Sri Lanka should apply Universal Jurisdiction on matters pertaining to Terrorism – Prof. Rohan Gunaratne

(By K.T.Rajasingham )

Professor Rohan Gunaratne The US Government applies Universal Jurisdiction on matters pertaining to terrorism. Sri Lanka too should follow this example emphasized Professor Rohan Gunaratne. He said, “The terrorist campaign in Sri Lanka by the Tamil Tigers, was largely funded by LTTE led diaspora organizations. It is essential to bring those LTTE leaders who have provided and it is important for the Sri Lanka Government to identify and file cases against LTTE activists who are still seeking to poison the Tamil minds.” An international terrorism expert, Professor Rohgan Gunaratna speaking to Asian Tribune , said those activists include V. Rudrakumaran , Father S.J. Emanuel, Nediyavan, and Vinayagamoorthy.

When speaking about the rump LTTErs filing court actions against President Mahinda Rajapaksaa, Sri Lankan Diplomats and Sri Lankan Activist in the West, Professor Rohan Gunaratne said that it amounts to one of Osama Bin Laden’s wife filing law suits against the US President Barack Obama and the US special forces.

Professor pointed out, “One should never be afraid of terrorists, as they are the worst human rights violators. He further said that no one should cow down to the legal thuggery unleashed by rump LTTE activists.

He emphasized “Unless Government dismantles organizations that are spreading fear threat, and poisoning the Tamils mind, terrorism may resume.”

Prabhakaran was on the wrong side of history and Tamils must not make Prabhakaran role model anymore. Prabhakaran has brought untold sufferings and misery to the Tamil community and to others in Sri Lanka, pointed out Professor Rohan Gunaratne.

He said, Western Countries instead of criticizing Sri Lanka should work with Colombo to restore the lives of the LTTE Cadres who have been rehabilitated and released, and the IDPs those have been resettled, and participating in the social economic development in the North East, rather than be a part of the LTTE diaspora campaign, which is led by those who funded the LTTE terrorism and it is important for Western leaders such as Mr. Harper Canadian Prime Minister and others not to be driven by Tamil votes. His statement has been counterproductive and had not contributed to the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka.

As Canada was the single most important support base for the LTTE to raise Terrorism, therefore Canada must play a constructive role, instead of lured by the Tamil votes, Professor said.

Asian Tribune: The Tamil block votes system in the West has already gone. Why can’t these Western country leaders understand?

Professor Rohan Gunaratne: Most Tamils now desperately needs a Gandhi to promote peace and reconciliation, both in Sri Lanka and in the diaspora.

Asian Tribune: How Sri Lanka can file cases against the rump LTTErs?

Professor Rohan Gunaratne: Sri Lanka should pass Universal jurisdiction to prosecute those who have funded the LTTE in the past and continue to remain active disrupting the hard won peace.

For instance the financial records seized from the WTM and other LTTE Front offices in Europe provides the background information as to who funded

Asian Tribune: I think before we proceed, it is important that you have to elaborate in the mechanism as to how Sri Lanka Government has to do this Universal direction or jurisdiction.

Professor Rohan Gunaratne: For instance the US Government apply Universal Jurisdiction on matters pertaining to terrorism. Sri Lanka should follow this example.

Asian Tribune: Do you think that it has to be based on the Homeland security model?

Professor Rohan Gunaratne: It has nothing to do with the Homeland security model. Now in Sri Lanka they will discuss about the Universal Jurisdiction in Parliament and move forward.

Professor Rohan Gunaratne appealed that The LTTE cadres who fought and surrendered, please do not wish to return to violence.

Those who are still campaigning for separatism using violence are those living in the diaspora. They are not living in reality. I urge them to travel to Sri Lanka speak to those rehabilitated benificiaries, 11500 of which 11 500 has been released.

Asian Tribune: Your comment about the role of the TNA?

Professor Rohan Gunaratne: Tamil National Alliance was a proxy of the LTTE and they should abandon their mono ethnic stance and work with all the political parties in building a prosperous Sri Lanka. If the Tamil political parties are serious, they must speak not only for the Tamils, but for all communities in Sri Lanka, whether in the North or the South, we face the same problem. There should not be any ethnic or religious enclaves in Sri Lanka. Everyone must live as brothers and sisters.

- Asian Tribune -