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76
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Thu Jun 14 11:27:13 EDT 2001
It appears that the proportional representation system gives disproportional powers to smaller parties. Case in point is SLMC. Would you advocate going back to the old first-past-the-post system?
- NO Name, Colombo
Answer:
It should not be going back but forward to a combination of the first past the post and proportional representation. Muslims who were taken for granted by the two major parties have to now grapple with a conscious Muslim representative strength. The Sinhala consciousness of the two major parties engenderd the corresponding Tamil and Muslim consciousness .We have to work on a secular footing in which event ethnic minority parties have a lesser role to play.
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75
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Thu Jun 14 07:51:33 EDT 2001
what is your view on the curent motion to impeach the Chief Justice?
- Sunil de Silva, Sydney, New South Wales [NSW 2073]
Answer:
This motion is overdue. It should have been moved not a week later than his appointment as the Chief justice. But the UNP was playing ball with it at the instance of its? own luminaries who share a lot between the bench and the bar.
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74
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Wed Jun 6 05:00:28 EDT 2001
China embraces multinationals with open arms whilst Marxists in Sri Lanka attack multinationals. In China, McDonalds and KFC operate 700 outlets. Kodak & Fuji control 95% of the photofilm market. Proctor & Gamble control the shampoo market. Unilever has huge operations. Motorola, Ericcson and Nokia control 95% of the handphone market. Coca-Cola's biggest Asian market is China. This is CAPITALISM with a Big C. Would the USSR been saved if it had dumped Marxism to follow same pragmatic policies?
- Peter Perera, London
Answer:
China has admitted multinationals in to their economy, in order to achieve corresponding gains for China?s export market of manufactured goods. The balance sheet favours China, particularly in external resources. Larger part of the Chinese economy is in the hands of the state. The national interests of China is not threatened, therefore. The multinationals must be used and regulated and not allowed to override local interests as it happens here. What is needed is a win-win -situation. But here in Sri Lanka MNCS are in cahout with the rulers for their enrichment at the expense of the people and the country. That is the issue here. What you observed about China is not Capitalism but using the markets and foreign investment and international trade in pursuing the goals of socialism, which is basically the development of the productive forces beyond capitalism and ensuring the equitable distribution and allocation of resources, as you go along. The examples you give such as MCDonald and Coca Cola are not an important part of the Chinese economy. Motorola, Nokia and Ericson dominate the mobile phone market all over the world since only a few firms posses the requisite technology. No, it is not correct to say that China is capitalist with a big -C. China has included capitalism, if you like, with a small -c; meaning a diversified economy of Township &Village enterprises (40% of non-agricultural GDP), a state sector (35%) and a capitalist sector (25%, half local, half joint-ventures with foreign capital) is thriving. This is what I mean by post- capitalist societies-not yet ready for socialism but not treading the old capitalist road either. Yes, you are right one needs a pragmatic approach. This means avoiding doctrinaire Stalinist economics and at the same time refusing to capitulate to globalization and world capitalism. The struggle is very active in China and within the CCP on balancing these issues. The tension between the interests of workers and peasants (the huge majority) and the new bourgeois classes and global capitalism , while at the same time maintaining rapid economic advancement, is part of this ongoing process. This is a living , flexible , pragmatic process whose long term outcomes appear to be healthy but are not 100% predictable. But what a profound difference compared to the slavish stupidity of UNP and PA economic policy, In the case of the USSR old style Stalinism was too long entrenched to be able to execute this type of flexible policy.
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73
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Wed Jun 6 00:38:19 EDT 2001
Dear comrade, In reply to question #10, you commented that the comrade's statement "Stalin, Pol Pot and Wijeweera murdered more peasants and workers than any capitalist government", was factual inaccurate. How can you fight for social justice for the people when you deny the documented excesses commited against humanity ecent history? Shouldn't you defend the masses independent of the ideology of the oppresser? thank you
- suresh pillai, florida, USA
Answer:
I maintain that your statement referred to in Q 10 is inaccurate not because I defend those crimes for what ever the reason but the facts are blunt. I am willing to learn from any research document you may refer to. Even without a scrap of paper with eyes closed any body will tell you that late Ranjan Wijerathne and the UNP government carries the record for involuntary disappearances (killings) in Sri Lanka, leave alone, Hitler Suhartho etc and victims such as Hiroshima, American Indians and African slaves.
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72
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Mon Jun 4 16:39:43 EDT 2001
You have said that the Sinhala ethno centric politics and LTTE reinforce each other. Given that what and who will ever break this impasse. Isn't the situation in Sri Lankan, can only get worse but not better? What role do you expect the expats to play in bringing about a change in this scenario or is it even possible?
- Raveen Satkurunathan (Center for Justice and Peace in South asia), USA
Answer:
he impass has to be broken by the Sinhala peoples? representatives who take responsibility for good governance. The key to the situation is in the hands of the Sinhalese. The expats (Sinhala) should communicate with their kith and kin back at home to give a better view of the world out look on the question.
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71
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Mon Jun 4 00:57:12 EDT 2001
Dear Sir, 1.What is your opinion by the goverment move to teah Advanced level Subjects in English? 2.Do you Justify the demand by Minister Rauf Hakeem such as separate district ?
- Upali, Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Answer:
I have already answered the question about ?teaching in English?. Teaching in English to give a special class of persons an advantage should not be allowed. But teaching English properly first, is not only necessary but overdue. Mr. Hakeem and the Muslim Congress is entitled to ask for a district separate from Ampara. It must be justifiable by facts and figures as well as by security and other concerns affecting the Muslims in the area. I haven?t gone in to them.
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70
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Sat Jun 2 23:41:32 EDT 2001
What do you think of the disenfranchisement of Tamils of Indian origin after they enjoyed universal franchise for 17 years. Did'nt this cause the birth of Federal Party and start the division of Tamils and Sinhalese?
- Peter Larsen, Washington
Answer:
The disenfranchisement of the plantation works of recent Indian origin was a flagrant violation of human rights, besides whatever ill effects it gave rise to. I believe the Federal party was the statement of Tamil Nationalism that corresponded with the rise of Sinhala nationalism. A large number of plantation workers (not the large majority) are still without their franchise and citizenship. Discrimination (non conscious and conscious) against the plantation or up country Tamils is rampant. The military conflict in the North East has made things worse for these people.
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69
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Sat Jun 2 09:44:38 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu, this is regarding government's decision to use English as medium of teaching. Though ex-PM SWRD changed english to swabhasha overnight, reverse process will need a lot of time. These days we see a lot of articles written against the government decision, in very good english, this is a step to suppress the unprevileged. How do you look at this?
- Mohideen, Moratuwa
Answer:
We need English to be taught to all persons but not have English as the medium of education or teaching. English must not be a barrier. At the same time it must not remain as a criterion of social stratification. English should not replace our national languages. English should be the instrument for democratization of society. The government must find and finance English teachers as a high priority. The teaching of English already available in the Universities is badly neglected. The children want to learn but there is no teaching. No body wants to be discriminated socially for not knowing to speak and write English.
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68
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Sat Jun 2 09:43:30 EDT 2001
What is your opinion about confederation of two staes within Srilanka (Tamil eelam and Srilanka) as part of a solution to the on going ethnic crisis.As Western countries(US,UK etc)and India have their own agenda,I think the above solution may satisfy all the parties i.e Tamils,Sinhalease,India and the West.
- Rajaratnam, Dubai
Answer:
I have no objection to a confederation as a solution. But I would prefer a federal polity, which brings us closer to the Tamils and Muslims in North East than if were in a confederation. The important thing is to get acceptance of any solution among the Sinhalese majority and among the Tamils for that matter. Our task is to persuade the Sinhala people to recognize the rights of Tamils and Muslims to their traditional homelands; and to persuade the Tamil people to a united Sri Lanka. We can leave the other countries out of the scene if we can find agreement and endearment.
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67
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Sat Jun 2 09:34:40 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu, it is a well known fact that the university student unions are lead by the leftist parties like JVP, NSSP etc. We see innocent students leaving schools and entering the universities, then suddenely some start shouting "firstly, the motherland, secondly the graduation", eventually everyone put everything behind and graduate. How do you justify, waste of those students' time and public resources for the benifit of those leftists' agenda.
- Kariappan T., Toronto
Answer:
The University students Unions have been at the forefront in the defense of free education during the entire period. When the so called open economy dictated a programme of privatization of higher education and serious cut backs in expenditure for free education, the student unions fought back furiously as it is a life and death matter. That is how the circumstances were created for the distortions you have described. Presently the JVP has the very large following among students. But there are other student?s organizations too.
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66
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Sat Jun 2 05:25:49 EDT 2001
Comrade Vasu, You have strongly opposed to the Norwegian brokered peace initiative while expressing your willingness to come back to the parliament with JVP's National list. 1.Are you now "borrowing" slogans from Nationalist movements like Sihala Urumaya following JVP and your Samasamaja predecessors? 2. Do you consider JVP as a left-wing Marxist party which you can join? If so, What about Dinesh Gunawardhana's MEP?
- Saroj Pathirana, London, UK
Answer:
I did not strongly oppose Norwegian mediation. I said I would like it to be a straight and direct process. But if Norwegian mediation would facilitate it I said I am not opposed to it. I had been asked by a Parliamentary party within the UNP's alliance to come under their national list to the Parliament, which I declined and added that if the JVP should nominate me I will not similarly decline. I consider the JVP a Left party and it is a left party, in objective and analytical terms even if any one did not consider it so. But at the same time JVP leadership is making mistakes on some issues. They have to still come to terms with the recognition of the national rights of the Tamils, if the national question is to be solved. Sihala Urumaya is a Chauvinist organization with incipient fascist tendencies. I cannot join the JVP as it?s member but our organization must work together with the JVP on the basis of an anti-imperialist, national democratic programme that will ensure social justice. Dinesh Gunawardane has joined where he belongs.
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65
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Fri Jun 1 21:32:27 EDT 2001
Dear Wasu, Do you think the LTTE represents the ordinary Tamils in Sri Lanka? Is it not dangerous to deal only with LTTE in finding a solution for the ongoing civil unrest in the country? Ranjith Bandara - UQ,Australia
- Ranjith Bandara, Queensland, Australia
Answer:
Negotiations and discussions with LTTE as well as all other organizations that represent the Tamil people and the Muslim people is absolutely necessary. On principle it should be the case. But the actual relationship of forces and the ground situation may require variations in the approach.
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64
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Fri Jun 1 16:17:49 EDT 2001
Minister Samaraweera says CBK will comeback as the PM after her present term. Given the lackluster performance of Ranil there is good chance she may win and become PM which means she would have ruled for 12 6 years!!!! Add to that 14years between her father/mother we Lankans have been/will be ruled FOREVER by the Bandaranayakes. My question is why do we still pretend to be a democracy when we are in effect a fifedom of one single family??
- Namal, Kitulgoda
Answer:
Not withstanding all what you say of the past and the future one cannot deny that S.L. is a democracy in relative terms; and compared to the other ex colonial countries, our record is not far behind the largest democracy viz India.
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63
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Fri Jun 1 12:04:30 EDT 2001
Vasu The present LSSP leader Batty claims he has not seen the Presidential Palace coming up.. The CP leader Indika Gunawardana defends the Presidential palace within and outside the Parliment. Why doesn't the rank and file of the LSSP and CP rise up and protest these fraudsters on the working class??
- Ruben, Colombo
Answer:
The rank and file have risen against these two persons. The large majority of the LSSP are no longer lead by Batty Weerakoon. The majority in the CP have displaced Indika Gunawardane from the position he held. But the rest of the leaders have secured Indika Gunawardana by taking a critical stand regarding the government. An open breakup of the CP is unavoidable. Large sections have already become inactive and dormant. LSSP has no rank file any more except the dependents of the ministerial powers of Batty.
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62
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Thu May 31 13:39:43 EDT 2001
Vasu.. Who is the highest ranking member of the LTTE you have personally come across??
- Nagalingam, Toronto
Answer:
Mr. Anton Balasingham when I visited Jaffna after the PA government came in to power - in 1994 in persuit of good will.
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61
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Thu May 31 13:38:43 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu Begining from DS and ending with President Kumaratunge how would you rate the heads of state we have had since independence?? Do you think comrade NM would have made a good Prime Minister?? Thanks
- Mahagama Sarath, UK
Answer:
NM would have made an excellent Prime Minister. Firstly he would have stood above the ethnic divide with the support of the working class. ie 50% through. He would have carried out a reconstruction of the national economy with an intense democratization of the state and society. An equitable distribution of resources would have underpinned this process. We might have been a model, for the ex- colonial countries.
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60
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Thu May 31 13:36:15 EDT 2001
Vasu. What is your opinion on the ongoing problems in the UNP?? Although you belong to a different party what are your feelings about the perceived/real ineptness of Ranil Wickramasingha?? If you were to compare between Ranil and Chandrika who in your opinion has better leadership qualities even if you personally disagree with both??
- Nimal B., Colombo
Answer:
The problem of the UNP is that the PA has stolen its clothes. Ranil is not to be blamed, for lacking leadership qualities. The UNP pressed between it?s decision makers of the upper class and the discontent of its mass base is in a dilemma. Even though the leadership crisis has been settled with Ranil agreeing to the CJ?s impeachment and the vote of no confidence I am not sure that the UNP as a whole has a serious plan about it. The simmering disagreements within the UNP will flare up again. Or the UNP will have take the initiative to get on the saddle with the support of sections of the present PA and the blessings of the business world. I would refrain from comparing Ranil and CBK because they are not comparable.
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59
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Thu May 31 12:04:24 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu If the government and the LTTE end up with a negotiated settlement how would you suggest both parties should deal with "outstanding issues" ? For example what would happen to the ongoing cases against the LTTE leader?? What would be the outcome of the Human Rights cases against Military officers?? Would a South African style "truth commission" help in assuaging the bitterness of the combatants on all sides? Thank You
- Akash Menon, CA
Answer:
I would not share your optimism, about Government - LTTE negotiations. But if (that is a very big if), a basic settlement is reached the rest is not going to pose a serious problem -Forget and forgive can be the straight idea.
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58
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Thu May 31 11:59:55 EDT 2001
Dear Mr.Vasu What is your opinion about the asymmetric devolution proposed by the UNP?? Do you consider it a better option than the "symmetric" devolution envisaged in the CBK/GLP/Neelan proposals??
- Nirmala Nagaiah, UK
Answer:
Whatever is proposed by way of solutions to the national question is futile without it being a result of negotiations. UNP and PA are light years away from this thought or pratice. The main reason for this is their inherent inability to carry out the necessary socio economic and national democratic programmes and the Sinhala Buddhist dominated character of these parties.
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57
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Thu May 31 00:22:45 EDT 2001
Ethnic Conflict is raging in the former USSR and its satellites: Chechnya, Dagestan, Georgia, Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Ingushitia, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Yugoslavia. Socialist indoctrination of THREE WHOLE GENERATIONS of peoples and 70 years of socialist economics could not resolve their conflicts. Dictatorship merely suppressed it. In the democratic and capitalist West the opposite is happening: States are getting together as in the EU and NAFTA. So is Socialism or Capitalism going to solve Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict?
- Vythialingam Ponnampalam, Toronto
Answer:
There is no dispute that the Soviet Union failed; and I hope you will not dispute that China as the latest model of socialism has the highest growth rate with its currency value intact. The rapid impovrishment of the world is the main cause of the increasing wealth in the West. But the polarization and the increasing gap between the richest and the rest is ever widening in a context of massive job losses due to mergers and acquisitions in the world of capitalism. As for S.L. we have to strengthen our national economy particularly agriculture and harness the comparative advantages like the proximity to the sea lane, eco tourism etc social equity should be underscored in any programme. South Asian solidarity is the main plank on which S.L. can face up to the challenge of new imperialism of globalization.
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56
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Wed May 30 08:47:46 EDT 2001
While many events over the years have contributed to the sad situation that SL is in today, the event that really pushed the tamils towards the demand for an Eelam was the Republican constitution of 1972 written mainly by your leader Dr Colvin R de Silva. As a member of the then government do you accept responsibility for pushing the SL tamil community against a wall?
- Keerthy Silva, Melbourne
Answer:
If you say that 1972 constitution laid the basis for the Tamils to move towards the demand for an Eelam, I accept the responsibility to the extent that I was a member of the then government who endorsed it. A section of the LSSP ( left tendency) advanced a critique of some of its provisions including those related to the national right of Tamil people I remember that we took up a stand against the language wise standardization prior to 1972. This standardization I believe was the straw that broke the camel?s back.
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55
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Wed May 30 07:51:23 EDT 2001
Mr.Nanayakkara,how do you feel the present PA government's media policy when compare with the former UNP regime'governments media policy.
- T.Jayakumar, Piliyandala.
Answer:
Policies can be laid down and constitutional guarantees can be given. But the proof of it is in the practise, which was tragically absent under both the UNP and PA governments. Both were ruthless and authoritarian in their own respective times.
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54
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Wed May 30 05:02:02 EDT 2001
Why is it that Marxist systems have never thrown up female dictators? One hardly sees even a female minister in a Marxist regime. Nor are the wives of Marxist dictators visible to the public. Do Marxists consider it that women are de facto inferior and incapable, or are women not brutal enough to do the job? Even the dozens of Marxist parties in Sri Lanka's never threw up a woman leader.Why?
- Malkanthi Ranaweera, Colombo
Answer:
Marxism considers all human being as equal and should be treated such. When Marxist parties or alliances lead by them become the major force the woman leadership will emerge. Our concept of leadership is collective. There have been remarkable woman leaders in Marxist parties like Teja , Kusuma , Viviane, Florence, Doreen. No woman dictator has been thrown up by Marxists probably because the women are more Marxist than men.
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53
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Wed May 30 03:53:40 EDT 2001
Why is it that Marxist dictatorships end up as personality cults where the ruler never retires or hands over power peacefully to anyone else as if he's the only one with brains in the country? Is it the defective Marxist education system or just plain dictatorial blood? Lenin, Stalin, Brezhnev, Andropov, Mao, Chou En Lai, Deng, Ho Chi Minh, Kim Il Sung all ruled till they died. Others like Jarullsezki, Honecker and Causescu were overthrown in popular revolts. Why?
- Sarath De Silva, Seychelles
Answer:
All dictatorship are destined to be based on personality cults. There is no alternative to democracy whatever the socio economic ideology be, ? both as a means to human development and as the objective of human development? as Amartya Sen says. Dictatorships are not necessarily Marxist. Facist feudalist and militarist ones can be counted in higher figures. We can do without dictatorships when the large majorities of the people take the upper hand in a context of heightening consciousness.
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52
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Tue May 29 17:07:18 EDT 2001
Do your Party accept the right of self-determination of the Tamils in Srilanka? What is your view regarding this issue?
- ROHAN ANTONY, ITALY
Answer:
I have answered this earlier in my interview. Please refer it. Our party is for self-rule for the Tamils and Muslims in the North East on the basis of equality of nationalities.
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51
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Tue May 29 13:08:05 EDT 2001
Dear Sir, In my opinion it is the Singalease people who would benifit more if the war is brought to an end. I Strongly believe that by informing the singala extremists, who opposes any negotiations with the Tamils, the government will have much flexibility in solving the problem. What is your opinion? Thanks,
- Sasi T, Canada
Answer:
The war is the shield that gives cover to the government in facing the anger of the people who are going through increasing hardships and state authoritarianism. The majority of the Sinhala people will not be fooled all the time. The of Sinhala extremists will go down the gutters where they were born. The Sinhala extremists are for continuous war and even a military dictatorship and they are for imperialist domination and plunder war as a part of the war strategy against the LTTE.
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50
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Tue May 29 12:53:54 EDT 2001
I appreciate all the good things that LSSP has done. However, I strongly feel that its time for all of you to change. Don't you thing that the too large government is one of our major problem? Why do not anybody come to a platform trying to lower the size of Sri Lankan government?
- Udeni Dharmawardana, U.S. A.
Answer:
Your proposal is welcome. I am sure our Democratic Left Front will take this up as a part of the state reforms proposed by the Alliance for Democracy.
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49
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Mon May 28 02:10:53 EDT 2001
Dear Sir, The govt refuses to stop the war primarily because the people who are affected by it, who lose lives, property and everything in their possession are Tamils. The war is committed in Tamil's land. Is it correct?
- Justin, J., Boston, USA
Answer:
The war is being waged in the North and East, which I recognize as the homeland of the Tamils as well as the Muslims and others who have traditionally lived there. Of course the Tamils are the large majority among them, and therefore Tamils are the biggest losers in terms of life and livelihoods. The Muslims and Sinhalese have lost lives and property in no lesser manner compared with their numbers.
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48
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Sun May 27 06:33:14 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu, As a moderate Sri Lankian do you think the Tamil origin political party's as capitalists ? Do they have a right to represent Tamil People? Whom they represent??....poor tamils or rich high cast tamils? Do you find Prabhakaran as the only freedom fighter for Tamils? Why can't you go to Wanni and meet Tamil Tiger leaders and discuss this problem?
- tanabalasingham, New Zealand
Answer:
Being a Sinhalese I am not the most qualified to express opinions on the subject. Meeting and understanding the LTTE is mandatory for any representative of the people in arriving at a settlement of the national question I shall not hesitate to go to Wanni when the circumstances demand.
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47
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Sun May 27 05:00:22 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu, A great leader like you could have settled the conflict in Sri Lanka. Why people in Sri Lanka always vote for leaders with gangster like behaviour rather than a good leader like you? I think all the major parties have their own thugs to harass the Tamils. They even assaulted you in the parliament. Don't you have good laws to prevent sinister politicians gaining power in Sri Lanka?
- Jim Murray, Australia
Answer:
Thank you for the compliments. The law that will ensure the election of proper leaders is the consciousness of the people. The people elected CBK and her government to carry out democratic reforms. But this trust was betrayed. The remobilization of people to overcome this betrayal is taking time.
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46
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Sat May 26 22:29:16 EDT 2001
You are the only politician in Sri Lanka that I've respected and a great admirer of yours, becuase of your insights and integrity among other things. If it goes the way it is, I wanted to know whether you believe LTTE will win this war and Tamil Eelam, eventually?
- Manoharan Martyn, Iowa, USA
Answer:
Thank you for your kind words. I think your question is at least partally answered elsewhere. ?Eventually? is presently an unforeseeable distance. As it is we are in the process of separation, regretably. We should find unity (voluntary) across the subcontinent to face the challenge of imperialism.
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45
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Sat May 26 09:02:30 EDT 2001
Mr Nanayakkara, Do you really beleive that Sri Lankan Singhalese Leaders have the courage, honesty and Statemanship to resolve the Singhala/Tamil problem? I have lost hope.
- A.T.Arasu, Australia
Answer:
Yes, I believe Sri Lankan Sinhalese leaders have the courage, honesty and statemenship to resolve the national question. But not the leaders of the UNP or PA or any racist band all of whome act in collusion with reaction and imperialism. Don?t lose hope because the Sinhala people are advancing in their understanding.
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44
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Sat May 26 05:55:09 EDT 2001
How can the left movemnet in Sri Lanka be united and rebuilt?
- Pararajasingam, Berlin
Answer:
The left movement can and should be rebuilt. But presently it will be a movement of left, democratic and anti imperialist forces with a concern for social equity. The left movement that sees a post capitalist phase of development in the future, should be nurtured within this broad based movement and gather it?s forces in the process. The Tamils and Sinhalese and even the Muslims will tend to have their own left formations or tendencies. We will have to find our own paths to converge.
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43
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Sat May 26 02:59:01 EDT 2001
Mr.Nanayakkara, Do you still believe that the Permanent Peace is possible within the United Srilanka with this Dull and Dump politicians? As they have no worries about Human lives, country's economy and no future projection about country's stability.
- Raj Karu, Surrey, UK
Answer:
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.
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42
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Fri May 25 15:42:31 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu In your opinion can Sri Lanka be called a representative democracy any more given the subjugation of the people's will by consecutive governments from both the UNP and SLFP? Do you see any differance between despots such as Mugabe, Milosovic or Pinochet and the recent bunch of leaders we had the misfortune to be ruled under? Thanks
- Nimal Perera, London
Answer:
I couldn?t have agreed more with you, when you describe the parliament as non-representative of the people?s will, it having been subjugated by the authoritarianism corruption and violence of both the UNP and P.A. As we hold the banner of democracy high we have no choice but oppose every despot.
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41
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Fri May 25 02:26:00 EDT 2001
Marxism, like religion, became the opium of the masses providing illusions about Utopia and freedom and joy. One promised it here and now and the other in the afterlife. In Sri Lanka the Marxists went to temple or church and offered bodhi pujas and vows. Dr. N.M. Perera was photographed offering flowers at the Maligawa. Do you believe in both Marxism and God/Nirvana, or only in one of the two? How do you reconcile the two beliefs?
- Anil B, Mauritius
Answer:
Marxism promised nothing. It offered a scientific analysis to the social economic and political affairs of the world, whilst showing the great possibilities for humanity if capitalism could end in a world scale. I like to believe in nothing but understand the process of life. If the individual can transcend the sensual greed I believe that there is a higher contentment and a serene joy. Those who want to attain this state would have a favourable environment under socialism. I know nothing about God and Nirvana.
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40
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Thu May 24 15:22:17 EDT 2001
Dear Sir The Banda-Chelva pact and the Indo-Srilanka pact were not implemented by the Sri Lankan Govt.Do you think that any future pacts to solve the present ethnic problems without the involvement of third party outside srilanka, will be implemented ?
- Mr.M.Devan, u.k
Answer:
The experience of the past confirms what you say. The ethnic problem will be solved when and if agreement is reached as I had answered earlier. Otherwise we have the possibility of two states or a continuing war. Even if the LTTE is decisively defeated that does not solve the problems. A third party can do no more no less than mediate. If India decides to throw its weight in favour of Federalism or Separation it?s another matter. But India presently is in no such mood.
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39
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Thu May 24 13:25:24 EDT 2001
Comrade Socialist parties propped left oriented capitalist to form government. Credit from the socialist policy input into the governance went to the capitalist party and in return socialist parties are blamed for all their sins (remember at Chunagam it was Mrs.B garlanded by vegetable not Dr.N.M). This disillusioned the people on socialist parties. Do you accept this fact, if so, do you regret for propping (left oriented!) capitalist ? Arul
- Arulananthan, Sweden
Answer:
Comrade, The question of Socialism is not immediately in issue. The furtherance of national and the common people?s interest in addition to democratization deserves our appreciation. The social democratic measures and national development programmes of the past improved the living conditions of our people and strengthened the nation over the years. But the national question or the national unification suffered a reversal to end up in the present tragic situation. The Socialist parties had its role in this historical process to initiate and support reforms, resist counter reforms and mobilize its independent force staying outside the bourgeoisie governments.
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38
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Thu May 24 09:43:18 EDT 2001
Sir, I think that the average Singala people are not aware of the hardships faced by the Tamils of North and East. Parties like Singala Urumaya will only make the ethnic problems even worst. Why there aren't any Singalease political parties or organizations that inform the plight of the North-East Tamils to the Singalease?
- Thanesh G, Canada
Answer:
You are right. Very large sections of the Sinhalese are not aware of the agonies suffered by the Tamil people of NE. The Sinhalalese majorities living in the South are not even aware of the misery of the people living in the border villages. The principal Sinhala media in general is guilty of default in communicating the horrors and misery of the war, particularly in the NE. Except Ravaya, no Sinhala weekly or daily is without the pro Sinhala anti LTTE bias. Similarly the Tamil media has failed to communicate the sufferings and losses of the Sinhalese who lived in the North East or the borders. Our task is exactly to fill this void.
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37
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Thu May 24 09:16:40 EDT 2001
Don't you think there should be a strong campaign to raise awareness amongst citizens of Sri Lanka, on the urgency of peace talks in order to put pressure on both the government and the LTTE ? or do you believe they are enlightened enough on the subject?
- Sulochana Peiris, Young Asia Television, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Answer:
The chasm between the LTTE and the government being what it is, regarding the principal issues, an agreement between them is a height of impossibility. The government cannot even obtain an agreement to start talks, leave alone an agreement. Therefore any direction given to the public to pursue any thing like what you propose is not only a wasteful exercise but misleading the public to tolerate a treacherous government on the basis of a false belief. The government uses peace as well as war to support itself and its corrupt and anti people governance.
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36
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Thu May 24 08:06:37 EDT 2001
What do you think about the recent decision by the government to lift the ban on LTTE. How do You think that this problem can be solved? What Is your opinion about the recent communal violence among the muslim and the sinhala communities ? Thank You.
- Ahamed Rizni, Australia
Answer:
No decision to lift the ban of LTTE is yet made. But there is some hide and seek on the question. The solution depends on agreement. The violence in Mawanella was triggered off by a combination of political patronage to thugs, leading to police inaction in the face of crimes and systemic anti Muslim domineering in the town by thugs. Of course the deteriorating business climate contributed to the backdrop and the organized strength of the Sinhala traders.
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35
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Thu May 24 08:00:37 EDT 2001
Sir, in my opinion you are one of the greatest leader Sri Lanka have produced. I like your courage and the political thinking. This is my question please: Do you think the separation of Sri Lanka either physically(as two separate states) or logically (as one country and two systems)would be the best solution for the economy, social and welfare of this country & why ?
- King Karna, Colombo
Answer:
Thank you for your kind words. The solution for the economy, social development and welfare is partially and outlinishly given in the previous answer. Solution in the form of one country and two systems or the separation as two states will be a result either of discussions leading to such an agreement or the absence of it.
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34
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Thu May 24 06:01:31 EDT 2001
dear moderator, it's being a long time since we got some replies to "ask govenor". Any idea when these will be publicised. thanks for your efforts and for the interesting interactive forum.
- don liyanage, brunei
Answer:
Dear Don We have forwarded the questions to the Governor but we have not received the answers yet. We will publish them as soon as we receive them. Thank You for your interest in The Lanka Academic
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33
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Thu May 24 05:19:54 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu, Having been in politics for a long period,What are your ideas that goverment should take(short term and long term) in order to bring up the economy of our mother land.
- Dinesh Asanka, Singapore
Answer:
Your question requires a long answer, which cannot find the space here. But very briefly we can give the following. To quote our manifesto. Of course these proposals are linked with the international developments. The crisis of international capitalism and the Savage Capitalism that reigns in the form of neo liberal economics is drawing an ever-increasing antagonism from the victims of this new economic order. The events to follow will determine the course for our motherland. The battle against the MNC s their strategies and programme is on top of our agenda. But the pace will be necessarily determined by the international balance of forces.
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32
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Thu May 24 04:55:23 EDT 2001
Hi Vasu, I feel that broadly, the public feel that the - with the exception of a handful - politicians has let us down. They are widely precieved to be un-deciplined, un-educated, vulgur engaging in thuggary and curruption. It is difficult to expect the people to work hard and show decipline to improve the country, when the leadership lacks these qualities. Is there anything being done to re-establish public faith in the leadership
- Janaka Goonasekera, Colombo
Answer:
The near total loss of confidence in politicians among the public is a fact. It seriously happened when the P.A government and its main leaders became turncoats since they were voted in to power. In policies the government followed the UNP and all leaders with a very few exceptions are openly corrupt. They have turned out to be brutal oppressors not only against the opposition but even against their own colleagues. They who spoke loudly for the common people?s increasing misery due to the neo liberal policies became its advocates and practitioners. The policy regarding the question of war and peace is no different. In the midst of worsening circumstances for the large majority of the people the politicians in general have increased their prosperity. The gap between the emoluments of an MP and a government clerk has more than trebled over the last 25 years. A new political force capable of vindicating it?s honor will have to emerge as against the UNP and the PA who are no longer distinguishable. Primarily the MPs should not be license givers or quota distributors.
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31
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Wed May 23 21:40:17 EDT 2001
Do you think the Sinhalese are "ready" for federalism or some sort of confederation setup? Edited by Moderator
- A Ratnakaran, Canada
Answer:
Yes, I believe that a majority of the Sinhalese are ready for some political form of Federalism. Confederation set up is still far from acceptance.
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30
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Wed May 23 19:20:26 EDT 2001
Being an ex-member of the Socialist Equality party, how do you think true socialism stands in Sri Lanka? The SLFP claim to be socialist but are mere moderates, very much like the European Socialist Party (with Labour, Democratici di Sinistra...The Communist Party and LSSP are dormant and the JVP is gaining support, but their bad image left behind from the bloody insurrections do not give them too much hope? Where could the Socialist answer come from?
- Ruwan Subasinghe, Rome,Italy
Answer:
Here in Sri Lanka and in other ex colonial countries with a residue of feudalism, the super imposition of neo liberal economics, and subjected to globalization, the objective need is a left democratic programme rather than a socialist one. It envisages a post capitalist economy. Whilst it immedietly begins within the frame of capitalist relations. The objective is to relieve the people from agony of finding a means to provision their necessities of life. We can approach this from a strategy of participatory development and participatory democracy. Well we haven?t all the answers. We can only figure out where to begin. The JVP like any thing else is going through changes. We hope that the strength of the JVP can form the basis for a new movement that combines left, democratic and nationalists? forces.
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29
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Wed May 23 18:03:13 EDT 2001
Dear Mr. Nanayakkara, A lot has been said about the appointment of "independent" commissions for the police, judiciary, public service etc. Obviously these commissions would bring about a certain stablity to these instutions since political interference as witnessed from the 70's onwards will be eleminated in a "relative" sense. What are your thoughts on this issue? Are you for or against? Please elaborate.
- Indika Kotakadeniya, Columbus, Ohio ( USA )
Answer:
My party and I entirely support the 11 point programme for state reforms; and for them to be carried out by an interim government. As proposed by the JVP elections should be held under a care taker government and not by the incumbent. It is hoped that more and more organizations will endorse it, following the Inter Religious Assembly. The Alliance for Democracy has reinvigorated its activity, without relying on the initiations of the UNP.
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28
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Wed May 23 16:06:07 EDT 2001
Dear Vaasu, You are one of the great leader trusted and respected by the all communities. You have been voicing for Tamil's rights for long period. Do you think Srilankan political and Religious enviorment will allow to find a reasonable solution to the Tamils problem?
- Thambithurai, Canada
Answer:
Thank you for your trust and the compliment. Presently the chauvinist forces are weak and therefore I believe that there is scope for a solution with a reconstituted leadership for the Sinhalese.
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27
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Wed May 23 14:18:56 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu; I think it is really unfortunate that Sri Lankans do not appreciate enough your ideas or do not give due credit for your influence in current politics. How do you explain people's trend to tolerate voices for social justice and happily rally around obvious oppressor. Does it have anything to do with education or it is just one of the characteristics of the human nature that we will not change voluntarily.
- Sam, London
Answer:
Moderators Note The answer to this question was left out inadvertently. We regret the error Your?s is partly a philosophical question. Yet interesting and thought provoking. I see it this way. It takes a longer time than we think for the people to perceive, digest and act. The society is obviously divided between the reactionaries and the forward-looking masses who are not a big majority. If you take the recent times these forces gathered, resisted and were crushed by the UNP. But with courage they regrouped and moved in different ways to remobilize and launch itself in the form of the P.A. to confront the deadly UNP. After 17 long years of sacrifice and penalization finally they triumphed. And then lo and behold; Chandrika and her government loyally follows in the foot steps of the UNP. The mass force is just not capable of perceiving leave alone understanding such sharp turns and betrayals. That is how even Stalin succeeded in keeping large sections of the communist supporters loyal to him and his betrayals. But may be later than sooner the chain of history continues in ?its? own pace to finally overcome the oppressor and the traitor. The loss of nearly 15% of the vote (despite wriggling and violence) for the PA is the best evidence that the conscious masses have begun to move layer after another. The UNP?s decline of 2% of it?s vote is proof of the advancing voter. The globalizing process, its strong media current and the unfavourable world?s balance of forces weighed against a quicker regeneration of the progressive strength. But things have begun to move globally and hopefully.
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26
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Wed May 23 13:36:28 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu; what do you consider as the biggest mistake in your political carrier so far? If there were no mistakes, what is the most regrettable action you have taken. Do you think you could have done more to the country if you have chosen a different political path rather than the one you followed. Thanks
- No name, London
Answer:
An interesting and a well-meaning question. I have to really think and recapture nearly 45 years of my politically active life to answer you. If I had not let cd. Wickramabahu to decide and determine all things in his own way I might have served the cause better would be my quick reaction.
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25
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Wed May 23 11:45:08 EDT 2001
Hi Vasu, When it comes to 'systamical denial of Tamils Rights' what percentage of the blame should go to these Socialist/Communist parties. Also where the Socailist parties are standing today about this issue. Why all these Socialist/Communist accept anything if it is for others and NOT for Tamils. (like Self-Determination etc)
- Ragu, USA
Answer:
The Socialist and Communist parties failed to appreciate the national aspirations of both the Sinhalese and the Tamils. Those who perceived it ended up in chauvinist opportunism. The Socialist and Communist parties abandoned their principled positions by 1970 in relation to the national question, and joind in the oppression of the Tamils and other minorities. Their contribution to the socialist Alliance lead by Vijaya Kumarathunga and later to the People?s Alliance of 1994 at least cleared them on this score. The reality is that the Socialists with Tamil nationalism and Sinhala nationalism should find a convergence based on the radical framework of left democracy.
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24
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Wed May 23 06:45:43 EDT 2001
Mr. Nanayakkara, How do you reconcile your political views with the fact that your son was educated at that Bastion of Capitalism and Elitism Royal College. I had the privilege and playing againts him in the Bradby and he came across as a nice young man. However it does seem like you do not wish what you espouse for your family.
- V.R.K.A. Muragedera, Australia
Answer:
English medium was done away with as a democratic reform, which opened the doors to the large majority of the Swabasha educated children. Otherwise we would have had the two types of schools to continue. Inferior vernaculars schools for the majority in Swabasha and the privileged English medium for the small minority. Higher education for Swabasha was out, prior to 1956. The need to have taught English to all children properly and adequately is unfortunately neglected up to date. The rulers have to be indicted for this, because the capability in English once again is a necessary democratic reform. To address that should not let us cut off our national mooring. My children were educated in state schools in the Sinhala medium. After admisission to the Sri Lankan universities they decided to do their post graduation and graduation in the USA universities having earned Scholarships. Any further details about the children can be our private correspondence. My political views and my son being educated at Royal (a state school) is not in conflict. Royal is not the bastion of capitalism and elitism. St Thomas or Trinity may be.
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23
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Wed May 23 04:18:25 EDT 2001
As a socialist can you give a exact answer for communal problems of Sri Lanka. day by day we are increasing these problems.Do you have a good political package for Prabhakaran and Tamils of North and east? You always say you have answers but asking political power to do that. As a sri lankian can't you produce it to our politicians and save the lives of poor sinhalese & Tamil boys lives?????
- Kithsiri Hewage, New Zealand
Answer:
Your question is answered in 22. But it is to be noted that the ethnic question or what ever you call it has worsened to the present proportions not due to any lack of ideas for a package but because all such packages conceived were not implemented. They could not be implemented only because the rulers reflected the pressures of the Sinhala chauvinist middle class and the very weak bourgeoisie. If a national democratic government lead by the left, were in power the question may have been very probably resolved.
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22
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Wed May 23 02:09:56 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu, Many young people in Sri Lanka tend to believe the problem is simply LTTE. Could you explain just in few words what the actual national problem that keeps the current war dragging on. According to your thinking what could be an answer to this. Thanks.
- Angelo Fernando, Canada
Answer:
I believe I answered your questions at least partly in a previous answer. The LTTE and its armed struggle is a result of the problem that the leaders failed to resolve. British who ruled the country in a colonially unified style failed and neglected to sort out the ethnic and regional balances. When the British handed over power, the ruling class could not agree on the respective rights of the nationalities in relation to status and territory. Since then the conditions gradually worsened until war broke out and come to the present tragic situation. The answer lies in an agreement basically between the representatives of the two nationalities in respect of the issues so far not agreed upon. But the gap between the minimum demand of the Tamil leaders and the maximum agreement of the Sinhalese leaders remains unbridgeable. However a reconstituted leadership of the Sinhalese with a radical left outlook and a national democratic programme combined with social welfarism may find the gap bridgeable.
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21
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Tue May 22 20:22:04 EDT 2001
Dear Vasu As I remember, you are a supporter of the "Self- determination Right" by any minority in a society. Have you changed your stand on this? What is your opinion about the ability of self-determination in a globaly available federal framework?
- Malinga Abeywansa, Darwin Australia
Answer:
I support the right of self-determination as I had always done. But if the exercise of such self-determination should become a prop of imperialism than it is another matter. To stand up for the right of the Tamil people for self-rule and a quality in the North East is the first step. Our task is to persuade the sinhala majority to accept this position rather than to espouse the right of self-determination. Any small party or group can support the right of self-determination to be in line with the enlightened opinion. The task is to bring the Sinhalese masses in substantial numbers to support the right of self-rule for the Tamils in NE and the status of equality for all nationalities.
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20
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Tue May 22 19:57:17 EDT 2001
In 1970's I was an exchange student and worked with many student unions.I was surprised to see you appreciating the capitalist private education system while espousing public education for the masses. What is your answer. Or have you changed your position.
- Andy Rosenthal, California, USA
Answer:
In 1970 s I was a member of parliament and the government took major steps in enhancing the state free education, which my party and me thoroughly supported. If you can give the reason that caused you the surprise I may be able to answer further.
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19
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Tue May 22 17:42:19 EDT 2001
My Dear Vasu You are the only parliamentarian in Sri Lanka, who has the courage to stand up to your convictions. You had the correct perspective on many issues but you couldn't get it across even to your buddies you were sojourning with. Do you think an honest politician has a future here ?
- V. Palihapitiya, Sri Lanka
Answer:
Thank you for the encouragement. The important thing is not whether there is a future for an honest politician but whether we can bring about the essential changes even step by step. The objectives of the people?s Alliance subverted by CBK and others should once again be the rallying point of the masses. I can see us coming closer to it. We need a left of center leadership (not a leader) with a clear commitment against neo liberalism and new imperialism and to serve the national interests and people?s welfare.
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18
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Tue May 22 16:16:49 EDT 2001
Mr Nanayakkara: I respect your integrity and principled politics. I have always held you in the highest esteem for honesty in a nation with opportunistic corrupt politicians. Whether we like it or not globalization, and free market capitalism are the only working paradigms for Sri Lanka. Do you have any sensible model or paradigm for economic development for Sri Lanka? Cuba and North Korea are not good models because they are abysmal failures. Thanks
- Mano Ratwatte, Norman, Oklahoma USA
Answer:
Thank you for the compliments. Your conclusion regarding the ?working paradigm for Sri Lanka? is flying in the face of the disastrous - consequences our country and people have suffered for the last 20 years or so. It is not only Sri Lanka but most of the ex colonial countries have been reduced to this misery by this ?paradigm?. I refer you to the last UNDP report for evidence stated mildly. The ground situation is much worse. I agree with you that no role model can be found. But we can proceed on the good results of the experience of many countries including China and Cuba. Remember that China?s growth is the highest in the world.
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17
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Tue May 22 13:15:46 EDT 2001
Why can't political parties come to gether (i.e. yours, JVP, NSSP etc.) form a government if all yours intention is a better country than now or earlier. Can't you give up party policies and work for the common goal of a better country for tomorrow.
- Wasantha Rajapakshe, Canada
Answer:
You are perfectly correct. We can do without giving up party policies on an agreed programme. Any way we have enough in common and the situation is more than urgent to act with all seriousness sans sectarianism. Our DEMOCRATIC LEFT FRONT initiated this last month with a letter to several political parties including the JVP, a number of politically non-affiliated Trade Unions and a few other organizations. The JVP?s decision to call an initial discussion will now bring about a hope for new situation.
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16
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Tue May 22 12:56:39 EDT 2001
As a Veteran Socialist politician can you give the reason why the people rally around JVP? Now JVP is the third biggest political party in Sri Lanka. What's the reason for a more than one million vote bank for JVP? Even all of you criticizing JVP day by day they increase the members.
- Priyantha Karunananda, Japan
Answer:
To criticize the JVP as a fraternal left party regarding their shortcomings and mistakes is our duty. A large force of the left masses- have chosen to support the JVP (though with reservations), for the obvious reason that the masses are looking for an alternative. Since 1982 the JVP has constantly had around a 6% vote. Last general Election was the first time it had the occasion to be represented in parliament. The JVP has correctly decided to call a discussion of several organizations with a view to prepare a joint platform. Apart from the objective need of such a formation the very growth of the JVP depends on it.The large sections of the P.A. moving out of it will form the principal base of such an alliance.
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15
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Tue May 22 10:41:07 EDT 2001
From all the current leadership contenders in Sri Lankan political arena, do you think Chandrika is the most suitable to run the country? If not, whom do you suggest (apart from yourself) that most likely to do a better job. Thanks
- JRJayasekara, London
Answer:
The leaders whether it is CBK or Ranil or another will matter less than the policy & th programme. The subversion of the policy & the programme of PA by CBK & others is the cause of the present crisis, With the fall of the Soviet Union & the rise of neo liberalism the middle path lost its way. therefore who ever the leader be the way forward lies in a Left democratic policy. This possibility is strengthend by the increasing crisis of the new world order usherd in about 20 years ago. We are also strengthend by the new experiments worked out by several countries such as Venezula & Malaysia apart from the strength & growth of China & Cuba. The result of even state or regional governments like West Bengal of India and Rio Grande do Sul of Brazil gives new hope.
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14
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Tue May 22 10:27:32 EDT 2001
Dear Mr.Nanayakara, I am a supporter of your political ideas and openions. Let me thank you and congratulate for your support and openness towards minority people in Sri-Lanka. I do not thing that the major parties in Sri-Lanka and tamil-rebels will come to an agreement to find some opening for the suffering sri-lankans. 1) Do you thing that a solution can be found in Sri-Lanka (without 2 Nations) based on equality?
- Y. Putra, Stuttgart, Germany
Answer:
Thank you for the encouragement given. your support will strengthen us to face the challenges. I am sorry that you are right in your prognosis that the government & the UNP will not find an opening to a negotiation with the Tamil Rebels leave alone an agreement. A solution to the national question can be found when we have succeeded in convincing the sinhala majority that the Tamils in the North East have the same rights to their inhabited areas as the sinhalese enjoy in the other parts of the island. We were very near to this when the PA government was voted in to power in 1994. But the top military officers who advise the government, the military merchants who are patronized by the rulers the government's requirement of an alibi to face the socio economic discontent of the masses and chauvinism of the main bureaucracy took, CBK and the PA government down the path of a military solution comouflaged by the bogus slogan of peace through war. Now CBK offers peace alternately, under the pressure of the aid giving countries, and she calls all to rally around her to end this war through negotiations. War and peace are the two faces of CBK (PA) or UNP whose socio economic programme runs counter to the interests of the country and the people.
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13
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Tue May 22 07:57:30 EDT 2001
You have been pushing the country to the socialism even when the socialism has failed miserably in countries like Russia. Even China is now promoting somewhat capitalistic reforms. Why don't you change your philosophy and tell the workers in Sri Lanka that there is no hope unless Sri Lanka follows a capitalistic model?
- Ranjith Rajasekera, Japan
Answer:
I refer you to my answer no 10 etc.and draw your attention to the following facts. Bubble economy of Japan burst and the last 10 years is the " lost decade" of the labour. In the last decade living standards have come down with 30,000 persons committing sucide due to economic hardships in the year 2000.Unemployment has risen to 4.8%, real wages are constantly reducing with the threat of unemployment for those who resist. The expectation that Japanese economy will make a new start has been elusive, each year. That is for capitalism in Japan.
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12
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Tue May 22 07:13:35 EDT 2001
The LSSP started great, got corrupted by SLFP chauvinism and walauwe capitalism, and now enjoys the power of government, forcing the deadly IMF's snake oil economic cures down the people's throats. The remnants of the CP are busy defending Causescu like palaces for the ruler. The NSSP is a`what is that?' entity. The CMU is toothless. The JVP is the nightmare to come. Whither Marxism in Sri Lanka?
- Kavinda Silva, Rajagiriya
Answer:
LSSP and CP or its present remnants has nothing to do with its beginings as you correctly state. But the activists and forces moving out of the PA and towards a left national democratic direction is the important reality. the JVP, NSSP etc and our DEMOCRATIC LEFT FRONT has to reckon with this situation. Marxism will help us to understand the process.
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11
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Tue May 22 07:13:29 EDT 2001
What do you think about your decision to support PA in 1994.
- Dinesh Asanka, Singapore
Answer:
In 1994 it was correct to support the PA and it's implied programme and more because of the progressive mobilization of the people around it as the next possible step in the fight for national democracy.
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10
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Tue May 22 07:08:56 EDT 2001
The Soviet Union is history: Its dregs are ruled by Mafia or Mullahs. China, for all intents and purposes, is a capitalist dictatorship where workers have zero rights and the `foreign investor' has carte blanche AND laissez faire. Castro has embraced the capitalist tourist dollar and made his luxury resort hotels out of bounds to locals. Stalin, Pol Pot and Wijeweera murdered more peasants and workers than any capitalist government. So where do we turn for social justice?
- Nirosh Gunasekera, Seychelles
Answer:
Soviet Union is history but Soviet society (people 's democratic association of self governence is the future. China is politically a dictatorship. but it is far more democratic than her pre revolutionary days. There is no evidence to pronounce that China has relapsed in to capitalism . In my view it is yet in the post capitalist phase (not socialist) similarly Cuba & Castro are still in the path of post capitalism. I refer you here to the new economic policis of Lenin in the USSR. Stalin and Polpot are the perversions mainly dictated by history. Your last sentence is factually incorrect.
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9
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Tue May 22 07:00:44 EDT 2001
All dogma, whether it be religion or Marxism results in numerous schisms because each dogmatist thinks he or she is absolutely right in the interpretation of the doctrine. Thus we have dozens of Christian sects (Anglican, Catholic, Coptic, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Jesuit, Born Again Christian, Assembly of God, etc) and the same goes for alleged socialist parties in Sri Lanka: LSSP, CP (Moscow) CP (Chinese), NSSP, JVP, and many others. How do laymen decide who is right?
- Lina Elibib, Seychelles
Answer:
Oh, yes. Dogma from whatever side is to be rejected. I refer you to the world social forum held in Port Alagre in Brazil last January, Where thousands gathered to express their view points on socialism as well as transitional phases(post capitalism). Things go wrong for politics as well as religion when the state steps in to its trusteeship. It is only in the nature of things that ideas and organizations would multiply. This can be constructive and necessary to avoid the mistakes of the past. All things are constantly in a state of flux( Marx- Buddha)
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8
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Tue May 22 06:52:23 EDT 2001
Sir, communism as a political ideology has failed in almost all countries - and given the historical, social and cultural background of Sri Lanka, communism should never be entertained in our country. Why do you still follow this path, which does not or will not do any good to our country. On the contrary communism will have an adverse effect in every sphere of life of the people in the country.
- Lankapriya Desabandu, Dubai
Answer:
The ideology of socialism/communism was pronounced dead from time to time.But Karl Marx was even chosen as the personality of the last century.) No other political philosopher has been acknowledged by the world interlectual community including his enemies more than him. At a time when world capitalism is wreaking havock for millions of people, hundreds of poor countries the environment and the earth it self, we need an ideology urgently. If it is not Marxism we need something better.
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7
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Tue May 22 05:33:43 EDT 2001
Dear Wasu, What are your thoughts about JVP, and Sihala Urumaya.
- Dinesh Asanka, Singapore
Answer:
I am hopeful that a Left & democratic Front opposed to globalization & neo liberalism can be formed together with the JVP. Sihala Urumaya is a Fascist style organization whose principal role is to fracture the progressive forces among the sinhalese in the interest of imperialism. A front with the JVP is possible because it accepts the equality among nationalities and opposes racial violence. Of course we have differences with the JVP in regard to many matters related to the national question. The principal question to be tackled immediately is the democratization and the implementation of economic policies in favour of national interest and people's welfare within the areas presently controlled by the government.
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6
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Tue May 22 05:32:33 EDT 2001
Dear Wasu, As I know you are a anti war campainer through out your carrier. I also like to see a peace full country. But U beleive having seen the history of LTTE it is possible.
- Dinesh Asanka, Singapore
Answer:
If history of the LTTE does not allow us to believe that peace is possible similarly the history of the sinhalese political parties have led to the comming in to being of the LTTE. These are inter connected, and mutually reinforced.
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5
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Mon May 21 22:04:44 EDT 2001
The proportional representation system makes MPs mere puppets of a party and destroys the fine tradition of able MPs as champions of the people, of whom we had many in the 50s, 60s and 70s. On the other hand the first past the post system produces wild swings in parliamentary strength resulting in unstable constitutions. What is your suggestion for the composition of parliament?
- Kumarasan Golding, Dehiwala
Answer:
The present proportional representation system combined with the presidential executive power and the kind of party structures in the UNP & SLFP has eroded the authority of the parliament and reduced the MP's to a subservient role. The first past the post system is not good enough either. We can combine the supremacy of the constitution with legislative and executive power vested in the parliament,together with right of conscience voting to the MP's. The devolution of power should go as far down as to the local government bodies with provincial or such other larger bodies to take care of the common interest. If the 1972 constitution made governments unstable the present constitution insulates the governments from the popular will.The constitution must lay down the rights of all sections of people as inviolable.
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4
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Mon May 21 21:59:26 EDT 2001
What do think, is it justifiable that LTTE asking to remove the ban on them before entering any peace talk with SL government?
- Gnana, New Zealand
Answer:
When it is talking between fighting parties , what is ultimately justifiable or not is determined by the beginning of the talking. An arbitrator has no role except a mediator.
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3
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Mon May 21 21:09:45 EDT 2001
What is your opinion about Norwegian mediation to solve the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?
- Saranapala Silva, Brisbane Australia
Answer:
To solve the ethnic conflict any mediation is welcome, if it helps the parties at conflict to atleast start talking. the intension of the mediator is less relavant.
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2
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Mon May 21 19:49:01 EDT 2001
*I think ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka will not be solved under the capitalist class regime. How do you find my conclusion? * Can you comment on JVP's recent gainingin the mainstram politics?
- Mohamed Imtiyaz (Sri Lankan Student, who is reading doctoral degree on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka ), Nanjing University, China.
Answer:
The ethnic conflict will not be resolved under the present government or a unp government or a combination of the two as we have already witnessed though partially. JVP 's entering the mass political arena (main Stream) is welcome as a step in the correct direction.
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1
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Mon May 21 19:26:50 EDT 2001
Will the government be able to defeat the next months No -confidence motion?
- Zaheem Mohamed, Toronto, Canada
Answer:
The UNP is sharply divided regarding the policy towards the government. The Tamil parties in the opposition are wavering because of the "peace talks" story. There is division even within the PA. In these circumstances the vote of no confidence cannot be expected to succeed. But if there is a mass mobilization against the government on the questions of the unbearable cost of living and anti democratic measures a parliamentary block capable of defeating the government can emerge.
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Mr. Vasudeva Nanayakkara began his political career as a
student activist in the Lanka Sama Samaja Party in 1958. He was
elected to then National Assembly in 1970 as a member of Parliament
from Kiriella in the United Front government of the SLFP, LSSP and the
Ceylon Communist Party. In 1975 he split from the LSSP of
Dr. N.M.Perera, Dr. Colvin R. De Silva et al. to launch the Nava Lanka
Sama Samaja Party along with Dr. Vickramabhahu Karunaratne. Although
defeated in the general election of 1977 Mr. Nanayakkara was back in
parliament in 1989 as a member of the United Socialist Alliance(USA).