Friends,
This is utter rubbish and absolute lies being spread by the Sri Lankan embassy in Washington DC.
It is more than obvious that the SLHC making a desperate attempt to hoodwink the US Secretary of State,
The State Dept.. and the US Congress about the state of affairs in Sri Lanka.
They have simply forgotten the fundamental rule in foreign affairs of the US Government, which relies on their
own embassy in Sri Lanka to formulate their opinion instead of foreign embassies in Washington, or their paid lobbyist.
In this instance the firm of Patton Boggs, are paid nearly a million dollars a year, and one Sinhalese attorney Vinod Basanayake also has been hired by this firm for this purpose. This young man is the son of immigration
attorney Sena Basanayake who was a neighbor and close friend of attorney Bruce Fein, who was the paid attorney
first for the Tamils For Justice, then for Justice For Thamils, Canada, and thereafter for Tamils Against Genocide.
Now he is with the Turkish lobby groups, lobbying hard to deny their has been a Genocide in Armenia. His wife
is the Congressional candidate for the Republican Party, contesting Jane Harman in the beach cities,
and Los Angeles airport area.
The LTTE might be defeated in Sri Lanka, but the Tamils are not in Sri Lanka nor the diaspora. The Tamil's goals,
objectives and aspirations have not died with the LTTE, although the demand for separate state is not practical
withthout the LTTE. However, there is no way the Tamil political parties would settle for anything less than a
strong Federal system with extensive devolution of power, sans any discrimination. The State Terrorism is live
and kicking, and one has to just ask the General Fonseka's family, UNP, JVP, and the TNA. Or the former
President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunge and her family. Even Sri Lanka's former Foreign minister
Managala Samaraweera or minister Karu Jayasuriya would vouch for the current tyranny that all Tamils, and
many Sinhalese and Muslims are facing. Tiran Alles who organized his friend Emilkanthan to accept the
Rajapakse money so that the LTTE would agree to boycott the 2005 Presidential elections himself has experienced
the Sinhala Rajapakse State Terrorism.
The Tamil diaspora has been pro Tamil than pro LTTE, and certainly the LTTE was very much loved, respected
and supported by them as well as those Tamils living in Sri Lanka. The GOSL could burn every bone of the LTTE
fighters and shamelessly desecrate the cemeteries, and destroy the monuments and statues for the dead Tamil
leaders, but won't be able to erase their memory in the hearts, and minds of the Tamils of their leaders.
It is stupid and childish for the Srilankan embassy in Washington, DC, and their lobbyist Patton Boggs to brand
the Tamils who oppose the Rajapakse dictatorship as Pro LTTE supporters. What they are doing is really
insulting the intelligence of the State Department, members of the Congress, and the US government as if they
are not aware of the true picture using their own sources such as the US embassy in Colombo, NGO's,
Human Rights Organizations, such as the HRW, Amnesty International, International Crisis Group, and the
Elders Group to mention a few.
If the SL embassy is so confident of their virtue and that war crimes was never committed in Sri Lanka we all
(Tamils, Sinhalese, Muslims and Burgers) would challenge them to request a Congressional and Senate hearing
on Sri Lanka next year. GOSL should also allow the UN to conduct it's own investigations not only on the
War Crimes but the continued State Terrorism after the war, including the cruel and inhuman treatment of the
300,000 Tamil civilians in internment camps and abuse of the prisoners of war, violating the Geneva Conventions.
The Tamil civilians are being terrorized by the State on a daily basis, their homes being occupied by the military
for decades, and their land is being robbed after the 18 month occupation in the Vanni. The aid received to
build homes for the IDP's are also being diverted for the military, colonization schemes, and promoting ethnic cleansing.
So far Sri Lankan government has not built one single permanent home for the Tamil civilians after destroying
about 100,000 homes in less than a year in the Northern Province. If that is not State Terrorism, may I ask what is?
There are competent US attorneys like Prof. Francis Boyle, Bruce Fein, Karen Parker, and Prof. Cole to provide
testimony to the Congress and the Senate. I wonder whether attorneys from Patton Boggs would dare come and
represent their clients and justify the million dollars that is being paid to them. Wasn't this the same lobby group
who represented General Fonseka who was wanted for "Friendly discussion" last October by the department of
Homeland security when he was visiting USA to renew his green card? Even attorneys representing
General Fonseka and his supporters can be represented for any type of hearing, so that the truth can be told to
the US government, US Public, and the United Nations.
Why not even release General Fonseka to come and testify and also talk to the US government and the United Nations,
if the GOSL and the MOD are not afraid of the truth? After all both General Fonseka and his wife are permanent residents
and were hoping to become US citizens at some time in the future together with the rest of the family.
The Tamil campaign is not a campaign of misleading facts but the truth.
On the contrary it is the SL Embassy which is engaged in a litany of lies not only against the Tamils but also the
Sinhalese and the Muslims which represented 40% of the total votes General Fonseka received in the January
Presidential elections despite severe irregularities and violations of the election laws. Let us have an open debate
now, with 3 from the Tamils, 3 from the GOSL, 1 from the US Muslims, and one from the General Fonseka's side.
The SL Embassy are such shameless cowards and spineless men, they will simply run and hide without facing a
debate and confront the truth.
The GOSL and SL Embassy are such hypocrites, who are clearly demonstrating that they are only paying lip
service to peace and true reconciliation with the Tamils, but behind their back operating a false and malicious
campaign against the Tamils to vilify. How can such people be trusted in anything they say?
With Best Wishes,
Donald Jayantha Gnanakone
Tamils For Justice.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1795699868638606708
On State Terrorism:
Sri Lanka from a flawed democracy into a dynastic oligarchy because their crimes and abuses have gone largely unchallenged by Lankan society, especially that intellectual-ethical obscenity, the zero-civilian casualty myth (and the incarceration of more than 300,000 Tamils in ‘welfare villages’).
So Sri Lanka is a land polarised between the friends and the enemies of the Ruling Family. In this land, anyone who is willing to play by Rajapaksa rules and submit to Rajapaksa dictates can lead a ‘normal’ life, without experiencing state terror. The North has been bludgeoned into sullen silence; Tamils will be stigmatised and repressed as Tiger supporters if they show signs of democratic dissent. - Courtesy - Tissaranee Gunasekara via Sunday Leader.
Sent: Friday, September 3, 2010 17:51:48
Subject: To: Members of the Sri Lankan Community in the United States
Members of the Sri Lankan Community in the United States,
I know most of you have been working in many different ways to spread the correct story about Sri Lanka.
As you may be aware, 58 members of the U.S. House of Representatives recently wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. They have called for an independent international investigation into alleged war crimes during the final stages of the long struggle against the terrorist army Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Although terrorism has been eliminated in Sri Lanka, the pro-LTTE Diaspora is still active. Their aggressive fund raising now targets the progress being made in Sri Lanka. Funds are also used to spread negative stories about our Motherland.
The pro-LTTE Diaspora has launched a campaign of misinformation and has tried to confuse the Congress and other lawmakers.
To counter this false message, we need to work together as a community. That is why I am writing to you today.
I ask that you take action to right the wrong impressions being spread in Washington about Sri Lanka. You can do this by writing to Congress and to Secretary Clinton.
There are so many positive developments occurring right now in Sri Lanka that this task will not be a difficult one. Below I’ve offered some suggestions in a sample letter that you may copy and send to the members of Congress who wrote the letter to Secretary Clinton, and to your own representative and senators.
We must all take ownership of Sri Lanka and its reputation. I know that many of you work hard to promote cultural and religious events that symbolize the peace, understanding and tolerance that is Sri Lanka today. I know that you will help us convey that same message to your elected leaders here in Washington, D.C.
I thank you for your help in this important effort.
Sincerely,
Jaliya Wickramasuriya
Ambassador
Sample letter:
For Representative:
The Honorable John Q. Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Representative Smith:
For Senator:
The Honorable John Q. Smith
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Smith:
Sample letter:
The Honorable (First name) (Last name)
United States House of Representatives (or United States Senate)
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Representative/Senator (Last Name),
I am writing to you in regards to the recent letter sent by some members of the House of Representatives to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The letter recommended that the U.S government call for an international investigation into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka.
As you may know, Sri Lanka in May 2009 ended nearly three decades of strife when government forces defeated the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Since then, there have been no terrorist incidents, and all Sri Lankans are living again in peace and growing prosperity. Billions of dollars have been committed to re-building conflict zones and renewing the communities and livelihoods of those affected by the fighting.
It is important to note that Sri Lanka has established its own Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission to examine how the country may best continue to heal from the conflict against terrorism. Therefore, a second, outside inquiry is not necessary.
Sri Lanka's eight-member commission, modeled after the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission that examined Apartheid, includes two Tamils. The commission holds open hearings so that grievances may be aired publicly, and it has already made impressive headway, taking testimony from both Tamil citizens displaced by the conflict and top government officials.
Indeed, Secretary Clinton has already noted the vital part the commission plays in Sri Lanka’s future, remarking that, “Such commissions of inquiry have played an important role in advancing accountability and redressing wrongs in other countries emerging from periods of internal strife.”
Sri Lanka is Asia’s oldest democracy, one that just held successful and peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections. I believe the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission is fully capable of investigating Sri Lanka’s past. Its work will promote justice and produce a result that will be respected and accepted by all Sri Lankans.
The success of Sri Lanka’s post-conflict reconciliation depends ultimately on how Sri Lankans themselves come to terms with the lessons learned during the long, painful fight against terrorism.
I ask that you please join with Secretary Clinton and support the important work of Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
List of representatives who signed the letter to Secretary Clinton asking for an international investigation of Sri Lanka:
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
202-225-2111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2111 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin
202.225.2906 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202.225.2906 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Tim Bishop
202.225.3826 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202.225.3826 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Bob Inglis
202-225-6030 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-6030 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. James McGovern
202-225-6101 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-6101 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Maurice Hinchey
202-225-6335 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-6335 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Rush Holt
202-225-5801 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5801 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy
202-225-2015 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2015 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
202-225-6676 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-6676 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Vernon Ehlers
202-225-3831 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3831 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Rose L. DeLauro
202-225-3661 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3661 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Bob Filner
202-225-8045 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-8045 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Donna Edwards
202-225-8699 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-8699 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Michael Capuano
202-2254-5111
Cong. Phil Hare
202-225-5905 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5905 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Dennis Kucinich
202-225-5871 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5871 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Paul Hodes
202-225-5206 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5206 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Keith Ellison
202-225-4755 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4755 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Patrick Murphy
202-225-4276 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4276 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
202-225-5161 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5161 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Jim Himes
202-225-5541 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5541 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. John Sarbanes
202-225-4016 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4016 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Niki Tsongas
202-225-3411 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3411 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Jerry McNerney
202-225-1947 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-1947 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Michael McMahon
202-225-3371 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3371 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Brad Miller
202-225-3032 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3032 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Pete Stark
202-225-5065 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5065 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Danny Davis
202-225-5006 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5006 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
202-225-3816 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3816 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Patrick Kennedy
202-225-4911 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4911 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Stephen Lynch
202-225-8273 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-8273 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
202-225-7944 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-7944 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Jim Langevin
202-225-2735 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2735 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
202-225-8104 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-8104 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Barney Frank
202.225.5931 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202.225.5931 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
202-225-3072 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3072 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
202-225-2661 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2661 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Steven Rothman
202-225-5061 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5061 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Michael Honda
202-225-2631 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2631 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Dana Rohrabacher
202-225-2415 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2415 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Jim Moran
202-225-4376 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4376 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. G.K. Butterfield
202-225-3101 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3101 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Gene Green
202-225-1688 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-1688 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Howard Coble
202-225-3065 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3065 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Edward Markey
202-225-2836 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2836 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Brad Sherman
202-225-5911 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5911 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Steve Driehaus
202-225-2216 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2216 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Elijah Cummings
202-225-4741 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4741 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Raul Grijalva
202-225-2435 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-2435 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Jackie Speier
202-225-3531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3531 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Jean Schmidt
202-225-3164 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3164 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. John Olver
202-225-5335 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-5335 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. John Tierney
202-225-8020 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-8020 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
202-225-6116 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-6116 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. Peter Welch
202-225-4115 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-4115 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Congresswoman Judy Biggert
202-225-3515 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-3515 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cong. John Garamendi
202-225-1880 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-1880 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton
202-225-8050 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-225-8050 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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