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The Lanka Academic carried an online "Question and Answer" session with Mr. Somawansa Amerasinghe of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), from August 8, 2001 through August 20, 2001. Listed below are your questions and his answers. Please note that answers 1-18 were made available August 20, 2001 and the rest on September 4, 2001.

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Somawansa Amerasinghe, currently living in the United Kingdom is the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which holds the balance of power in the prorogued parliament of Sri Lanka. He was part of the original JVP politburo of 1988-1989, which included late Mr. Rohana Wijeweera, Mr. Upatissa Gamanayake, Mr. Saman Piyasiri Fernando, Mr. D. M. Ananda, among others. He is the only remaining member of the original politburo, which endured the crack down by the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa (UNP), resulting in the death of close to 60,000 people in the Southern heartland of Sri Lanka. Despite his absence from Sri Lanka, Mr. Amerasinghe is actively involved in the decision-making process of the newly resurgent JVP as reported by news sources both in Sri Lanka and the UK.

28	Thu Aug 9 23:44:00 EDT 2001 Why does JVP think that it is important to bail out Chandrika.? What does JVP hoping to accomplish in the long term.? What made JVP to break away from the opposition?  -  Dr. Fernando, North America Answer: Most important thing for the JVP is to defeat a PARLIAMENTARY COUP backed by all reactionaries including Tamil Ealamists and some foreign countries. But not to bail out Chandrika. Why? First, the UNP has no CLEAR MANDATE to form a government. The PA has a CLEAR MANDATE but it is not a CLEAN MANDATE. This is one of the sources of the present political crisis. Therefore, your question is understandable and reasonable When the JVP won 10 seats in the present parliament at the last election, we pledged the people of Sri Lanka that the JVP will never misuse its ten votes in the parliament against the people, and we will unconditionally support the government whenever it takes a step (if it is capable of doing so) for the benefit of the country and the people, also the JVP will unconditionally oppose any move by the government that is detrimental to the country and the people. The third and the most important pledge we gave before the people is that the JVP will not take any step in the Parliament or outside Parliament whatsoever, that will lead to an anarchy in the country that will be beneficial only for the LTTE. Comrade Wimal Weerawansa's first speech in the Parliament on behalf of the JVP parliamentary group has now become a historical one. (Please refer to Hansard reports) What was expressed in his speech came true within a very short period of seven months. I said earlier, the PA does not have a CLEAN MANDATE from the people of Sri Lanka. Its blatant violations of election laws were known to the whole world. The PA is responsible for killing a number of opposition activists during the election campaign, leaving alone the innumerable harassments and intimidations of opposition activists by armed thugs of the PA. Some of the ministers who have fallen out with Chandrika recently were behind these criminal actions. Therefore, the PA does not have a CLEAN MANDATE but opinion poles and the results of the postal votes (no intimidation) suggested that the PA was ahead of the UNP. Although by October 2000, it had drastically lost votes. The UNP, which was behind the PA in opinion poles, also lost its votes. Under these circumstances, our strong belief is that the UNP does not have a mandate or moral right to rule the country without a clear mandate from the people at an election. The opposition should have affiliated to compel the PA government to hold a free and fair election. However, the constitution of the country does not give power to the President to dissolve the Parliament and go for a new election until current parliament completes its first year after the general election. On the other hand, an election held under the PA government would have been only a repetition of the election in 2000. Therefore, it was natural for the opposition to demand the implementation of democratic reforms before going for the next election. However, only the JVP was able to understand the UNP and some individuals had ulterior motives when this campaign was launched. There were instances in history of Sri Lanka where a duly elected government was defeated through a carefully orchestrated PARLIAMENTARY coup. There was an attempt to topple a legitimate government by launching a military coup in 1962. We condemn any secret conspiratorial attempt to topple a government and we will take whatever action suitable to defeat bloody or bloodless coups. We believe that only the people have the right to oust a government. The opposition has the right to defeat a government by a no-confidence motion, but it is obliged to give the opportunity to elect a new government to the people. At the same time, the opposition must accept the fact that the election of a new government into power is the sacred right of the people. The UNP thought that it should move the no-confidence motion when the president does not have the powers to dissolve the parliament until one year is passed after the election in October 2000. The ulterior motive of the UNP was to assume office without seeking a mandate of the people. The JVP correctly analysed the situation it had to defeat the conspiracy backed by some countries and Tamil Ealamists. YES! We say that with responsibility. Some countries are interfering into internal affairs of our country. Some leaders of the country wanted it that way. I do not want to name the countries at this moment. However, the people will be able to make them out when express their concern and dissatisfaction indirectly by trying to carry out acts of sabotage using reactionary elements and their ability to manipulate the economy of Sri Lanka. The JVP is not blind to allow the people to fall into an abyss or from frying pan to the fire to become slaves and surrender before the Ealamist terrorists. The JVP is determined to safeguard the rights and dignity of Sri Lankan people, sovereignty and freedom of nation. We had to serve the country by defeating the bloodless coup and at the same time aligning our selves neither with the PA nor with the UNP, but to align with people's aspirations. That is our sacred duty. Accordingly, we have decided to submit the Short-term programme for a probationary government. This programme is a way out of the present crises, instability country is undergoing, and also to put a stop to policies aimed at power and privileges and make it a service to the people and to give a great beginning to a new political culture and tradition. We decided to bargain from the government on behalf of the people. To retain power or having understood the threat before the country when the JVP had extensive discussions with the PA, it finally agreed to meet the demands of the JVP. The probationary government will bring necessary amendment to the present constitution for democratic reforms. It will write off Loans of poor farmers who commit suicide to avoid their family members becoming homeless and landless when the bank confiscates their properties. The agreement is not limited to these two. You would receive a copy of the agreement soon. We are confident our tactics and strategy are more than correct. The people won. The PA will have to carry out its duties honestly and prove that it repent for not fulfilling its pledges placed before the people in 1994. We are not including in a coalition government because we have not accepted any ministerial portfolios. Nevertheless, we are in agreement with the PA to support its probationary government until it respects the agreement, which is valid for the period of one year, beginning from the 5the September 2001. We are also a part of the probationary government, because of this reason. Being a part of the government, we have already fulfilled our duty in defeating the conspiracy and paving the way for democratic reforms, the country is yearning for. The people of Sri Lanka could go to the polling stations without any fear when the next election is held. Voters are going to cast their votes in a free and fair election after about three decades. As for bank loans of farmers, we have already succeeded in persuading the government to write off their debts. I do not know how many poor farmers were thinking of committing suicide before the cancellation of their bank loans. We are happy that we could give them the choice of life instead death by unburdening their debts. If this agreement holds at least one month, people will win more, including democratic reforms. We have already established in the Sri Lankan society the fact that we are the only responsible, dedicated, mature political party that is not greedy for power and privileges. Those are our short-term achievements. In the long term, we hope, given the opportunity by the people of Sri Lanka to build a society where national unity, democracy, transparency, equality and justice are irreversibly established. As I have already explained, the JVP has never been and never will be a party to topple governments by Military or Parliamentary coups. If the UNP brought no confidence motion after October 2001 so that people could vote for new government, the JVP and the people could have been convinced that the UNP is genuinely fighting for democratic reforms. The UNP had an ulterior motive to misuse the inability of the president to dissolve the parliament before October 2001 according to the present constitution. This has been proved again, when the UNP kept silent about the no-confidence motion on 6th September 2001 in the parliament.
27	Thu Aug 9 23:43:49 EDT 2001 Though JVP has had a violent past, many people now turn to your party as they feel that yours is the only alternative to the two major parties. You will be even more popular if you can spell out your economic policy. Are you for free market economy or state ownership of business ? We will support your party if we know your intentions. Thanks  -  Nimal Amaraweera, Kurunegala Answer: Dear Mr. Nimal Amaraweera, People of Sri Lanka still do not know the truth behind violent past. You have read and heard only one-sided story. You are being misled, misinformed and deceived. However, the truth prevails and one fine day the truth will be known by everybody. History will be re-written wiping out rubbish and lies. I regret that this is not the agenda for a discussion on our economic policies. Please read our programme for overall development of our country introduced during the last election. I am certain you will support our party once you read it. I would like to thank all of you for engaging in a dialogue with the JVP. I enjoyed this Q.A session very much and regret that I have to be brief answering some of the questions due to the time constrain. Your constructive criticism, advises and suggestions will be much-appreciated AYUBOWAN, WANAKKAM, ASSALAM ALAIKKUM, and GOOD BYE. THANK YOU!
26	Thu Aug 9 11:26:01 EDT 2001 The race relations between the Tamils & Sighlease is at the worst now. Unless & until the relationship is improved & each respecting the other's identity, culture etc, the war cannot be stopped. The war continue & soon destroy the whole country not just one community or areas. How would the JVP contribute towards building trust, understanding & bridging the gaps between communities? Does JVP represent all the citizens of Sri-Lanka or only the Singhala Buddists?  -  Jasper, UK Answer: Dear Mr. Jasper, your observation is completely wrong. By this time, if it is correct assume that the LTTE is victorious in the North and the Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka it must be correct to assume Sinhala communalists victorious in other parts of Sri Lanka. If you are correct, the situation is ripe for a separation. Relations between the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communalists is not good, I would like to say they are a small minority in Sri Lanka. When you compare Sri Lanka with other countries in similar predicament, high level of racial tolerance still exists in our country. As I mentioned earlier, when the LTTE attacked most sacred Buddhist centres the Sinhala -Buddhist majority had the courage, wisdom and patience not to retaliate by attacking innocent Tamil brothers and sisters living in harmony with them. The vast majority of Sinhala people have learnt that such retaliations are futile and advantageous for communalists. Equally, the Muslim community was wise and tolerant enough not to attack innocent fellow Tamil citizens when the LTTE killed a bunch of Muslims inside a mosque while they were praying. I have no doubt whatsoever, that the LTTE's narrow strategy was to ignite Sinhala -Tamil riots in provinces other than North and East and Tamil- Musilim riots in the EASTERN PROVINCE, but they failed miserably. Dear Jasper, do not ignore the fact those separatist organisation that carried out ethnic cleansing in the North, those leaders who promoted hatred among Tamils against Sinhalese are operating in Colombo, Western province of Sri Lanka after they were forced out of Northern province and Eastern province by their former friends and allies of the LTTE. The Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people in the Western province are protecting them. We all are belonging to a country in which tombs were built for the fallen enemy. The JVP is contributing enormously towards building trust, understanding and bridging the SMALL gaps between all communities. Do you know that Comrade Upatissa Gamanayake and many other comrades had face death threats for giving protection for Tamil brothers and sisters (of course, they were not JVPers- Ironically, some of them were UNPers). When UNP thugs were searching to kill them during Black July in 1983? Have you heard, it is the JVP that appointed the first Muslim woman MP in Sri Lanka? Given the opportunity we will eradicate intolerances. Please observe the JVP's future actions and you will be able to judge us by our deeds. As far as the war is concerned, war is bloody, war is ugly and war is destructive. If war is stopped and peace is achieved sooner rather than later, is good for all the communities in Sri Lanka. The war can be stopped in two ways. One way is to surrender. The other is to reach a respectable long-lasting solution, and establish democracy and equality. We vehemently oppose surrender to separatist terrorists, because that is not going to stop war forever. That will be the beginning of another war, a number of wars. We say very clearly that separatism must be defeated MILITARILY and IDEOLOGICALLY to the end, and peace must be established. We will not align ourselves with separatism even if we are killed by those who do not tolerate anti-Ealamists who profess unity and equality among communities. Our position is that the LTTE must stop the war immediately and fight for equality and democracy. Just see how we are bargaining on behalf of the people with the government.
25	Thu Aug 9 11:10:44 EDT 2001 Dear Somawansa, do you think that the JVP was wrong to take up arms & only because it was defeated militarily, the JVP is enjoying the main stream politics.  -  Daid, London Answer: Dear Mr. Daid, I do not think whatsoever that the JVP was wrong to take up arms just because it was defeated militarily. The JVP took up arms first in 1971 and again in 1987-1990 periods because there was no other option for the JVP. Do not be misled by the false propaganda of the PA and the UNP. The PA tries to establish that they repressed the JVP only after it launched its armed uprising. That was only after 5th April 1971 to be exact. This is a shamefully gullible lie. Repression of the JVP started long before 5th April 1971. Our beloved leader, founder of the JVP and number of comrades were taken into custody on several occasions during the UNP government before 1970. They were beaten and tortured at the hands of the police. They were treated as enemies at the very outset. However, when they were formally charged and brought before the court of justice the verdict of the learned judges were that the JVP is also has the right to carry on with its educational programs and campaign of propaganda. Nevertheless, the policy of the successive governments was not changed and repressive measures continued to be practiced. It may be news for you to hear that the S.L.F.P, LSSP, CP coalition government that came to power in 1970, gave authority to police and security forces in March 1971 (Before the uprising) to destroy dead bodies without post-mortems, declaring a state of emergency. By March 1971, there were more than 500 members of the JVP in prison. Their lives were in danger. So, it was justified for the JVP to take up arms if it was to survive politically, and otherwise. This would have been proved before the Criminal Justice Commission established to try the JVP leaders and the members if the commission summoned the former Permanent Secretary of the Defence Ministry Mr. Arthur Rajkumar Ratnevel as a witness for the defence when comrade Rohana Wijeweera requested the commission. You may not have heard until now that very important files containing documents related to intelligence reports on the JVP went missing once our beloved leader requested the commission to summon Mr Ratnevel as a witness for the defence. Mr Ratnevel was an ambassador during that time. First, the defence ministry files went missing, then Mr Ratnevel's sudden death occurred after a few months. As a result, the true history about the JVP during the UNP regime before 1970 and S.L.F.P, LSSP and CP regime after 1970 until 1971 was denied to the people of Sri Lanka. The JVP activity involved in mainstream Sri Lankan politics openly again, when the emergency was lifted and the proscription ended in 1976 December. Comrade Rohan Wijeweera contested the first ever-Presidential election held in 1982. The JVP was able to establish itself as the third largest political party and largest left party in Sri Lanka. That is why Junius Richard Jayawardane folded the electoral map for ten years. He admitted to this effect just a few days before his death. Having folded the electoral map the UNP proscribed the JVP in JULY 1983 and leaders and members of JVP were taken into custody. The JVP had to carry out its activities clandestinely but peacefully. Comrade Sarath Wijesinghe, a youth league member in Anuradhapura was the first victim of the police. That was, please remember, in 1984 he was taken into custody (by the Anuradhapura Police) while pasting posters, demanding the lifting of the proscription of the JVP. He was tortured to death in the Anuradhapura police station. When the infamous Rajiv- JR "peace treaty" was signed in 1987, it was the duty of the JVP to take whatever action necessary to stop the surrender of our sovereignty to India. At that moment the "peace treaty" was signed 100,000 strong Indian army crossed the Palk strait and occupied a part of Sri Lanka under the pretext of unarming the LTTE and other armed separatist organisation. India compelled Sri Lanka to establish a puppet provincial council. However, the entire military and political programme was proved an utter failure. I do not think the JVP was wrong to take up arms against an "invited" aggressor, an unlawful government and those who collaborated with that government to betray the people of Sri Lanka. Dear Daid, Please do not forget that during 87-90 Sri Lanka had been plunged into a bloody civil war by the UNP regime. War is not a Tea party; war is ugly, war is bloody. However, we had to fight a war to safeguard sovereignty of Sri Lanka and the dignity of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people of Sri Lanka. We did not fight for our personal benefits and gains, or for a separate state. We fought for a country in which all citizens are treated as equals and democratic rights are respected. The JVP is enjoying mainstream politics. The JVP always believe in convincing rather than compelling or forcing the people to accept its policies.
24	Thu Aug 9 05:45:07 EDT 2001 Dear Mr.Amarasinghe, Mr Vasudeva Nanayakara has answered to Q43 in the Q&A session "Permanent peace is certainly possible but not with the UNP or PA at the helm, because they are basically enemies of democracy, national interests and equity with their avowed policies of neo liberal economics and open corruption". Do you agree with his answer ?  -  Thiru, Singapore Answer: Dear Mr. Tiru, Certainly, we agree with that part of the answer, but we vehemently reject Mr. Vasudeva's position that permanent peace can be achieved through devolution of power. Mr. Tiru, Please do not forget that Mr. Vasudeva was with the PA in heart and soul until recently, and now he can be seen on the platform of the UNP led Movement for Democracy (?)
23	Thu Aug 9 03:54:33 EDT 2001 Dear Comrade, How do you think about the slogan of a part of the Tamil people living here in Sri Lanka & Abroad, Says that the "LTTE is the sole representative of the Tamils", is it true, are there any alternative political forces to represent Tamils or there are nobody have has the guts to reflect them.  -  Raj, Jaffna University, Jaffna Answer: Dear Comrade Raj, Please do not be misled. The LTTE respects no one. Even Adolf Hitler's NAZI party had the majority of Germans behind it. The majority of Tamil people were not convinced to accept the LTTE as their sole representative. Only a minority of Tamils were forced to accept it. That is the truth. If you disagree with me, let us see what the Tamil people say about the LTTE in a free and fair election. For that election to be a free and fair one, both the government and the LTTE must be committed to the true meaning of the word and must not intimidate the people in any manner. The LTTE cannot and must not be allowed to represent Tamil people, because it is going to be disastrous to the Tamil people. If the LTTE's dream of a separate state called TAMIL EALAM ever comes true, the Tamil people will never enjoy equal rights and democracy in that so-called " TAMIL EALAM". I am speaking on my own experience. I was detained at Jaffna prison. I spent number of years in that prison. The prisoners and the suspects had to draw water from the wells for bathing and washing. You may not know that the prisoners belong to the " Lower Caste" always have to draw water from the well for the prisoners belong to the "Upper Caste" but never vice versa. Not only drawing water the "Lower Caste" has to perform number of chores for the "Upper Caste" prisoners. When I questioned about this practice, I was able to gather lot more information about the outside society. Who is going to eradicate caste system in the so-called Tamil Ealam? The LTTE's programme is not based on social justice and democracy. Upper caste Tamils will prevent the Lower caste Tamils from entering Mawaddipuram and Nallur Kovil etc; Lower caste Tamils will be discriminated against in that so-called Tamil EALAM. We challenge the LTTE to disclose its economic policies and to oppose neo-liberal economic policies that paved the way to plunder the resources of people by trans-national corporations in Sri Lanka. Any organisation aligning with neo-liberal economic policies and trans-national corporations are not going to solve the problems of Tamil Ealam. No one can be blamed for having suspicion that the LTTE is already in agreement with Norway on fishing rights in the North and the East. The Tamil people will fall from a frying pan into the fire if they are allowed to fall prey to the LTTE's strategy. The Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people are represented by the JVP. The JVP is fighting for equal rights and democracy for all. Please be assured, Tamils are not neglected by the JVP and never will be. I must admit our difficulties at present, where an autocratic terrorist organisation that does not tolerate alternative ideologies are acting amongst Tamil people, the JVP is not yet strong enough to take its message across to the Tamil People. We shall overcome this obstacle as soon as possible.
22	Thu Aug 9 03:26:09 EDT 2001 Dear Sir, Congratulations for you success in politics. In 70's & 80's, Sri-Lankan Government on that time branded JVP as a terrorist organisation and killed your leader Rohana Wejeweera, at the same time the JVP blamed Government for State terrorism. Today JVP is an expected organisation in Sri-Lanka. Like that the LTTE is now called by Government as terrorist organisation, but may be in 10 years LTTE also can be an excepeted organisation in Sri-Lanka. Your comment please.  -  Y. Putra, Stuttgart, Germany Answer: Dear Mr Y Putra, Thank you very much. As I have already mentioned, I do not want to be a superman in Sri Lankan politics. Our success is the result of the united effort of courageous, selfless and dedicated Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim sons and daughters of mother Lanka. Of course, the JVP is an accepted organisation today. It was accepted before 1983. The JVP was the largest leftist political party by the year 1980. That was the main reason behind the unlawful, unjustifiable and undemocratic proscription by the UNP regime in July 1983. I do not know on what basis the government of Sri Lanka calls the LTTE a terrorist organisation. We also call LTTE a terrorist organisation on a solid basis. LTTE exists and is able to recruit Tamil youth because of blunders made by the Sri Lankan government. It does not posses the wisdom, courage, foresight, correct policies and a programme of action to defeat Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communalism. Successive governments and reactionary politicians belong to all communities in Sri Lanka, knowing the inevitable consequences that fanned the fire of communalism. It was their strategy to build a power base. For them, that was the easiest available path towards their ultimate selfish aims. They dragged the country close to separation, but failed to struggle, to establish democracy and equality. We do not think that the LTTE or any other separatist, communalist organisation are fighting or could fight for democracy and equality. I have already said that an organisation or a person that cannot love people that do not belong to his own community, race, religion etc; is definitely unable to love his own people. The LTTE carried out indiscriminate killings and it will continue to do so in future too. A true liberation organisation never thinks of killing innocent people who are worshipping their god. I still remember with utmost contempt the killing of TAMIL SPEAKING MUSLIMS, who were praying in a Mosque. The LTTE carried out armed attacks at Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. The LTTE thought that it could ignite riots when they planted a bomb at Dalada Maligava, one of the most sacred religious centres. One may argue that their attacks were carried out as retaliation to attacks against Tamil civilians by the security forces. If an armed organisation, calling itself a liberation organisation, carries out military operations against civilians in the same, irresponsible manner in which security forces carry out military operations, that liberation organisation ceases to be one, and immediately becomes a terrorist organisation. Just imagine the number of innocent unarmed civilians killed by the LTTE. They are children, women and men who had no involvement in the war whatsoever. The LTTE did not care about how many Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim civilians would be killed when they planted a bomb in a highly dense public place. The LTTE never gave warning to the innocent people before a blast. How can such a organisation be a liberation organisation? The LTTE attains all the characteristics to be described a terrorist organisation. That is why we call it a terrorist organisation; therefore, we have no doubt at all that after 10 years time the LTTE and communalist politics as a whole will be rejected by the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim people in Sri Lanka. The sooner it happens the better.
21	Wed Aug 8 20:58:46 EDT 2001 Mr.Amarasinghe True marxism dictates a certain amount of self criticism. Have you as an individual or the JVP as a party done anything in this regard?? Have you analyzed what went wrong in both aborterd insurgencies and can you give a gurantee to the Sri Lankan people that you will not go for a "third time lucky" attempt??  -  Nimal Segara, USA Answer: Marxism demands a comprehensive self-criticism, not "a certain amount" of self-criticism. Not only Marxists, every politician, whether he or she is a Marxist or not is obliged to make a self criticism if he or she has contributed even minutely to push the country towards the present impasse. All politicians must be hold responsible for transparency and accountability. Why not demand the UNP and SLFP to make a start, then others will follow suit. As a party and individuals we always give highest priority to criticism and self-criticism, otherwise the JVP would not have become the third largest political party in Sri Lanka, surviving bloody repressions one after other. Demand the ruling class (UNP and PA) to guarantee before the people of Sri Lanka, that democracy will be safeguarded under any difficult or critical circumstances. If the people of Sri Lanka and you succeed in persuading the Sri Lankan ruling class to that effect, our party will not take any action un-democratic or detrimental to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan people. The JVP is not irresponsible; the JVP is a responsible mature political party. We shall carry out actions that can be justified before the people.
20	Wed Aug 8 18:27:57 EDT 2001 Why dont you go back to Sri Lanaka to actively involve in politics. I dont think that there will be a risk for that. Your presence there will yield a significant moral to the party activists.  -  Prill, USA Answer: Dear. Mr/Miss/Ms. Prill, since I joined the JVP, I have been actively involved in politics. I will continue to do so in the future until the proper moment comes when I should retire. You asked me the question why I do not go back to Sri Lanka. I will be the happiest person in the world, the moment I set foot in Sri Lanka. Not a single day in my life in exile has past, without thoughts about Sri Lanka and the people. One can feel the loss when he or she is away from his or her motherland, facing uncertainty about the day of return. Dear Prill, you live in the USA. I do not think that you could arrive at a correct conclusion about whether my life is at a risk or not when I go back to Sri Lanka. The most competent people who should decide when I should return to Sri Lanka are the members of the political bureau of the JVP, and the courageous members of our party, who provided me protection and saved my life at a terrible period in which the Sri Lankan security forces, police and state sponsored thugs killed even the sympathisers of the JVP, who's "crime" was to give a little rice to eat to the activists of the JVP. Do you know that, the thugs are still armed and the PA government have not taken any meaningful action to unarm them? The members of the political bureau and those who saved my life still do not think the time is right for me to go back to Sri Lanka. I have confidence in them. They are the people who care about my life. I rely on them. I do not rely on anyone else; definitely not on a person living abroad. Dear Prill, do you know that when Mr Rohana Kumara, a journalist was killed by an unidentified gunman, the leaders of PA government said that Rohana Kumara was a member of the JVP during the 80's. What does that mean? A person who was suspected to be a JVP member in the 1980's could be killed according to the whims and fancies of those who ruling the country. I know very well, that there are a handful of people who want me to go back to Sri Lanka. They wish to see the end of my journey. I hope that you do not belong to that category. As I have reiterated frequently, the people of Sri Lanka are not bothered about my whereabouts, as long as I fulfil my duties and responsibilities as the leader of the JVP. The people of Sri Lanka know that, the JVP has risen from ashes like a phoenix. It is entirely, due to the united effort of all the leaders, members and sympathisers of the JVP who managed to save their lives from Sri Lankan security forces, police and armed killer squads. I understand the desperation of those who wish to see the demise of the JVP when I am killed.
19	Wed Aug 8 15:12:53 EDT 2001 Dear Somawansa Despite being a radical Marxist party, the JVP has also been accused of pandering to Sinhala nationalist chauvinism in the past and in its present refusal to consider radical devolution. So, I was wondering what relationship you envisaged the current JVP as professing in the often inevitable relationship between nationalism and marxist politics and how that may have varied since 1971? On this point how do you think the JVP's ideology differs from the mainstream parties?  -  Dave Rampton, London, England Answer: Dear Mr David Rampton(?), No, we never pandered to chauvinism in the past. We do not now and will not in future. If the JVP pandered to chauvinism in the past Mr. Thamodaram, the retired supreme court judge and one of the five commissioners of the Criminal Justice Commission would have had to pronounce correctly the word "BALDIYA" to prove that he is not a Tamil when he was stopped at the barrier installed on the Kandy-Colombo road on the 5th April 1971 by comrades of the JVP who maintained law and order in Warakapola area after police left. Mr. Thamodaram was treated well and was allowed to proceed to Colombo unharmed. What would have been his fate if the UNP thugs caught him in 1983 July? The JVP from its inception never hurt physically or verbally any citizen belong to any community in Sri Lanka just because she or he is not belonging to Sinhala community. If the JVP were a chauvinistic party, it would not have accepted all three languages as national languages, as far back as 1974,75 when comrade Rohana Wijeweera serving his prison term, drafted the policy declaration of the JVP which was published in all three languages in 1977. It is relevant for me to mention here the observation of the veteran journalist Mr AMARASINGHAM ( who's first name I cannot recollect at this moment) the editor of the TRIBUNE, after hearing comrade Rohana Wijeweera giving evidence before the Criminal Justice Commission. He wrote in the TRIBUNE that the only political leader who had the courage to recognise that there is a national question and the correct solution for it is comrade Wijeweera and no one else. I am sure, if the JVP's language and education policies were at least implemented by the government, at the latter stage in 1977 even in Sri Lanka, it could have been able to avoid a civil war, dragging for the 20th year. Radical Devolution of what? We stand for devolution of administration even up to the village level. If you mean devolution of power, the JVP says no. Because the JVP, without any vacillation, stand for national unity. Devolution of power does not bring national unity. Instead, it will create further chaos. The Tamil communalists or chauvinists say the Northern province and Eastern province taken together, makes their so-called Tamil Ealam. Those who chose Sinhalese and Tamils specially Muslims from the North are the real criminal chauvinists. Why don't you see the truth? Why don't you condemn ethnic cleansing and barbaric indiscriminate killings by the Tamil Ealamist? Is it not pandering to chauvinism? This should not be allowed to happen. The JVP will not, in any way take any action whatsoever that will be beneficial to the chauvinist's goals towards Tamil Ealam " STEP BY STEP". Devolution of power will be without any doubt the great leap forward for the separatists. I would like to make it very clear that we are not going to align ourselves with separatists to prove that we are not national chauvinists. As I said earlier devolution of power radical or not, will pave the way for chaos. It will finally create a situation in which Muslims and Sinhalese living in Eastern province would face the same fate as the Sinhala and Muslim people in the north faced in the hands of the Tamil Ealamists. What do you mean by Marxist policies? Marx stood by unity of all workers. Separatism goes against it. Separatism divides the working class and the oppressed people along ethnic lines. Tamil Ealamist are fighting to isolate Tamil workers and Tamil people whereas the JVP stands for unity of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim workers and people of Sri Lanka. The JVP fighting for national unity. The mainstream political parties and the Tamil Ealamists stand for national disharmony, division and separation. The JVP stands for democratic centralism. Mainstream parties and separatists stand for autocratic centralism or autocratic separation or autocratic division. JVP stands for national unity, equality and democracy. Other parties and separatists stand for disharmony, inequality and autocracy. The JVP stands for democratic natural assimilation whereas other parties especially communalists, pseudo patriots and separatist terrorists stand for separation, segregation and isolation or autocratic assimilation. Let me tell you very clearly. We are Marxists; we are neo-Marxists; we are patriots; we are patriotic Nationalists; we are PROGRESSIVE, PATRIOTIC NATIONALIST AND ARE INTERNATIONALISTS. We are not narrow-minded reactionary, nationalist chauvinists, who profess Sri Lanka or any part of it, that belong to one or other community of Sri Lanka. A true Marxist can also be a true patriotic nationalist who accepts and respects true patriotic nationalists of other countries who respect us. Wait and see. We will prove that we are neo-Marxists, not only by words but also by deeds. The JVP is going to be the first Marxist party in world that will put into practice PROLETARIAN DEMOCRACY not Proletarian Dictatorship. Soon you will see a socialist society with multiparty democracy. Interesting isn't it? That is going to be the world model for humankind. Very soon the mankind will prove themselves to be the most intelligent species in the universe by establishing a society in which confrontation, domination and exploitation is defeated collectively Our NATIONALISM is not and is not going to be harmful to anyone in the world who respects us, who accepts our sovereignty, our independence and our dignity, let alone the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and other people in Sri Lanka. Our NATIONALISM is aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people of Sri Lanka in particular and building an INTERNATIONAL to safeguard the interests of the people of the world over without interfering into internal affairs of other countries in the world. We believe that only true PATRIOTIC INTERNATIONALISTS are able to defeat neo-colonialist aspects of globalisation.
18	Wed Aug 8 12:11:25 EDT 2001 Mr Somawansa, the current political crisis shows that a third alternative to the UNP and PA is absent. The left has been splintering into sectarian groups. The JVP now has a golden opportunity now to consolidate a left alliance as a third national alternative. Unfortunately it appears that the JVP prefers to go it alone rather than rally the left. Why do you lack faith in a united left aliance?  -  K. Golding, Dehiwala Answer: Dear Mr. Golding, We do not think that we must build and consolidate a "Third" alternative. The UNP is not an alternative to PA, but a substitute, and vice versa. Therefore, we must build and consolidate the "ALTERNATIVE" to the PA and/or UNP. Your phrase "third alternative" is misleading. Let us be very clear! Please use the word alternative in the correct sense. We do not think that a united alliance or a united front of left parties could survive long. History of united fronts in Sri Lanka is a tragedy, because those fronts were just bunches of opportunist leaders of the old left. They did not posses any programme or foresight for masses to rally around them, so they doomed to perish leaving the working class and other oppressed masses in the oblivion. We do not think a united left alliance could be formed overnight. It is a long process. This process demands sacrifices. What are the other left parties in Sri Lanka that are prepared to make sacrifices? We the JVP do not totally reject the idea of forming a left alliance with one party or other if it could achieve the high political standards of the JVP. We do not want to disappoint the progressive people of Sri Lanka by forming an opportunist "clique" calling it the united left. At present, one of the biggest obstacles for unity of the left parties is that almost all the left parties have aligned themselves with separatism. Some of the left parties even go beyond that and describe the LTTE as a liberation movement of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. How ridiculous! Unity of all left parties cannot be built on paper or through talks, instead left alliance would be built in future in the struggle against the enemies of the oppressed, downtrodden masses.
17	Wed Aug 8 10:08:35 EDT 2001 Dear sir, The Upcountry Tamils been here over 200 years and been serving the sri lanka economy so long.What gratitude the Sinhala masses do have to these innocent hard workers, depriving them of any social standing? Isn't it time for them to be integrated and respected as equals?  -  Muthu Vadivel, Drayton Estate, Kotagala Answer: Dear Mr. Vadivel, Sir, Please do not misunderstand. I am not going to let down the Tamil people living in upcountry (the JVP never segregate the Tamil people living in upcountry from the rest living in other parts of Sri Lanka). Let me explain. This poor lot did not serve the Sri Lankan economy for 200 years. Their great grandfathers were brought in to Sri Lanka using force by the colonialists not to build Sri Lankan economy but for their own benefit. Even after so-called independence, the essence of Tea flowed into coffers of the colonial masters through agency houses. However, the JVP appreciates that the Tamil people living in the upcountry or in the plantation areas, are shedding their sweat under appalling working conditions. They are living in un-healthy houses. (Can I say they are houses without any hesitation? No!) I, met those workers with Comrade A. Thangarajah, a son of an estate worker and a politburo member of our party who was killed while he was in custody by the UNP regime in 1990. I discussed their problems; I ate with them and slept with them in their "houses". Therefore, my wholehearted sympathy is with them. The JVP does not stop there. Please refer our policy declaration. Our policy aims at bringing a final solution to the problems of the stateless workers and their families. A JVP government is not going to deport by force or legislation any estate worker out of Sri Lanka. Those who would prefer to choose Sri Lanka as their motherland and who are prepared to serve as honest and patriotic citizens can remain in Sri Lanka forever. They will be integrated into the society as dignified equals with respect. For us, the JVP, human resource is an asset not a liability.
16	Wed Aug 8 09:32:13 EDT 2001 Dear Sir, being a socialist, what do you envisage in terms of policy alternatives pertaining to socio-economic well being of Sri Lanka?  -  Ruwani Senadheera, Colombo Answer: Dear Ms/ Miss. Senadheera, What did Sri Lanka achieve during the last 53 years under capitalism? Almost nothing. Since 1978, successive governments opened our economy to western capitalists. We were told that as a result, Sri Lanka would become another Singapore; (however Singapore is not a model for us. We do not want to be a replica of another country) instead, Sri Lanka fell onto the list of the poorest countries in the world. Today, half of the population in Sri Lanka cannot afford three meals a day, while a handful of capitalists are getting richer and richer. Inequality widened more than tenfold during the last 24 years out of 53 years of the capitalist rule. Capitalism could not give anything to our people. We believe in Social justice. JVP has an alternative programme based on Social justice, democracy and transparency. We firmly believe that Sri Lanka cannot achieve peace and prosperity without establishing and upholding equality, democracy and transparency.
15	Wed Aug 8 08:32:58 EDT 2001 Dear Somawansa Would you agree the security forces would have won the war against the LTTE long tome ago if it truly represented all the communities of SL; and how would you like to deal with the officers who abused human rights both in North & South.  -  Ranjan, London Answer: Dear Mr, Ranjan, I do not think that Sri Lanka's security forces are truly representing one or the other community of Sri Lanka. They represent the ruling class of Sri Lanka and safeguard the interests of that ruling class. Our government will see that those who have violated and violate human rights are brought before the law. Our government will not take the law into its hand and it will not interfere with the judicial system.
14	Wed Aug 8 05:16:31 EDT 2001 Sir: What is your honest point of view on the muslim community in Sri-lanka. You do or you dont agree that there is a discreminination for muslims in sri-lanka. if yes & if you are the leadership how you will solve it. if you think no how you will justify it.  -  Mohammed Rizvi Thahir, Saudi Arabia Answer: Dear Mr. Tahir, I did accept that there is inequality in our society. There is discrimination. Mr. Tahir, why do you talk only about the Muslim community? Please be reasonable. One must be able to see that there is discrimination against all communities in Sri Lanka. The only solution for this anomaly is to establish equality. JVP government will do everything possible to achieve this goal.
13	Wed Aug 8 01:55:25 EDT 2001 If your party gets the power what will you do for foreign loans? Do you have any plans to settle them? We know that most of them (i.e. IMF) will not agree to increase the pay back period at least.  -  Sameera Hettiarachchige, Colombo Answer: Dear Mr/Miss/Ms. Sameera, In WB, IMF reports they accept the fact that at least 40% of the loans granted to Sri Lanka are siphoned to fill the pockets of the cabinet ministers and their corrupt officials. Therefore, it is reasonable to ask the WB and IMF to write off at least 40% of the loans so far granted. Why should people of Sri Lanka suffer to fill the pockets of crowned rogues? Our government will have a serious dialogue with these monetary institutions in relation to the debt problem. Sri lanka is already in a critical economic situation. The leaders and the ministers of the previous government of the UNP and the present government do not bother to relieve people of Sri Lanka, because they are the certain beneficiaries of foreign loans. Under these circumstances we are confident that we will be able to persuade WB & IMF to compromise and give us more time to repay the loans or write off debts altogether. It is more than reasonable; we were under colonialists for more than four centuries. Nations suffered under colonialism should be compensated if the present leaders of countries of colonial masters truly condemn colonialism. A reciprocal gesture should be to write off debts to compensate the hardship we have been through under the colonial rule. Do not be pessimistic there is a mass movement building up in the world. This movement will win in the near future.
12	Wed Aug 8 01:19:51 EDT 2001 What is the solution for the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka under a government of yours? And I also like to ask how you would be handling LTTE under such situation. According to the Lenin, if a community ask for seperation then it should be granted not stopped, there are asking since they can not live together. I would like to know if this is true or not.  -  Gana Krishnan, Singapore Answer: Dear Mr. Krishnan, There is no ethnic problem in Sri Lanka. However, we accept that inequalities exist in our society. There is a national question. Once true democracy and equality are established, the inequalities in our society will disappear. Once the JVP comes to power, we will give priority to establish democracy and equality in Sri Lanka for the first time. Please bare no doubt about it. In Sri Lanka, if Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and other people have equal rights and true democracy, will there be any justification to fight a war for a separate state? There will be no justification whatsoever. A JVP government will not tolerate racism, communalism, separatism or any other form of divisive reactionary ideology that creates division and animosity amongst people. We will not allow any Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim citizens to isolate Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim people. A legitimate government of Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and other people of Sri Lanka have the moral authority to defeat communalism, separatism, isolationism etc; and safeguard the rights of every citizen of Sri Lanka. Once true democracy and equality is established in Sri Lanka, I do not think that the LTTE or any other communalist organisation will exist for long. There won't be a cause left for the LTTE or any other organisation to continue their violent campaign. Lenin never advocated separation of any community. Lenin did advocate equality and struggled for equality not for separation. Lenin stood by for democratic assimilation of people with different ethnic origin and integration of nations. Misinterpretation of Lenin is a criminal offence.
11	Tue Aug 7 23:41:28 EDT 2001 Where can I find details of the JVP's vision for the country, policies, etc.? Which other party/parties in Sri lanka are considered allies by the JVP? If the constitution is changed, will the JVP get a similar number of seats or less?  -  Dr. Siri Gamage, University of New England, Armidale, Australia Answer: Dear Dr. Siri Gamage, Please read our programme published during the last general elections. At present, we do not consider that there are parties ready to make sacrifices for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka. Therefore, we are closely watching the other parties. We do not rule out forming alliances if there is opportunity and the necessity arises. However, there cannot be Asses and people to ride on Asses in the left movement in Sri Lanka. If the constitution is amended or not, the number of seats the JVP would gain depends solely on the people and how they are going to elect their representative.
10	Tue Aug 7 23:16:25 EDT 2001 As a recent graduate from a Sri Lankan university, I noticed that the JVP supporters amongst my batchmates, possibly out of ignorance, were vociferously against the PR system. (Without PR, the JVP would not have obtained even a single seat in parliament.) What is the JVP's policy towards the PR electoral system?  -  Suranjith, SL Answer: Dear Mr. Suranjith, For JVP, the most important thing is not the PR system or any other system, but the democratic system of conducting elections. We would be very satisfied if free and fair elections are held so that voters could elect their representatives. If the constituents think that they want to elect a JVP member as their representative they would do so. The decisive factor is the will of the people, not the electoral system. The PR system was introduced by the UNP, not to safeguard democracy but to ensure election victories to the UNP and to be retained in power forever. There was no PR system before 1978. The JVP engaged in politics actively, even before 1978. Whether we have seats in the parliament or not, the JVP will continue to engage in active politics in future. The Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim people of Sri Lanka now know that a vote against the JVP is a vote against the vast majority of downtrodden people of Sri lanka.
9	Tue Aug 7 23:12:50 EDT 2001 With the JVP coming to play a pivotal role in SL politics, has your party shunned its violent past altogether, or is it just a lull before another storm? Is the JVP of today apologetic of its violent past or is it still in denial and/or justifying the violence it unleashed in the past?  -  S. de Soyza, Korea Answer: Dear Mr. Zoysa, The JVP is the (3) third largest political party in Sri Lanka today. A party that was repressed twice would not have been able to become what it is today, if it did not correct its past mistakes. We do not justify violence as far as the ruling class does not resort to violence to suppress non-violent, opposing political views. Nevertheless, I assure people of Sri Lanka, including you that JVP will never be armed itself in future, UNLESS THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY passes a resolution to that effect when the people of Sri Lanka have no other option.
8	Tue Aug 7 22:20:56 EDT 2001 Dear Mr.Amerasinghe As a keen follower of political trends and twists of Lanka I have many questions and qualms lined up for clarification from you.Were you and your stalwarts influenced by "Jathika Chinthanaya" in formulating a very much flexible and tolerant political stand for the JVP? What is your response to many pertinent and thought provoking concepts discussed by the JC group?  -  Podiniame Dissanayake, Los Angeles Answer: Dear Mr. Dissanayake, We are transparent and open to be influenced not only by Marxism-Leninism-Wijeweeraism but also by any Chinthanaya "Jathika or Antharjathika", that can bring good to our country and the people. We are open-minded. We are always prepared to gather what is positive from North, South, East West where as the ruling class of Sri Lanka fill our country with all filth from the West. We consider that it is our duty to respond optimistically to thought provoking concepts of a person or an organisation from Sri Lanka or any other country in the world.
7	Tue Aug 7 21:53:37 EDT 2001 The JVP parlimentarians, local government members and trade unions have won the confidence of the people. But in universities, they are not so popular. In my opinion, there are two reasons for this. One, the propaganda and attacks that the government is carrying out against them. Two, most JVP activists in universities are acting irresponsibly as those in other places, behaving aggressively towards others. Please give us your opinion about this and any plans to improve the situation.  -  CH de Silva, Moratuwa Answer: Thank you very much Mr. Silva for your observation. Let me make it clear. The JVP condemns irresponsible behaviour and aggression towards others by anyone including university students. I do not agree with your conclusion that the JVP activists in universities are aggressive and not popular. How can the JVP students (the Socialist Students Union) win the students council elections if they are not popular? There is no ballot rigging or intimidation by thugs during an election for student's council. The Socialist Students Union of the JVP have won student's council elections, every year, for number of successive years.
6	Tue Aug 7 19:32:44 EDT 2001 Dear Mr. Amerasinghe, Four major political problems that are confronting Sri Lanka are, 1)Democracy and governance, 2)Tamil people's demand for nationhood, homeland and self-rule, 3)Relationship between the State and Religion, and 4)Equality. What are the basic principles and processes that will govern the JVP's plan of action to solve such problems? Ethir  -  N. Ethirveerasingam, Los Angeles, USA Answer: Dear Mr. Ethirveerasingam, The JVP does not agree with your analysis. We identify that the prevailing crises in Sri Lanka, is determined by three main factors, namely the economic crisis, the crisis created by the national question and the leadership crisis of the ruling capitalist class. The economic crisis is the source of all other crises in our country. Having identified that the economic crisis gave birth to all other crises, our programme aims at solving it first. Without solving the economic crisis, any attempt to solve the national question etc; would be futile. As the Sinhalese saying goes it is like " applying balm on the leg, for headache" At the last general election, the JVP presented to the people of Sri Lanka its programme to rebuild the country, bring about peace, and establish equality to achieve prosperity. No one challenged this programme to date.
5	Tue Aug 7 18:58:41 EDT 2001 Dear Mr Amarasinghe, We all know that JVP now on the fence in Sri Lankan politics blame Both Major parties and old left for currant Political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka. How ever as authors of two insurgensies, whcih killed many youths and drawing back twice the country's economy many folds will the JVP accept they are also responsible partly to this crisis as well?  -  Ajith Dharmakeerthi, UK Answer: Dear Mr. Dharmakeerthi, First, I must assure you that the JVP was never, is not and never will be on the fence in Sri Lankan politics. JVP was, the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim people of Sri Lanka without any wavering or hesitation. In this instant with the introduction of our Short Term Plan to build the country, people who doubted that the JVP and people are not in unison, were to accept both as one. In future, it will be a proven fact that the JVP is the people and vice versa. The JVP still blames major parties, old left parties and other parties that supported both major parties so far for the current "socio-economic political crises. The birth of the JVP itself is due to the failure of the policies of those who ruled the country for the last 53 years (half a century 3 years). So, the political parties that ruled the country must accept the responsibility, first for dragging the country into this crisis. We are always ready to accept our responsibility and we have already corrected ourselves. Mr. Dharmakeerthi, please make your judgment correctly based on facts and demand the leaders of the major parties and also parties that collaborated with the major parties to accept their responsibility and dissolve their parties as they are becoming obsolete before this crises. Mr. Dharmakeerthi, with your concerns you have mentioned about loses to the Sri Lankan economy because of the JVP. If you look at the statistical information, about the crowned rogues and their governments, that ruled this country, you would be able fathom the magnitude of waste and destruction they brought to Sri Lanka. I have documentary evidence to prove that one minister of the present government robbed 10 million rupees just in one trip abroad to by equipment for Sri Lanka. I heard that Dr. Senaka Bandaranayake comes to Sri Lanka from overseas for sittings of the University Grant Commission, Rupees. 50,000 for each sitting. Also, I heard that Prof. Carlo Fonseka is also paid Rupees. 50,000 for each sitting at UGC If I am correct, both of them are relations of the Prisident. If allegations are correct, it is a serious matter. I am sure if invited, there are patriotic intellectuals, who are more qualified and prepared to serve the country without receiving a red cent from public funds. Please! be unbiased, and compare, you will be able to come to a fair conclusion
4	Tue Aug 7 16:38:13 EDT 2001 Do you think the old fashioned marxism is valid in a period when cuba ,china and even North Korea opening up? Being international leftist how do you view gay rights movement,feminism which is playing a dominant role in the international leftist movement now? [Edited by moderator]  -  S. S., US Answer: Could you please explain what you mean by old-fashioned Marxism? Not only Marxism but also everything in this universe is changing. Everything is subjugated to Anithya Dharma. Marx himself changed some of his observations later. Marxism became old fashioned towards the end of the 19th century or at the dawn of 20th century. Lenin saw that and developed it. Then it became Marxism-Leninism. The world had been changing and today it is changing very, very rapidly. The changing world demands new developments. In that context, we are not old-fashioned Marxists, but we still believe Marxism-Leninism shows a way out for the downtrodden masses all over the world. We are not blind followers of Marxism or any other "ism". Today the mankind needs a new, democratic global vision consisting of all high standard social values inherited by the mankind. We believe, our beloved leader Comrade Rohana Wijeweera , the founder of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna is the genius who adopted Marxism-Leninism to suit to the Sri Lankan society. We are hereditary to one of the richest cultures in the world. We shall not forget, underestimate or condemn our country's past. We are fortunate citizens of a country with a great written history more than 2000 years old. We belong to a country in which tombs were built in the memory of fallen enemy (King Ellara or Ellalan). Not only that, the people were asked to observe silence when they pass this tomb as a mark of respect. So far, I have not heard anything like this form anywhere in the world. Have you ever heard of a country where one religion allowed use of its buildings by priests of another religion? There were Buddhist priests who allowed Catholic priests to conduct their religious functions in Buddhist temples when the Portuguese rule ended and Catholic Church was suppressed in favour of Dutch reformed Church. What a tolerant society! In the past, we had a society in which there was some form of common property. Otherwise our ancestors could not have been able to build a great irrigation system to conserve and manage water resources, Dagabes, etc; our history evidently shows, that socialism is not a foreign doctrine to our people. MAGHA MANAWAKA TRADITION WAS WELL ESTABLISHED ON THIS SOIL. The greatness of Comrade Rohana is that, in his wisdom he recognised who we are and introduced today's Marxism; I would call it Wijeweeraism to suit Sri Lankan society launched in 1965. I recall that there was a portrait of PURAN APPU exhibited among those of MARX, Engels, Lenin and Mao Tsetung at the first ever-public meeting held in August 1970 at Hyde Park. The world had been changing and today it is changing even more rapidly than ever. In that light, we are not old-fashioned Marxist. We are not blind worshippers of capitalism either. Capitalism today, is incapable, old and obsolete system, which failed to provide BASIC NEEDS of people. As a person living in the USA, you should know better. US economy is heading for a recession; (US reserve bank cut interest rates 5 times in this year alone to allow economic growth) Japanese economy is in long-term stagnation; the future of Euro is uncertain; the world economy as a whole is heading towards a generalised crises. What you mean by "opening up"? Did Cuba, China, or North Korea open up their economies in the same fashion in which our capitalist ruling class opened up the Sri Lankan economy to trans-national corporations? Do not be misled by capitalist propaganda. Cuba, China, North Korea and a few other countries such as Malaysia also had the courage and dignity not to surrender their sovereignty before western capitalism or trans-national corporations. As a nation, we can learn lot of lessons from those countries. Especially, to learn, how to develop our own natural resources, relying on our ability and sustain. We do not propose a closed society where a crude policy of protectionism is practiced. We are a nation rich with resources to produce rice, vegetable, fruits etc; to fulfil the needs of our people. There are so many other capabilities that have been neglected for the benefit of the Trans-national corporations that uses corrupt methods such as bribing leaders and officials. After we strengthen our own backbone only, we should open our economy and absorb scientific knowledge, technology and capital from outside under terms favourable for us. Leaders of Cuba, China and North Korea did not allow their citizens to become victims of so-called globalisation. Because of globalisation, over 10 million people died in this year alone due starvation; over four billion people worldwide are malnourished; 27 million people living in shacks; five out of six people's dwellings are unfit for living. In the last four years the 200 richest people in the world have doubled their income while poverty increased globally; plunging the whole world to an ecological disaster; pressurising poor countries to open up their markets to big multi-national companies resulted in further impoverishment in those countries; profits have come from the poor. I do accept the fact there are some positive aspects of globalisation; such as Information Technology. However, there is no comparison to the above-mentioned catastrophic, negative aspects of globalisation to few negligible positive aspects. What did we Sri Lankan achieve by opening our economy to western capitalism since 1978? More than half of the population do not have the ability to have three meals a day. The people are being denied health services, housing, education, employment etc; we have become a dependent nation; Sri Lanka is now one of the most impoverished countries in the world. Time has come to defeat disastrous globalisation a fight for democratic, eco-friendly, equitable new world order. Let me say once again, we are not old-fashioned Marxist. We are open to be influenced by any other "ism" that provides us new ideas, new methods, new energy, new courage and vigour to become effective and humble servants of the people of Sri Lanka. We shall " use the canoe to cross the river' but we shall "not carry the canoe or condemn it after crossing the river". We shall be grateful to the builders of the canoe and commemorate them. As I said earlier, we are not conservatives. We are always ready to change and develop our ideology in the positive direction. We believe that history moves through changes, reforms and revolutions. As for gay and feminist rights movements, we believe sexuality is ones personal choice. The fact of life is that before you become a man, woman, choose a nationality or religion, you are a human being. The state has to serve the people whether they are heterosexual, homosexual, gay or lesbian. We guarantee fundamental human rights and sexuality of your preference. We shall convince the people to respect each other and not to disturb the privacy of individuals. Today our first priority should be given to find out the way to provide decent three meals a day, health services, housing, employment, education etc: to half of the population of Sri Lanka. That is the priority most crucial to us.
3	Tue Aug 7 13:02:21 EDT 2001 Today the government has decided to postpone the so called referendum due to widely spread mass opposition and the firm stand of JVP.( We are greatful for your excellent leadership) Mr. Amarasinhe, what will be your next step forward in order to re-estblish the democratic institutions in the Motherland?  -  Karu Gamage, Colombo Answer: Dear Mr. Gamage, Thank you very much. I would like to share your appreciation with the other members of the political bureau of our party. As you know we have already outlined a Short-Term programme to overcome the impasse, our motherland is facing. The president had invited us for a discussion on this programme. Leaders of our party are meeting the president. Let us wait for the outcome. This programme was formulated with the aim of drawing attention of all other political parties of Sri Lanka. We do not think that there is any difficulty for the other political parties to accept this programme if they are genuinely interested in serving the country and the people. If any other political party comes out with another programme that is better, we will support it unconditionally. If all the political parties agree that the country should not plunge into an abyss, they must not only fight for democracy, they must also fight for transparency. We are trying to introduce a new political culture. If the president and other political parties do not possess the courage to rectify past mistakes, we shall call upon the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and other people of Sri Lanka to show their strength of unity, remove those who betrayed them and give us the (JVP) opportunity to steer our motherland to national unity, peace and prosperity. No one is above the people!
2	Tue Aug 7 12:52:56 EDT 2001 JVP was suppressed brutally by SLFP in the 70s and again later by UNP. Why should JVP cooperate with either of these parties now?  -  N. Soopiramaniam, Colombo Answer: Dear Mr. Soopiramaniam, I do not understand what you mean by JVP cooperate with UNP or SLFP. Please follow the recent political events in Sri Lanka. At present we have displayed to the people of Sri Lanka, in the opposition what a mature and responsible political party the JVP is. We do not cooperate with parties but people of Sri Lanka. We support anything unconditionally, if only that is beneficial for the country and at the same time, we vehemently oppose anything that is detrimental to the country and the people. Do you, Mr. Soopiramaniam wish the JVP to contribute to the present chaos or make the present situation more chaotic? So, that the separatists could fish in the troubled water. No! Never! Never!! Never!!! All the communities living in Sri Lanka yearning for peaceful decent life. The JVP will do whatever possible to fulfil their innocent aspirations without giving in to separatism.
1	Tue Aug 7 12:49:56 EDT 2001 Tamils thought a leftist party like JVP which claims to speak for the oppressed will be willing to share power with the Tamils. However, the JVP seems to be opposed to devolution of powers to Tamils. Its attidude towards Tamils seems to border on racism. Why is JVP opposed to self-determination of Tamils?  -  K. Balachandran, Colombo Answer: Dear Mr. Balachandran, I am sorry that I have to give you a short answer. This is not the opportunity for me to write a long answer to your question, although it deserves one. The formula of "Right to Self-determination of nations" appeared in Marxist literature for the first time in a resolution passed by the congress of the International of the Social Democratic Parties or commonly known as the second International held at St. Martin's hall in London from 27th July to 1st August, 1896. There were three resolutions on Poland before the congress. Poland was a country beleaguered and annexed by three Empires, namely, the Russian Empire, the Austrian Empire and the Prussian Empire in the years of 1772, 1793, 1795. In a message sent to the International Rally held in Geneva in November 1880 to commemorate the uprising in 1830 of Poland against foreign domination, Marx and Engels said " Let Poland be free". The resolution passed at the London congress in 1896 one year after the death of Fredrich Engels, clearly states " the congress accepts the right to self-determination of the nations and expressed solidarity to the workers of all countries. The resolution does not stop there. Then, it appeals to all class-conscious workers of all countries to unite to defeat International Capitalism and to launch a united struggle to fulfil the aims of International Social democracy. (Ref: What is the Solution to Tamil Eelam Question-Rohana Wijeweera. Page53.) Mr. Balachandran, Please try to understand the two sides of the resolution and the essence of it. However, after April 1917 Lenin abandoned the formula because it became outdated. A right is not an absolute phenomenon. It is relative. There is no room for conservative ideas in Marxist philosophy. The JVP does represent the present, preparing for the future. We, the JVP do not live in the past. Right to Self-determination belongs to the past. Separatist organisations all over the world misinterpret the formula only to achieve their own selfish aims. Not to give rights to the people. The plight of the Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian and Albanian people in former Yugoslavia is a classic example. These people do not enjoy equal rights after separation achieved through bloody wars and enormous sacrifices. Separation only beneficial to imperialism and their local agents who dragged the people into bloody conflicts. Tamil people will not gain anything but suffering, under a tyranny after a separation, if it is allowed to occur in the future. We have no doubt whatsoever those who are responsible for ethnic cleansing in Sri Lanka will not be saviours of the Tamil people. Armed separatists chased away the unarmed Sinhalese and TAMIL SPEAKING Muslim people from Northern province long before ethnic cleansing took place in former Yugoslavia. Now they are living in refugee camps without any hope whatsoever of returning to the North. This shows us how; the so-called Tamil Ealam will look like if it is allowed to be established. Those who are unable to love a person not belonging to their own ethnic origin, religion, caste, sex. etc; are not able to love their own people. Please! Let me ask a question Mr. Balachandran, Why don't you talk about the Self-determination of Sinhalese and Muslim people in Sri Lanka? Just try to imagine what will happen to the 55% of the Tamil population living in provinces other than Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka if Sinhalese communalists also put into practice " the right to self-determination" in the same manner the Tamil communalist separatists practiced it. Do you really wish that 55% of the Tamil population must be forced out and chased to the North and East? Do you expect the security forces to stop the exodus? Alternatively, do you expect an international peace keeping force to stop it happening? We do not think whatsoever, that they will be capable. Do you think Sri Lanka should be allowed to fall into the abyss that Cyprus fell into more than two decades ago? We certainly do not! As you know very well Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, Burgher and Malayali people live in harmony in the Western province. They tolerate each other. Separatist propaganda even tolerated in this province. Let us unite and make Sri Lanka look like Western province. The JVP is the only genuine leftist political party in Sri Lanka. We vehemently oppose separatism and at the same time fighting for equality to all communities in Sri Lanka and elsewhere. We not only claim to speak, but speak and deliver in deed to the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and other oppressed people in Sri Lanka. Do you know that the salary of our 10 members of parliament goes to a fund to serve not only Sinhala people but also for Tamil and Muslim people? Yes, we oppose to devolution of power, because it is not going to solve the national question, instead it will pave the way for escalation of more dangerous war, involving other countries in the region. Sri Lankan Tamil separatists are now engaged in igniting separatism in Tamil Nadu. Devolution of power is a giant leap towards separation. The separatists know very well that it is the decisive step in their programme. Any person, who genuinely believes in equality and oppose separatism, must see that it is defeated and equal rights for all communities established and practiced. Otherwise, the future of all communities in Sri Lanka will be chaotic, uncertain and self-destructive. The JVP from its inception never promoted racism, communalism or hatred amongst different communities. The JVP never harassed any person just because he is a Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim. We advocate and practice tolerance and coherence amongst different communities. We vehemently reject any form of racism, communalism. We oppose not only Sinhalese communalism, also Tamil and Muslim communalism. Sri Lanka belongs to us all! Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim or any other citizen of Sri Lanka must have the right to live in any part of Sri Lanka.