamil rights to self rule, infact it is very sad and obviously exposes how bias the Norway govenment in this matter. If he consider the population composition in the capital of Sri Lanka ,he will find out how the three main nationals share the power democratically.
Tim :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:08 pm

“The Lankan military has been harassing civilians, triggering an exodus of Tamil refugees to India.”

See the Norwegian Bias.
I thought the violation ratio between LTTE and Millitary is 1000:1, yet the LTTE negotiator Mr. Solheim does not see it in that way.
Prakan :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:11 pm

Sinhalese always tries to hide what they have done to Tamils for decade and blame everything on LTTE.If someone doesn’t support their racist views then they are LTTE sympathiers.We all know why US take pro GOSL stand.They don’t care about SL and only care about protecting their interests in indian sub continent.
LTTE is a product of ethnic problem and if they don’t solve the problem,there will always some group fight for the rights of the people.
Somar, New York :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:23 pm

Yesterday’s (26/3) Sunday Obeserver article entitled “Norway’s LTTE Connection?” by respectable analytical writer, Susantha Goonatilake, not only reveals Norway’s transgressions but also the now irrevocable damage done to Sri Lanka.
mahesh cooray,Dubai :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:27 pm

what a poor sole of solheim? no way for peace with norway. duble stand solheime now we have seen your thiger skin .
rajah asirwatham :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:30 pm

US stand on the peace process has been exposed.

their bias will eventually scuttle them out of this region.

the foreign secretary (jew/woman) under bill clinton said that the ltte is a fanatic hindu organisation, when they proscribed that organisation, at that time.

the fact remains, that american foreign policy is racial but couched in diplomatic language,
csk u.k :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:33 pm

this is a absolutely ridiculous statement by this pro tiger solheim.
as we all know whn ever norway get s in to solve a problem around the world such as the palestine problem it became far worse than it was.
I think their intentions are very clear .
As peace loving nation we have to compromise for some certain extent but the self rule and all this is the door for the separate state.
Mr solheim and tigers should not forget tht THIS IS OUR LAND DESTROYED BY THE BUNCH OF DEAMONS so i think this is the time we need to get together and stand as one to kicked out these sparks which helps to divide our country.
Wijaya, Stamford :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:42 pm

Norway is definitely on the side of LTTE but do we have a choice?
JVP & JHU and/or any individual who is screaming to oust Norway should spell out a viable strategy. I am against Norway, and Sri Lanka should immediately declare Solheim a persona non grata. As I see, the only way out is a military solution but our greedy political robbers whose only motive is “first fill the pockets and hell to peace & country” have already screwed that chance too.
Truth Teller :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:45 pm

The Scandinavian countries are the most peace loving and non-partisian countries in the world. Norway has demonstrated this in a number of times in the past. When Norway tells the truth about SLA’s attrocity and Tamil people’s true aspirations they become a white tiger, according sinhalise.

When will sinhala see the Tamil’s problem from the neutral stand point???? Then only they will realise how neutral Norway is always.
SL lover. :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:54 pm

Stop critisize Norway. You guys feel bitter taste when they tell the truth. I know how much of atrocities SL Armies (TERRORISTS) did to tamils in the 80’s and 90’s. They killed number of my friends, relatives and other tamils and the Rupavahini said in the next night news “x number of LTTE members have been killed by armies”.
Sathis, US :

March 27, 2006 @ 1:58 pm

We, Sri Lankan know from fist day, Mr. Erick suporting to world fist class rotuless terrorist organization,LTTE not today. But World leaders try wipe the terrorist in the world sepending million dollers and sacrifying many US, British, and other valuable lives for the peace. Mr. Erick want to support world top class terrorist which link with other terrorist. This threaten not to sri lanka and shall threaten to world peace which support to other terrorist organization, that why US against LTTE terriost, it does not mean pro -shinhalees. Mr. Erick Please understand and does not support to LTTE , God bless you!
Ne. Pu. Siva, Europe :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:03 pm

Sri Lanka as a coutry has no hope.

A few comments expressed here by Sinhalese who are living in Westeren Liberal Democracies, without any irony are expressing views no different than JVP (the ‘saboteurs of peace’) the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, a reactionary mix of Sinhala communalism and populist demagogy, and Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), the Buddhist clergy party who are virulent anti-Tamil ethnic chauvinists whose declared objective is to make Sri Lanka solely a Sinhala-Buddhist nation (Sinhala political ideology – anti-Tamil).
Government of Sri Lanka has had failed to address the fundamental problem facing the Tamil ‘minority’ – basically a centralization of developmental power in the Sinhala South with a neglect of the Tamil areas, and the serious violation of human rights of those who live in these areas.
“A further problem is that the chance of another negotiated settlement will be most unlikely.

A restart of hostilities will probably be the end of Sri Lanka. By ‘the end’ I do not necessarily mean the physical destruction of the country but the complete destruction of the economy which will set the country back 50 years (or more).
The Government efforts at rehabilitation and reconstruction in the Tamil areas were minimal, even obstructive – imposing an import duty even on donations for tsunami relief from the outside world. To compound all the discrimination (in the use of their language, education, job opportunities, employment, etc) that the Tamils have suffered at the hands of a succession of Sinhala governments for the past 50 years, the clearest recent evidence of anti-Tamil discrimination has been the post-Tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Tamil areas.
The anti-Tamil stance of the Goevernment of Sri Lanka has hardened markedly with the recent election of Mahinda Rajapakse as President. Taking political opportunism to a dangerous level, Mahinda Rajapakse took his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) into coalition with the openly anti-Tamil JVP and JHU, a political party of Buddhist monks who insist that Sri Lanka becomes a theocratic State that entrenches the supremacy of Buddhism and the Sinhala majority. The reactionary outlook of the Buddhist clergy is no different from the right wing Christian fundamentalists in the USA or the Islamic extremists of Al Qaeda.
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:09 pm

Time-out guys !
Jasmyne :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:12 pm

This topic was, is, and it appears will continue to remain a sensitive topic for many people. Having read the comments of the other posters, it seems that many people have taken sides and are now busy pointing fingers.
I hope we can all agree that tremendous violence and terrible atrocities have been committed by both sides. When one side attacks, the other retaliates, and it is impossible to say that either the Sri Lankan army or the Tigers are responsible for initiating all attacks. In order to work toward peace, it is important to recognize that both sides have been at fault at one time or another. Instead of just placing blame on others, more of us should take the time to identify our biases and OBJECTIVELY assess the positions of both sides and work from there. We can only hope to address the situation when we can understand the opinions of everyone involved. Unfortunately, I recognize that although this sounds rather straightforward, at the global level this process will inevitably be complicated by internal and international politics.
Dylan Ramsay,canada :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:20 pm

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The country alredy divided by MR .J.R.Jeyawadne ,Others like MR premadasa, MR Wijayatunga And Mrs.Chandrika reconized that ;because of their stands against the national problem. today peace & negotiation going on how to unite this divided srilanka as a United Srilanka.Please accept this fact,ltte have more than 25,000 regular land ,sea and anti air craft forces more than 50000 recerve militants. they have more modenized weopans than indian forces.

Dear brothers & sisters , if you give cnotinue support to LTTE ,karuna,JVP &JHP nobody cant save your country.

Please act now !! find a urgent solution…

If u wait every second ,no body cant stop birth of Tamileelam and Norway and Scandinaviyan countries will approved follow by EU..
Bairavi - Canada :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:21 pm

I don’t think Erik Solheim and his men have any real concern about the problems in Sri lanka and the Tamils in particular. I believe they are after some hidden agenda of their own interest, or that they have been functioning under instructions. Besides, they couldn’t bring any peace in Palentine. Although there is an interim administrative body established in Palestine, daily violence and hatredness is prevalent in the region, killing the very purpose of the peace negotion. We can expect same thing in Sri Lanka as well. Eventually, it would be some other powers who would reap benefits though fair or foul means.
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:35 pm

All we need are Honest,peace loving, pollticians from both sides , who love their country and want it to prosper, not bickering.
Australia :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:35 pm

The truth of the matter is Tamils were treated so badly for too long. Now due to some racist polititons this situation has arised.
No Srilankan Government cared for tamil peoples aspirations. They were always subject to some form of discremination or harrasment.
What does a Tamil do ? cop it for how long? The majority of the country have not undergone this kind of life to understand the impact of the people. The people who were subjected are awaiting for the glorious day that they will be freed from all that they have gone thru. LTTE is in a position now to wipe out the entire SL Army in the North in Hrs proof is eminent. Work with Norwegian Facilitator b4 you guys get wiped out of North and East. Tamils are ina stronger position than ever b4. Travel to LTTE controlled area you will see how the place is run. You will change your stans. Good luck to the Sinhala people who does not understand Tamils aspirations

Thamilan
S.Rajendra, Scarborough,Canada :

March 27, 2006 @ 2:41 pm

The Tamils wish to identify themselves with the Singhalese without losing their identity. The Tamils want unity, but not uniformity. Is it not possible to find a political solution to reflect these aspirations without dividing Sri Lanka?. There is so much in common between the Singhalese and the Tamils that finding a solution is not difficult if there is commitment to find a peaceful settlement. The lack of mature political leadership in the Tamil community is a big handicap.
Alan william :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:01 pm

“We ” means international community( USA , EU,JAPAN ,SCANDINAVIYAN COUNTRIES ,INDIA ETC…………..

“I” means Erik solkeim”

So,The head lines is ‘We support Tamil right to self-rule in Sri Lanka’

Time-out guys!!
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:04 pm

Erik, Why don’t you come up with a self rule region for Sami people in Norway ?

There are lot of Tamils living in Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Wellawatta, Chilaw and Putlum. Why don’t you come up with self rule regions for these areas ?

Why don’t you come up with self rule regions for Muslims live in Beruwala, Amparei, Kalmune, Matale, Putlum and Galle ?

You created de facto state in Wanni. Unlike other areas only LTTE could live in this area. Are you happy now? Look at the other areas in Sri Lanka. We all live together in other Areas.

Sinhalease, Tamils and Muslims have lived together for centuries with out any problems. Three were problems only because of politicians and foreigners like you. You, Foreigners ruined our country and tring to ruin it in the future as well.

There are 55 milions of Tamils in India, compared to 3 million Tamils live in NE SriLanka. They live along with other races. Why don’t you create a Tamil Nadu as a seperate country for 55 million Tamils. You could make new countries in Singapore, Malasia, Australia and Canada where lot of Tamils live. Why did you select the weekest and poorest country of all the countries where the tamils live. Tamils & Sinhaleese have much more longer histry than you Vikings. Home land for Tamils is South India and not Sri Lanka. But it does not mean that Tamils connot live in Sri Lanka together with Sinhalease and muslims.

World Tamil population is around 65 Millions. 55 millions in India, 1.5M in Singapore, 4Millions in Sri Lanka, 0.75Millions in Australia, 1.5Millions in Malasia. Three are about 0.5 million Tamils in Norway. Norway is more than 05 times bigger than Sri Lanka. Based on Mathematics, why do’nt you create a self rule region for Norwagian Tamils also ? Tamil is an officail Lanuage in these countries except Australia, Norway & Malasia. Sri Lanka is the only country where Sinhala is officail language along with Tamil. This is the only place the Sinhalease have got in this whole planet . We can live a peacefull lives with Tamils & Muslims in Sri Lanka. Please mind your own bussiness in Norway.
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:06 pm

I have no comments.
Sean :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:13 pm

Its amazing how LTTE supporters are defending the LTTE saying the army is harassing civilians. LTTE has a openly acknowledged that they have a policy to target civlian institutions and civilians in their “freedom struggle”. Army does not!
Jayaraj, U.K :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:15 pm

Keep it up Solhheim. Go ahead with your support to the world’s Grade one terrorist group LTTE. You will get the same reward soon from them which they had given to Rajive Gandhi.
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:19 pm

To all readers-writer of comments made intially at 1.01 p.m. from “Toronto, Ontario” is in no way connected to comments made by others from the same location later in the day.
Confused :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:30 pm

The problem started with colonizing. It was easy to rule the masses when they were segregated and made to hate each other. In Srilanka, you were considered a Sinhalese or Tamil, instead of a SRILANKAN.
India had the same issue and is three different countries now.
How does it work if every minority in every contry wanted a state of their own?
Why Srilanka? It’s too small to be two different countries! Plus isn’t there a larger population of Tamils in Tamilnadu?
The worst part is every one wants to criticize the US. May be it’s because Norway hasn’t seen terrorism on their own soil yet. I bet you, that personal donations from Americans were much greater than donations by the Norway government for the Tsunami. Is this the only way they know how to help poor countries?
Confused :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:31 pm

The problem started with colonizing. It was easy to rule the masses when they were segregated and made to hate each other. In Srilanka, you were considered a Sinhalese or Tamil, instead of a SRILANKAN.
India had the same issue and is three different countries now.
How does it work if every minority in every country wanted a state of their own?
Why Srilanka? It’s too small to be two different countries! Plus isn’t there a larger population of Tamils in Tamilnadu?
The worst part is every one wants to criticize the US. May be it’s because Norway hasn’t seen terrorism on their own soil yet. I bet you, that personal donations from Americans were much greater than donations by the Norway government for the Tsunami. Is this the only way they know how to help poor countries?
Rohana Arambewala :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:39 pm

This is what most of intelligent thinking people have been saying and it is no surprise for Eric to come half clean about what they are trying to a soveriegn, democratic country, I hope and pray that the Tamils living in Norway will demand a homeland in NOrway and we should support that without any reservations.

Eric and Co should not be allowed into Sri Lanka anymore.

Rohana
Toronto, Ontario :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:49 pm

To all readers. 1.01 PM comments are from me. My name is “I love Sri Lanka.” Sorry for the high teck error, which is beyond my control.
j.fretz :

March 27, 2006 @ 3:55 pm

hallo mr. Solhheim,you know LTTE leader ?.he disrtoyed sri lanka,killed so many people.he is a one of mad person.if you want,you can bring your home country.but we know,your intention,you try to take sri lanken row matarial to your country(like oil).please go back your country and organise LTTE funds,and help to LTTE buy more weopens to kill inocent sri lanken people.it is sutable job for you at this moment.
sri canada :

March 27, 2006 @ 4:14 pm

At last the facts are comming out.It is clearly seen from the 38 comments majority are negative all from the sinhalese and probably anti LTTE tamils.none even acknowledge that for over 50 years tamils have been pushed to a corner.a peace loving people turning to arms.
None of the comments even dare mention the genuine grievences faced by the tamils..Untill the early fifties Sri-Lanka was the envy of whole of Asia.See what the Sinhalese Govt,repeat Sinhalese gvt has done to the country.They cant even run a Village council,how can they solve this problem.The whole world ,especially the asian countries are enjoying watching Sri-Lanka a beautiful paradise distroying itself.
No one can help the sinhalese and sri-Lanka.Leave the Tamils alone we will manage ourselves.All the troops(100% sinhalese) should leave North-east peacefully immediately and without harrassing the tamil population
james- London :

March 27, 2006 @ 4:28 pm

Norway must get out this process… Why Norway is to keen in Sri Lanka’s problem.. ?? because Norway is the bigger suppliers of small arms in the world..

so IT is a Business Deal.. Or Intersest of the Rights of Tamils..
SUBRAMANIYAM SWAY,INDIA :

March 27, 2006 @ 4:34 pm

COUNTRY PROFILE.

COUNTRY NAME: TAMIL EELAM
DOB : FEB 24 2002 (75 % OFFICIAL)
RECONIZED BY : INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
LANQUAGE : 80% TAMILS, 15% SIGALEASE AND 05 % EUROPEANS.
RELIGEON : 50% HINDU 20 CHRISTIANS , 15 BUDIST & 15 ISLAM.

OFFICIAL LANQUAGE : TAMIL,SINGALESE ENGLISH & ARABIC

HEAD OF THE STATE :HON.MUTHUNGODUVA UDUGAMA HEMASRI.

CHIEF OF ARMED FORCES :NAZIR MUHAMED

PRIME MINISTER :APAPILLAI GANESHA LINGAM
Confused :

March 27, 2006 @ 4:34 pm

Why can’t the tamil population who has taken arms first drop them, stop the violence and be the “peace loving people” they are?!?! Show the rest of the people/world how things are done peacefully!
FYI, Suicide bombing is not an act of peace!
shan :

March 27, 2006 @ 5:08 pm

What’s wrong with his interview…All he said was “tamils has right to self-rule”…Why do you people scream like this?

Many sinhalese commentors in here are brain washed by racist media. They can’t think the reality. Your comments make neutral tamils to support the war. I don’t blame you for that. Your parents are racists, your grandparents were and your generations. Worship at the Buddha temple and kill the when you come out-thats what you do.

People like you encourage JVP, and Budhist parties to release racist comments like “we’ll send 400,000 tamil corpse to Kilinochi if the war erupts”. Your stupidity is their(LTTE’S) power. I didn’t mean it by racist way. ‘Rain drop makes the flood’. The problem starts from every single one of you. Psychology tells, for a habit to take place it takes 2 weeks of continous implementation of the habit. Nor article or comments will change your mentality in just flick of a finger, unless you’re a deep thinker.

They know how to change your mentality by making you unemployed and crippling your economy by the means they know. This will increase your agitation against them but you won’t have an option that time. Accept the truth that war cannot be won. SLM may capture whole vanni and raise the flag but there will be new fighting force may be called ‘Revolutionary Eelam fighters’. War can be won not the fighters, not the hearts of people. On the otherhand if war erupts, tigers may release whole north-east and declare UDI. But sinhalese youth will be dragged into the war scene by extremist to go recover your land. Its good thing Rajapakse became president, otherwise situation would’ve been worse with the influence of the extremist parties.

You people should accept this problem can not be solved by war and that’s why international mediation was seeked. You people keep shouting its an internal problem without acknowledging its already been internationalized.

If you think Norway is biased your leaders should’ve done some homework on that before you accept their mediation. You can not just jump here and there. Leaders should make solid and confident decisions knowing its future consequeces.

I’ve notices many Sinhalese people that unlike tamils, they are selfish. They don’t care whatever happens to his brother but all he wants is richness in his own life. Tamils are not like that. Tamils support their cousins, relatives, even far relatives, friends to bring them to good life. Thats how they established well in the western countries. All they see is “MY”. That mind of ‘MY COUNTRY’ is never going to change.

A thing taste good for someone will taste bad for someone else. Not everyone can be satisfied. There should be a solution which taste good for tamils and majority of sinhalse. But there will be quite number of people who will taste the solution bitter. The heat will still be on eventhough a permanent solution is achieved. The tree on which the solution fruit will grow on will be Norway but no one. Cut the tree and starve to death. Don’t underestimate the fruit which you’ve never tasted. Thing you’ve to do now is pour water to make it grow healthy but if you bite its roots and urinate on it, you both will have to starve and become mad dogs to bite each other and die in a desert land called Srilanka.

peace
Sean :

March 27, 2006 @ 5:16 pm

In a snapshot LTTE sucks. They have no regard for human life, security and freedom. Government and army is way ahead in terms of human rights. But looking back Sinhalese sucked - the extremists that is - We are all paying for their stupidity. If we want to move ahead and live in peace, there is no point looking back. In that aspect, the fault lies completely on the LTTE. Casuse they have no interest in a settlement short of total power for themselves.
Sean :

March 27, 2006 @ 5:18 pm

ha ha ha Sinhalese people are brainwashed???!!! *&@^#@^%@ Prabha is a brainwashing master. He can send healthy, young educated girls to kill themselves while killing thousands of innocent people. And he can make educated and smart people like you to support a violent, bloody terrorist group. Think about who are brainwashed!!!
EEla Thamilan :

March 27, 2006 @ 5:25 pm

Dear Lankans,
Very basic question beside your politics. Could ever Tamils live with Sinhalese. We exclude Douglas , Karuna & Sangari from this.

the answer would be ‘No” for ever. I myself gone through all the racist attacks including 1983. I will never forgive for those bastards. SL govt has done for us. Starting from A/L education to SLAS exams .these were few examples. Do you know what happens even now in University entrances??. It is a joke that Sinhalese expect Tamils to live with them.
leave us alone & let the Tamils live in a clean world. when tamils leave Colmbo you will see the impact & start begging on Streets.
Ne. Pu. Siva, Europe :

March 27, 2006 @ 5:33 pm

When you have Sri Lankan people here who can write in English (and speak too) who live and enjoy fruits of Liberal Demcracies of Europe, Canada and Australia start criticising an Norway Intellectual Solheim whose only crime is trying to keep peace between racist Sri Lankan Government and Minority Tamils (who are fighting for their rights and dignity) what hope is there for Tamils in Sri Lanka. We must be glad and be very thankful for the many thousands of lives saved because of the Norway/Solheim brokered peace agreement. What is Solheim is asking for as many good people of Europe and Canada is or will, Tamils are treated badly in Sri Lanka and they need to be given their rights. If we cannot have a Federal system of government in Sri Lanka only alternative is a separate country Tamil Eelam. It amazes me these JVP and JHU supporting racists supporters around the world while enjoying their dollars and pounds are denying opportunities to poor Sinhalese in Sri Lanka by sounding war drums. If Tamil have been given rights and if Tamils have been given their separate state Sri Lanka would have propered and many thousands of Sri Lankan women need not have left the coutry to work as Housemaids and other demeaning jobs, What we will have is when Norway leaves and When Solheim leaves we will have war in Sri Lanka it will be war to the end with one side of the country ending up like a banana republic and other having a Tamil Eelam born from the ashes. Get real men and women and get your brain working a bit.
Ram, Toronto :

March 27, 2006 @ 5:41 pm

Sri-Lanka can prosper as a country only when people can be equally treated as citizens and as sri-lankans and not as singhalese,tamils ,muslims ,burghers or as any other ethnic community. To achieve this the people must elect peace-loving citizens as law makers. Throw out bad politicians and bring in leaders of high intergrity.The state has failed due to hundreds of mush room parties with no love for their country and people. Bad rulers must be punished for all evil done to the country. I hope that one day peace will dawn to sri-lanka. May God help to achieve this objective.
Proper Tamil.Jaffna :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:00 pm

These LTTE Idiots are not representing tamil nation in Sri Lanka. They have nothing to loose. They are not capable of doing anything (except killing innocent, unprepared to die, unarmed singalese, tamils and muslims. They are just internationally organised gang operating internationally.

If they reprent Sri Lankan tamils, if they struggle for tamils why are there other tamils who are against these bugars.

We are all victims of these sick people. we all as tamils, sinhalese and muslims can live together, without paving ways for opportunists like Erik to gain their hidden agendas.
Confused :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:09 pm

Quick question to all the pro LTTE leaders!
Isn’t Karuna Tamil? Is he not in arms to fight for the rights of Tamils?
and Mr. Eela, are you cirtain that every Tamil person in Colombo will want to move to the North and East, if the country is seperated?
Now..thats a joke!
Nalaka, Huntsville :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:23 pm

Erik Solheim is a terrorist supporter. That is why he is supporting, world most wanted terrorist, Prabakaran. This person is a real killer. I think Erik Solheim has some intimate connection with Prabakaran’s wife
True Sri Lankan :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:23 pm

Some body asks “Could Tamils live with Sinhalease”

Answer,

Yes.

All the venders in, Sea Streets Petta. Kandy, Trinco, Badulla, Chilaw.
All the top claas venders like Maharaja, Vogue, MTV, All the building Materials Venders in Galwala, Amer Street, Ingurukade, Kotahene..
All cominities in Wellawatta, Badulla, Kandy, Matale, Chilaw, Nuwara Eliya, Dehiwala, Nawalapitiya,

Tamil Cabinet Ministers in all the governments so far in Sri Lankan Parliment History.

Crickerters like Pathmanadan, Jeganathan, Muralidaran, Arnold

Doctors like, Parameswaram, Manamohan, Mahandran, Kandaiya ….

Haven’t they live with other races. Tamils in Sri Lanka enjoys Tamil Official Language, Depawali- New year,-Thai Pongal,-Maha Siva Rathri Holidays, Tamils can do any bussinees in any where in Sri Lanka. Can the Sinhalese go to Jaffna (Although GOSL controls it) and do a bussiness? Can you name any other country which has given this much of freedam to Tamils.

You know this is nothing else,
This is racism introdused by 65Million tamils on 11 Million Sinhalease on the whole planet.

You know what Solheim wants

1. He wants to be the next Prime Minister of Norway.
2. He wants to create a regeion where Western world could put their fingers on. India and China represent 1/3 of the total population of the world. (weapons, any product even a tooth pick will be profitable in this area)
3. He does not love you or me or any body in Sri Lanka whether you are a Tamil , Sinhalease or a Muslims.

We knew what he was going to do. Our stupid politicians didnot undestand this. This is not a shocking news for us.

These are the real facts. Donot call me a racists. I have lot of Tamil and Muslim friends living in harmony. Nobody so far identified the real problem. South India in the home land for the Tamils. North Indians will never like to have a seperate state in Tamil Nadu. Poor Sri Lanka is suffring.
Kumar :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:24 pm

Make it simple. If LTTE is terrorist, Srilankan government is 100 times terrorists. The reality is that non of the state would not brand another state as terrorist. That is why Srilankan state has the upper hand in the propaganda.

Tamils DO need a strong LTTE, otherwise they will be destroyed by the state terrorists.
Punji Banda, Galle :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:32 pm

LTTE never had any hope that Sinhala government will grant any reasonable solution for the ethnic problem of the island. However, the reason the LTTE decided to go for negotiations is to expose this inability of the Sinhala leaders to the international community, give a break for the Tamil civilians who were suffering immensely because of the war and embargo and build a strong conventional army for the Tamils. I think that the LTTE has achieved all these objectives.
Proper Tamil.Jaffna :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:36 pm

Refer the word terrorist in the dic.

“person esp organised violence against the government”

Yes, Tamils, as we are, need a proper leadership ( not a terrorist leader)
Jay de Silva :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:43 pm

I think Erik Solheim had enough trying to fix this issue. No one can solve this problem as long as both Tamils and Sinhalase are suffering from this “irrational fear” about each other. Now we’re going to hand over this “bloody war” to our next generation. Shouln’d we, tamils and sinhalase, proud of who we are?
Vimal Weeravamse :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:45 pm

It is so true that ss long as we, the Sinhala, are not smart enough to know the true Tamil aspirations, we will be chased by LTTE as we were at Elephant pass, Mullaitheevu camp, Killinotchi camp…….

We, as a sinhalise, must be shamed of ourselves for not winning over one tenth of armed size of LTTEers.

We sinhalise are the big jokers not admitting the GREAT failures in the past two decades.
Hema From Australia :

March 27, 2006 @ 6:54 pm

The problem in srilanka is the economy is not distributing to all commun ity equally even sinhala, tamil, muslims. So far any government has not taken meaninigful solution to these problems. Employment, education ,income is not equally getting the people in towns and villages tamils as well as sinhalees and muslims. That is why 1971, 1987 problems started in srilanka. They killed many sinhaleese yong people and tamils were safe. 1983 many tamils were killed, tortued by organised UNP government supporters(Not srilankan sinhaleese people).They ban the JVP to blame the incidents to them. I remember I saved many tamil peoples life by hiding in our house and later they went to their home safely. LTTE is not representing all tamils in srilanka but it it is a terrorist organisation suppresing all other community. Western countries allways think their country, economy and we have to think our country(Srilanka) how to develop live peacefully with all communities.
Steve, USA :

March 27, 2006 @ 7:03 pm

The Sri Lankan politicians and Armed forces are corrupted. They spent billions of dollar on arms to kill Tamils, but Sinhalease and Tamils are living under tree….

Sinhalese and Tamils live in Sri Lanka over 10 thousands years, but Sri Lankan politcians destroyed the country.

Solution: Separate country
Let the Sinhalese sort it out eliminate corruption first.
Sudar, Tamil Eelam :

March 27, 2006 @ 7:20 pm

Interesting to see all the sinhalese pundits living overseas talking like they know the ground situation in the north and east of Sri Lanka. Once you see and realize the atrocities committed by the sinhalese government, you will come to the conclusion that the only way tamils could live in peace - self rule. Case in point is Erik Solheim. Stop believing the government propaganda. I am sure the Sinalese people wouldn’t believe the government’s words on how they quelled the JVP unrest. Wake up to reality!
Proper Sinhalese, down south :

March 27, 2006 @ 7:52 pm

Finally, a first world nordic country has identified the problem in Sri Lanka. Now, the Sri Lankan STATE TERRORISM has brought to light. As some people say it is not just the GOSL whom to be blamed. It’s the people who elected the government. Most southern sinhalese are living inside the “wells”. They have no clue how the government is running or where each subsequent government in Sri Lanka is begging the money from. Ofcourse, the GOSL never thought about re-paying those loans as they will apply for forgiveness down the road.
The country should be seperated to show the dumps, that the wealthiness is coming from the tamils abroad and Sri Lanka and not from those “Koppi Kade” people.
Before anyone talks about terrorism, let’s stop and think what Mahinda Rajapaksa has done to the innocent M.P. Pararajasingham. Killing of this gentlemam, show the cowardness of the GOSL. If you don’t know what this means, this is called “STATE TERRORISM”.
Thamilan,Canada. :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:08 pm

Easy way to solve the problem is to chase all racist minded Sinhalese
out of ceylon. I think it is not very hard to do that.
peace lover :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:09 pm

Thank you.
Long live Eric Solheim.
Patriot, USA :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:20 pm

All the LTTE supporters here have expressed their views on Sinhalese as the obstacle for their aspirations. But isn’t it obvious that those Tamils who live in the South have become the most successful ones in the Tamil community in Sri Lanka while Tamils living under the great hero Prabha have lost everything. The truth is none of rich and wealthy Tamils in the South will never go to live in Wanni under the rule of Prabha.

If Tamils only could achieve their aspirations under the Eelam, why so many human rights violations take place in LTTE controlled areas? Why children and women are used as human bombs? So many educated Tamil politicians, activists, lawyers have been gun downed for having different opinions. What a great way to govern and aspire for higher things.

I am sure lot of Pro LTTEers here would worship the west (actually they should) for letting them exploit the situation in Sri Lanka to get refugee status and get the foreign citizenships and enjoy the luxury of western world while your sisters and brothers die for a hallucination started by a maniac. Saddest of all is while you are sitting in your heated/airconditioned rooms debating and funding a first class terrorist, none of you realize it’s your action that puts the innocent Tamils at risk on daily basis.

You cannot blame the Sri Lankan Army for harrassing innocent civilians, because you are the cause of it. You have chosen this game where in a second a innocent civilian could be turned in to a suicide bomber. It’s the method you chose and it the duty of the army to question and check anyone and everyone. Just be greatful the Sri Lankan government has not gone as far as shooting in the head of any one suspected of being a terrorist.
Victor, USA :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:28 pm

Let me clear this, there is a discrepancy between the heading and his statement. In his statement he said “There is broad agreement in the international community on support for Tamil rights to some form of self-rule or power sharing within a united Sri Lanka.” He never said the word LTTE. Besides the word “WE” has many meanings. Mr. ES was doing shuttle diplomacy between many countries and he discusses with many leaders and he knows the feelings, ideas and expectations of those leaders. What’s wrong with this people that every one is wrong? When State Department of USA released the Human Rights report of its own, it was wrong. Truth is Norwegians are involved in PEACE building in nearly 8-10 countries. Half boiled rice is hard to digest than full boiled rice.
Raja :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:29 pm

Some Sri Lankan Tamils believe that they are the most discriminated race in the world.The Tamil race has built in discrimination due to the caste system. Higher caste Tamils are free to discriminate lower caste ones. One wonder how many higher caste Tamils are fighting against discrimination within the Tamil society. We hardly see pro-LTTE Tamils speaking against LTTE when they kidnap own Tamils and use them as child slaves. The fact that Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem is due to discrimination is a myth. Victims of LTTE are mostly Tamils than anyone else. Unfortunately, Norwegian government has decided to side with the world banned LTTE Terrorists.
EEla Thamilan :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:29 pm

True Srilankan has a very little knowledge about this conflict . Recently Maharajas owner got a threat . Are you aware about it? A business men was shot in Wellawatte 6 months ago named Bala. Poor fellow tried to live in Colombo & do business. A travel agent (couple) were shotin Wellawatte.
I grew up in Jaffna and there were Sinhalese Bakeries Garages operated by Sinhalese people. If you ask the fire works factory owners in Minuvangoda they will tell you rest. Who spoiled it?? . Starting from 1958, 1977— 1983 …. everytime there is a communal riots we were sent by ship or train to jaffna/Batticaloa. Who declared that that North & East is our home land?? Then the Government did. Do you want us to forgive or forget?? Never this wound will never heal. In 1958 the Tamil MPS did Sathiyagraha (non-violent) in front of Galle face & got the treatment. How many of you are aware about it?? Prabaharan realised the only solution is this. If you wnat pass through vanni you will pay tax to LTTE. He made it such a way and twisted your arms. We all are aware that peace talks would not be solution for you all. On the other hand I am against for any innocnet life is taken away due to the stupidity of the politicians.
Are you patriotic??? of what? :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:32 pm

Ohh, dear Patriot, USA:
I could see your heart is bleeding for tamils. You are the true patriotic of the greatest beggar country and you should be proud of yourself. Then Why are you in the USA??? Ohh, then you must be a patriot of USA
Go back and support your brothers and sisters who are in JVP (Janatha Vicious Perumuna) and JHU (Jathika HELL urumaya) instead of giving lectures to other Tamils.
I would strongly suggest you get out there and read other news beside the ‘TheAcademic.org”.
Khannan . R :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:49 pm

I can see all Shinhalese are bititng each other. Just like watching a dogs fight. Don’t you have better things to analyst. Tamils are brave and they got what they want. Why are u fighting like dogs now. Lets think about how to protect and keep the rest of your land from Tamils. You Looser admit that. They asked you to live with unity, u said, F… off. Now you blaming others. U Modays need more education. Forget to tell u this, in Srilanka, u have free education, but still your brain can get it. So You are ” Modoyas”. Slave of Tamils. Good luck and good for u. Buddah bless u all. Keep voting for JVP and Mad Monks.
Sinhalese in boston, ma :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:55 pm

Easy to forget the truth

For most Sinhalese, the awareness of this conflict is from 1983. But unfortunately, this really started back in 1948 with systematic erosion of anybody’s rights if they were not Sinhalese. With all the commentary on this board, not one mentions the root cause: act of 1948 and the continuing “favorable standing” when it came to education and university entrances. If things had continued, after the Tamils would have been the Muslims, and afterwards, it would have become religious based, targeting Christians.

As long as newer generation Sinhalese ‘cherry pick’ the arguments for this case, the conflict will never be solved. And if that is the case, then its not too wrong for Tamil boys, born after 1983, to also feel the need to take up arms to protect their birth right: equality as a fellow human being.
JUST MY VIEW :

March 27, 2006 @ 8:58 pm

I have read what most if you have had to say. As the majority on either may want a solution to ethic situation, ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! A large majority of Sri Lankan politicians past and present were and are ignorant, incompetent, uneducated and pathetic to say the least, and are supported by a majority of sinhalese who know no better, are small minded and ignorant, hense the views which would qualify as racist.

(By the way I am sinhalese my best friend is tamil, I AM NOT A RACIST!)

At the same time LTTE have gone about achieving their objective in a ruthless way in response to the ruthless way in which they were treated. At the end of the day the actions they took make them terrerists.

Both sides wont back down, which I guess is general human nature. What we need are leaders and politicians of some intelect and genuinely want peace and have a vauge idea of what they are doing. As that seems highly unlikely for a long time to come.

At this rate taking the ethnic situation out of the equation, I cannot see Sri Lamka developing in the next 50 years, because of the general fashion in which things are done.

Its is vital for the tamil population’s aspirations to be recognised and for equal representation for tamils, which hypothetically is possible with dividing OUR country.

Realistically its never going to happen, being a developing country without free media, an insignificant middle class to protest wrong doing and no independant police force, the politicians and leaders can get away with anything and do as they wish.

Hopefully the situation unfold as best as possible, we are stuck in vicious cycle.
Manju :

March 27, 2006 @ 9:04 pm

I agree with the maniac Khannan. Singhala people are really foolish because they gave too much say to the tamil slaves brought from india by British. They were given too much freedom, free education, opportunity to cheat at exams etc and now they are trying to get a piece of Sri Lanka. Tamils are jealousy of Singhalese because they don’t have a country. They should ask for that from Indian government. Singhala people are still foolish that they didn’t realise these facts and get rid of these basterds like Khannan (or Hukannan?) in the first instance rather than giving these ungreatful ideots free education and free health etc at the majority Singhlase expense. One may ask, what the hell have tamils done to Sri Lanka to improve it in it’s entire history rather than blood sucking.
By the way I whole hartedly support tamil self rule for the thousands of tamils living permanantly in Norway ! Wouldn’t that be nice, Mr. Soleheim?
Patriot, USA :

March 27, 2006 @ 9:10 pm

Is Sri Lanka the only country where there have been riots, clashes among ethnic groups? LTTE and its supporters have used isolated incidents and violence committed by political hoodlums to define a nation and the Sinhala race. And a genration of Tamil youth has been brainwashed by Tamil warmongers to hate Sinhalese.

How many riots, clashes have taken place in India between Hindus and Muslims, but yet India has the highest and most peaceful muslim population in the world. LTTE has taken a very common social problem faced by many multicultural socities in the modern world and has exploited it to his and his followers personal gain. Real problems in Sri Lanka is caused by poverty and underdevelopment. Poor and the powerless in our country are always subjected to many difficulties and that is regardless ones race, religion or language. It is a very unfortunate situation that those who support LTTE do not seem to realize that and have chosen to terrorize the society instead.
sahadevan,Scarborough,Canada :

March 27, 2006 @ 9:15 pm

Its very sad to attack a person who wish to negotiate a peaceful solution between the parties involved in the conflict.Technicaly,Sri lanka govt lost the war with LTTE when they over ran the Elephantpass base and they fought back the “AHINI HELLA”.IF not India intervened they would have captured Jaffna too.Even now because of international pressure Ltte is holding the fire.What ever happened is past, lets settle the problem peacefully in a United Sri lanka.If we miss this chance and blame norway,then all will be sorry.
SRI LANKAN :

March 27, 2006 @ 9:24 pm

DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS DO NOT FIGHT AMONG YOUR SELF AND BECOME FOOLISH.

THE RAW IS MANIPULATING FROM JR’S TIME TO BLOCK THE FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN OUR BEAUTIFUL SRILANKA, AND THEY GET ALL THE FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.

SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Mohan in Sydney :

March 27, 2006 @ 10:00 pm

The longer LTTE leadership survives the more Tamils have to suffer. I myself is a Tamil. The fact is that there is no freedom for Sri lankan Tamils under Prabakaran’s leadership.

Solheim get your hands off this issue. Alqda was unluky not to have someone like Solheim.
Al Seneviratne :

March 27, 2006 @ 11:37 pm

All fingers pointed at Eric Salheim and partner. World condemns LTTE as the most dangerous Terrorist group, which only Norway recognize placeing red carpet and treating them as DPLs along with the financial contributions to their cause. Powerful countries as USA, UK, EU, Japan, India etc bear the same view that Norway seems to ignore. Eric you are the Joker of Norway who provide laugher for the rest of the word, which they seem to enjoy in a era where Terrorist like LTTE who runs on their killing spree, where the ‘laughter’ is difficult commodity to possess.

Eric be careful. You are only just a little bird for them. There were important and powerful birds of different branches in various trees whom were killed by them, including the Prime Minisster of India. You are alreay in their hands. It seems too late for you to fly away. They will get you no matter where you hide. For them you are the tiniest creature. They are good marksmen who will not waste their ammunition.

Romans asked Spartekus to come forward. One stood up saying, “I’am Spartekus.” To defend him all others stood up saying, “I’m Spartekus.” Yet these ‘bloody criminals,’ have no guts to say, “We the LTTE destroyed those boats, massacred the very young and innocents defenseless villergers for no reason. The ones whom they employ are the young members of Tamil communities whom the brain wash and use for the senseless killing act at the cost of their lives who are only supporting their casue with no escape but death. How bruteless they are to use these innocent lives as the soldiers of the chess board. This proves how unmerciful their beliefs and wicked actions

This is the manner they demand almost half of a Soverign country elected by the peole and recognized democracy of the world. Even the peace loving Tamils of Sri Lanka totally against the LTTE as a whole. They are being harressed round the world demanding forcefully large sums of cash for their ‘killing caause’, Its these good Tamils who co-operated with HRW’s fact finding Report that world willingly published.

Ne Pu Siva, quotes: “Buddhist, Christian,Islam, (Clergy) as extremists as Alqida, including USA who boldly vouch against all Terrorists includidng LTTE.

Siva display his ignorence or hide the fact.

Tamilan says, “LTTE is very strong now and can wipe out the entires Sri Lankan Army in North unless work with Norway before this happens. Thanks Tamilan on you encouragement. Your bold statement force our steady and strong footing to defend the country at all cost by taking every attemt to get rid of wild animals who still act as wild animals in a civilized peaceful wonderful county Sri Lanka which is also called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Well, ‘Terrorist’ we are prepared to deface these wild beasts. Thank you for the good wishes if you really mean what you say!

Al Sen, Ontario, Canada
Al Seneviratne :

March 27, 2006 @ 11:37 pm

All fingers pointed at Eric Salheim and partner. World condemns LTTE as the most dangerous Terrorist group, which only Norway recognize placeing red carpet and treating them as DPLs along with the financial contributions to their cause. Powerful countries as USA, UK, EU, Japan, India etc bear the same view that Norway seems to ignore. Eric you are the Joker of Norway who provide laugher for the rest of the word, which they seem to enjoy in a era where Terrorist like LTTE who runs on their killing spree, where the ‘laughter’ is difficult commodity to possess.

Eric be careful. You are only just a little bird for them. There were important and powerful birds of different branches in various trees whom were killed by them, including the Prime Minisster of India. You are alreay in their hands. It seems too late for you to fly away. They will get you no matter where you hide. For them you are the tiniest creature. They are good marksmen who will not waste their ammunition.

Romans asked Spartekus to come forward. One stood up saying, “I’am Spartekus.” To defend him all others stood up saying, “I’m Spartekus.” Yet these ‘bloody criminals,’ have no guts to say, “We the LTTE destroyed those boats, massacred the very young and innocents defenseless villergers for no reason. The ones whom they employ are the young members of Tamil communities whom the brain wash and use for the senseless killing act at the cost of their lives who are only supporting their casue with no escape but death. How bruteless they are to use these innocent lives as the soldiers of the chess board. This proves how unmerciful their beliefs and wicked actions

This is the manner they demand almost half of a Soverign country elected by the peole and recognized democracy of the world. Even the peace loving Tamils of Sri Lanka totally against the LTTE as a whole. They are being harressed round the world demanding forcefully large sums of cash for their ‘killing caause’, Its these good Tamils who co-operated with HRW’s fact finding Report that world willingly published.

Ne Pu Siva, quotes: “Buddhist, Christian,Islam, (Clergy) as extremists as Alqida, including USA who boldly vouch against all Terrorists includidng LTTE.

Siva display his ignorence or hide the fact.

Tamilan says, “LTTE is very strong now and can wipe out the entires Sri Lankan Army in North unless work with Norway before this happens. Thanks Tamilan on you encouragement. Your bold statement force our steady and strong footing to defend the country at all cost by taking every attemt to get rid of wild animals who still act as wild animals in a civilized peaceful wonderful county Sri Lanka which is also called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Well, ‘Terrorist’ we are prepared to deface these wild beasts. Thank you for the good wishes if you really mean what you say!

Al Sen, Ontario, Canada
Al Seneviratne :

March 27, 2006 @ 11:43 pm

Accidentally I happened to strike the finger not knowing the message had already received at your end.
My apology.

Al
Jeganathan In Melbourne :

March 28, 2006 @ 12:11 am

I totally agree with Mohan. All Papakaran wants is to protect himself from countless enimies around him. Within LTTE itself he has hundereds of enimies but they are helpless because this beast can kill any of other LTTE leaders at any time as he did that to “Mhaththaya” few years ago.

For example until Karuna broke away we didn’t know anomosity between Karuna and Prabakaran. I think all LTTE promint figures including Tamilchelwam are living in fear of Prabakaran.

For the sake of Tamils around the world Prabakaran has to be destroyed. If this happens Tamils in Srilanka will get back their freedom and democratic rights. Under this murders Tamils in Srilanka will never have democratic rights and access to basic human needs sush as food, education and so forth.
Rajendra, New Jersey, USA :

March 28, 2006 @ 12:12 am

Solheim has been very fair in making a true assessment of the fifty years of pandering of the sinhalese, dominating the Tamils in the initial years and later continuing their outright progrom of ethnic cleansing. He has in no way taken sides in favor of the Tamils. He has merely expressed his openion that Tamils have been mistreated for too long, and deserve the right to rule their nation.

The Sri Lankan government which has been at the root of this misery has to blame itself because it cannot go long persecuting the Tamils indefinately. And now the time has come for the Tamils to look after their interests and their future.

The Sinhalese have no right to own or for that matter rule the Tamils, they will be better off taking care of the quislings like Karuna, Douglas Devananda, or Anandasangari.

Tamils of Eelam have been a proud nation, and have been in their homeland long before the Sinhalese set foot on the island. Moreover the Sinhalese did not come from North India, as widely believed by them. The sinhalese alphabet closely resembles the Kannada alphabets and there is every reason to believe that the Sinhalese decended from the veddhas who were a nomadic tribe from south India now called Andra Pradesh. This is the true history of the Sinhalese.
sam :

March 28, 2006 @ 12:38 am

All we need is peace if there is no love.

As long as ltte dabbles in explosives,weapons & use human lives as suicide cardres, there won`t be peace.

A section of the Minority community can not bring into submission the majority community through violence & threats…..

By these actions, violence & harted has got into the blood streams of the future generations like a cancer.

If laying down of arms & peace is not preached through the lips of people from all communities this war & hatred will never end………….

Sri Lanka soil will forever be drewched in blood & with dasteredly acts.
nimalka, :

March 28, 2006 @ 12:45 am

Hi,
Dear solheim very nearest future you will invite to the India to solve some problems in india such as PANJAB, MADARAS, JAMUKASMIR……
If solheim like to provide the part of sri lanka he may agree to give a part of the Norway to Tamils living in Norway also in the next time such as in sri lanka. (we as sri lankan never hand over to solheim to do this part he may can do it in the Norway so it is better Mr. solheim You back and think about your country. )

Dear solheim go home live the Sri lanka,
care about your country from partion,( tamil eelam)
Leave the JVP,separate from JHU ( dont compare the both)
JVP, love for peace not for war,
JVP , agree to stay with Tamils, Muslims, Sinhalese, Christians or any other culture, peoples around the world,
We need tamils not eelam states,
we need one sri lanka, not two,
we need one nation called sri lankans ( LANKIKAYO),
LANKIKAYO means sri lankan tamils, sri lankan muslims, sri lank
-an christians, and all of their relatives.

So we need to unitary sri lanka with LANKIKAYO.
JVP NEED LANKIKAYO.
WE NEED LANKIKAYO.
SO WE STAND FOR JVP AND WISH A ONE COUNTRY.
Ben :

March 28, 2006 @ 1:03 am

Beloved,

Pay a close attention to this. A culture cannot redeem you, not even your national leaders whether it it the president of Srilanka or Pirapakaran (as the Tamils identify him as their national leader). Is it worth to mingle the blood of your brothers and sisters with the dust of the ground?. Come to your senses. We are as sinful as our neighbours.

The problems between the races were mainly fueled by the past leaders. The seeds of hatred that was sowm ages ago now stands so huge like a cedars of lebanon. The bible declares ” Can a corrupt throne be allied with you (God)- One that brings on misery by its decrees -Psalm94-20. If those in power come to their senses and bring on a solution that is palatable by all parties then we could see a glimmer of light. However, the prolem lies deep within our heart, The redemtion is only available through Christ and only He can give us the peace that we need so badly.

I am a Tamil, My wife a Singhalese, Think about where would my children stand in this quagmire of politics. And If you shoot or drop a bomb, how sure are you that it is not their uncle, grand father or cousin that is on your crosshair?
Pushpa Sydney :

March 28, 2006 @ 1:16 am

To Rajendra New Jersey You have never lived in Sri Lanka. Itis always easy to bark from a foreign country.M y entire famil was saved by Sinhalese family.The crimes werecommited by minority of thugs and politicians.Your proud eelam nation killed Rajiv Ghandhi. Killed more innocent tamils and distinguished tamil acedemics and politicians.These members of your proud Eelam threaten us every day if we do not give our hard earned money in this foreign countries to your noble cause (To kill people).Go to Colombo and see how Tamils and other races live in Harmony.Itis Sinhalese brothers who cannot go to north and east.
As for your history knowledge,where did us Tamil people come from?. Alaska?
SELVA :

March 28, 2006 @ 1:22 am

Let’s investigate how much money in his accounts which he got from LTTE as a facilitator…. Who is Solhaim… he is another Ltte F..ker only. unfortunately Sl Government could not recognise him as a Bloody Tiger. I am sure one thing. he will end up like a dog on the road… just like how others blown up on the road… that day all the people in SL will enjoy… enjoy peace…
Chandra, Los Angeles :

March 28, 2006 @ 1:46 am

I will say up front that I have both tamil and sinhala blood in me. I love Sri Lanka and cannot stand to see the destruction and immense suffering to both innocent tamils and sinhalese caused by ruthless tigers and idiot sinhala-buddhist chauvinists.

To those tamils who claim the root cause of all this fighting was discrimination, all I can say is just read the history of tamil dominance of SL society immediately preceding the 1970s violence by tigers. If all that was due to such discrimination I would say minority groups anywhere in the world would love to have such discrimination imposed on them to produce top doctors, engineers, lawyers, businessmen etc.
A primary reason for original unrest was the idiotic caste system intrcately woven into the fabric of tamil society. Tamils panicked thinking they will never be able to marry off their daugthers and sons and pass around their wealth in the community. Outside S. Indian forces helped to cultivate the violent tamil youths into the ruthless killers they are now. India has paid a heavy price for this and will continue pay in the future.

As I see, the REAL reason for continuing the war now is mostly money making by leaders on both sides and others (in Canada, Australia, UK, Norway etc.) supporting with their $ seeking revenge for a personal experience or on a massive ego trip.

By his recent statement Mr. Solheim just made sure that LTTE will continue to be a good customer for the Norwegian arms industry.
I am shocked at the amount of evidence that seems to clearly implicate Norway as a country that openly supports the internationally recognized terrorist organization, Tamil Tigers. Now the “so-called” peace negotiator cum tiger in a camouflage Solheim makes a wonderfully timed statement to lend credibility to the ruthless tigers.

What I cannot fathom is, knowing all this, why does successive governments of Sri Lanka continue to allow Norway such a prominent role in the negotiations with LTTE. I know the old saying, “Sinhalaya Modaya – Kevum kanna yodaya” But this is a lot more than just being Modayas. Are we a nation of absolute blithering IDIOTS to allow a country that openly supports LTTE to play THE most prominent role in the peace process. Unless, there is a hidden motive for all this.

There are many things that puzzle me about this whole deal about negotiations with Tigers and the power this terrorist group holds over many countries. First of all, everyone knows that Prabakaran is a criminal wanted in India for killing their Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It should be a piece of cake for the Indian armed forces to walk over to Vanni and take the a.….le by his scruff and make him face justice in India. BUT India seems reluctant to do so because of the Tamil Nadu state that supports LTTE and its terrorist activities in Sri Lanka. I hope that the Indian govt is just marking time for the right opportunity to snatch the or snuff him.

Regardless of the fact that sooner of later someone will get rid of the criminal P, it is obvious that India stands to gain by finding a peaceful end to the Sri Lanka conflict. With that being the case, why is it that the SL government have not taken steps to replace Norway with India. If it is good for Indian companies to invest in Sri Lanka, enter into joint ventures etc. then the Indian government must also realize that they need to play a leadership role here. Unless they too clearly stand to benefit from total self destruction in Sri Lanka. I pray that would never happen but it is my nightmare.
Cynal from Sydney :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:03 am

Dear Brothers and Sisters
Our very short life journey spans from the labour room to tomb.Earth belongs to nobody and we are only tenants.And soon this lease will expire .Just look back and see how fast the time has flown by.As a doctor in Sri Lanka I treated lot of Tamil people coming to Colombo for special treatements, who were very nice. They used to bring me food from Jaffna when they came to the hospital.They were very upset if I refused.Any nation you get this minority of bad people.95% of the Tamil people are nice people.But you get Murderers like Prabakaran.Same with Sinhalese people.Majority are very nice and kind. but you get this small % of dirty people.Good examples are once power hungry Premadasa and Chandrika. .
During Tsunami Army rescued many LTTE Cardres.
When we were united country and lived in harmony ,a SriLankan in a foreign country was higly respected.But due to this conflict maitained by minority petty minded people from both sides,a Sri Lankans in a foreign country ,Singhalese or Tamil, are treated like dogs.People from other countries enjoy our fight while we killl each other.
So lets get rid of this dirty people from both sides out and look for means of living harmoniously. United we stand strong.
Avinda Auckland :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:09 am

The sri lankan literacy is 90% yet they don’t seemed to understand simple logic. Who is going to be the facilitator once the Norway is kicked out ? Does LTTE agree with another facilitator? Are the JVP and JHU volunteers going to man the bunker lines and defence the country? Why aren’t they doing it NOW, instead of parading in Colombo. The Ceasefire agreement signed between Mr Wickramesinghe and LTTE has given them the freedom to demonstrate in Colombo. 40,000 troops are stationed in Jaffna, yet the JVP was given a heli ride to save themselves from the people of Jaffna when they last visited the place. Be brave to accept the fact. The whole world accepts that minorities (specially tamil speaking ) are discriminated and that issue needs to be addressed. LTTE is labelled terrorists not for the cause they are fighting for, But the way they are trying to achieve their cause. They use terrorist methods. If the world branded them terrorist for the cause they are fighting for then it should have been done in 1983. “Bin laden is a terrorist he has no cause to fight and he is taking his home problem to the rest of the world”

Finally Sri Lankans seemed to have short memories. Dalada Malligawa was first attacked not by LTTE, but by the protectors JVP. They then picked the soldiers who defended the Malligawa on leave and slaughtered them.

thank you Norway, because of your Tolerance less people live longer in Sri lanka
yark, Germany :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:10 am

quite interesting how mr. solheim tried to stay on the neutral side and how the interviewer always tried to move mr. solheim’s comments to the pro-ltte side. no, mr. solheim is no ltte stooge. he tries to stay neutral, but this is a mistake when you are dealing with a conflict between a democratically elected governments and a fascist-terrorist outfil. unless mr. solheim is not able to name the prabhakaran’s crimes to his face, he can not be called honest broker. probhakaran trying to stop violence… soory, i can only laugh about it.
Athula :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:21 am

It is good to see Tamil and Sinahlese communicating in a relatively civilised manner. By the way how confident can you be that you are Tami or Sinhalese?
I would encourage as many of you as possible to contribute to the National Geographic Genographic Project https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/journey.html by providing cheek swab sample. You might discover that most of us are closer to each other genetically than the rest of the world and that our closest relatives live in Southern India (the next closest are the Aborigines). It is only recently that I discovered that theres was a maginificient Tamil empire which spread to the South East Asian Region and that there were greatest centres of Buddhist academia in Tamilnadu.
What the division amognst the so called Tamils and Sinhalese in Sri Lanka appears to do is to stall or prevent the establishment of a true Tamil Homeland in India. Establishment of such a state should not be violent nor should it cause secession from India.
I can see the merits of arguments many of you have put, but is it worthwhile blaming Mr. Solheim. It is always our character (the Southern South Asians) to point the finger elsewhere. I would say that the Sri Lankan Government has in fact become a great deal more politically sophisticated and the Defence Forces have become similarly sophisticated in the last decade. They need people like Mr. Solheim to keep communication channels open. That does not mean that a sovereign government will do what Norway says.

I have one clear reason why I think the peace talks should continue. There was a time I used to think that if “Tamil” people want a separate state they should be given it for the sake of peace. But then I saw an article on a captured girl soldier who was then 14 but was 8 when she was abducted by the LTTE. They had not done her any physical harm, but reading her story I could tell (as an expert) that she had sufferd irretreivable emotional harm. I believe that this is the reason that we should continue to fight using what ever means (preferably in a state of peace talks) until our kith and kin in Jaffna can enjoy the same freedoms that the rest of us and our children can enjoy.
The sinhalese have a duty to the ordinary tamils of Jaffna to truely liberate them. This can only be done if we recognise them at least as our cousins. I say this as a Sinhalese becasue in each side of the divide people who feel like I do will have to stand up and be counted. What the Sinhalese have to understand is that there may be significant numbers of Tamils who were loyal to Sri Lanka who were traumatised by the atrocities of 1983. There is bound to be a great deal of unresolved anger about it. Do not expect them to make the first move. We must do it. I am not saying that you should be soppy about it. If a brother does spomething wrong you can be angry at him and even punish him. But what kind of punishment would you give your sibling? Think about it. I think more often than not you would ask him “What’s the matter with you, are you insane! We have to have a talk!”
Raghupathy, Chennai :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:51 am

It is indeed sad that this beautiful island, which Mahatma Gandhi once described as the resplendent pendant of India, is not able to come to terms with the perennial ethnic problem.

According to what I read in the interview, Solheim, if not unwittingly, has advocated a view that he has never disclosed during his facilitator missions. There is no doubt that, having revealed his mind, Soheim has shown that Norway has no longer the moral credibility to continue as a peace facilitator between the LTTE and the GOSL. It may be true that the Lankan military is harrassing the Tamils. But the Norweigian has no right, considering his position, to speak out his mind. It seems that Solheim, who has been bitten by the vociferous calls of the extreme Sinhala groups for the removal of Norway, has reacted in this manner. This is why we South Asian should discourage the West, which comes to our help with vested interests. At least now, the GOSL should realize the duplicity of the peace facilitator, and show him the door. Having said that, I appeal to the ruling Sinhalese to do away with the provisions that discriminate against the Tamils in the island. Please dont allow your country to be divided on the lines of ethnicities and religions. If you follow this simple advice, you can regain the paradise!!
Anonymous :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:52 am

I think Eric Solheim is genuinly interested in the betterment of our motherland. Let us all unite with him in finding a lasting solution to the burning issue of our beloved land rather than criticising him unjustly. If we continue to do this, I don’t think that we are loving our beloved land of Lanka.
Observer :

March 28, 2006 @ 2:54 am

Have any of you actually read the text of this interview??? I cannot find a sentence from the text where Solheim says the words: “We support Tamil right to self-rule in Sri Lanka”, and I strongly doubt that he has said so. But it is so typical of Sri Lankan press and Sri Lankans themselves to twist the words of others the way it better suit them.

I have not seen many constructive comments or better yet an alternative to a power sharing mechanism being suggested (as Solheim proposes), which in my opinion is the ONLY solution to the Sri Lankan conflict. I cannot comprehend what is so frightening about such a system. Many other countries are successfully ruled by e.g. federalist structures, even your “big brother” India. But, still, as if of pure stubbornness and out of a principle to disagree many people oppose this even though it is a valid solution.

If only and for once Sri Lankans - both Tamil and Sinhalese - would take responsibility of their own actions, stop bickering and take the difficult decision to rule TOGETHER that the poor nation can continue its life and crawl out of the current misery.
Observer :

March 28, 2006 @ 3:11 am

The interview is found here:

http://www.tehelka.com/story_main17.asp?filename=Ne040106interview.asp
Dayan from middle east :

March 28, 2006 @ 3:24 am

I have gone through all comments.some tamils who study well in srilanka while enjoying all rights of a citizen escaped with the help of LTTE to western contries now challenge to Government army and sinhalies people.These are the people who betray innocent tamils in srilanka.LTTE ’s main income is Drug traffiking.Human smuggling and Arms smuggling.For these purposes LTTE use Tamil cause.Otherwise there is no problems facing by Tamils specially because of tamils other than problems created by politicians from time to time-Tamil&Sinhala both.Tamils in all over the country living&doing their normal things as other commiunities except in LTTE control area.Tamils people are suffering immensly in LTTE control area only.Other areas they live normally.If Sinhalese people are against with Tamils why Tamil people come to colombo like citis and live.If prabakaran is god why all Tamil peoples not go back to LTTE area to live under God’s kingdom.They know If they go there one pistol always point at their head.I have enough heard from my Tamil friends howmuch they suffer due LTTE. So my belief is that the Damage done to Tamil people by prabakaran is irrecoverable.But one thing i assure despite innocent Tamil people suffer immensly in their areas some Tamils are enjoying a luxury life in western contries due to Tamil cause in srilanka and fund to LTTE account to kill innocent tamils.They think they are helping for separate state.Prabakaran does not require a separate state.He never can rule a such a state other than jungle kingdom.Who is the brave tamil who allowed to rule him when his family destoryed by LTTE.Praba knows this very well.when praba’s son well educated and returned to srilanka ,charles will take over and contest for mullative district.until then Tamil people have to suffer.Finally Tamil people will realize that they have been decieved by once they thought their suryarajan god ,like any other politician.THEN YOU ALL ARE WHERE TO MY DEAR TAMIL BROTHRS AND SISITERS.
IDD - ME :

March 28, 2006 @ 4:35 am

The LTTE ( Businessman Prabhakaran) and the Sinhalese Political thugs, who engage in Drug trafficking, Money laundering, Human smuggling must be brought in to justice.
Until such time Sri Lanka will not prosper.
Whether a Tamil, Muslim, or a Sinhalese, we should make much use of this beautiful Island nation, we have so much to offer, and wonderful people, just because of selfish Businessmen, politicians, War mongers, we will never archive peace.
If the Intelligence agencies are allowed to do a proper job, with out interference, and along with the Interpol, all crooks could be caught.

Issue hash penalties for drug running, prostitution, Money laundering ect, which will never happen in this century.
God bless Sri Lanka

Norway is just a waste of time.
Janaka Doha :

March 28, 2006 @ 4:44 am

We no that Norwegian wants to devide the Sinhala country & destroy budhism from this land & sell their religion. Thats why as every one know they support LTTE killers & collect & allow to collect billians of mones to kill innecent people.

Solhaim & his followers with mad prba must understand this land is for Sinhala, Budhist Sri Lankans not for any blody person.
Jesy - Singapore :

March 28, 2006 @ 5:07 am

No way Norway
Victor, USA :

March 28, 2006 @ 5:54 am

Mr. Solheim is first a diplomat and then only a politician. In the interview he hasn’t spell out the word self rule and as pointed out by Observer. However, when Norway was approached by then President CBK, the understanding was to discuss federal system as alternative to separate state. One should re-call the memory instead of having selective amnesia that GoSL needed a desperate detour from the war after the ill fated operation Agni-Hehala with nearly 400 dead soldiers, even after the government had the Multi barrel Rocket Launchers.

It seems Mr.Rajapaksa is making the combine mistakes of both Bandaranayke and JRJ. India was watching with caution and has contributed clandestinely to this point helping the government. However, by creating a Muslim armed group which is supposedly had link with ISI of Pakistan had irked India and can look for some change in her behavior sooner than latter- mark my words. (when India feel that her security is in jeopardy, LTTE may be a savior than enemy)

Majority of the Tamil may well settle down for a federal state, however if any thing other than this forced on them, they have now choice other than support the LTTE though they may be authoritarians.
Susantha- Sri Lanka :

March 28, 2006 @ 6:09 am

What Eric Solheim says cannot be accepted by any person who sees the actual problem in Sri Lanka. The major reason for some sort of harresments faced by the tamil community is because the terrorist activities done by LTTE. They are killing people in this country. Most of the victims are tamils. If they are the sole representative of tamils, why do they kill tamils? These terrorist activities distry the tamil community. They kill any person who criticise these activities. So people live in Noth and East open their mouths only for eat. The live with great fear. Younger generation is taken for war. They lost their chilhood, education, relationships with parents and relatives. These young children are brainwashed to kill, do terrorist activities, suicide and many other anti-social activities. Parents live in those area are suffering. But don’t tell any word because they are afraid to LTTE.

There are large number of tamils and other community live peacefully with majority sinhalese in other part of the country. If the LTTE give up terrorist activities and enters to the democracy, there will be no problem in those areas. But the actuall situation is LTTE cannot survive without guns.

As Eric Solheim says, if the LTTE is given the controling of those areas, there will be ever going was as many parts of the world. Not only that, terrorist activities will further spread out to many parts of the world.

What Eric Solheim should do is to realize the actuall situation and force the terrorist to give up anti-social activities with other eu contries. But the current trend is Eric Solheim supports terrorist in different ways. So he cannot do the genuine role for this peace process.
Maryland, USA :

March 28, 2006 @ 7:43 am

It doesn’t matter who comes to negotiate peace between the Sinhalese and the Tamils. They will always be branded as White Tigers. A country that is refusing to distribute Tsunami aid equitably, is never going to give anything to the Tamils. How many agreements, how many rounds of talks have we had. The Sinhalese politicians still want to fix the wholes in the Ceasefire Agreement of 2002. The new SLA commander claims that the army was not consulted. The Tigers can also make similar complaints and keep dragging this talks forever. Both sides have to just sit down and go to the next level.

Just saw in the news that SLA is forming a Muslim battalian:
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Philippines+%26+South+Asia&month=March2006&file=World_News200603282556.xml

JVP, JHU, now Muslim battalian… Sounds like a good recipe for Peace!
mano-laodon :

March 28, 2006 @ 7:43 am

What in your view are the legitimate grievances of Tamils?

There is broad agreement in the international community on support for Tamil rights to some form of self-rule or power sharing within a united Sri Lanka

When Erik Solheim answer the above question there were lot of Sri Lankans who lives outside Sri Lanka were attacking Solheim left and right in their comments.

If we see the following comments that the Sinhalease think that the whole Sri Lanka is belong to them. But historically Tamils rule themselves until 1833. The British colonisers united the North and East with the rest of Sri Lanka for their administrative convenience in 1833.

“Sinhalese people have to find a way to admit their wrongdoings and work honestly for justice. Without justice there will be no peace”.

“LTTE is a product of ethnic problem and if they don’t solve the problem,there will always some group fight for the rights of the people”

“When will sinhala see the Tamil’s problem from the neutral stand point???? Then only they will realise how neutral Norway is always”

“Tamils have suffered at the hands of a succession of Sinhala governments for the past 50 years, the clearest recent evidence of anti-Tamil discrimination has been the post-Tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Tamil areas”.

“The truth of the matter is Tamils were treated so badly for too long. Now due to some racist polititons this situation has arised. No Srilankan Government cared for tamil peoples aspirations. They were always subject to some form of discremination or harrasment”

To solve the Tamil National Question, it has to be on Tamil speaking people’s terms and not the Sinhala parties’ (UNP, SLFP,JVP AND SHU)term. Tamil speaking people are the majority in the North and East and they have to decide democratically their own future like the Scottish people in the United Kingdom. I couldn’t understand that why the Sinhala leders didn’t want to understand the democratic system of other countries, such as UK,USA, Canada, Switzerland India etc.
Tamilichchi,Eelam :

March 28, 2006 @ 7:46 am

Well-Done and Keep it up.

Now only the international community begin to understand the ground reality in Eelam.

Dare to do Right and
Dare to be True
Tamilichchi,Eelam :

March 28, 2006 @ 7:48 am

Dear Sinhala Friends,

Stop talking your racist views and visit and see what happens to your brothers and sister

‘We support Tamil right to self-rule in Sri Lanka’ ….- Erik Solheim

300 Comments »

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