Final reply to personal vilification

 " I feel what is at stake and crucial is that the LLRC which is hearing evidence from witnesses should be reported honestly because this commission is the mother of all commissions in that there is much pressure on it both locally and internationally and evidence emerging should be highlighted in the media."

by Pearl Thevanayagam

(November 18, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) I have been far too polite to Mr Jayadevan who even sent my articles by email to my family (one of them is suffering from hypertension) and to my journalistic colleagues in the UK by group email.

I never let my family know of my writings on politics or my earlier visits to the LTTE controlled areas because they fear and worry my life would be in danger. I keep my family well away from my professional life so as not to cause them concern. My mother suffered a stroke when I was detained in 1995 on a reporting assignment in the rebel- controlled area in Omanthai when she read about it in the newspapers.

I have been a journalist for far too long to be intimidated by the likes of Mr Jayadevan or impressed by Ms Paramasivam’s importance. Mr Jayadevan’s language towards me is so vulgar and he continues to mis-spell my name (a failed attempt at defaming me) that I would not use such terms even on my worst enemy. Henceforth I will not be responding further to these two individuals and I have no intention of letting the readers know my credentials except to continue to write on matters of interest.

I have studied at HFC for 16 years and Mrs Saverimuttu was not only my mentor but a family friend too. Enough said.

I feel what is at stake and crucial is that the LLRC which is hearing evidence from witnesses should be reported honestly because this commission is the mother of all commissions in that there is much pressure on it both locally and internationally and evidence emerging should be highlighted in the media. At least even if we do not receive a final report from the LLRC, individual organizations can collect these testimonies, evidence and recommendations to help tribunals and war inquiry.

It was only when Jaffna GA Ms Imelda Sukumar started giving evidence the commission became serious. Now we are hearing evidence from the security chiefs and other important players who had direct engagement in the war where thousands of civilians were massacred.

Mr M.C.M Iqbal, a well-respected former panelist on the Commission of Disappearances wrote a very lucid and informative article in Sri Lanka Guardian yesterday and made suggestions that the LLRC widens its mandate to hear and respond to those whose family members have disappeared during and since the war.

The fact that the international media are sending their team of correspondents shows how important the commission hearings are in the coming days since Sri Lanka’s economy and international relations are at stake. We have already lost GSP+ due to pressure from Rights Groups and the media and it is incumbent on the LLRC to give a fair and honest hearing for the future of our country.