Sunday, July 6, 2014

Hate Speech- Sowing The Dragon’s Teeth

By Saliya Pieris -July 6, 2014 |

Saliya Pieris

In early May when students led by the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) launched a demonstration in Colombo on the Allied Health Sciences issue, the police with lightning speed obtained an order from the Colombo Chief Magistrate restricting the demonstration on the basis that it would cause public disorder and tarnish the image of the nation.

The police claimed that the demonstration was being held at the same time as the World Youth Conference, and that they had information that another group (which was not identified) was preparing to disrupt the students’ protest. The police claimed that they feared that there would be a clash between the two groups and asked for the assistance of court- to restrict the students ,but not the other group which was seeking to violently disrupt the student protest. The order was given; certain students who allegedly violated the Court order were later hauled up in Court and bailed out.

In stark contrast to the zealous manner in which the police acted against a minor student protest, was the ‘restraint’ demonstrated by the authorities towards the Ven. Galagodatte Gnanansara of the Bodu Bala Sena and his followers on June 15 at Aluthgama.

Even the most junior constable in the Police force would have realised that permitting the agitated demonstrators led by the BBS to go through the predominantly Muslim Dhargha Town would inevitably lead to a clash between the two factions, given the tension which admittedly prevailed that day in these areas.

By Austin Fernando -July 6, 2014

Austin Fernando

The Union Government of India has said it again: “NO INDIAN FISHING IN KATCHATHEEVU” (Daily News- 4-7-2014). There is song and dance on this report sent by Delhi to Chennai High Court, because it appears to be paving way for a diplomatic victory for Sri Lanka. This was reiteration of what the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu Government declared in 2012, when The Hindu was orchestrating the Tamil Nadu Government’s contradictory aspirations.

I wrote in Sunday Times (19-2-2012) in support of the statement by the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary. Here I reproduce it below for posterity and to state the political status on this issue. Nevertheless, I am mindful of the legality challenged by some on the grounds of process of settlement of Kachchthivu during Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s rule.

TN’s claim for Kachchativu holds no water

Times of India (TOI) reported that the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu Government (TNG) had reiterated the state’s stand on the retrieval of Kachchativu from Sri Lanka, and restoring traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen, arguing that if not retrieved Tamil Nadu fishermen will have to stop fishing and starve.

This had been a threat repeatedly made by the TNG, even with a unanimously passed State Assembly resolution. Sri Lankan counter-argument may be that its official transactions are with New Delhi, meaning Tamil Nadu traditional rights would have been considered by New Delhi before agreeing; and, the Sri Lankan fishermen too would be starved if territorial waters are given up.
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