The LTTE is history – R. Sampanthan
Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), R. Sampanthan, in an interview with Ceylon Today, says the US resolution against Sri Lanka is being brought not with the intention of punishing Sri Lanka, but because the island nation has not done what it was supposed to do. Claiming Sri Lanka had taken up several positions, he adds, “Some of the positions they are taking up may perhaps be to give the people of the country the impression that they are a bold and strong government. But as far as we are concerned, we are very worried about the fact that they are not on the right path.”
Following are excerpts: By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan
Q:
It has been six months since the TNA took over the Northern Provincial Council (NPC). What changes have you introduced in so far?
A: Chief Minister, C.V. Wigneswaran, is quite active. He is in touch with the people. The ministers are active in their respective fields. The people are beginning to feel that there is a government that is addressing their needs. There is interaction between the NPC and the people. The NPC has just started to function amidst teething problems and we expect the people to be able to benefit from provincial governance as we go along.
It has been six months since the TNA took over the Northern Provincial Council (NPC). What changes have you introduced in so far?
A: Chief Minister, C.V. Wigneswaran, is quite active. He is in touch with the people. The ministers are active in their respective fields. The people are beginning to feel that there is a government that is addressing their needs. There is interaction between the NPC and the people. The NPC has just started to function amidst teething problems and we expect the people to be able to benefit from provincial governance as we go along.
Q:
What did the Northerners expect from the TNA after the victory?
A: The TNA’s position has been that there must be a political solution to the national question. There also must be power sharing based on the principle of maximum possible devolution, which even the President of this country has promised. There must be an effective Provincial Government, which will enable to address the political, social, economic and cultural aspirations of the people.
What did the Northerners expect from the TNA after the victory?
A: The TNA’s position has been that there must be a political solution to the national question. There also must be power sharing based on the principle of maximum possible devolution, which even the President of this country has promised. There must be an effective Provincial Government, which will enable to address the political, social, economic and cultural aspirations of the people.
Q:
Some of the points in the TNA manifesto read that it would remove Northern Governor, G.A. Chandrasiri, from his post as well as get rid of the military bases in the peninsula. How far have you progressed with these plans?
A: The TNA has nothing against anybody personally. The present Governor was a military officer in the North. Being a Governor, he participated in election campaigns on behalf of the government, which in my view, he should never have done. The TNA, as well as the NPC, has taken the view that a civilian, who will appreciate the aspirations of the people of the North, should be in that position. The present Governor has functioned as the Governor of the North when there was no Provincial Council and he has been quite accustomed to function in his own way.
With the Provincial Government, the manner in which he had functioned in the past is an impediment to how he should function at present. We expect the government to realize that there is a need for change.
Some of the points in the TNA manifesto read that it would remove Northern Governor, G.A. Chandrasiri, from his post as well as get rid of the military bases in the peninsula. How far have you progressed with these plans?
A: The TNA has nothing against anybody personally. The present Governor was a military officer in the North. Being a Governor, he participated in election campaigns on behalf of the government, which in my view, he should never have done. The TNA, as well as the NPC, has taken the view that a civilian, who will appreciate the aspirations of the people of the North, should be in that position. The present Governor has functioned as the Governor of the North when there was no Provincial Council and he has been quite accustomed to function in his own way.
With the Provincial Government, the manner in which he had functioned in the past is an impediment to how he should function at present. We expect the government to realize that there is a need for change.
Q:
Can you comment on the presence of military bases in the North?
A: The presence of the armed forces in the North should not bring discomfort and harassment to the people. Their conduct is mentioned in the reports on the NPC election, filed by domestic and international monitors. You will see to what extent they have misbehaved even in the holding of an election. This type of intrusion into civilian lives should not continue. Anywhere in the country there is a code of ethics for the defence forces. We don’t demand the Army to be removed fully from the North, but the Army should be substantially removed so that the civilians can have their freedom and will not feel that they are oppressed. We want dignity and self-respect of the people to be maintained. It has to be shown that they are free citizens not subjected to unnecessary intrusion by the armed forces.
Can you comment on the presence of military bases in the North?
A: The presence of the armed forces in the North should not bring discomfort and harassment to the people. Their conduct is mentioned in the reports on the NPC election, filed by domestic and international monitors. You will see to what extent they have misbehaved even in the holding of an election. This type of intrusion into civilian lives should not continue. Anywhere in the country there is a code of ethics for the defence forces. We don’t demand the Army to be removed fully from the North, but the Army should be substantially removed so that the civilians can have their freedom and will not feel that they are oppressed. We want dignity and self-respect of the people to be maintained. It has to be shown that they are free citizens not subjected to unnecessary intrusion by the armed forces.
Q:
Does the TNA still have an issue/conflict of interest with the present Governor?
A: I think the Chief Minister and the Governor on a personal level interact quite well.
Does the TNA still have an issue/conflict of interest with the present Governor?
A: I think the Chief Minister and the Governor on a personal level interact quite well.
Q:
Do you see a change in the Governor now?
A: I think the TNA interacts with him when it is required, in a civilized way, but that does not alter the fact, the fundamental position, that we don’t want a military governor.
Do you see a change in the Governor now?
A: I think the TNA interacts with him when it is required, in a civilized way, but that does not alter the fact, the fundamental position, that we don’t want a military governor.
Q:
Many say the TNA has hoodwinked the people again. In 1977, the TNA promised a Tamil Eelam, but it failed to deliver. Isn’t the TNA gaining a reputation for making false promises?
A: All provincial governments in whichever part of the country, including the government at the national level, come to power through an electoral processes, based on their manifestos and what they tell their people and based on what the people think of them. This government did everything possible to win the NPC. They spent lavishly before the election and during the election. Government resources were used, armed forces were fully and effectively used, but the people in their wisdom took a decision. People did not demand a separate State. We wanted the people to realize that violence should be eschewed completely. We said we would implement the PC as it exists and arranged to the best of our ability, to uplift the living conditions of the people and be of service to them. We told them we would work on devolution and evolve an acceptable political solution within the framework of a united and undivided Sri Lanka, and the people supported us. People very clearly, through their verdict, indicated what they want. People who come to power through the process of democracy must learn to respect the democratic verdict of the Tamil people. It’s the failure of the government to respect the verdict of the Tamil people that has resulted in agony for this country. Tamil people have repeatedly voted for a certain position. We said we want autonomy and we want a substantial power sharing arrangement in the areas they have historically inhabited. This is what the Tamil people voted for. Why do the Muslims support the Muslim Congress? Persons in authority should not find lame excuses, but should learn to respect the verdict of the Tamil people and fulfil their aspirations. This would be a great achievement for this country.
Many say the TNA has hoodwinked the people again. In 1977, the TNA promised a Tamil Eelam, but it failed to deliver. Isn’t the TNA gaining a reputation for making false promises?
A: All provincial governments in whichever part of the country, including the government at the national level, come to power through an electoral processes, based on their manifestos and what they tell their people and based on what the people think of them. This government did everything possible to win the NPC. They spent lavishly before the election and during the election. Government resources were used, armed forces were fully and effectively used, but the people in their wisdom took a decision. People did not demand a separate State. We wanted the people to realize that violence should be eschewed completely. We said we would implement the PC as it exists and arranged to the best of our ability, to uplift the living conditions of the people and be of service to them. We told them we would work on devolution and evolve an acceptable political solution within the framework of a united and undivided Sri Lanka, and the people supported us. People very clearly, through their verdict, indicated what they want. People who come to power through the process of democracy must learn to respect the democratic verdict of the Tamil people. It’s the failure of the government to respect the verdict of the Tamil people that has resulted in agony for this country. Tamil people have repeatedly voted for a certain position. We said we want autonomy and we want a substantial power sharing arrangement in the areas they have historically inhabited. This is what the Tamil people voted for. Why do the Muslims support the Muslim Congress? Persons in authority should not find lame excuses, but should learn to respect the verdict of the Tamil people and fulfil their aspirations. This would be a great achievement for this country.
Q:
Will you implement all what is stated in the TNA manifesto?
A: We will implement it. However, it depends on how the Centre will cooperate with us to enable us to function efficiently. The Chief Minister took oaths before the President to show the government our desire to work with their cooperation, in order to fulfil our people’s aspirations and we will definitely keep working towards that end.
Will you implement all what is stated in the TNA manifesto?
A: We will implement it. However, it depends on how the Centre will cooperate with us to enable us to function efficiently. The Chief Minister took oaths before the President to show the government our desire to work with their cooperation, in order to fulfil our people’s aspirations and we will definitely keep working towards that end.
Q:
We hear that you and the Chief Minister are very compatible whereas the rest are unhappy. Is there a split between you and other TNA members?
A: People have overwhelmingly voted for him. I think the NPC is strong with him in it.
We hear that you and the Chief Minister are very compatible whereas the rest are unhappy. Is there a split between you and other TNA members?
A: People have overwhelmingly voted for him. I think the NPC is strong with him in it.
Q:
Do you regret bringing C.V. Wigneswaran as the Chief Minister for the Northern Province?
A: We are extremely happy to introduce a person of his stature as the Chief Minister. We have set a good example.
Do you regret bringing C.V. Wigneswaran as the Chief Minister for the Northern Province?
A: We are extremely happy to introduce a person of his stature as the Chief Minister. We have set a good example.
Q:
Councillor Ananthy Sasitharan claims that she has been sidelined and not allowed to go about with her work in the manner she would like to. Is there a disparity with her?
A: That’s not correct. All those little issues will settle down soon. Don’t worry about it. These are all minor matters that I should not talk about. Ananthi will fall in line. We should give her a little time.
Councillor Ananthy Sasitharan claims that she has been sidelined and not allowed to go about with her work in the manner she would like to. Is there a disparity with her?
A: That’s not correct. All those little issues will settle down soon. Don’t worry about it. These are all minor matters that I should not talk about. Ananthi will fall in line. We should give her a little time.
Q:
Jaffna Mayor Yogeswari Patkunarajah claims the TNA operates as the opposition rather than rulers of the NPC. You have only passed resolutions and practically done nothing. Is her claim right?
A: If she feels that the TNA should function, well, ‘a little differently’, she can convey her views to the Chief Minister and he will surely listen to what she has to say. She must address her grievances to the Chief Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers of the NPC.
Jaffna Mayor Yogeswari Patkunarajah claims the TNA operates as the opposition rather than rulers of the NPC. You have only passed resolutions and practically done nothing. Is her claim right?
A: If she feels that the TNA should function, well, ‘a little differently’, she can convey her views to the Chief Minister and he will surely listen to what she has to say. She must address her grievances to the Chief Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers of the NPC.
Q:
How is the Chief Minister’s working spirit? Many claim he is not the ideal person to be the Chief Minister.
A: He is a competent person. He works very quietly, quite efficiently and effectively too. He is the person with responsibility and knows what he is doing. He knows why he became the Chief Minister and what people expect of him. As time goes by, everyone will know about him.
How is the Chief Minister’s working spirit? Many claim he is not the ideal person to be the Chief Minister.
A: He is a competent person. He works very quietly, quite efficiently and effectively too. He is the person with responsibility and knows what he is doing. He knows why he became the Chief Minister and what people expect of him. As time goes by, everyone will know about him.
Q:
What are the major achievements the TNA wants to accomplish by end of the year? Is there something you are working on seriously?
A: I suppose the implementation of the Provincial Council arrangement to its full capacity and working towards an acceptable political solution and achieving it are our major tasks. Also, we are dealing with the injustices committed by the government, particularly on the land issue – people should return to the lands they were removed and displaced from. These are the main issues to be addressed.
What are the major achievements the TNA wants to accomplish by end of the year? Is there something you are working on seriously?
A: I suppose the implementation of the Provincial Council arrangement to its full capacity and working towards an acceptable political solution and achieving it are our major tasks. Also, we are dealing with the injustices committed by the government, particularly on the land issue – people should return to the lands they were removed and displaced from. These are the main issues to be addressed.
Q:
You have called for an international probe into war crimes allegations. Will not your pressure have an impact on the country’s progress and the reconciliation process?
A: We are Sri Lankans. We are not against Sri Lanka. We would not want anything to happen that would harm Sri Lanka, but the truth has to be ascertained to bring about genuine reconciliation between the peoples. It’s up to the government to decide what they want to do. This government has not held any domestic inquiry, which can be regarded as credible or independent or acceptable. That is the reality. That is why there is a cry for an international inquiry. The matter has gone before the international fora. There are commitments this government has made. There are obligations and Sri Lanka is a party to several international conventions. You cannot completely absolve yourself and avoid responsibilities. How the government will handle this position is left to them to decide.
You have called for an international probe into war crimes allegations. Will not your pressure have an impact on the country’s progress and the reconciliation process?
A: We are Sri Lankans. We are not against Sri Lanka. We would not want anything to happen that would harm Sri Lanka, but the truth has to be ascertained to bring about genuine reconciliation between the peoples. It’s up to the government to decide what they want to do. This government has not held any domestic inquiry, which can be regarded as credible or independent or acceptable. That is the reality. That is why there is a cry for an international inquiry. The matter has gone before the international fora. There are commitments this government has made. There are obligations and Sri Lanka is a party to several international conventions. You cannot completely absolve yourself and avoid responsibilities. How the government will handle this position is left to them to decide.
Q:
You are calling for an international probe on alleged war crimes and disappearances. Tamil Diaspora wanted the same. However, at present, the Diaspora gathering in Geneva are shouting slogans and waving flags of the LTTE. Do you agree with the use of the Tiger flag by the Tamil Diaspora?
A: The LTTE has nothing to do with this. This is not a Tiger show, no matter what the Tamil Diaspora is carrying. We are absolutely serious about this. I don’t know how correct you are that the Tamil Diaspora is carrying the Tiger flag. I am not speaking on behalf of them. I am speaking only about the Tamil people of this country. As far as the Tamils of this country are concerned, the LTTE is history.
You are calling for an international probe on alleged war crimes and disappearances. Tamil Diaspora wanted the same. However, at present, the Diaspora gathering in Geneva are shouting slogans and waving flags of the LTTE. Do you agree with the use of the Tiger flag by the Tamil Diaspora?
A: The LTTE has nothing to do with this. This is not a Tiger show, no matter what the Tamil Diaspora is carrying. We are absolutely serious about this. I don’t know how correct you are that the Tamil Diaspora is carrying the Tiger flag. I am not speaking on behalf of them. I am speaking only about the Tamil people of this country. As far as the Tamils of this country are concerned, the LTTE is history.
Q:
What are the merits and demerits of the South African reconciliation process?
A: President Mahinda Rajapaksa wanted South African President, Jacob Zuma, to assist Sri Lanka to learn from the experience of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). An ANC delegation came here and held talks with us and with the government too. A government delegation and a TNA delegation also visited South Africa in this regard. This happened sometime ago. We want a comprehensive process, to address the root causes of the Sri Lankan conflict that will bring about changes to the current ground situation. It should also bring about devolution of power, acceptable political solution and through an accountability process bring about genuine reconciliation so that we can start a new journey together.
What are the merits and demerits of the South African reconciliation process?
A: President Mahinda Rajapaksa wanted South African President, Jacob Zuma, to assist Sri Lanka to learn from the experience of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). An ANC delegation came here and held talks with us and with the government too. A government delegation and a TNA delegation also visited South Africa in this regard. This happened sometime ago. We want a comprehensive process, to address the root causes of the Sri Lankan conflict that will bring about changes to the current ground situation. It should also bring about devolution of power, acceptable political solution and through an accountability process bring about genuine reconciliation so that we can start a new journey together.
Q:
Is the TNA going to be present at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva?
A: As of now, I have no idea of going to Geneva. I did not go there in 2012 and in 2013. I may not go this year either.
Is the TNA going to be present at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva?
A: As of now, I have no idea of going to Geneva. I did not go there in 2012 and in 2013. I may not go this year either.
Q:
Even if the US succeeds in bringing a resolution against Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Government says ‘there is nothing to be alarmed about’. Also, a US resolution against Sri Lanka will not bring about economic sanctions. It won’t even reach the UN Security Council. So what will be the outcome of getting a resolution passed?
A: All these resolutions are being brought because the Sri Lankan Government, in the view of the international community, has not done what it agreed to do. I don’t think anyone wants to punish Sri Lanka or the government. But the international community wants Sri Lanka to do what it has promised to do and what it has committed to do. So let us wait. Sri Lanka took up several positions. Some of the positions they are taking up may be to give the people of the country the impression that they are a bold and strong government. This government also wanted time and space to complete the tasks. But, as far as we are concerned, we are very worried about the fact that they are not on the right path. For instance, the land issues in the North and the East are not only harmful to the future of the Tamil people, but also to this country.
Even if the US succeeds in bringing a resolution against Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Government says ‘there is nothing to be alarmed about’. Also, a US resolution against Sri Lanka will not bring about economic sanctions. It won’t even reach the UN Security Council. So what will be the outcome of getting a resolution passed?
A: All these resolutions are being brought because the Sri Lankan Government, in the view of the international community, has not done what it agreed to do. I don’t think anyone wants to punish Sri Lanka or the government. But the international community wants Sri Lanka to do what it has promised to do and what it has committed to do. So let us wait. Sri Lanka took up several positions. Some of the positions they are taking up may be to give the people of the country the impression that they are a bold and strong government. This government also wanted time and space to complete the tasks. But, as far as we are concerned, we are very worried about the fact that they are not on the right path. For instance, the land issues in the North and the East are not only harmful to the future of the Tamil people, but also to this country.
Q:
What action will you take after the UNHRC passes the US resolution?
A: I cannot say what we would do after the UNHRC session, but we will certainly play a responsible role in bringing about genuine reconciliation; to build a cordial relationship between all of us. We will do various things to achieve our goals, provided that we make sure that there is a positive cooperation from this government. We will always be available. Sri Lanka needs to change its direction. It needs to change its trajectory and move along a different path.
What action will you take after the UNHRC passes the US resolution?
A: I cannot say what we would do after the UNHRC session, but we will certainly play a responsible role in bringing about genuine reconciliation; to build a cordial relationship between all of us. We will do various things to achieve our goals, provided that we make sure that there is a positive cooperation from this government. We will always be available. Sri Lanka needs to change its direction. It needs to change its trajectory and move along a different path.
Q:
For a long time, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was what you wanted in terms of devolution of power. What more powers do you want beyond that?
A: This government has committed itself publicly to the full implementation of the 13A and to build upon the 13A to bring about meaningful devolution. The President committed himself to maximum possible devolution. After the enactment of the 13A, various processes have taken place in the country, even during the time of successive Presidents such as Ranangsinghe Premadasa, Chandrika Kumaratunga and even President Rajapaksa, to bring about a political solution based on maximum possible devolution. We are available for negotiation on this matter and we are prepared to play a very responsible role.
For a long time, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was what you wanted in terms of devolution of power. What more powers do you want beyond that?
A: This government has committed itself publicly to the full implementation of the 13A and to build upon the 13A to bring about meaningful devolution. The President committed himself to maximum possible devolution. After the enactment of the 13A, various processes have taken place in the country, even during the time of successive Presidents such as Ranangsinghe Premadasa, Chandrika Kumaratunga and even President Rajapaksa, to bring about a political solution based on maximum possible devolution. We are available for negotiation on this matter and we are prepared to play a very responsible role.
Q:
The government has the power and the ministers enjoy the power. The TNA cannot work without the Centre. If that happens, the people of the North will be isolated…
A: That’s why I said there should be a political solution. There should be a constitutional arrangement which would bring about an effective way of sharing political power.
The government has the power and the ministers enjoy the power. The TNA cannot work without the Centre. If that happens, the people of the North will be isolated…
A: That’s why I said there should be a political solution. There should be a constitutional arrangement which would bring about an effective way of sharing political power.
Q:
The TNA is known to be a ‘not willing Party’ to work with the government. The claims are that the TNA doesn’t want to agree to a workable solution. Even the International Community has told you to work closely with the government…
A: we are working on all of these issues. We are quite aware of what we are doing. The whole problem is that this government is unable to keep to its commitments. If the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) is not functioning the way it should, the blame should go to the government, which failed to keep to its commitments. You will not understand what I am saying, but the President will understand when I say they don’t keep to their promises.
The TNA is known to be a ‘not willing Party’ to work with the government. The claims are that the TNA doesn’t want to agree to a workable solution. Even the International Community has told you to work closely with the government…
A: we are working on all of these issues. We are quite aware of what we are doing. The whole problem is that this government is unable to keep to its commitments. If the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) is not functioning the way it should, the blame should go to the government, which failed to keep to its commitments. You will not understand what I am saying, but the President will understand when I say they don’t keep to their promises.
Q:
Since the government is not keeping to its commitments, does that mean that the TNA is withdrawing from all commitments too?
A: First of all, we are not there to withdraw. There must be a credible, legitimate process.
Since the government is not keeping to its commitments, does that mean that the TNA is withdrawing from all commitments too?
A: First of all, we are not there to withdraw. There must be a credible, legitimate process.
Q:
Till then you are not going to have any discussions?
A: How can I? In the PSC, there are members of the government, senior cabinet ministers of the government belonging to the Alliance Parties of the government, who are saying that the 13A must be repealed and the powers under the 13A must also be removed. When they make such public statements, how can I possibly take part in the PSC?
Till then you are not going to have any discussions?
A: How can I? In the PSC, there are members of the government, senior cabinet ministers of the government belonging to the Alliance Parties of the government, who are saying that the 13A must be repealed and the powers under the 13A must also be removed. When they make such public statements, how can I possibly take part in the PSC?
Q:
You have been engaging in politics for several decades now. Who will be your successor?
A: I don’t nominate successors.
You have been engaging in politics for several decades now. Who will be your successor?
A: I don’t nominate successors.
Q:
Do you have anyone in mind?
A: I don’t decide and it’s the people and the Party that should decide that. It could be anyone. It can be someone new too.
Do you have anyone in mind?
A: I don’t decide and it’s the people and the Party that should decide that. It could be anyone. It can be someone new too.
Q:
Are you satisfied with the path taken by the TNA?
A: We are honest about what we are doing. I wish we can achieve more.
Are you satisfied with the path taken by the TNA?
A: We are honest about what we are doing. I wish we can achieve more.
Q:
At the moment what is the biggest setback you face?
A: the fact that the government is not respecting the verdict of the people and not giving us the cooperation that they should give. We won 30 seats out of the 38 seats of the NPC. Out of 33 Tamil members of the NPC 29 belong to our Party. In the East, out of 12 members, 11 members belong to my Party. Aren’t the Tamil people unequivocally with the TNA? Is it not a verdict that the government should respect? Democracy is the foundation of governance.
At the moment what is the biggest setback you face?
A: the fact that the government is not respecting the verdict of the people and not giving us the cooperation that they should give. We won 30 seats out of the 38 seats of the NPC. Out of 33 Tamil members of the NPC 29 belong to our Party. In the East, out of 12 members, 11 members belong to my Party. Aren’t the Tamil people unequivocally with the TNA? Is it not a verdict that the government should respect? Democracy is the foundation of governance.
Q:
Do you have enough funds to fulfil your promises?
A: No. The government should give us funds. We also must have our own resources.
Do you have enough funds to fulfil your promises?
A: No. The government should give us funds. We also must have our own resources.
Q:
Where will you get the funds from?
A: I don’t want to go into details, but the Northern Province CM is working on this. Ask the CM, he will tell you.
Where will you get the funds from?
A: I don’t want to go into details, but the Northern Province CM is working on this. Ask the CM, he will tell you.
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