Ógra Shinn Féin Meet Sri Lankan Delegation

by cara Mon Jun 04, 2007 18:43

Great to see - conflict resolution is something which must be discussed and shared amongst nations involved in conflict. Good initiative!

by kbranno Mon Jun 04, 2007 19:22

Have Ogra Shinn Fein decided to side with the Sri Lankan Goverment in it's war with the people of Tamill?

by Nigel Mon Jun 04, 2007 21:20

I think the post is very clearly about conflict resolution and youth politics, and it states very clearly that Martin McGuinness has met all sides in the Sri lankan conflict (including tamils) and ogra intend to in the future.

I applaud this initiative. It is good to see a good model like Ireland being used for other conflict areas to discuss.

by Flynn shean Mon Jun 04, 2007 21:26

The above writer (Kbranno) is obviously a supporter of some micro group or other with no standing or support in the community whatsoever. Furthermore the dogs on the street know that his fellow travellers are infiltrated at the highest possible level, are being manipulated by securocrats (unlike sinn fein) and are probably up to their necks in the drugs trade and other forms of criminality.
The republican movement played no part whatsoever in the forthcoming abductions and murder of his cohorts.
Over.

by Jolly Red Giant Mon Jun 04, 2007 23:33

Namal Rajapakse is learning quickly from his father, Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapakse. President Rajapakse is the representative of the SLFP, a right-wing Sinhala party who won the presidential election by a narrow margin. Since his election, Rajapakse has cranked up the war against the Tamil people in the North of the island. Having previously used gangs of thugs who supported his father as bodyguards, Namal Rajapakse, in recent times has gone about organizing his own ‘bodyguard’ involving individuals who regularly engage in violence against political opponents. Widespread reports emerged following the Presidential elections of Namal’s thugs taking over polling stations in the south of Sri Lanka and stuffing the boxes with ballot papers in support of his father. Ministers in Rajapakse’s government have led attacks by right-wing thugs and gangsters on anti-war protests and meetings and the government has been complicit in the abduction and murder of political opponents.

This so-called ‘A Tomorrow for Youth’ organization is nothing more that a self-serving vehicle for the President’s son. The Sri Lankan government regularly pour money into the ‘organisation’ that is then used to promote the self-image of Namal Rajapakse as a man of the people. Namal Rajapakse comes from a long line of right-wing political individuals and clearly has intentions to follow his father into high office.

Harinda Ranura Vidanage is a Sri Lankan academic who provides a certain type of intellectual cover for the pro-war policies of the Rajapakse regime. A look at his academic interests tells a lot:
Research Interests: Virtual Diaspora Politics, Sri Lankan Diaspora (Sinhala/Tamil), Virtual communities, Cyber Terrorism, Cyber Security, and social theoretical debates on Virtual and Actual. I am currently working on virtual diasporic mobilization emerging issues of cyber security and the power of Human Agency with in online activism.

Indika Perera is one of many academics that have generated nice jobs for themselves running European funded ngo’s (like INPACT) in Sri Lanka, similar to what has happened in the 6 counties. Last year INPACT received 1 million krone from the Norwegian government alone. They organise ‘peace conferences’ for academics to discuss ‘conflict resolution’ that bear absolutly no relationship to the situation on the ground for ordinary Sinhala and Tamil people. They were able to generate a certain amount of international recognition prior to the recent return to war by the Sri Lankan government. Unfortunately, for them, this upsurge in hostilities has left them very much on the back-burner in terms of influencing anything in Sri Lanka. If either Indika or Harinda were actually interested in resolving the conflict in Sri Lanka, one of the last people they would have been on a delegation with would be Namal Rajapakse.

Martin McGuinness visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of INPACT so it not surprising to see them return the favour. Sinn Fein have attempted to use the Good Friday Agreement as a template for ‘conflict resolution’ in other areas of ‘conflict’ in order to bolster the political position of Sinn Fein in the North and to facilitate international recognition (which gets things like an invite to the White House on Paddy’s Day). In all honesty this Press release and the photo’s are nothing more than a publicity stunt from Ogra Sinn Fein particularly as it included a self-serving right-wing individual like Namal Rajapakse, who’s sole interest is build on his father’s political dynasty.

Oh, and by the way, to even use the term ‘Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’ shows how far removed from the politics of Sri Lanka that Ogra Sinn Fein really are.

by Socialist - SY - Purely PERSONAL Capacity Tue Jun 05, 2007 00:58 info at socialistparty dot net

I think it is bloody ridiculous for OSF to be shaking hands with a dlegation of the Sri Lankan govt, just a few months after the Socialist Party, SY & CWI were involved in a campaign against then here in ireland, due to the attack on a socialist (Siri) in Sri Lanka.

"Mick Barry, Cork city councillor, wrote:
I am a Socialist Party councillor in Cork city, the second city in the Republic of Ireland.

I have learned with disgust that a Minister in your Government (Deputy Minister of Labour Mervyn Silva) led a gang of more than 300 thugs in attacking a peaceful protest at Nugegoda Super Market Square, Colombo, on January 9 last.

I am aware of the fact that this peaceful protest was organised by the United Peoples Movement against war, repressive laws and poverty; that this movement has nothing to do with organisations that support terror tactics; and that this peaceful gathering was due to be addressed by parliamentarians.

President Rajapakse - are you prepared to defend this disgraceful action? If not, then you must remove this man from your Government immediately.

Furthermore, your Government must stop its attacks on the civil rights of Sri Lankan citizens and stop the death threats which are being made to anti-Government campaigners.

In this regard I must especially mention Mr Siri Jayasuriya, a man much respected by many activists in the Irish labour movement. If any harm comes to this man your Government will be held responsible and will face loud and sustained accusations and protests right around the world."

"
Picket
Last Wednesday members of the Socialist Party once again picketed the Sri Lankan consulate in Dublin to protest against the repression of socialists and anti-sectarian activists in Sri Lanka. We handed in the following letter to the consulate to register our opposition. Members of the Socialist Party in Ireland will continue to highlight this disgraceful attack on the democratic rights of these activists through the position of our public representatives and within the wider labour movement. "

Read the article attached:

by Constructive Chris Tue Jun 05, 2007 14:44

Ok so all the theorists here have identified 'problems' with Namal and Sri Lanka - how do you's propose the conflict in Sri Lanka is resolved??

At least Ógra and Sinn Féin are engaging with all sides in the conflict to bring about peace. Sinn Féin have been in Sri Lanka and Tamil territory, getting in the thick of it to resolve problems by engagment.

Protests are very importart - but are protests alone going to sort out the problems of the world?

by Polly Tue Jun 05, 2007 14:49

Whos shaking hands?

From the press release it is very clear that ogra were not meeting in support but to discuss the conflict in Sri Lanka and role youth can play in conflict resolution.

It also states very clearly at the end, if anyone bothered reading,

“Ógra has future plans to meet all sides in the Sri Lankan conflict and plans to witness the situation there first hand.”

by Jolly Red Giant - Socialist Party/CWI Tue Jun 05, 2007 15:36

Unfortunately, Constructive Chris, neither the SLFP government, the UNP, the Tamil Tigers or any of the other chauvinist political parties operating on a communal basis has demonstrated any ability or, in reality, any willingness to 'resolve' the conflict in Sri Lanka. Indeed, over the past period, while they have been attempting to portray their 'willingness' to engage in 'conflict resolution', all of these groups have attempted to stoke up the flames of communal violence that has led to the death and injury of working class people from both communities. And Polly, for Sinn Fein to be 'talking' to these groups and individuals does nothing more than create the impression that they are somehow capable of doing something that the have demonstrated they are singularly incapable of doing over the past forty years. Chris, it really is quite a streatch to suggest that Sinn Fein are somehow 'engaging with all sides in the conflict to bring about peace' and that Sinn Fein will actually have any real influence on the ground.

In contrast to the efforts, as Polly said, that “Ógra has future plans to meet all sides in the Sri Lankan conflict and plans to witness the situation there first hand.”, the Socialist Party/CWI, through its sister Party in Sri Lanka, the United Socialist Party, who are active participants in the United Peoples Movement, are attempting to build a movement to end the war and poverty in Sri Lanka. The United Peoples Movement, is a broad movement incompasing anti-(civil) war activists and have attempted to mobilise people in opposition to the upsurge in the conflict and against repression and poverty. This movement has been regularly attacked and threatened by close associates of Namal Rajapakse and his father. An example of this was on the 7th of January this year when a government minister, Mervyn Silva, organised an attack by 300 thugs and drug dealers just prior to a public rally against the war and the policies of the Sri Lankan government.

for more infomation:
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=20866

Sinn Fein have had numerous initiatives, like this one, in other 'conflict resolution' situations - none of which have resolved anything and the only outcome of which has been to generate publicity for Sinn Fein. The entire process of 'discussions' are based around the notion that the Good Friday Agreement provides a template for 'conflict resolution' and the need for Sinn Fein to bolster the agreement as the only show in town. To suggest that Sinn Fein is 'doing something' by meeting reprehensible individuals like Namal Rajapakse, is about as bad as begging for an invite to the White House from George Bush!

by socialist Tue Jun 05, 2007 15:40

did they happen to discuss-

the repression of the tamil community

attacking working class activists

chavinism

the communialist goverment

Im sure ogra learnt allot from their new comrades

by Hold on to your hats Tue Jun 05, 2007 16:00

I am so amused by indy.ie, when genuine activists involved in struggle like republicans who have come out of a full on national liberation struggle, get criticised and riducled by the sectarian squabbling 'socialistas' of microism.

I am a member of Solidarity in Scotland, look what sectarian squabbling has done to our class struggle here.

Where ever a post by SF, OSF or republicans, its sure to be met with the same nonsense. I think OSF and SF are entitled to meet with whoever they choose to discuss whatever they want.

I mean catch a grip guys, criticising a bunch of youth activists for discussing 'CONFLICT RESOLUTION', what if these youth where out with an AK 47 in their hands - would that be better?

Sometimes it is very obvious why these groups stay small - bitter twisted cynicism, perfectionist, utopian, dreamers with not an ounce of 'real politik.'

Shame on you's!

by Sharon . - Individual . Tue Jun 05, 2007 23:03

Hi !

" I am so amused by indy.ie, when genuine activists involved in struggle like republicans who have come out of a full on national liberation struggle, get criticised and riducled by the sectarian squabbling 'socialistas' of microism."

Those 'republicans' you mentioned 'came out' of that struggle declaring , in the words of one of their leaders (Gerry Adams) that they would accept "Maximum constitutional change and a renegotiation of the Union ."

In your opinion , Sir , is that what this struggle is about ?

Sharon.

by Amused Tue Jun 05, 2007 23:07

"I am so amused by indy.ie, when genuine activists involved in struggle like republicans who have come out of a full on national liberation struggle, get criticised and riducled by the sectarian squabbling 'socialistas' of microism."

So they have a free pass because they came out of a national liberation struggle. Does that mean a free pass for all Ayatollah fans in Iran

by Jonah Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:15

Just one point that might need a bit of clarification. Firstly, I know nothing about Sri Lanka, or Sri Lankan politics or the dynamics over there.

But Sinn Féin's involvement in the process was not the party's idea, but at the specific request of the participants to the conflict. Frankly, I can think of better uses of the party leadership's time than wandering over to the Indian Ocean and trying to solve a conflict more violent and intractable than our own.

If the SP's sister party is suffering oppression and abuse over there, and again I don't know much about it, the SP in Ireland could try and engage with Sinn Féin to seek to have the matter raised in our contacts over there, or they can bitch about it on Indymedia and slate us in their paper. Years of experience of the SP leave me in little doubt as to their preference.

Finally, no-one in Sinn Féin thinks we're going to solve the conflict in Sri Lanka. Nor are we going to be the catalyst to an end to the violence. But our engagements over there have been good, have made some small positive differences to the tone and structure of the negotiations and have been welcomed by all sides to the conflict.

by Jolly Red Giant - Socialist Party / CWI Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:17

'or its politics or the dynamics over there', because the rest of your contribution amply demonstrates that.

Sinn Fein's involvement with competing communal interests benefits the communalists from Sri Lanka by giving them international cover for their pro-war/violence policies under the guise of discussions on 'conflict resolution'. These discussions also facilitate the improvement of the international profile of Sinn Fein and their strategy of 'conflict resolution' in the North. As regards Sri Lanka - Sinn Fein would have been far better rejecting any invitation from the likes of Namal Rajapakse, rather than facilitating his self-grandisement to the detriment of the working class and peasentry of Sri Lanka.

As regards the repression that the United Socialist Party and other anti-war/anti-capitalist forces, I suppose some republicans might consider it useful to 'raise the matter with their contacts over there' - just as useful as when Sinn Fein 'raised matters' with George Bush when they were licking *ss in the White House. Or maybe - asking Ian Paisley to intervene with loyalist paramilitaries during the height of sectarian conflict in the North would have been beneficial. The only people that Sinn Fein have contact with in Sri Lanka are the people who are actually causing the problem and these people have absolutely no interest in eliminating the problem because their political existance depends on it.

Maybe you could give me some examples of 'some small positive differences to the tone and structure of the negotiations' that have been brought about by Sinn Fein's involvement with these individuals. Especially since the conflict has actually escalated since Sinn Fein have begun discussions with their 'contacts'. And Finally, it is not surprising that Sinn Fein's 'involvement' has been 'been welcomed by all sides to the conflict' given the need for some form of impression being created, on an international basis, that the communalists are actually trying to do something about the violence.

In contrast, the United Socialist Party is building links with the working class and the peasentry from Tamil, Sinahalese and Moslem backgrounds in an effort to construct a working class alternative to the death, destruction and misery wrought on them by the communalists that Sinn Fein is so happy to have 'discussions' with. And, yes, I am being bitchy about this - Sinn Fein's limited involvement is actually counter-productive to this process - by providing cover for these individuals and groups. But then again never let the interests of the working class get in the way of a good photo opportunity.

by Eamon Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:47

Hold on to your hats

You argue that republicans have 'come out of a full national liberation struggle' and shouldn't be criticised by the Left.

Had you said that republicans abandoned a national liberation struggle, and kept quiet about the Left, who do have a right to criticise them, I'd have agreed with you.

This intervention by republicans into Sri Lankan politics is quite disgraceful really, and will achieve nothing, except to legitimise sectarian reactionaries who have nothing to contribute to the quest for genuine peace in Sri Lanka.

I also noted that you are a member of 'Solidairity'' in Scotland, yet feel entitled to caution the Irish Left against the dangers of sectarian political behaviour. The phrase about black pots and kettles definitely springs to mind on that one

by Jonah Wed Jun 06, 2007 14:04

"I don't know much about it, the SP in Ireland could try and engage with Sinn Féin to seek to have the matter raised in our contacts over there, or they can bitch about it on Indymedia and slate us in their paper. Years of experience of the SP leave me in little doubt as to their preference."

It's always nice to be proven right. It's especially nice when the good chap from the SP does it in less than an hour.

Well played sir.

by Hold on to your hats Wed Jun 06, 2007 16:52

Am I right? your probably one of the 'pure' working class heroes of our time Eamonn. Your probably 20, student type, enjoys a drink and a debate - started of supporting SF and the IRA.

Now you know best - forget those know it all leadership blah blah blah

Disagreeing is one thing - but discipline, unity and action will prove a struggle successful. The left outside of SF in Ireland fail to see this.

The arrogance of some people!

by Eamon Wed Jun 06, 2007 17:00

I'm actually a lot older than you think.

In fact, I'm so old I can actually remember a time when the Republican movement was a genuine anti-imperialist movement, and when people like Adams and McGuiness were regarded as genuine anti-imperialist revolutionaries. I can remember very clearly, for example, the Hunger Strikes and the sacrifice of people like Bobby Sands. It's because I can remember all of that, and much more, that I can see the present sell-out for what it really is.

by Neither provie nor millie Wed Jun 06, 2007 17:05

"It's always nice to be proven right. It's especially nice when the good chap from the SP does it in less than an hour.

Well played sir."

Jonah, I'm afraid your self-satisfaction would sit a lot better if you were actually able to address a single one of the points that the SP comrade has raised. He has given several arguments to back up his claim that SF's intervention is actually likely to be harmful. You haven't dealt with those arguments in any shape or form. I don't always agree with the SP, but I'm afraid it's one-nil to them so far on this thread. "Proven right"? That would require actual ... proof

by tamil Thu Jun 07, 2007 22:46

Police in Sri Lanka have forced hundreds of the minority Tamil community out of the capital Colombo for what they say are security reasons.

They launched overnight raids in Tamil areas of the city and forced guests staying in budget hotels onto buses.

Police said that Tamils who were in the capital "without valid reasons" were made to board buses bound for the north and east of the island.

Police said that the move was necessary amid fears of renewed civil war.

Full at: