News
Lanka’s Amb in Myanmar questions continuing Indian interference in Lanka’s domestic affairs
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Myanmar Prof. Nalin de Silva yesterday (18) questioned continuing Indian interference in domestic affairs in Sri Lanka.
Declaring Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley meeting with a TNA delegation to discuss what he called internal politics, Prof. De Silva alleged that the Indian envoy’s actions were contrary to Section 41 (A) of the Vienna Convention.
Ambassador de Silva was responding to Indian HC statement issued on Thursday (17) following a meeting with a delegation of TNA lawmakers led by R. Sampanthan. The statement quoted Bagley as having reiterated India’s support for devolution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka based on full implementation of the 13A which would be in line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace, and reconciliation and would strengthen Sri Lanka.
Outspoken Prof. de Silva asked whether India would allow such blatant interference there.
Prof de Silva emphasized that the TNA, having recognized the LTTE as the sole representative of the Tamil speaking people had no business to talk devolution with Indian HC. “It is an internal problem and what does the HC Bagley mean by full implementation of the 13A. It is up to Sri Lanka to implement the sections that need to be done,” Ambassador de Silva said. In the eyes of most of the people, the 13th A was nothing but a betrayal of the country, the blunt former Mathematics Don said.
Do not the Tamils enjoy equality, justice, and peace since the successful conclusion of the war? Those suspicious about Sri Lanka’s intentions should seek an explanation from new Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, Ambassador de Silva said. He alleged that India and the UK prevented real reconciliation. Those who could not stomach the eradication of the LTTE relentlessly harassed Sri Lanka, Prof de Silva said, urging the world to recognize saving Tamil speaking children from forced conscription to be used as cannon fodder as one of the major achievements of the war winning government.
The TNA delegation for talks with HC Bagley at India House comprised R. Sampanthan, Leader of Ilangai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Mavai Senathirajah Dharmalingam Siddharthan, Selvam Adaikalanathan and M.A. Sumanthiran were present during the meeting. Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K. Jacob and Political Counsellor Mrs. Banu Prakash have also been present.
Ambassador de Silva noted that several months ago, the Deputy HC discussed 13th A with former LTTE personnel, former UPFA lawmaker Karuna Amman and Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan, a member of the current parliament.
Prof de Silva said that both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena should be reminded of the Indian interference. According to him, even if he wanted to comment on Myanmar developments he could not do so for obvious reasons.
Referring to the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa declaring the then British High Commissioner in Colombo persona non grata and President Mahinda Rajapaksa taking a tough stand when French and British Foreign Secretaries attempted to intervene in 2009 on behalf of the LTTE, Amb. de Silva said that Sri Lanka had allowed foreign envoys the freedom to meddle with impunity. Prof. De Silva questioned the absurdity in various Colombo based envoys routinely commenting on domestic affairs, making suggestions and recommendations.
Referring to the Indian statement, Ambassador de Silva said it would be better if India explained about funding housing programmes implemented in areas outside the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The tough talking ex-university don said that Sri Lanka had proved beyond any doubt that the country could do without electing members for Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils. Sri Lanka could not forget India forced the then President JRJ to establish Provincial Councils system in terms of the 13th A to the Constitution in contravention of a Supreme Court ruling, he noted.
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Wife of former State Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has asked CID Director retired SSP Shani Abeysekera to allow her, her family members and lawyers to visit her husband in the National Hospital, Colombo. Sallay’s counsel has also written to Abeysekera, asking for permission to visit the former spy held on a detention order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The text of Manori’s letter: “I respectfully request your assistance in granting me, and my daughter or alternatively my son, permission to visit my husband, Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is currently at the National Hospital, Colombo.
“As you are aware, my husband is presently engaged in a fast-unto-death campaign. His physical condition and emotional well-being are of deep concern to our family. During this difficult period, the presence and support of his immediate family are extremely important to him.
“I firmly believe that regular visits from me with our daughter or our son would help uplift his spirits, provide him with much-needed emotional strength, and may encourage him to reconsider continuing this course of action. Family support can play a vital role in preserving his mental and emotional health while he remains hospitalised.
“In view of these exceptional circumstances, I kindly request that permission be granted for either me and my daughter or my son to visit him daily during the period of his hospitalisation.
“I would be most grateful for your compassionate consideration of this request.”
“The text of the counsel’s letter: “I write in my capacity as Counsel for Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is presently under detention and admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo.
As you are aware, Major General Sallay has embarked on a fast-unto-death campaign, giving rise to serious concerns regarding his physical and mental well-being. In these circumstances, it is imperative that I be granted reasonable and regular access to my client during his hospitalisation.
As his legal representative, I have a professional obligation to monitor his condition and obtain instructions from him so that I may accurately apprise the relevant courts of his health status and any developments affecting his rights and welfare. Effective legal representation requires continuous communication with my client, particularly in light of the grave circumstances presently confronting him.
I also wish to respectfully highlight that Major General Sallay has placed explicit trust and confidence in me as his counsel. Indeed, I was the first person he contacted following his arrest.
Given the trust he reposes in me, I believe I am uniquely positioned to engage with him constructively and persuade him to discontinue this campaign and instead place his confidence in the legal remedies and judicial processes available to him.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that I be granted permission to visit my client on a daily basis during the period of his hospitalization.
Such access would not only facilitate the discharge of my professional responsibilities but may also contribute meaningfully towards safeguarding his health and encouraging a resolution through lawful and institutional means.
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The Commission is expected to record statements in relation to several complaints received regarding his recruitment and subsequent service in the Navy after he enlisted on December 14, 2006.
According to sources, the investigation focuses on allegations concerning the educational qualifications considered at the time of his enlistment, as well as foreign training opportunities he is said to have received while in service, which are suspected to have been granted in violation of due process.
The Bribery Commission has launched the inquiry under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, officials said.
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