Voice For Peace

Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe claims Rs. 500 million as loss due defamation from Lake House

2008-06-06T12:40:00.000+05:30

Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe has sent a Letter of Demand to the Editor of Dinamina Newspaper and Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd, to pay him Rs. 500 million as the loss caused to him due to defamation. The Letter of Demand has been sent by his attorney, Miss Sajeewani Kasthuriarrachchi, to Mr. Mahinda Abeysundera, Editor, Dinamina and the ANCL.

Ref: Condemning Barbaric Killings: Where have all the NGO’s gone?

2008-06-06T12:38:00.000+05:30

Mr. S.D. Goonewardena of Deniyaya in a letter to the Editor which appeared in 'The Island' of 30th May 2008 has questioned why I have not condemned the barbaric killing of innocent civilians by the LTTE when bombs placed in buses and trains have killed a countless number of people including children.

NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE: ITS RELEVANCE TO SRI LANKA

2008-05-23T16:31:00.000+05:30

This article is a reflection of the conflict and war in Sri Lanka. For many years, Sri Lanka has been a test case for many types of conflict resolution theories and practices. Many efforts have been made to resolve the conflict both through outside intervention and internal efforts. They have all failed. In a way, the experiences of Sri Lanka demonstrate the failure of traditional conflict resolution methods and third party interventions.

WHO ARE THE KILLERS OF THE SPIRITUALITY IN OUR SOCIETY?

2008-05-21T16:43:00.000+05:30

A REPLY TO VICTOR IVAN*

It is with much interest that I read Victor Ivan’s article under the above title in the Ravaya paper of 4th May 2008. It is a serious critique as to the reasons for our multifaceted crisis. Victor Ivan’s argument in the article suggests the following...

WHITHER THE ELECTIONS IN THE EAST…

2008-05-06T12:46:00.003+05:30

Not for the last twenty years have the people of the Eastern Province witnessed such a large presence of politicians in each Divisional Secretariat. The region is just inundated with politicians going in Pajero jeeps with large contingents of security personnel roaming around the streets and lanes of the East.

ADDRESSING THE LAND QUESTION IN THE EAST: THE WAY FORWARD

2008-05-06T12:34:00.002+05:30

Press Release

The Foundation for Co-Existence (FCE) has been engaged in addressing the land question in the East and in the North of Sri Lanka since 2002. As an organization whose mandate is Human Security and promote coexistence amongst all the communities in Sri Lanka, the Foundation for Co-Existence saw that the land question in the Eastern and the Northern Provinces had been a major obstacle in building trust and coexistence amongst the Tamils, Muslims and the Sinhalese living in those provinces.

Interview with Dr.Kumar Rupesinghe about the inauguration of the Sahajeevana centre for Co-Existence

2008-05-06T12:24:00.004+05:30

www.sahajeevana.org

Monday, April 07,2008

'This is an interview with Dr.Kumar Rupesinghe about the inception of the virtual Sahajeevana Centre for Co-Existence. In this interview, Dr. Rupesinghe speaks about the requirement, the concept and the impact of the Sahajeevana Centre website.'

WHAT A CRYING SHAME!

2008-03-11T11:44:00.004+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

In 1988, Sinhala and Tamil were pronounced the two Official Languages of Sri Lanka through an Amendment to the Constitution. At that point, it was envisaged that both Sinhala and Tamil would be implemented as the languages of administration of the country. In fact, a number of laws, circulars and Acts have been put into place by successive governments to ensure this. Unfortunately, in 2008, Sri Lanka still has an administration with less than 10% Tamil language capacity.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

CREATE A DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM TO RESOLVE THE NATIONAL QUESTIONS

2008-02-08T18:44:00.000+05:30

It is no secret that the President's intervention resulted in the APRC to set aside the long-term constitutional proposals that it was developing over the last 18 months and to write an alternative document recommending the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution on an urgent practical measure while this is inadequate to solve the national question, nevertheless, if at least this is done promptly and sincerely it will be a step forward.

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THE WAR TO END THE WAR IN SRI LANKA

2008-01-17T08:57:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Thursday, January 17, 2008

The final war has begun. The year 2008 is the year in which both sides, the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE is poised for the final phase of a thirty year war. General Fonseka promises to kill 10 a day and 3000 by the end of August.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE CEASEFIRE IS DEAD

2008-01-09T08:10:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Wednesday, January 09, 2008

The Ceasefire Agreement [CFA] after a long period of terminal illness is now dead. Prabhakaran did say that it was not worth the paper it was written on and the President also referred to it in very derogatory terms. It was in terminal condition until the President pulled off the life line of the CFA with the unanimous consent of the Cabinet.

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DEATH OF MP MAHESWARAN

2008-01-03T11:52:00.000+05:30

FCE - FORUM
Wednesday, January 02, 2008

With the dawn of the New Year assassins murdered the MP T. Maheswaran and his body guard leaving two others wounded. The people of Sri Lanka could not even take a moment to enjoy the New Year. It is to be noted that the security of T. Maheswaran was withdrawn by the government a few weeks ago as he was a strident critic of the government. He was also earlier a target of an LTTE attack.

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THE IMPACT OF LANGUAGE RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN SRI LANKA 1956-2007

2007-12-20T16:33:00.000+05:30

FCE - FORUM
Thursday, December 20, 2007

“Do you want two languages and one nation or one language and two nations? Parity, Mr Speaker, we believe is the road to the freedom of our nation and the unity of its components. Otherwise, two torn little bleeding states may arise of one little state ..." Dr Colvin R. de Silva.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

ONE COUNTRY TWO LANGUAGES

2007-12-13T15:35:00.000+05:30

FCE - FORUM
Thursday, December 13, 2007

"No government should and could make Sinhalese the official language by trampling down the language rights of over a million of the permanent residents of the country. It cannot thrust to the wilderness the cherished language of these people. The doors of the public service should not be closed to the thousands of youth who did not know Sinhalese for no fault of thier own..."

To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE AFTERMATH OF THE BOMB BLASTS…

2007-12-11T11:08:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Thursday, December 13, 2007

The Sri Lankan government has come to be known as being reactive rather than proactive, when it comes to security issues. The last few days were no different. In the aftermath of the suicide attack aimed at EPDP leader Douglas Devananda and the parcel bomb which exploded in Nugegoda the same evening killing several civilians, the security establishment in the country seems to have gone rather berserk.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

WHAT WILL THE BUDGET DEBATE LEAD TO …

2007-12-07T09:45:00.000+05:30

FCE FORUM
Friday, December 07, 2007

The contents of the 2008 budget contained no surprises. From the rhetoric of the government, it was clear that the government was going for all out war against the LTTE, which in turn would indicate an increase in the forecast defence expenditure.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

KUMAR RUPESINGHE CHALLENGES ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND OTHER ISSUES

2007-12-04T14:23:00.000+05:30

THE NATION
Sunday, December 02, 2007

In an interview with the Nation the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Foundation for Co-Existence Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe, says the masses have lost faith in the political system of this country which he says is corrupt to the core and adds that this does not inspire confidence amongst the people.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM HAS FAILED - KUMAR

2007-11-22T10:15:00.000+05:30

THE MORNING LEADER
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Chairman, Foundation for Co-Existence, Kumar Rupesinghe said Sri Lanka would lose international support if it continues to be what it is now. Speaking to The Sunday Leader he said the country could go back to the negotiating table despite the recent increase in military engagement.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE BUDGET, IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE ?

2007-11-20T13:51:00.000+05:30

FCE FORUM
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Was the JVP serious about these four demands? Was it an attempt to blackmail the government to submission and to extract the maximum demands from the President? Or was it just sheer bluff hoping that the President would be frightened to surrender to the rhetoric?

To read the complete article please click on the title.

NADARAJAH RAVIRAJ: 1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

2007-11-15T14:14:00.000+05:30

FCE - FORUM
Thursday, November 15, 2007

On the 1st anniversary of the death of my friend Nadarajah Raviraj it is sad to note that the perpetrators of this crime have not been apprehended. The government declared that they would get the services of Scotland Yard to investigate this heinous crime. They came and went. Raviaraj is amongst the thousands who were murdered by death squads and para militaries in this country.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

WAY FORWARD TO A BETTER SRI LANKA

2007-11-09T16:38:00.000+05:30

FCE FORUM
Friday, November 09, 2007

Firstly, let me welcome you all who have come here from all over the country and traveling long hours to reach this destination. You are all members of the movement. You are its advanced guards who have resolutely stood for the values that we embrace.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

CRISIS IN SRI LANKA: SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVES

2007-11-06T14:33:00.000+05:30

FCE FORUM
Tuesday, November 06, 2007

It is no secret that a profound crisis has taken hold of the country. There is no value frame and no centre to guide the destiny of Sri Lanka. People continue to drift asunder with no moral authority, direction or leadership. They have lost faith in the political system, which is corrupt to the core and does not inspire confidence.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

WITHER SRI LANKA'S ECONOMY

2007-11-06T14:28:00.000+05:30

FCE FORUM
Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Today, there are two great powers that are driving the global economy. Both are from Asia. They are India and China, with their vast numbers in population and extraordinary growth rates. With the combined competitive strengths of these two giants, their comparative advantage will not only lead to prices being brought down but also to India taking the lead in the information and knowledge based industries.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE BATTLE OF ANURADHAPURA

2007-10-29T14:19:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Saturday, October 27, 2007

In its first-ever simultaneous air and ground attack, single-engine, propeller driven aircraft of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) bombed the Air Force base located about 4 km away from Anuradhapura, a city lying 210 km north of Colombo on the 22nd October 2007 at around 3.30 a.m .

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SRI LANKA: PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE PEACE PROCESS

2007-10-26T16:42:00.000+05:30

FCE FORUM
Friday, October 26, 2007

The advent of Mahinda Rajapakse as President of Sri Lanka marked a fundamental departure from the assumption of the paradigm, design and architecture of the peace process designed by the UNF government, the LTTE, Norway and the international community. The contours of the UNF peace process during the period 2002-2004 are well known.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

PROF. RADHAKRISHNAN DEVOTED TO PROPAGATE GANDHIAN IDEALS

2007-10-03T14:06:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

COLOMBO: Prof. Neelakanta Radharkrishnan is one of the most eloquent Gandhian scholars and activists of our times. His contributions as a prolific writer, philosopher, artist and a wide range of his interests and involvement in training in non-violent are varied and complex.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

TOWARDS A NONKILLING SRI LANKA

2007-09-21T09:27:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Friday, September 21, 2007

The most precious gift on earth is life. Whatever may be the causes for the killings, societies tolerating or being observers of the killing of others are societies living in the shadow of barbarism. Has Sri Lanka reached such as situation? Whether it is in the North or South, people in the country are increasingly subjected to killings due to varied forms of violence.

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INSPIRATION TO A WAR-WEARY NATION

2007-09-20T10:05:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Review: Ranga Chandrarathne

WAR: "Nonviolent Coexistence, Moving Communities beyond suspicion and weapons of war" which was edited by Kumar Rupasinghe and Gayathri Fernando comes at a time when the nation suffers from the pangs of a protracted war which has, so far, claimed lives of over 60,000 Sri Lankans.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

GANDHI INFLUENCED THE WORLD BY EXAMPLE

2007-08-29T15:32:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The Indian High Commission in partnership with the Foundation for Co Existence is organizing an exhibition to commemorate the centenary anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha campaign which will be held at the National Art Gallery from September 2 to 5.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

NONVIOLENT COEXISTENCE: MOVING COMMUNITIES BEYOND FEAR, SUSPICION AND THE WEAPONS OF WAR

2007-08-16T11:36:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Thursday, August 16, 2007

Nonviolent Coexistence: Moving Communities beyond Fear, Suspicion and the Weapons of War aims to inspire those who are involved in the vortex of conflict and violence. It is intended to show through a presentation of the work of Gandhi and other non-violent leaders who have made a difference in this world that it is possible to change and transform situations of violence, however hopeless they may seem.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

A PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR

2007-07-26T11:04:00.000+05:30

Lankadeepa
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Interview given by Kumar Rupesinghe, as recorded by Chaminda Munasinghe

Present day Sri Lanka faces many challenges. Since Independence, the political leadership has not been successful in resolving the conflicts of the country. These political leaders have been opportunistic; ruling the state for their own short term gains.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

REVIEW: MUST WE FIGHT? FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE SCHOOLYARD– A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON VIOLENT CONFLICT AND ITS PREVENTION

2007-07-16T09:46:00.000+05:30

The Island
Monday, July 30, 2007

Is war inevitable? Is man essentially aggressive by nature? These are questions that have been asked by several generations of researchers, conflict analysts and anthropologists. It has been noted that the 20th century has been recorded as the most violent in history, with over 100 million deaths in war and 175 million in politically related violence. Especially in the present day scenario, with the threat of more wars and retaliatory attacks appearing on the horizon, these questions and the answers to them seem even more relevant.

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THE CRISIS AND THE WAY OUT

2007-07-13T15:03:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Thursday, July 05, 2007

The National Anti-War Front is appalled by the deteriorating security conditions and the culture of impunity and violence which has gripped the country. The chronic escalation of expenditure to feed the war is now taking its toll on the poor, the pensioners and fixed income wage earners, financial burdens are near unbearable for ordinary people.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

ZERO ABDUCTION IN SRI LANKA- IS IT POSSIBLE?

2007-06-27T17:15:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR
Saturday, June 30, 2007

Sri Lanka has been witnessing gross violations of human rights committed by both the government and other groups from late 2005 and since the resumption of the war between the armed forces and the LTTE, it has recorded an exponential rise.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

FORCIBLE EVACUATION OF TAMILS IN COLOMBO

2007-06-08T16:14:00.000+05:30

More than 300 Tamils who live in lodges in Colombo suburbs have been forcibly evacuated by the Sri Lankan Police, after a massive search operation in the Wellawatte, Kotahena, Pettah and Wattala areas in the morning of 7th June. According to news reports, 47 Tamils were forcefully taken from a single lodge located in Station Road in Wellawatte. Another lodge in the area reported 35 arrests by the Police.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE STRATEGIC LOGIC OF SUICIDE TERRORISM

2007-06-08T15:53:00.000+05:30

THE STRATEGIC LOGIC OF SUICIDE TERRORISM

THE ISLAND

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Suicide terrorism is one of the most lethal instruments of modern warfare and a weapon which has been used with devastating effect. This article is about the review of a book on the strategic logic of suicide terrorism written by Robert Pape, an eminent authority on the subject.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE MERCHANTS OF DEATH

2007-05-29T10:14:00.000+05:30

Technically, nobody should want to have war. War is so horrendous and so devastating that nobody in their right minds would desire it. But unfortunately, this is not the case.
To read the complete article please click on the title.

REVIEW OF PAST NEGOTIATIONS AND PEACE PROCESSES: LESSONS, BUILDING BLOCKS AND FAILURES

2007-05-28T14:20:00.000+05:30

FCE-FORUM Friday, May 11, 2007
Lessons Learnt from Previous Negotiations
The Sri Lankan conflict is now almost 25 years of age and is one of the longest and most deadly conflicts in the world today.
To read the complete article please click on the title.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE LTTE AIR RAIDS

2007-05-28T14:15:00.000+05:30

The Island
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
IntroductionThe LTTE has now struck key government installations several times within the last month and has returned to base without being challenged.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

NGO PHOBIA AND NORWAY BASHING GONE WILD

2007-05-22T12:26:00.000+05:30

FCE Forum Friday, May 04, 2007
Press articles centred on Norway bashing is not a new phenomenon to Sri Lankans at all.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

HAVE ABDUCTIONS DROPPED ?

2007-05-22T10:12:00.000+05:30

FCE Forum Thursday, April 26, 2007
Since November 2006, rate of abductions and disappearances have become very high. Official figures say, 790 people have 'disappeared' so far this year.

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THE WAR IN THE NORTH HAS BEGUN IN THE EARNEST

2007-05-16T09:39:00.000+05:30

FCE Forum Thursday, April 26, 2007
Since the military operations over Mavilaru dispute last year, an environment conducive to violent clashes has been slowly brewing.

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THE SLFP PROPOSAL- IS IT A SOLUTION?

2007-05-16T09:38:00.000+05:30

FCE Forum Thursday, April 26, 2007
The country and the international community had been waiting for the set of proposals by the SLFP for a political solution to the Tamil National Question.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

NORWEGIAN BASHING GONE MAD

2007-05-16T09:27:00.000+05:30

FCE Forum Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Several organisations which have gained notoriety for Norway bashing and attacking the peace process got together and brought their star performer to the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo on the 20th of April, 2007, for a much advertised seminar on NORWEGIAN SUPPORT FOR LTTE TERRORISM.

To Read the complete article please click on the title.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE LTTE ATTACK ON THE AIR FORCE BASE IN COLOMBO

2007-05-16T09:25:00.000+05:30

FCE Forum Thursday, March 29, 2007
The attack on the air force base in Katunayake came just after midnight where two light aircraft of the LTTE attacked and bombed the barracks where Government helicopters were kept.

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'ONE NATION, ONE PEOPLE, ONE SRI LANKA' A UNIQUE PEACE CAMPAIGN

2007-05-16T09:23:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, March 12, 2007
‘One Nation. One People. One Sri Lanka’ a unique peace campaign launched to unite all ‘Sri Lankans for Peace’:Living in a country fighting a war that has lasted for nearly three decades, devouring so many youthful lives, where violence in the society has reached its brim, it is time that we as one nation join hands in stating loud our right for a peaceful country, our right for a violence free community, our right to enjoy the joys of life.

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THE CFA AND THE MOTHER OF ALL BATTLES

2007-05-16T09:17:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The 5th anniversary of the Cease-Fire Agreement signed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fell on 22nd February, 2007.

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INDIA, SRI LANKA AND THE TAMIL NADU FACTOR

2007-05-16T09:15:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND Saturday, February 17, 2007
I was in India recently on the invitation of the Congress Party for the 100th Anniversary commemoration of the Satyagraha campaign inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

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THE SATYAGRAHA CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS AND THE RELEVANCE OF GANDHIAN PHILOSOPHY TO SRI LANKA

2007-05-16T09:13:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND Thursday, February 08, 2007
The conference on Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment and Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century, held in Delhi from January 29 -30, 2007 was organised by the Indian National Congress and was the brainchild of Sonia Gandhi, the President of the Indian National Congress.

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THE BATTLE FOR VAKARAI AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE EAST

2007-05-16T09:11:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND Thursday, January 25, 2007
It was clear that the LTTE would not be engaged in positional warfare with the government forces and at the appropriate time would retreat to the interior of the East with their weapons to ensure the minimum loss of their armed combatants.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: WITHER THE UNP-SLFP MOU?

2007-05-16T09:10:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND Saturday, January 13, 2007
The President convened an emergency meeting of his Ministers to discuss ways and means of sharing portfolios with the MPs who will cross over.

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THE PROSPECTS FOR 2007

2007-05-16T09:08:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND [ONLINE EDITION Saturday, January 06, 2007
The Presidential Elections and the dynamics of the current Presidency The key to the current strategy of the President is his electoral campaign based on hardline Sinhalese thinking with a pact signed between the JVP, the JHU and the SLFP.

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NEPAL: A SUCCESS IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

2007-05-16T09:07:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Saturday, December 02, 2006
At that time, the popular notion was that it would take several decades before the Nepalese conflict could be resolved whilst in Sri Lanka a successful Ceasefire Agreement was already in place which would enable it to be resolved in a matter of few years.

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KUMAR RUPESINGHE RESPONDS: ‘RAVIRAJ WAS A SPECIAL FRIEND OF THE NAWF’

2007-05-15T17:25:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Saturday, November 25, 2006
Since this event has provoked a public discussion, I would like to take this opportunity to address some of the concerns which have been expressed, with the objective of rectifying any misunderstandings that have been created in the minds of the public.

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FAILURE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION:ALL EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO SEEK INFORMAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE PARTIES

2007-05-15T17:23:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, November 06, 2006
The reasons for the collapse of the talksOne outstanding feature of the failed talks was that both parties were playing to the media. For the LTTE, it was a chance to make it a propaganda opportunity to sustain its points against the government.

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INTERVIEWS: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

2007-05-15T17:21:00.000+05:30

THE NATION Sunday, November 05, 2006
“The format in both Geneva I and Geneva II had been confrontational. There were informal meetings but there was no preparation for the talks. If you are not prepared, it never works out.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

TALKS IN SWITZERLAND, THE LAST CHANCE:BOTH SIDES SHOULD BE CREATIVE AND HAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR INFORMAL TALKS

2007-05-15T17:15:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Saturday, October 28, 2006
The talks to be held on October the 28 and 29 in Switzerland between the Government and the LTTE would most probably be the last chance that the country has towards reaching a negotiated solution.

To read the complete article plese click on the title.

ON TRUTH, GOD AND CONFLICT MEDIATION

2007-05-15T17:14:00.000+05:30

THE MORNING LEADER Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Kumar Rupesinghe is the chairman of the Foundation for Co-Existence, former Secretary General of International Alert (IA), and an advisor to the reconciliation programme of the Triple R. Rupesinghe has experience in mediation and conflict resolution work.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

61ST BIRTH ANNIVERSARY - REMEMBERING VIJAYA KUMARATUNGA

2007-05-15T17:05:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, October 09, 2006
The next time I met him was during the Katana by-elections when we campaigned together against the UNP.

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AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO CONTINUE WHAT BUDDHA AND GANDHI PRACTISED?

2007-05-15T17:04:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, October 02, 2006
He was inspired by the beauty of the country and the place of Buddhism and its preservation in Sri Lanka and was impressed by the religious co-existence which was part and parcel of the country. This was never to be.

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OPINION: LINGUISTIC DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE TAMILS

2007-05-15T17:03:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Friday, September 01, 2006
Language discrimination may also occur if a person is denied access to businesses or government services because he or she does not speak the official language.

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“THESE PRIESTS HAVE DISGRACED BUDDHISM”

2007-05-15T17:02:00.001+05:30

THE NATION Sunday, August 27, 2006
Q: How do you read the happenings on the August 17? A: As we all know, in spite of bomb attacks in Colombo over 5000 people joined our rally.

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'ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS WILL LEAD TO RETALIATION'

2007-05-15T17:00:00.000+05:30

THE MORNING LEADER Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Q: THE Foundation for Co-Existence is having a mass rally and takinh to the streets. What is your objective and can it be achieved given the recent events?A: Actually the rallies are organized by the National Anti-War Front in which our foundation is also a member.

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WAR AND PEACE IN SRI LANKA: SUICIDE TERRORISM

2007-05-15T16:59:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY LANKADEEPA Sunday, July 23, 2006
Recently, a suicide bomber killed General Parami Kulatunge and a few months ago, a suicide bomber almost killed the Commander of the Armed Forces, General Sarath Fonseka.

To read the complete article please click on the title.

WHO WANTS WAR IN SRI LANKA?

2007-05-15T16:58:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY LANKADEEPA Sunday, July 16, 2006
Today we will look at the Merchants of Death. These are companies and individuals who profit from war.

To read the complete article click on the article.

WAR AND PEACE IN SRI LANKA

2007-05-15T16:57:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY LANKADEEPA Sunday, July 09, 2006
Obviously we seem to be living with rumours. Rumour mongering seems to be a national pastime. To read the complete article please click on the title.

THIS IS A HOSTILE INTERVIEW - KUMAR RUPESINGHE

2007-05-15T16:38:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, July 02, 2006
Q: The background to this interview is that you came into the controversial limelight. The debate you had with Wimal Weerawansa and that sort of thing.......

Answer: And before that Susantha Gunathilleke....

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EVERYONE KNOWS THE LTTE’S CHARACTER – KUMAR RUPESINGHE

2007-05-15T16:37:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, June 19, 2006
Q: You announced last week that the LTTE will declare war on June 17. The prediction has been pretty accurate. How did you know?

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FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR WAR OR PEACE IN SRI LANKA

2007-05-15T16:30:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, April 30, 2006
The Sri Lankan context It is in the above context that we have to examine whether the deadly conflict in Sri Lanka will continue till the year 2010.

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LTTE DECISION TO RETURN MUSLIM LANDS - A "LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT"

2007-05-15T16:29:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Q: Can you describe the role of your NGO?

A: Foundation for Co-existence basically focuses on ensuring the security of people, exploring ways of securing human rights protection and assuring freedom from fear for all the communities, in the country. To read the complete article please click on the title.

AN INQUIRY INTO THE PHOBIA AGAINST NGOS:- NGO BASHING

2007-05-15T16:28:00.000+05:30

THE ISLAND Friday, March 24, 2006
The feelings are expressed in unkindly language; half truths and vituperation. The gist of their arguments about NGOs is the following. To read the complete article please click on the title.

REPLY TO SUSANTHA GOONATHILAKE

2007-05-15T16:27:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Patriotism, the last refuge of a pseudo patriot by Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe I was surprised to read in Daily News, dated January 9th an article on NGO, INGO moles, by Dr. Susantha Goonatilake.To read the complete article please click on the title.

GENEVA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: PRESIDENT CALLS THE SHOTS

2007-05-15T16:25:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, March 05, 2006
I do not intend to summarize the achievements made in Geneva. It would seem that the commitment by the LTTE to refrain from violence was welcomed by all parties.

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RESPONSE TO OUTRAGEOUS ALLEGATION

2007-05-15T16:24:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Saturday, January 28, 2006
I now find that Susantha Goonatilake has been given an opportunity in the Daily News, Friday, 27, with another article called, Janavegaya, International Alert and the Coup in Sierra Leone. To read the complete article please click on the title.

POSSIBLE WAYS OF PREVENTING A WAR

2007-05-15T16:23:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Friday, January 20, 2006
The SIPRI Year book defines war as a battle with over 1000 casualties annually.

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REPLY TO DR. SUSANTHA GOONATILAKE: PATRIOTISM, THE LAST REFUGE OF A PSEUDO PATRIOT

2007-05-15T16:21:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Patriotism, is the last refuge of scoundrels and this truism is very apt in observing the antics of Goonatilake who has posed as a pseudo patriot for the last twenty five years.

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THE TSUNAMI: A LOST OPPORTUNITY

2007-05-15T16:20:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Friday, December 30, 2005
Here was an opportunity for all the peoples of the country to respond to the common tragedy. To read the complete article please click on the title.

ARE WE READY FOR THE NEXT ROUND ?

2007-05-15T16:19:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Tuesday, December 06, 2005
The next round of negotiations by the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE is bound to resume soon. To read the complete article please click on the title.

WAR OR PEACE IN SRI LANKA?

2007-05-15T16:18:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, November 28, 2005
He has however added that maximum devolution of power will be provided within the unitary state. To read the complete article please click on the title.

THE RAJAPAKSE PRESIDENCY CONSEQUENCES FOR PEACE PROCESS

2007-05-15T16:16:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, November 21, 2005
Mahinda Rajapakse is the fifth President of Sri Lanka. Those of us who have followed his career for the last 35 years would be happy for him...

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MOU BETWEEN CANDIDATES: A MUST FOR PRESIDENTIAL POLL

2007-05-15T16:15:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Saturday, September 03, 2005
This document was presented to the President and the Prime Minister.

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TIME TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE

2007-05-15T16:13:00.000+05:30

DAILY MIRROR Monday, February 28, 2005
With experience on the man-made disaster field by spending most of his youth in organizations like International Peace Research Institution and International Alert Dr. Rupesinghe's primary study was early warning systems.

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HIGH TABLES AND SMALL TABLES

2007-05-15T16:12:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY ISLAND Sunday, November 21, 2004
The treatment of protracted internal conflicts are different to inter state conflicts and requires systematic peace building efforts from below to compliment the work of the high table.

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SINHALA LEADERS DIDN'T UNDERSTAND POWER SHARING -RUPESINGHE

2007-05-15T13:34:00.000+05:30

TAMIL NET Sunday, November 14, 2004
"Sinhala leaders have no understanding of the Tamil question. They did not understand how to share power since 1948 (when the island was granted independence by the British).
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THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL AS A MECHANISM FOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

2007-05-15T13:33:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY ISLAND Sunday, October 31, 2004
Monday October 4th was the inaugural meeting of the National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconstruction (NAPCR), a much heralded, much awaited consultative process.

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EARLY RESUMPTION OF PEACE TALKS - THE PEOPLE'S WISH

2007-05-15T13:32:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Friday, October 22, 2004
Kumar Rupesinghe is the Chairman of the Foundation for Co-existence (FCE), an organisation aiming to consolidate the peace process and enhance the capacity of civil society organisations in promoting peace.

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CAUSES OF CONFLICTS IN SOUTH ASIA DISCUSSED

2007-05-15T13:30:00.000+05:30

DAWN METROPOLITAN Sunday, October 10, 2004
KARACHI, Oct 9: After the US-led war on Iraq and Afghanistan for the control of oil and other resources, the world may witness riparian war and conflicts over air space.

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REMEMBERING BLACK JULY 1983

2007-05-15T13:28:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY ISLAND Sunday, July 25, 2004
For many Sri Lankans, July 23rd was the day when our world went spinning from god’s hand; either in its preordained act or completely out of control.

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GETTING THE PEACE PROCESS BACK ON TRACK: WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

2007-05-15T13:27:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY ISLAND Sunday, July 11, 2004
The suicide attack in Colombo, the spate of killings in the Batticaloa district, and the spiralling deadly conflict between the LTTE and the Karuna faction is a cause of serious concern.

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RESTORING THE PEACE PROCESS

2007-05-15T13:24:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY ISLAND Sunday, May 09, 2004
Positions and interests of the partiesIn analyzing the future of the peace process it is important that we not only look at the positions that parties take but also the interests that parties have.

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HOW TO STAY ON COURSE TO PEACE

2007-05-15T13:21:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Saturday, March 27, 2004
Dr. Kumar Rupasinghe, Chairman of 'Foundation for Co-Existence' said what every citizen of Sri Lanka yearned for was a peace process which could be implemented and what was discussed during these public gatherings should not be confined to workshop-seminars.

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MULTIPLE CRISES IN SRI LANKA

2007-05-15T13:19:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY ISLAND Sunday, March 21, 2004
Sri Lanka today is facing what could be termed multiple crises. With the country’s attention devoted to campaigning and elections, the current political crisis in the Eastern region brings a new dimension to an already fragile peace process.

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THE SECOND PHASE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS PROCESS

2007-05-15T13:17:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, August 24, 2003
Review of Phase 1The first phase of negotiations was characterised by the foundation laid by the ceasefire agreement, which was signed on February 22nd 2002. The ceasefire agreement provided the basis for a cessation of hostilities.

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FACING THE TRUTH OF JULY 1983

2007-05-15T13:00:00.000+05:30

Sunday OBSEVER Sunday, July 27, 2003
Before I begin an assessment of the final report of the Presidential Truth Commission on Ethnic Violence from 1981-1984, I would like to recollect some encounters I had with former President J. R. Jayewardene.

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THE N-E INTERIM REGIME

2007-05-15T12:58:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, July 20, 2003
It is my view that the parties to the conflict and all stakeholders need to learn lessons so as to deepen and broad base the negotiations process, which can eventually result in a final settlement.

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LTTE DECISION TO RETURN MUSLIM LANDS

2007-05-15T12:56:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Saturday, April 12, 2003
Entrance to the Eastern town of BatticaloaA campaigner for peace and conflict resolution Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe heads the 'Foundation for Co-existence', a Non governmental Organisation dedicated to promoting peaceful co-existence among communities in Sri Lanka.

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THE STAKEHOLDER FACTOR IN THE PEACE PROCESS

2007-05-15T12:54:00.000+05:30

DAILY NEWS Friday, March 28, 2003
Stakeholders are those who have an interest in the outcome of a particular process. They are those affected by the problem and affected by the solution.

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REDESIGNING THE PEACE PROCESS

2007-05-15T12:52:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, February 23, 2003
Architecture and designThe challenge facing the country is how to redesign a process, which can prevent a recur¬rence of war.

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TOWARD A FEDERAL SOLUTION : CO-OPERATION OF OPPOSITION ESSENTIAL

2007-05-15T12:19:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, December 08, 2002
No doubt there will be many discussions on the Federal model to be adopted, whether it should be the Canadian, the German 1, or the Swiss Model or even the Indian model or a combination of some elements to adapt to the unique situation in Sri Lanka.

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PEACE PROCESS AFTER THAILAND: TOWARDS A NEW STATE

2007-05-15T12:17:00.000+05:30

SUNDAY OBSERVER Sunday, November 10, 2002
However, at the same time we must also look at the issues that are likely to come up in the future.

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