EXCLUSIVE: Interview with TNA MP Suresh Premachandran on the LG elections, Parliamentary Select Committee and Political Solution

    27 Jul, 2011 Groundviews Corruption, Development, Human Rights, Jaffna, Peace and Conflict, Politics and Governance, Post-War, Vavuniya, War Crimes

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    Groundviews caught up with TNA Member of Parliament Suresh Premachandran, who spoke to us about the nature of election violations that occurred in the Northern Province prior to the 23rd of July and on Election Day, which included intimidation, assault, bribery, voter transportation, continuous campaigning and reports of the systematic and forced appropriation of ballot and identity cards by ‘armed actors’. Premachandran asserted that the result of the election delivered two messages to the Government; firstly, the Tamil people require development, but also ‘a political settlement’ and secondly, that there is a consensus on the need for an ‘investigation’ and ‘some sort of accountability’. Premachandran also spoke about the Government’s insistence on a Parliamentary Select Committee for drawing up a political solution, which he simply dismissed as a ‘delay tactic’.

    On the issue of negotiations with the Government for a political solution, Premachandran stated that there was ‘no progress on devolution matters’. Furthermore, in what appeared to be a fit of idiosyncrasy Premachandran stated that the TNA did not provide ‘any comprehensive proposals as such’, but instead submitted ‘notes for discussions’. What ‘comprehensive proposals/report’ were Mathiaparanan Sumanthiran and Mavai Senadhirajah talking about a few months ago? It is hard to believe that when dealing with an intransigent and duplicitous government, Premachandran could deny the existence of ‘comprehensive proposals’ submitted by at least the TNA, particularly when the Long-term Reconciliation Committee – the unfortunate title given to the collective from the Government negotiating with the TNA – appears to have absolutely no concrete mandate or framework that delineates the basis for negotiations.

    It is also interesting to note that Premachandran felt that the TNA might have to expand its mandate in order to address issues such as militarisation in the south and thereby fill the void created by the lack of effective opposition politics given the imbroglio of the UNP. While this does seem ambitious and perhaps even unrealistic, it does reinforce certain opinions expressed about the TNA being the only opposition alliance with the political backbone to challenge this government on critical post-war issues.

    There is also growing concern about whether adequate funds will be provided to local government bodies in the Northern Province and with racist apparatchiks of the Government challenging the TNA to ‘develop the north’, it does seem as though the TNA will find it increasingly difficult to exercise effective administration, particularly if the Government adopts a retributive agenda in light of its significant defeat in the region. Premachandran ends ominously by stating that ‘if they [the Government] are not going to have a proper settlement through discussion[s] with TNA, then of course we have to take the struggle diplomatically…we will have to mobilise our people, we will have to start non-violent agitation…so that will continue’.

    Download the interview as an MP3 here.

    Also read TNA MP Suresh Premachandran on the result of the Local Government elections.

     

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  1. Thirugnanaselvam

    July 27, 2011 • 6:29 pm

    Well done TNA !

    Rather than tail wagging the dog in the South, The President should have the statesmanship to explain to the Southern masses the hopelessness of carrying on with the extremist agenda. It is inconceivable that a minority of hardliners consisting of the JHU and PNF can determine the enthnic policy for the entire nation.

    Reply

    2. Dayalan

      July 27, 2011 • 8:21 pm

      Whether we Sri Lankans agree with the TNA & Premachandran or not, it is imperative that we take what he is saying seriously and pay attention, and listen and moreover demonstrate that we are listening. Put it under the microscope, look at if from all angles and make assertions, and not give into rhetoric and react in a hurry. If not we will be making the same mistake Populist governments and charismatic leaders in the past made, to our great detriment.

      Reply

      • wijayapala

        July 28, 2011 • 6:18 am

        Dayalan,

        “If not we will be making the same mistake Populist governments and charismatic leaders in the past made, to our great detriment.”

        My understanding is that the great mistake that previous leaders made was overreacting to people like Premachandran, not ignoring them.

        Reply

      • Dayalan

        July 28, 2011 • 8:53 pm

        Dear Wijayapala,

        To make a long explanation short, The Tamils in Sri Lanka have been confused about their identity in this Island, during the post independent era. ‘Do we belong here ” if not where do we go ‘Or’ do we have to live in submission”. It is possible that Mr. Premachandra is politicking like the other leaders in the past. But, the reality is MR and the government did win the war against Terrorism, but the war against secession ism needs to be won by listening to all opinions and making objective proposals and counter proposals and keeping the dialogue alive. This is why I am suggesting that the govt. should continue to engage in this dialogue with people like premachandra and not ignore them.

    3. yapa

      July 28, 2011 • 6:17 am

      I cannot understand why Groundviews is giving such a priority to a person who has made such racist statement at the very first instance after the Local Government Election which damages the the reconciliation process of Sri Lanka. Really any neutral and sensible person/organization must condemn that attitude of Suresh Premachandran. Strangely opposite is the Groundviews response. If a Sinhala politician did such a provocative statement, we would have seen a marvelous devil dance and fire balls leveling at him and the whole Sinhala community as the response.

      On the other hand it shows some bias of Groundviews when giving opportunities again again to one party, insensitive and depriving the the rights of other parties having different opinions to respond. Why not contact Douglas Devananda and give an opportunity for him to responds to the allegations raised against them? I think it is the responsibility and duty of any moderate and responsible media organization.

      I think Groundviews will respect the Principles of Democracy by letting this post go on the discussion.

      Thanks!

      Reply

      • myil selvan

        July 28, 2011 • 8:43 pm

        yapa,

        “I cannot understand why Groundviews is giving such a priority to a person who has made such racist statement at the very first instance after the Local Government Election which damages the the reconciliation process of Sri Lanka.”

        What do you mean racist statement? Please tell me what was racist about his statement?

        What reconciliation process are you talking about? The government says there is no need for reconciliation because there was no ethnic problem.

        “Really any neutral and sensible person/organization must condemn that attitude of Suresh Premachandran.”

        What attitude are you talking about? New neutral and sensible persons/organisations take all views and attitudes into consideration. Premachandran’s is one view.

        “Strangely opposite is the Groundviews response. If a Sinhala politician did such a provocative statement, we would have seen a marvelous devil dance and fire balls leveling at him and the whole Sinhala community as the response.”

        Groundviews is responding alright. No such fire balls or devil dances would take place. This government leans towards sinhala chauvinism and their view, while a minority, is being espoused by the Rajapakse siblings.

        When D.B. Wijetunga called the Thamil people Creepers, what happened? was there any devil dance? It was business as usual. What about the rhetoric of Champika Ranawaka, et al??? When these sinhala extremists not only get away with their racist tactics but are comfortably sitting as cabinet ministers what nonsense are you talking.

        “Why not contact Douglas Devananda and give an opportunity for him to responds to the allegations raised against them?”

        I’m sure they would like to have his views, as long as the opportunity arises and if he is willing.

        Reply

      • yapa

        July 28, 2011 • 10:09 pm

        Dear myil selvan;

        “What do you mean racist statement? Please tell me what was racist about his statement?”

        You want me to teach that obvious thing? Please read Premachandran’s statement again with some sensible mind. You will see black as black.

        Thanks!

  4. silva

    July 28, 2011 • 10:57 am

    If TNA puts forward its ”comprehensive proposals’ it would force the government to put forward its proposals and or talks can go faster. Both sides are killing time while the Northeast is getting destroyed.

    Reply

  5. myil selvan

    July 28, 2011 • 8:50 pm

    Dear silva,

    “If TNA puts forward its ”comprehensive proposals’ it would force the government to put forward its proposals and or talks can go faster. Both sides are killing time while the Northeast is getting destroyed.”

    The president has already told the Indian delegation that he is not willing to give Land or Police powers to the provincial councils, which is already in the 13th amendment to the constitution. When that is the position of the President and the TNA’s is one for going beyond the 13 amendment, I really have doubts about an internal solution without external pressure.

    Reply

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