Media Release : Tuesday, 16 January 2007

http://www.spur.asn.au/SPUR_20070116_Maheshwaran_and_Aircraft_parts_to_LTTE.htm

SPUR queries whether the Parliament Complex is safe and secure anymore?

President Rajapaksa must urge security officials to throw the book at MP Maheswaran

It is widely reported in the Sri Lankan media today that the UNP MP T Maheswaran has been questioned by the CID about parts for an aeroplane found in a ship owned by him used to periodically ferry goods to Jaffna.

Whilst we commend the police officers and the port workers who collaborated to expose this MP’s alleged repugnant action, we condemn MP Maheswarn’s obnoxious behaviour and his contemptible attempts to obstruct the dispensation of justice. It is reported that he obstructed the officers investigating this smuggling racket. The lame leader of the opposition, Ranil Wickremasinha must at least use this opportunity to demonstrate by deed that he is a man capable of providing leadership to his party.  A parliamentary member of his party is alleged to be embroiled in a putrid attempt to collude with Tamil Tiger Terrorists, attempting to smuggle spare parts for an airplane for the LTTE.  This is dangerous business as we all know the devastation that can be created by an explosive laden airplane. Ranil Wickremasingha must sack Maheswaran from his party and cooperate with the CID to pin Maheswaran down, if he is guilty as many believe he is for colluding with terrorists.

Recently, an army Major has been court martialled for providing information to the LTTE resulting in the assassination of General Parami Kulatunga. Why should there be a different law for Maheswaran? He should be behind bars until the investigation is complete. Would a civilian be given the flexibility that Maheswaran is enjoying if he or she was accused of supplying military goods to the terrorists? The answer would be a definite no.

There are also reports by COPE of the widespread corruption in many Government departments and corporations. One should also ask how a member of parliament was capable of paying US$ 36million (that is more than Rs 3.6 Billion) for this ship. Maheswaran now says that he only paid one million dollars for the ship. Who does he think he is taking for a ride? You cannot even get a decent piece of real estate in a prestige area in Melbourne for that kind of money. It will be interesting to ascertain whether this UNP MP had declared his assets correctly and had paid the right dues to the Commissioner of Income Tax who is working hard to broaden the tax base.  Is this an LTTE ship bought with LTTE money? Maheswaran has also been accused of profiteering from transporting essential goods to Jaffna . He is accused of prioritising the transport of cement and kerosene to maximise profits whilst neglecting the transportation of essential goods such as rice and milk food for infants. If he has not paid his due taxes, how did Maheswaran generate this massive income to purchase a ship?

We urge President Rajapaksa to give the necessary command and support to the prosecuting authorities to implement the law of the land without fear or favour and seek credible explanations from Maheswaran to the crimes that he is currently accused of. Maheswaran has been suspected before of dealing with the Tamil Tiger Terrorists. He has now been implicated in an attempt to smuggle dangerous goods to the LTTE.

If one looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like duck, there is no doubt that it is a duck.  The case with Maheswaran seems to follow this path.  If you sleep with the dogs you can not complain that you have fleece. Maheswaren is full of tiger-fleece.

The President must act to dispense justice and empower CID and police officers to nail Maheswaran.

Dr Dasarath Jayasuriya

President (SPUR Victoria)

Society for Peace, Unity & Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR)
Reg No. A 003 07777 M
P.O. Box 4066
Mulgrave, Victoria, VIC 3170
Australia

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