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13th Amendment would rekindle the desire for Eelam: Amarasekara 

Gunadasa Amarasekara is a controversial figure. Although literature is his forte, in recent years, he has been more involved in politics and is a leader of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM). A main proponent of Jathika Chintanaya and a strong critic of Indian intervention and Devolution of Power. The Nation met with him for his views on the CEPA and the rising tide of Indian influence on Sri Lanka

By Rathindra Kuruwita 

Q: The SAARC summit was held at a cost of Rs 2.8 billion. Although it was a colossal sum of money, it also brought much positive publicity to the country. How do you weigh the pros and cons? A: It is true that we spent a large sum of money on the event but, I believe that, the SAARC summit was of great importance. It is true that, SAARC summits have just been �talking shops�, but we see that, this year�s summit was different from the previous ones. Many important resolutions were passed, including legislation to counter terrorism in the region and measures to ensure food security.

Among these, the most important resolutions were the ones taken to eradicate terrorism in the region. Terrorism has a serious impact on almost all the countries in the region, and it is good to see that SAARC countries have understood the importance of sticking together to face this menace.

And these resolutions come at a crucial time. India is facing a tide of terrorism that has claimed dozens of lives. And India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are among countries that are suffering under the scourge of terrorism. So, the fact that, a common agreement was signed by the SAARC countries at this summit, is great.

Several important measures were taken to ensure food security within the region. The agreements we came upon at this summit to ensure that, the region is not dependant on imports, is a good indication. We just have to wait and see, whether these important and necessary measures will be carried out by the countries.

Q: But the enormous sum of money spent on the summit has been criticised by almost all Opposition parties? A: Well, if we look at what the money was spent for, it�s evident that most of it was on security. We need maximum security at an event like that, and the money we spent buying equipment will enable the forces to continue their fight against the terrorists. And the fact that, all these leaders were willing to come, even after much negative propaganda, is a great boost for our country. Many rumours circulated that, the Indian premier will not attend the summit but, he did, and he came because he was satisfied with the security situation in the country. So, in a way, it�s a great boost to the nation.

So, it is necessary that, the Opposition political parties discard all the pros of holding the summit and stop pinpointing the drain of funds, for narrow political agendas. We did spend a large sum of money but it was not a waste.

Q: Although much money was spent on security, there were security lapses, including the much publicised incident involving Indian National Security Advisor, M. K. Narayanan? A: Well, it was a mistake. We were never renowned for paying attention to details, and this is a typical blunder, but nothing serious happened. Maybe it�s luck or the quality of our security arrangement. But, in hindsight, it was not a grave security lapse, and the Indians did not make an issue out of it.

Q: The PNM, to which you belong, has complained of the Indian intervention in Sri Lanka, in recent times? A: This is an issue that we must pay utmost attention to, because there is no denying that, the Indians are trying make us a part of their economic hegemony.

During Indira Gandhi�s time, they wanted to divide Sri Lanka into separate parts. They thought that, they could create an Eelam and appoint a puppet ruler who would do their bidding. That�s why, they trained terrorists and gave them aid. But that plan failed because of several things.

The Indians realised that, the creation of a separate State will also have a negative impact on Tamil Nadu. They also realised that, Prabhakaran is not an easy person to control. And there is the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. The Indians have given up on that, but now, they want to dominate us differently, that is economically.

Q: Do you think that the signing of CEPA is a part of this? A: If we really want to benefit from an agreement, it should be on level field, but it is evident that, the odds are stacked against us. India has a strong national economy, we don�t even have one. We should only come to such an agreement, only after building a strong national economy. If we don�t get the basics right, and rush into an agreement, the end result can only be disastrous.

In 1998, we signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India and, if we analyse the results, it is evident that, it is India who benefited from this. While Indian exports to Sri Lanka was more than Rs 1,000 million, our exports to India is around Rs 300 million. Of that Rs 300 million, 40% comes from Indian companies operating here. So, this was nothing but economic exploitation.

CEPA is a much more detrimental agreement than FTA. FTA was only about Trade, but CEPA affects the Service sector. We really can�t think that, our professionals will be able to establish themselves in India; even if they do, it will be a small number of individuals who can. On the other hand, Indians will be able to dominate our Service sector. It will be a disaster.

Q: What do you think is the reason that the Indians are trying to thrust CEPA upon us? A: Lenin once said that, imperialism is the final form of capitalism. Indian has now reached that point, where it needs to be imperialistic to carry on. Many have claimed this agreement as a marriage between an ogre and a damsel. I like to add something to that; I think that our damsel has not even attained age. So, we have no need to enter into this agreement now. We believe that, this is a very dangerous moment and we will try to stop this at any cost.

Q: Although President Mahinda Rajapaksa is stating that there will be no truce with the LTTE, his own ministers are promoting the 13th Amendment and giving land and police rights to the Provincial Councils? A: If you look at these people who are now promoting the implementation of the 13th Amendment, Rajitha and Dilan, we see that these men were the people who supported �the peace process� in the past regimes. These men went on �pada yaathras� and had �sudu nelum� campaigns and wanted to ensure Eelam is established.

If they were given a chance, they would want to stop the war and start this so called �peace process.� They are the ones who said that, winning the war is impossible and supported Eelam indirectly. But the situation has changed now, and they know that it is impossible, hence, they are now promoting the 13th Amendment.

And we all know how the 13th Amendment was passed. J.R. Jayewardene passed the Bill by threatening to fire all the MPs who voted against. Even eminent legislators such as H.N de Silva said that the 13th Amendment will create a Federal State.

Q: Why are you so opposed to the 13th Amendment? A: If we implement the 13th Amendment and give land and police powers to the Provincial Councils, it would rekindle the desire for Eelam. If we look at what�s happening in the East, we see that, men like Pillayan have given up the Eelam dream. They have understood that the war cannot be won, and they can only help their people through democratic participation and working within the unitary State. If we start giving this much of power to the Provinces, it could change their mindset and rekindle the dreams of a separate State.

Most importantly, it will demoralise the military forces, who have sacrificed much. But, I don�t think the President will allow this to happen, because, I believe that, he knows it is the nationalistic forces that brought him to power and, if he betrays them, it will be political suicide.

Q: If that is the case, why do you think the President is allowing his own ministers to promote the 13th Amendment? A: Well, maybe, he is trying to please the international community and the Indians. There are a lot of false allegations against the government by various forces, who do not understand the achievements we have made in the past few years. So, I guess, the President is trying to placate the international community.

But, at the end of the day, this is counterproductive to the nation, and the implementation of the 13th Amendment will anger all the patriotic elements in the country. So, I don�t think the President will be foolish enough to stop the war, sit down to talks and make a mess of things like his predecessors.

Q: If you are against the 13th Amendment, what do you propose? A: There is no need for devolution. What we need is decentralising power at district level. What we should do is, get rid of the terrorists and implement a democratic framework, so that, the people will feel more in control of their destinies.

Source URL : http://www.nation.lk/2008/08/10/inter1.htm

Sunday, 10 August 2008

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