The Lanka Academic carried an online "Question and Answer" session with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mr. Mangala Moonesinghe from September 1, 2000 through September 24, 2000. Listed below are your questions and his answers.

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Mangala Moonesinghe is currently the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Prior to this assignment in July, 2000, he was the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India since 1995. He was also a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament during 1965-1977 (as an LSSP and an SLFP member) and 1989-1994 (as a SLFP member). Mr. Moonesinghe was also a director and a member of the board of governers of the Marga institute (Sri lanka Centre for Development studies). He had been a member of various international parliamentary groups and missions including the membership of group of eminent persons appointed by the heads of states to identify measures and mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Mr. Moonesinghe was also a member of the national assembly to draft the 1972 constitution and was also a member of the 1989 committee on public enterprises. His proposals for a select committee to arrive at a national solution was welcomed by President Premadasa who appointed him the Chair of the committee. Mr Moonesinghe has practiced law for over 20 years. He is a qualified Barrister-at-law in the UK. In 1975, he was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship in the USA. He has studied Space law at Western State University, California, USA and had been a lecturer at Ceylon Technical College in Company law during 1960-1963.

49	Sun Sep 24 12:39:39 EDT 2000 Your Excellency, Are you aware that Sandeshaya, the only Sinhala Language service of BBC which goes on air from London, has recently been suspended by SL Government?.Although government recently announced that it's going to limit the press sensorship only to war related news, no word of lifting the ban on Sandeshaya mentioned. Are you considering any action towards lifting this ban? [Modified by moderator]  - Thusara, UK Answer: Sandesaya has for a long time had an arrangement with SLBC to broadcast live programmes. This arrangement has been suspended temporarily on account of the Emergency Regulations that were introduced in May necessitated by the critical situation in the country.
48	Sun Sep 24 04:48:50 EDT 2000 Excellency. I too thank you for your willingness to answer questions posed by The Lanka Academic's readers. Returning to Dr. Kavan Ratnatunga's important question on September 10 about instituting a system for enabling Sri Lankan citizens abroad to exercise their franchise through postal votes, the fact that most other countries don't allow this is hardly reason for Sri Lanka not to institute such a system if it has merits. Can you outline a process for civil society organizations such as Lacnet to engage the government on this issue? Would you be willing to have a follow-up conversation with Lacnet's board of directors and its members about the merits of introducing postal votes and how a secure system could be introduced? I believe such a system was recently introduced in Bosnia-Hercegovina, another country with a large expatriate population. Thank you.  - Nilan Fernando, Jakarta, Indonesia Answer: Sri Lanka has large expatriate communities in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Scandinavian countries, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. As such, it would not be logistically possible to prevent impersonation, proper registration and the possibility of fraud in such a case. Lacnet should contact the Elections Commission and inquire from them. I am not an authority on electoral reform nor competent to do so.
47	Sun Sep 24 00:08:04 EDT 2000 The governments in Pakistan and Bangladesh have dismantled government ownership of newspapers. The government of Sri Lanka has not yet broad-based the ANCL group of newspapers after its take over more than a quarter century ago. Should the government be in the business of publishing newspapers? Neither the SLFP nor the UNP has been able to sway public opinion through government-owned newspapers. Why not re-establish press freedom in the country by abolishing archaic laws and broadbasing ANCL without delay? Democracy requires a healthy rivalry between the press and the government.  - Professor Shelton Gunaratne, Minnesota State University Moorhead Answer: The fact that Governments in some countries have abandoned the policy of running newspapers does not necessarily indicate that they conform to the definition of democratic political regimes. In Sri Lanka, there are many independent print and electronic media that are very critical of the Government. Sri Lanka is internationally recognised as a country that has an open and free press including a democratic system of Government.
46	Fri Sep 22 05:35:03 EDT 2000 Dear Mr.Moonasinghe, Is there any development in assasinations of Dr.N.Thiruchelvam & Mr.K.Ponnambalam, yet?.  - Rajeev, London Answer: Dr. N. Thiruchelvam was killed by a suicide bomber. Mr. Kumar Ponnambalam was shot by a gunman. I believe that the judicial process has been initiated.
45	Thu Sep 21 20:33:32 EDT 2000 Sir: Is it possible to use your 'influence' to initiate a similar Q&A service at the Sri Lankan embassy in Washington?  - Lakshman Mapa, Chicago Answer: The Q & A service is a website of the Lanka Academic and not one introduced by the High Commission in the UK.
44	Thu Sep 21 13:53:52 EDT 2000 Dear High Commissoner, First of all I must congratulate you for taking an innovative initiative to interact with the community. I hope this will provide a usefull forum to discuss important issues that affects our country. I heard a report on BBC Tamil service today(21/09/00)that the election manifesto of the ruling alliance has stated that the earlier devolution package will be modified or rather dialuted in oder to satisfy the sections of the Budhist clergy. Your comments. Rajan, U.K.  - Rajan Sabaratnam, United Kingdom Answer: Thank you. The PA manifesto contains nothing to the effect that it will modify the proposals to satisfy a section of Buddhist clergy. You can read the manifesto on the internet http://www.priu.gov.lk/news
43	Wed Sep 20 13:00:25 EDT 2000 My questions to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom,His Excellency Mr. Mangala Moonesinghe I really appreciate the attempt made by Sri Lankan electronic media to come via cyber space to give the correct and accurate information’s to millions of Sri Lankan living abroad. Some groups have destroyed the Sri Lankan reputation by giving false news and information especially via Internet, Radio & Television. I strongly believe that Sri Lanka SLRC and SLBC has a immense future broadcast Radio & Television, it is a Worldwide broadcast English, French, Sinhala & Tamil daily news Hope SLRC and SLRC will net cast its Sinhala, Tamil and English programmes daily on internet in the near future. LTTE establishes global TV sweep with merger  - ARUMUGAM, Paris, France Answer: The range of multilingual channels of information will offer the people with a wider choice and should be encouraged.
42	Tue Sep 19 18:16:06 EDT 2000 1) Is there any possiblity to control the political influences in SL? 2) Do you think it is reasonable that MP's getting full pension after their five year working period? 3)Don't you think people who are contesting to elections need good history of at least 10 years?  - Wasantha Jayatissa, New Zealand Answer: Political influence is prevalent in almost all democracies. So far no democratic state has been successful in applying controls. An MP does not get his full pension after completing five years. It is a graded scheme and he is entitled to a full pension after completing 15 years as a Member of Parliament. It is desirable that Members of Parliament should be educated men of quality with a breadth of vision, a sense of responsibility and accountability.
41	Tue Sep 19 13:02:31 EDT 2000 Your Excellency, Could you please tell us why the PA government is so mad at the election comissioner's move towards the vote rigging? kanchana from chicago [Modified by moderator]  - kanchana, chicago Answer: The Election Commissioner’s move is not towards vote rigging as stated by you. He is an officer of high integrity and any action by him would be directed to ensuring a free and fair election. As some postal cards shown to him appeared to be different to the official one, the Election Commissioner decided to have a sticker printed on them. He had assigned the order to a private printer in all probability to have the printing done fast since the Government Press would have been working to capacity. The issue has been blown out of proportion and is over now. In any case the postal card only provides information to a voter and one can vote without a postal card.
40	Sat Sep 16 17:42:53 EDT 2000 Dear High Commissioner, Why is it that the Sri Lankan government (both the PA & UNP) keep on appointing politicians to diplomatic postions while there are career diplomats in the foreign Ministry? Since they are professionals who are trained in the field of diplomacy, one would think they should be given a chance. [Modified by moderator]  - Shashi de silva Ramanathapillai, Toronto Answer: Most countries appoint as Ambassadors both career and political appointees. In Sri Lanka, under the PA 30% are drawn from outside the career and the balance 70% are from the Foreign Ministry career personnel.
39	Sat Sep 16 01:31:25 EDT 2000 Dear Mr High Commissioner: We are in a war of military reversals, debacles, and those responsible are kept out of public knowledge due to censorship of free speech and press. The Government is accountable to the public for the conduct of the war, sacrifice of lives, expenditure,military purchases, whose quality is poor. These are matters of public and national interest, unexposed due to censorship. The public have a right to this knowledge.Censorship hides the truth and I find the country is not in the war. Why is freedom of press and speech censored?.  - Nihal Gooneratne, Chicago, USA Answer: The answer to the previous question shall suffice to cover your question. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press have always existed under the PA Government except in the limited sphere as mentioned above
38	Fri Sep 15 10:12:28 EDT 2000 Let me give two examples that show how polarised (from the very top to the bottom) Tamils and Sinhalese are today. 1. On the devolution package: Madam President claims that it exceeds the aspirations of Tamils as set by the Thimpu Principles. On the contrary, Tamil parties maintain that the package does not meet the Thimpu principles at all. 2. On the Elephant-pass (EP) battle, I heard the following from some Tamils: (a) Elephant-Pass armed personnel were responsible for killing and wounding innocent civilians by shelling, (b) In the eighties, a lorry belonging to a Mullathivu businessman was burnt with the driver and assistant at Elephant pass by security forces, (c) Civilian passengers were routinely harassed by the security forces at EP. In general, Sinhalese media reflected a fear and panic about the losses faced by the military. One reason for this divergence is the media bias and censorship. Truth is suppressed or distorted for the benefit of those in power. Dear High Commissioner, will your government take any responsibility for the suppression of truth and resulting polarisation?  - Alaganar, Sydney, Australia Answer: The Sinhalese and Tamil communities are not polarised. The examples you quote are not the criteria to measure the extent of division. A large number of Tamil people live with the Sinhalese in the South. They are professionals, administrative service personnel and successful business leaders many of whom hold important public office. In the Jaffna Peninsula the majority of Tamil people have demonstrated their preference to live in the army protected areas and have refused to move to the Vanni. The package is the legal framework to devolve political power and decentralise the administration to all the provinces including the North – East. All the Tamil parties within the democratic fabric are contesting the general election and have accepted the devolution package. Example 2 of your statement is based on hearsay and is not the general view of Tamils. The majority of Tamils do not hold this opinion. If all the statements you make are correct, then it is difficult to understand the reason for the Tamil population’s preference to live in the South and in areas protected by the security forces. You are, I am sure, aware that some of the Tamil media distorts, exaggerates and suppresses the truth; and that dissent is not permitted to Tamils who hold a contrary view and that they are often eliminated. Sri Lanka today has one of the most transparent and free media. There is a newspaper that supports the Government while all the other print and electronic media puts out what they wish to express and they are very critical of the Government. Only news about strategic military operations is censored. All countries engaged in conflicts impose similar restriction on their media. The Emergency Regulations pertaining to the media have been lifted from the 5th September.
37	Thu Sep 14 16:33:40 EDT 2000 Sir, I wish to ask you whether you have any plans to counter false propaganda drive of the so called Eelam head office in London? As you may know, they have a vicious, false and unpleasant propaganda machine operating from London to the rest of the world.  - Srimal, Swansea, UK Answer: It is correct that the LTTE lobby disseminates lots of misinformation, distortion and exaggerated propaganda. The Government apart from conducting the military offensive and governing the country is also engaged in countering some of the propaganda. The Sri Lankan expatriates can play a major role and are most welcome to co-operate.
36	Thu Sep 14 06:37:15 EDT 2000 Dear High Commissioner, Your government claims Sri Lanka ia one nation with equal rights to all citizens, however, people in the wanni region cannot travel freely to other parts and vice versa. They have to get permit similar to a passport to travel to other parts and the Tamils have to register with the police once they are in the sinhala area, like foreigners, so how in this world can you claim that the Tamils from wanni area are treated as citizens of Sri Lanka. Havent you created two counties by your own actions? [Modified by moderator]  - navaratnam, uk Answer: Sri Lanka provides constitutional guarantees of equal rights to all its citizens. Any infringements of these are justiciable. Security requires a strict check on people coming from the war zone.
35	Thu Sep 14 00:17:19 EDT 2000 your excellency, "Dealing with the local scene, where foreign Paedophiles were involved, the premature release of the convicted Swiss Paedophile ARMIN PFAFFHAUSER came as a surprise to activists. What was even more surprising is that he spent no time in getting his hands on the same two boys with whom he had been indulging in unlawful sex and been tried and convicted in the first place. Due to the shortcomings of the Sri Lankan system the boys received no therapy while in confinement, nor were they rehabilitated in any way. They were being held in a remand home pending another trial in which they were involved. How they obtained their release and absconded with their 'abuser' is a mystery that remains unsolved." This is a single example of many cases of this type that exist in Sri Lanka. I invite comment from the High Commissioner about the necessity for legal reform to protect child victims in the future. Additional information about this and other child abuse cases pending in sri lanka can be found at the website for the uk registered charity Action on Child Exploitation (ACHE) at http://members.aol.com/kevinscull/ache/arun.htm  - arun, colombo Answer: I have no information on this matter. I will inquire into this case.
34	Wed Sep 13 02:32:32 EDT 2000 Dear Mr. Moonasinghe, At the moment there are a large number of Sri Lankan's who have immigrated to Canada and USA. Most of them are willing to maintain there citizenship in Sri Lanka, but are unable to afford the fee being charged and the paperwork they have to go through to obtain dual citizenship. To my knowledge there has been several requests from Sri Lankan's in Canada regarding this, but nothing has changed. In Canada one can retain his/her Sri Lankan citizenship by remaining as a landed immigrant, without accepting Canadian citizenship. However that person will be forced to renew his/her passport every year by paying a fee to Sri Lankan HC. Moreover to do so he/she will have to obtain a letter from Canadian immigration office certifying that he/she has not obtain Canadian citizenship, which will again cost more than $75, which goes to Canadian government. (This to me is a case of my country's government refusing to believe my word) Then again if you are holding a Sri Lankan passport you need to get a visa by paying a fee in order to travel anywhere outside Canada. These conditions makes it cheaper and logical for one to obtain Canadian Citizenship. However as a matter of fact many Sri Lankans living here are more than willing to obtain dual citizenship if the Sri Lankan government so decides to make it available at an affordable rate, with a simplified process. Can you please comment on this situation?  - Angelo Fernando, Canada Answer: Sri Lanka is a small developing country with limited resources. Since Independence, every Government has provided facilities to all its citizens in free education, free health service and a food subsidy to those below the poverty line. All of us have been the beneficiaries of these free services, due to which we are now enjoying more comfortable lifestyles that is denied to a majority of the people in Sri Lanka. One should not therefore hesitate to subscribe financially for the privilege of dual citizenship in order that the less fortunate in Sri Lanka will continue to benefit from the same services we had
33	Wed Sep 13 00:35:57 EDT 2000 Your Excellency, I understand that your government has put forward the devolution proposals to end the war in the country. However if the devolution proposals are put into practice, are there any back-up plans if the devolution package does not deliver the goods? What happens if the war becomes worse?After all , there are no clauses that allow it to be repealed once put into practice. Also, your comments on the abolition of the executive presidency?  - Thilak, Australia Answer: The devolution package is a broad political process dealing with people directed to bring relief to the real, perceived, and justifiable grievances of the Tamil people. This is one of the civilised steps in the direction to end the violence. It is not a mechanical apparatus with manipulative press buttons to stop and restart wars. Peace will arrive step by step.
32	Tue Sep 12 22:14:55 EDT 2000 Your Excellency, Do you expect that the Tamils in Sri Lanka will ever be treated as equals given the hatred caused by the buddhist monks by their strong opposition to the peace moves and the continued inconsistencies by the Sinhala politicians? Do you believe Tamils and Sinhalese will be better off in two independant countries or two independant states forming a country? Thank you. [Modified by moderator]  - STEVE VICKERS, USA Answer: The Sinhalese and Tamils are people with normal human frailties and weaknesses. The Sinhalese and Tamils have not even treated their own people equals. This is a failing amongst all races. The Tamils also have a record of discrimination against Tamils of lower castes. Until the change in the Law by the United Front Government, the so called depressed sections of theTamil population were prevented from entering the Hindu Temples to worship their common Gods. The animosities and distrust between the Sinhalese and Tamils are encouraged and perpetrated by interested parties. The majority of the Sinhalese and Tamil people have always voted for peace, lived and contributed together for the development of the country. For example, in recent times our cricket team with players of all communities became world champions. This is the greatest hope for peace in the future, the democratic will of the people.
31	Tue Sep 12 21:59:30 EDT 2000 Your Excellency As a public servant what is your opinion on the courageous decision by the Election Commissioner to stand up to the government in carrying out his duties??  - Dominic De Prerea, Zimbabwe Answer: All public servants are required to execute their duties impartially according to the law. The Elections Commissioner is no exception.
30	Tue Sep 12 19:50:09 EDT 2000 Why is that the opposition party and some prominent Buddhist Clergy have turned against the Constitutional Amendements proposed the PA government at the last minute? Has the past history of the Country not convinced them of the need to settle the ethnic conflict in a fair and just manner, respecting the rights of minorities, while assuaging the fear of the majority community? Do you see any early solution to this problem at all?  - V.Nallainayagam, Canada Answer: No political party should trifle with the lives of innocent people by their opposition to the proposals to devolve powers to the Provinces. The PA government came up with these proposals five years ago and not as you state at the last minute. They could not make it legal as they were short of 2/3rds majority in Parliament. You are correct, the past history of the country should expose the futility of pursuing a negative strategy. However, like the Bourbons they learn nothing and never change. The elections on the 10th October will provide an indication to the future of peace in the country
29	Tue Sep 12 14:30:55 EDT 2000 In answer to question 16, you talk about a "multicultural" Sri Lanka. I agree with you that public should view Sri Lanka as a nation of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. In reality, however, general public in Sri Lanka are ignorant about celebrating ethnic diversity. When I was growing up in Colombo (I am a Singhalese), we were taught that Lord Buddha has decreed that Buddhism must prosper in Sri Lanka. Monks today interpret this to say that if SL govt. respect the legitimate grievences brought about by Tamils and give them some form of autonomy, that would be the decline of Sinhala race and Buddhism. The popular argument is that Tamils have Tamil Nadu to fall back to while Sinhalese do not have any fall back territory; they only have Sri Lanka. To me this sounds like insecurity coming from mistrust of Tamils. In the modern globalized society, this type of arguments do not hold water. Do you think there is something the SL govt. and Tamil leaders can do to pacify these fears of Buddhist monks and recreate trust? To me, Buddha's teachings are so powerful that it does not matter if Tamils are given autonomy or not, the virtue of Buddhism will prevail.  - Tilan Samaratunga, California, USA Answer: Buddhism is a religion of ahimsa and compassion to all beings irrespective of man made differences. The Buddha has declared that just as all the mighty rivers of India flow to the great ocean and become one, so does all differences of caste, creed and race merge once you accept the discipline of the Dhamma. A majority of the Buddhist monks abide by these noble tenets. I agree with you that it is not an acceptable argument. The President and the Tamil political leadership as you are aware are working together to bring peace.
28	Tue Sep 12 07:42:22 EDT 2000 I am a Senior Lecturer of Jaffna University came to do PhD at Massey University, New Zealand last year. My wife (also employee of Jaffna University) and four small kids have displaced from Chavakachcheri and now living in army contorolled area in Jaffna. We left all our properties and even she could not take a cloth to the kids for changing. She narroly escapped from the shellings at Nunavil area. Since they are refugees now, I would like to call them here until I finish my studies and return there. The visa officer here says to get their passport here to endorse visa. But my wife and chidren have no passports. My wife can't travel to Colombo as she is feeding to the last kid and it is impossible to travel to Colombo to get passport leaving the kids there. Jaffna Kachcheri does not give passport. No applications available there. I attempted to get it from Colombo. But my friends from Colombo says that she should be present in Colombo to get the passports. I kindly request you to give me an idea to get their passport without she travelling from Jaffna to Colombo as quickly as possible.  - C.Elankumaran, New Zealand Answer: I inquired from the Immigration Department in Colombo. They informed me that there is no necessity for your wife to travel to Colombo. She could on a written request to the Department obtain the application forms and return the completed forms by post to the Department through any of the Divisional Secretaries in the Jaffna Peninsula. The Immigration Department will send the new passport to your wife through the Secretariat. They further informed me that they have already issued 47 new passports this year to people in Jaffna in similar circumstances as your wife.
27	Tue Sep 12 05:39:04 EDT 2000 Mr Moonasinghe, Does the Sri Lankan Government (or rather PA) has any intention of improving the law and order in Sri Lanka including that of MPs and the Forces. If YES, what has been done in this regard.  - Madagammana, Hong Kong Answer: The deterioration of Law and Order is a consequence of the gun culture that was introduced due to the insurgencies in the South and the on going war in the North. Legal action has been instituted to punish the offenders through established judicial institutions. Kidnapping, murder, rape, gang warfare and armed robbery are the order of the day in many metropolitan and developing countries. Perhaps the ethical orientation in society should be the focus.
26	Mon Sep 11 01:25:14 EDT 2000 His Excellency,I read in the Lacnet that the PA Govt. has donated car permits to all MPs just prior to the disolution of Parliament. They can be sold and are worth Rs.3m as reported. Why are they given out after their term in Parliament?.Why are they allowed to sell them. The foreign currency S.L earns is mostly by the poor domestic helpers working overseas. Is this the best the PA govt. can do with hard earned money? Is it not undemocratic for a Socialist Democratic party?  - Victor Periayathambi, Canada Answer: This is a policy that has been followed by many Governments for the past few decades to ease the enormous election expenditure a candidate has to spend. Changes in the election laws should do away with these handouts and devise a methodology to produce more equitable and fair elections.
25	Sun Sep 10 15:27:20 EDT 2000 Dear Mr. Mr. Mangala Moonesinghe I am a tamil living in Canada and just wanted to ask you about the ethinic problem that prevails in Sri Lanka. 1) Not as polititan, do you really think any present Sri lankan politains have the wisdom to bring an end to this problem? 2) Why the Mahasanga is always against to the equal rights of tamils? Is it because of two divisions of budhists had a cold war during King Mahasena era particularly one division was a tamil budhists from tamil nadu? thanks Suren Velupillai ramesh@better.net  - Suren Velupillai, Canada ramesh@better.net Answer: An end to the conflict is through a collective effort of all section of society together with the relevant State institutions. Only a minority of the Buddhist Sangha who through the projection in the media hold this view. But there is a very large and silent majority of pious monks who follow the Dhamma and refrain from getting involved in mundane conflicts.
24	Sun Sep 10 11:22:04 EDT 2000 Sir, Anton Balasingam a LTTE activist Openly violated the Immigration Law of our country He is in the UK now. Is there any legal way to extradite him to Sri Lanka . Have we officialy made the protest to the UK Govt ,"the country of the rule of LAW"[Modifided by moderator]  - M.Saranga, USA Answer: I have been made to understand that Anton Balasingham is a citizen of the United Kingdom. How a country deals with its citizens is its prerogative. Many have committed far more serious offences than violation of the immigration law and yet remain fugitives from justice. Action is being taken to remedy this. Many of the recent Conventions accepted by the UN for the Suppression of International Terrorism and fund raising in support of such movements are some of the results of action taken by the government of Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan was unanimously elected Chairman, United Nations Ad Hoc Committee on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism. The United Kingdom has recently passed an Anti-Terrorism Act.
23	Sun Sep 10 06:30:12 EDT 2000 There are probably over 1 million Lankans working abroad, particularly in the middle east. They contribute a very significant billion dollars in Foreign exchange to the Lankan economy. Most return to Lanka after a few years and therefore influenced by the political framework in the country. However they are defranchised while living outside Lanka. Why couldn't every Lankan citizen who registers with the Embassy with relevant information be given the right of a postal vote in their home electorate. This would also prevent these votes being misused. Shouldn't some scheme and legislature be implemented as soon as possible ?  - Dr Kavan Ratnatunga, Pittsburgh, USA Answer: There are a few countries that permit their expatriate communities living abroad to vote at elections. The electoral laws of Sri Lanka do not provide for it.
22	Sat Sep 9 16:53:09 EDT 2000 Mr. High Comissioner Is there any truth in the allegations that high officials in the defence ministry are behind commission rackets in arms procurements? Specifically there are charges flying around about Minister Ratwatta and the Defence Secretary having floated companies with relatives who are invloved in the arms buisness?? As an upstanding citizen of Sri Lanka do you have anything to add to these rumors/stories??  - Nimal Wikasitha, Sri Lanka Answer: Though there are rumours, it is unfortunate that no one has as yet placed any evidence before the courts or the Bribery Commission to have corrupt people convicted and punished.
21	Sat Sep 9 12:21:44 EDT 2000 H.E. the high commisioner, As part of the peace accord 1987, provincial councils came based on the 9 provinces divided by british rulers. To please tamil politicians in the north, muslim and sinhalese dominated east was merged to the north and formed 8 provincial councils. Today, except N-E (which covers about 1/3 of land area) other 7 provinces are functioning. After 12 years we all know, provincial council failed to disarm the LTTE, so the peace was not established. My question is do we really need 7 provincial councils in the south. The country being poor, can we afford to maintain PC members, their staff, all other expenses, PC election expenses etc. If we really want to diverge the power, why we stick on the map drawn by British. If NE covers 1/3 of land area lets have 2 more PCs for the South. The tax payer will be happy. I reiterate PC did not bring peace to the country (its primary objective), just created intermedeate level politicians for the country to maintain.  - Sarith, Washington DC Answer: Devolving of power cannot by itself stop the war. However, it could be one of the contributory factors. A military option must be pursued to contain the violence and simultaneously a political alternative must also be offered. Your proposal for structural change needs deeper study.
20	Fri Sep 8 09:33:15 EDT 2000 Dear Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, I know the kind of challenges you have to face, in binging about more understanding about the Sri Lankan civil war among the people of U.K. I am sure you will agree with me if I say, the LTTE propaganda service has won the race to bring more sympothy to their side. Can you tell me, what kind of stategy do you plan to adopt in the future to convert the situation to be more favorable to the Government of Sri Lanka, and what kind of help you expect from us, the SL expatriates. If you can suggest any new ideas to us, it could be helpfull. A Sri Lankan student in Japan. Thrishantha.  - Thrishantha nanayakkara, Japan Answer: This question is not addressed to me.
19	Fri Sep 8 06:58:45 EDT 2000 Your Excellency, While thanking the Lanka Academic for openning a forum to ask questions from you, I would be grateful if you could tell us why it is so difficult to get a reply for an e-mail from the High Commission. It is understood that any British institution would reply any e-mail within hours if not minutes, regardless of how unimportant the message is. It is so disrespectful not to reply an e-mail and I understand you have a staff capable of answering an e-mail. It's well believed in the UK that e-mails to the High Commission are hardly answered.  - Silva, Jude, Norwich, UK Answer: I assumed office as High Commissioner two months ago. If you would be more specific and let me know the particulars of your complaint, I will try and rectify the situation.
18	Thu Sep 7 23:56:17 EDT 2000 your comments on the interference of Bikkus and Mahasanga inthe politics and military affairs of the country.  - smakeswaran, USA Answer: Buddhism is a religion of non-violence, compassion and tolerance. There are many Buddhist monks whose conduct strictly adheres to these principles.
17	Thu Sep 7 18:56:50 EDT 2000 Your excellency, when do you think government will admit to defeat in the war? After all holding Jaffna by the fingernails with forty thousand troops against five thousand hardly count as a draw.  - suranga, colombo Answer: The role of any Government is to protect its people and will obviously execute this function at any cost.
16	Thu Sep 7 16:08:28 EDT 2000 Sri Lanka has been claiming, the Tamils issue as its internal problem. When the LTTE wants to regain Jaffna, why should the Sri Lankan government make a hue and cry and internationalise the issue? Why should India respond to such a call from the Sri Lankan government?  - ARUMUGAM, Paris, France Answer: The international community consists of democratic and peace loving nations. They would come to the aid of another multicultural and democratic nation if they think the nation state is threatened. It is not only India but many other nations also helped to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
15	Thu Sep 7 11:32:06 EDT 2000 Mr. Moonasinghe, Do you think that Sri Lankan Tamils were descriminated in 1972 constitution as they always say? Do you think this Tamil terrorism problem in north and east could be solved by making Sri Lanka a federal state through constitutional reforms?  - Nalin Senevirathna, Leeds Answer: I believe that the Sri Lankan Tamil community has had grievances for some time. Some of them have been redressed and some more need to be done. A majority of Sri Lankan Tamils are neither in favour nor support terrorism. All Tamil political parties have entered mainstream politics. Devolution of power to the Provincial Councils will not immediately stop terrorism but it will certainly be a contributory factor in the process of eliminating terrorism or the need for such activity outside conventional democratic parameters.
14	Thu Sep 7 10:41:35 EDT 2000 can you tell me who you feel will win the next elecion and how the next parliament will be  - Kris Bhalla, bhallak@dnb.com/uk Answer: I am sorry, you and I will have to wait till the 11th of October.
13	Thu Sep 7 05:15:21 EDT 2000 Wishing you all the very best with your new assignment. I came to know from the reliable sources that certain elements linked to tigers are collecting funds from the general public those at churches in certain parts in the North East England. They pretend that they are collecting money for good causes but raise doubts among the general public. Inorder to address this type of situations, what actions do you intend to take? Do you have any particular plans to counter this type of activities with the support of Sri Lankans living in other parts of the UK?  - Lalith Welamedage, Newcastle Answer: Thank you. What you claim to know from reliable sources is vital information. You should immediately contact me or someone in the High Commission. This is what is expected of all peace loving Sri Lankan expatriates.
12	Thu Sep 7 01:47:28 EDT 2000 Dear Sir, As we all know, the LTTE still maintain its head office in London and directing all the matters related to current civil war in Sri lanka. Our country and the diplomats related to this issue are unable to convince the situation. What is your point of view in this regard?  - KBDP Samarajeewa, Gifu University, Japan Answer: I have given the answer on the 11th September in response to question 7.
11	Wed Sep 6 22:44:12 EDT 2000 Your Excellency, congratulationss on your new appointment. Looks like the historic bipartisan consensual political approach has suffered a temporary draw back due to reasons that may be known to you than to most of us. Dou you believe that this is the only meaningful approach to address the ethnic conflict? If so what needs to happen to bring back the consensual political process ? How can the expatriates contribute to resurect this process ?[Modified by moderator]  - Sydney M. Silva, New York New York Answer: Thank you. Consensual politics will help to bring peace to the country soon. The expatriate communities could play a major role. Please contact me in office on the phone or on e-mail
10	Wed Sep 6 16:56:22 EDT 2000 dear sir, please comment on our silent epidemic of child prostitution and what more the government intends to do to battle it. it seems to me that the government turns a blind eye to this epidemic because it comprises a large portion of the tourist industry about which our government constantly boasts. to relay a personal story, I was at the Oberoi last december and i saw a blatant occurrence of this blight on our country. I reported it to the authorities and they did nothing. [Modified by moderator]  - ratwatte, sri lanka Answer: New legislation has been introduced to curb child abuse. A number of suspects have been prosecuted and those found guilty have been severely dealt with. The civil society is also alert to this menace and is cooperating with the law. Regarding the incident you refer to, please let me know the details, the dates, the officers you complained and the institution. I am prepared to pursue the matter.
9	Sat Sep 2 17:47:56 EDT 2000 We, Australians of Sri lankan origin, would like to ask H.E. Mr. Mangala Moonesinghe whether the Sri Lankan Government would lift emergency regulations & restore press freedom to enable a free and fair polling. Thank You.  - P. Julian, Melbourne, Australia Answer: Emergency regulations relating to the prohibition of processions and meetings and the control of publications have ceased to be in force with effect from 5th September 2000, throughout the whole country. In 1994, the PA Government withdrew the emergency regulations that covered the whole country for the past 17 years except in the areas of conflict. When the military situation was critical in the North the emergency regulations were re-imposed in May 2000 to maintain law and order. On information received the Government feared that if the military situation deteriorated further, there could be a backlash on the minorities living in Colombo and the South, organised by racist groups in collaboration with thugs, hoodlums and looters.
8	Sat Sep 2 13:23:14 EDT 2000 Recently there has been lot of discussions and news items about banning LTTE and its fronts in the United Kingdom. Could you update us on the situation now? Though there were promises and speculations we have not heard any legislation being passed.  - Ransirimal Fernando, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Answer: Refer to 7.
7	Sat Sep 2 13:04:18 EDT 2000 LTTE is banned in USA and many other western countries yet they are very strong in UK and have all the support to operate freely. What have you or what are you planning to do to change this situation?  - Shirona, Fort Wayne, IN. U.S.A. Answer: In the UK, LTTE has its offices and functions from here. However, the Government of the UK has recently passed the new Terrorism Act, whereby an organisation violating any section of the Act will be proscribed and will be prohibited from operating any longer in the UK.
6	Sat Sep 2 13:02:16 EDT 2000 Dear Sir Do you believe the recent attempts by the PA government to buy opposition MP's for their votes is keeping with best traditions of democracy we all seem to be bragging about?? Don't you think it further goes on to confirm the perception that Sri Lanka has become a third world country ruled by third rate leaders?? Thank you..  - Nimal Pala, Nuwaraeliya Answer: I have no reliable information that the PA Government attempted to buy the votes of opposition MPs. It is not a perception that Sri Lanka has become a Third World country. It has always been one like many others in Asia, Africa and South America. The UN Report on Human Development has placed Sri Lanka in the middle level of countries for its achievements in the World Human Development Index. Sri Lanka has a literacy rate of 93%, a life expectancy of 72 years, reduced its population growth from 3.5% in 1948 to 1.1%, infant mortality rates have declined from 45 deaths per thousand live births to 17 per thousand. Sri Lanka has maintained an average GNP growth of 4% from 1994 to 2000 despite the conflict. Since 194, the attitude of the international community to Sri Lanka has changed dramatically due to the Government's attempts at peace, the remedial action taken to reduce human rights violations and its insistence on the rights of all in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society.
5	Sat Sep 2 01:32:32 EDT 2000 How can Sri Lanka hope to attract foreign business partners when it imposes such severe tax restrictions as to actually prevent investment? I have in mind the current situation whereby, to avoid tax, companies such as McDonalds works in partnership with Abans rather than independently.  - Arun, London Answer: Sri Lanka has one of the most liberal economies. The country has not imposed restrictions that would be a disincentive to investment. On the contrary, Sri Lanka provides 10 to 20-year tax holidays to local and foreign investments. It permits the import of raw material duty free for manufactured products for exports. Any foreign investor is allowed 100 per cent ownership of a company and 100 per cent ownership of land. Investors are permitted total repatriation of capital, profits, dividends and royalties.
4	Fri Sep 1 19:27:49 EDT 2000 Why can't the SL Army have an all-out war with the tigers, and annhialate them? I am very sure that this is very possible, but why hasn't this been acheived? it is clear that the tigers are all set to take jaffna; history has shown that before a major offensive, the tigers are silent. I beleive that it is the innocent civillian that loses out in the end, and those who are displaced in the war. I'm sure many would agree, that if the tigers were annhialated using military means, the people of srilanka would be able to rebuild their lives. why hasnt this been done yet? [Modified by moderator]  - Dave Larson, London Answer: A military conflict has its complexities. There are the ebbs and flows of war. Some end swiftly like the gulf war against Saddam Hussain in Iraq, when the major powers deployed high-tech weaponry. While internal conflicts like the one in Northern Ireland has continued for many years. I agree that many innocent civilians are killed when terror is resorted to as an instrument for conflict resolution instead of negotiations. I agree that once peace is achieved it will help Sri Lanka to move ahead. No situation remains static and peace will inevitably come.
3	Fri Sep 1 16:47:35 EDT 2000 Why the buddhist in your country oppose President Chandrika peace plan? as far as I know, budha taught us to live peacefully. So I think a reconciliation should be done to end the civil war. My teacher ever say that Sri Lanka was almost as develop as Singapore. But the civil war ruin this. Indonesia was facing a difficult problem with east timor. Eventhough it's hard to see the reality now, but we have to live with it for the sake of our future generation.  - antono, Indonesia Answer: All Buddhists in Sri Lanka do not oppose President Kumaratunga's Peace Plan through devolution of powers as demonstrated by her victory at the election last year. You are correct. The Buddha preached a doctrine of compassion, peace and tolerance to all beings. Yes, Sri Lanka was more developed than Singapore. But a few decades ago, Sri Lanka began to slip behind, while Singapore through sheer determination and enlightened leadership moved ahead with a different interpretation of governance.
2	Fri Sep 1 16:35:59 EDT 2000 In addition to taking care of the the routine functions of the HC, are there special projects you have in mind - for example looking for assistance to develop a particular industrial sector etc?  - Jan Dharmabandu, Epsom, Surrey, UK Answer: Apart from the responsibility of efficient management of the Mission, a High Commissioner/Ambassador has broad policy objectives identified for the benefit of the country. Objectives may change with the times. At present the priorities will be to contribute to the macro-economic development of the country by concentrating on the improvement of trade and investment. Politically, a Head of Mission's sights would be focussed on bringing peace to a plural society.
1	Thu Aug 31 11:01:36 EDT 2000 What is your opinion on the role Company Law plays in Technology in Sri Lanka, given the current growth of the internet-related industries? Given your experience in teaching Company Law at Ceylon Technical College, can you comment on Intellectual Property and Copyright issues in Sri Lanka and how they play out in the globalized internet?  - Gunadasa Gamage, Colombo, Sri Lanka Answer: Company Law defines the legal parameter within which a company operates. The fact that a company is engaged in Internet related industries or has as its objectives manufacturing of high tech products will not affect the principles of Company Law by which the company has to abide in its daily activities. Contemporary law has developed specialised areas and intellectual property law is one such category