Serious allegations are leveled against the Oxford Union following their own twisted cover up following the hurried flight of President Mahinda Rajapakse and his entourage as court proceedings of most serious nature were underway in London. As WikiLeak staff [2] organise US diplomatic cables International Bar Association has raised the issue to one of Crime Against Humanity.
Lame excuses and explanations by the Oxford Union is to be questioned. Further possible protest action is planned with an aim of exposing the involvement of the defence secretary's action 'in a private capacity' and that of Bell Pottinger.
Lame excuses and explanations by the Oxford Union is to be questioned. Further possible protest action is planned with an aim of exposing the involvement of the defence secretary's action 'in a private capacity' and that of Bell Pottinger.
Oxford Union Watch, is formed with a probing mail to the Oxford Union president James Kingston, questioning his alleged statement that the cancellation was due to their own decision citing police concern for the safety of the students and the town [3]
The 'disruptions' due to Nick Griffin and David Irving during a not so cold November 2007 [1] is not comparable by any means here. It is widely reported that the president of Sri Lanka fled the scene of mass protests that got so close as 'brickbats and snowballs' on the high security motorcade in London. It was the British Tamil students who had led this humiliation of a modern day tyrant.
Addressing Mahinda Rajapakse as 'his excellency', James Kingston, president of the Oxford Union clearly seems entrapped by the workings of British and Indian intelligence agencies. Blissfully unaware of how close the shameful meddling in international geopolitics is catching up on this digital age on archaic and outdated institutions, citing the Thames Valley Police's advice is a lame excuse.
The Oxford Union was clearly used in an twisted operation of some sort that had started with inviting Mahinda Rajapakse as guest of honour to conclude the recent commonwealth games in New Delhi.
Questions that should be asked are
Do we really need such an independent body playing such dangerous games with innocent people's lives thousands of miles away? (one explanation for Britain not arresting Mahinda Rajapakse at this instance is due to the threat of the Sri Lankan army running riot in Tamil areas)
What would have happened if the weather was more severe and the Tamil protesters could not exert the pressure they seem to have narrowly managed to come up with in London?
Channel 4 releasing an extended video and submitting it to the special UN panel already investigating earlier submissions from the shorter version is clearly a well timed action to infuriate the Tamil protesters. [see Channel 4 website featured articles of last four days].
Mahinda Rajapakse and clan maintain that 'not one civilian was killed' by their forces in recent massacres and go on to use the phrases like 'the humanitarian war' and 'the world's biggest rescue operation' to describe despicable actions that include targeted bombing of hospitals, schools and eventually two declared 'safe zones' full of civilians almost in to oblivion.
His latest pronouncement in London was that many of his officers are 'Sandhurst trained'
so they could not have committed such atrocities. He failed to mention the gift from Tony Blair few years back when one of his sons was placed in to the Brittania Royal Naval Academy in Dartmouth.
It is an insult to humanity that the like of the Oxford Union, Liam Fox and Lord Bell exist in this modern day and age.
In the case of the Oxford Union, apart from the threat of ruining the aspirations and careers of James Kingston as levelled by Asian Tribune we can sense crocodile tears for the safety of students and the town of Oxford.
Oxford Union Watch urges wider participation in uncovering the truths tp prevent any further insults to humanity.
[1]
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/education/article2951490.ece
[2] http://213.251.145.96/articles/2010/Sri-Lankan-President-s-alleged-war.html
Due to the onslaught on the freedom of WikiLeak.org domain and ongoing electronic assaults the WikiLeak staff's statement is reproduced below
............................................................................................................
Sri Lanka - Ambassador reports Sri Lankan President responsible for "alleged war crimes"
WikiLeaks Staff, 1 December 2010, 19.00 GMT
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family are responsible for alleged war crimes against the Tamil, according to a cable sent by US ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis.
Butenis said complicity in alleged war crimes by the president and leader of the opposition was stalling progress in launching investigations into the country’s civil war.
The long running conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, also known as the Tamil Tigers, was ended in May 2009 after the Sri Lankan army defeated LTTE leaders in an area known as the “no fire zone”.
The cable, dated 15 January 2010, updated the Secretary of State on war crimes accountability following the end of the country’s long and bloody conflict.
Ambassador Butenis noted there had been some limited progress in investigating potential war crimes, but noted:
“There are no examples we know of a regime undertaking wholesale investigations of its own troops or senior officials for war crimes while that regime or government remained in power.
“In Sri Lanka this is further complicated by the fact that responsibility for many of the alleged crimes rests with the country’s senior civilian and military leadership, including President Rajapaksa and his brothers and opposition candidate General Fonseka.”
With regard to alleged LTTE war crimes, Butenis noted:
“Most of the LTTE leadership was killed at the end of the war, leaving few to be held responsible for those crimes. The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) is holding thousands of mid- and lower-level ex-LTTE combatants for future rehabilitation and/or criminal prosecution. It is unclear whether any such prosecutions will meet international standards.”
The revelations coincide with a visit by President Rajapaksa to the United Kingdom. Rajapaksa, who has been in the UK since Monday, is due to meet with UK Defence Secretary Liam Fox.
Rajapaksa was also scheduled to speak at the Oxford Union on Thursday until the university issued a statement cancelling the event on Wednesday afternoon. The statement cited “security concerns” due to the large number of protestors expected to picket the event.
............................................................................................................
[3] http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/12/02/asian-tribune-questions-president-oxford-union-about-lamentable-u-turn
Due to the evident deceptive nature of the source the published mail communication is reproduced below (the insertion of 'Asian Tribune' within James Kingston mail is verbatim)
............................................................................................................
Afterwards, the editor of the Asian Tribune sent the following email to Mr Kingston, especially seeking clarification with regard to the bribery claims:
Dear Mr. James Kingston,
Thank you very much for the telephone conversation I had with you this afternoon.
You confirmed to me that you have cancelled the Oxford Union lecture to be delivered by the Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa tomorrow in the afternoon.
You said that you have decided suddenly to cancel the lecture on the advice of the Oxford Police.
I asked you whether you cancelled it on the instigation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a rump terrorist organisation.
You said that you have taken an abrupt and sudden decision in the light of an anticipated massive protest by the Tamil Tigers?
But you have not told me that whether you have sought the assistance of the Police in Oxford to continue with your lecture program in the light of such that?
Have you made a written request to the police for security arrangements and if so kindly forward us a copy of that request.
Were you all advised by the Oxford Police not to hold such lecture tomorrow? If so please forward us their written advice?
In case you have decided on your own, please tell us the compelling reasons for you to undertake such frivolous and irresponsible decision?
I have already told you in my telephone conversation and other office – bearers of the Oxford Union has been heavily bribed by rump LTTE to cancel this Oxford Union lecture. Your comment please
Waiting to have your response early before we go to post your telephone conversation with me and trust that my request is in order.
Thanks and regards.
K.T.Rajasingham
www.asiantribune.com
Mr James Kingston replied back to the editor by email. It is as follows:
Dear Sir,
The decision to cancel the visit of His Excellency was one not taken easily or lightly.
However, in light of new information surrounding the planned protest to be staged by the Tamil Diaspora living in the UK. The planned protest would have been the largest ever faced by Oxford; and we were advised by the police that this would place the community as a whole Asian Tribune serious risk of disruption. We have a responsibility to the safety of our students and the town as a whole; our decision was made in light of our concern for these responsibilities.
The decision to cancel this was made entirely by the Oxford Union. No other groups had any input whatsoever into this decision. We have accepted no bribes by any groups, nor indeed have any other political organizations had any influence on our decision.
Many thanks,
James Kingston,
President.
The 'disruptions' due to Nick Griffin and David Irving during a not so cold November 2007 [1] is not comparable by any means here. It is widely reported that the president of Sri Lanka fled the scene of mass protests that got so close as 'brickbats and snowballs' on the high security motorcade in London. It was the British Tamil students who had led this humiliation of a modern day tyrant.
Addressing Mahinda Rajapakse as 'his excellency', James Kingston, president of the Oxford Union clearly seems entrapped by the workings of British and Indian intelligence agencies. Blissfully unaware of how close the shameful meddling in international geopolitics is catching up on this digital age on archaic and outdated institutions, citing the Thames Valley Police's advice is a lame excuse.
The Oxford Union was clearly used in an twisted operation of some sort that had started with inviting Mahinda Rajapakse as guest of honour to conclude the recent commonwealth games in New Delhi.
Questions that should be asked are
Do we really need such an independent body playing such dangerous games with innocent people's lives thousands of miles away? (one explanation for Britain not arresting Mahinda Rajapakse at this instance is due to the threat of the Sri Lankan army running riot in Tamil areas)
What would have happened if the weather was more severe and the Tamil protesters could not exert the pressure they seem to have narrowly managed to come up with in London?
Channel 4 releasing an extended video and submitting it to the special UN panel already investigating earlier submissions from the shorter version is clearly a well timed action to infuriate the Tamil protesters. [see Channel 4 website featured articles of last four days].
Mahinda Rajapakse and clan maintain that 'not one civilian was killed' by their forces in recent massacres and go on to use the phrases like 'the humanitarian war' and 'the world's biggest rescue operation' to describe despicable actions that include targeted bombing of hospitals, schools and eventually two declared 'safe zones' full of civilians almost in to oblivion.
His latest pronouncement in London was that many of his officers are 'Sandhurst trained'
so they could not have committed such atrocities. He failed to mention the gift from Tony Blair few years back when one of his sons was placed in to the Brittania Royal Naval Academy in Dartmouth.
It is an insult to humanity that the like of the Oxford Union, Liam Fox and Lord Bell exist in this modern day and age.
In the case of the Oxford Union, apart from the threat of ruining the aspirations and careers of James Kingston as levelled by Asian Tribune we can sense crocodile tears for the safety of students and the town of Oxford.
Oxford Union Watch urges wider participation in uncovering the truths tp prevent any further insults to humanity.
[1]
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/education/article2951490.ece [2]
http://213.251.145.96/articles/2010/Sri-Lankan-President-s-alleged-war.html Due to the onslaught on the freedom of WikiLeak.org domain and ongoing electronic assaults the WikiLeak staff's statement is reproduced below
............................................................................................................
Sri Lanka - Ambassador reports Sri Lankan President responsible for "alleged war crimes"
WikiLeaks Staff, 1 December 2010, 19.00 GMT
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family are responsible for alleged war crimes against the Tamil, according to a cable sent by US ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis.
Butenis said complicity in alleged war crimes by the president and leader of the opposition was stalling progress in launching investigations into the country’s civil war.
The long running conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, also known as the Tamil Tigers, was ended in May 2009 after the Sri Lankan army defeated LTTE leaders in an area known as the “no fire zone”.
The cable, dated 15 January 2010, updated the Secretary of State on war crimes accountability following the end of the country’s long and bloody conflict.
Ambassador Butenis noted there had been some limited progress in investigating potential war crimes, but noted:
“There are no examples we know of a regime undertaking wholesale investigations of its own troops or senior officials for war crimes while that regime or government remained in power.
“In Sri Lanka this is further complicated by the fact that responsibility for many of the alleged crimes rests with the country’s senior civilian and military leadership, including President Rajapaksa and his brothers and opposition candidate General Fonseka.”
With regard to alleged LTTE war crimes, Butenis noted:
“Most of the LTTE leadership was killed at the end of the war, leaving few to be held responsible for those crimes. The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) is holding thousands of mid- and lower-level ex-LTTE combatants for future rehabilitation and/or criminal prosecution. It is unclear whether any such prosecutions will meet international standards.”
The revelations coincide with a visit by President Rajapaksa to the United Kingdom. Rajapaksa, who has been in the UK since Monday, is due to meet with UK Defence Secretary Liam Fox.
Rajapaksa was also scheduled to speak at the Oxford Union on Thursday until the university issued a statement cancelling the event on Wednesday afternoon. The statement cited “security concerns” due to the large number of protestors expected to picket the event.
............................................................................................................
[3]
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/12/02/asian-tribune-questions-president-oxford-union-about-lamentable-u-turn Due to the evident deceptive nature of the source the published mail communication is reproduced below (the insertion of 'Asian Tribune' within James Kingston mail is verbatim)
............................................................................................................
Afterwards, the editor of the Asian Tribune sent the following email to Mr Kingston, especially seeking clarification with regard to the bribery claims:
Dear Mr. James Kingston,
Thank you very much for the telephone conversation I had with you this afternoon.
You confirmed to me that you have cancelled the Oxford Union lecture to be delivered by the Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa tomorrow in the afternoon.
You said that you have decided suddenly to cancel the lecture on the advice of the Oxford Police.
I asked you whether you cancelled it on the instigation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a rump terrorist organisation.
You said that you have taken an abrupt and sudden decision in the light of an anticipated massive protest by the Tamil Tigers?
But you have not told me that whether you have sought the assistance of the Police in Oxford to continue with your lecture program in the light of such that?
Have you made a written request to the police for security arrangements and if so kindly forward us a copy of that request.
Were you all advised by the Oxford Police not to hold such lecture tomorrow? If so please forward us their written advice?
In case you have decided on your own, please tell us the compelling reasons for you to undertake such frivolous and irresponsible decision?
I have already told you in my telephone conversation and other office – bearers of the Oxford Union has been heavily bribed by rump LTTE to cancel this Oxford Union lecture. Your comment please
Waiting to have your response early before we go to post your telephone conversation with me and trust that my request is in order.
Thanks and regards.
K.T.Rajasingham
www.asiantribune.com
Mr James Kingston replied back to the editor by email. It is as follows:
Dear Sir,
The decision to cancel the visit of His Excellency was one not taken easily or lightly.
However, in light of new information surrounding the planned protest to be staged by the Tamil Diaspora living in the UK. The planned protest would have been the largest ever faced by Oxford; and we were advised by the police that this would place the community as a whole Asian Tribune serious risk of disruption. We have a responsibility to the safety of our students and the town as a whole; our decision was made in light of our concern for these responsibilities.
The decision to cancel this was made entirely by the Oxford Union. No other groups had any input whatsoever into this decision. We have accepted no bribes by any groups, nor indeed have any other political organizations had any influence on our decision.
Many thanks,
James Kingston,
President.
Comments
Hide the following 12 comments
Facts of the cancelled event
06.12.2010 03:24
I was contacted by the high commission and asked to contact David Hill of Bell Pottinger. We worked together to organise his excellency Mahinda Rajapakse's first address to to Oxford Union in May 2008. You can see photos by clicking on link below
It is also wrongly reported that His Excellency want to investigate me. This was started by Lanka Journal.
The picture was taken at Dorchester Hotel when I went there with Oxford Union president elect Mr.James Langman when we presented a special award to His Excellency for his unwavering service for the good of Sri Lanka as Mr. James Kingston was unwilling to travel to London with us after unilaterally cancelling the scheduled speech on Development and New Directions for Sri Lanka.
Yours sincerely,
Dilan Fernando
President
Oxford University Sri Lanka Society
Dilan Fernando
e-mail:
dilan.fernando@bioch.ox.ac.uk
Facts of the cancelled event
06.12.2010 03:24
I was contacted by the high commission and asked to contact David Hill of Bell Pottinger. We worked together to organise his excellency Mahinda Rajapakse's first address to to Oxford Union in May 2008. You can see photos by clicking on link below
It is also wrongly reported that His Excellency want to investigate me. This was started by Lanka Journal.
The picture was taken at Dorchester Hotel when I went there with Oxford Union president elect Mr.James Langman when we presented a special award to His Excellency for his unwavering service for the good of Sri Lanka as Mr. James Kingston was unwilling to travel to London with us after unilaterally cancelling the scheduled speech on Development and New Directions for Sri Lanka.
Yours sincerely,
Dilan Fernando
President
Oxford University Sri Lanka Society
Dilan Fernando
e-mail:
dilan.fernando@bioch.ox.ac.uk
Advice to the oxford union
06.12.2010 04:39
Thrishantha Nanayakkara
Assaulted in parliament due to oxford speech cancellation
06.12.2010 05:06
The former was assaulted in Sri Lanka parliament by ruling party MPs and the latter still hiding away in UK.
They are wrongly accused of organising the protests in Heathrow, Oxford and London recently.
They participated in UK parliament meeting few days prior to president of Sri Lanka arriving in UK secretly.
Current situation is there is a parliamentary investigation started.
See
Nissankamallan
Two aspiring alpha males
06.12.2010 06:37
Ambitious-at-what-cost
Scary-mass-child-killer
As hilarious as it is the ambitions of James Langman is scary indeed.
James of Dailymail infame very recently
is pictured in the middle in the photo.
Looks like James travelled through the crowds crying Genocide! and War Criminal! to get in to Dorchester with the Dilan.
Will Chamberlin
Burt postpones - Fox to visit
09.12.2010 22:24
Peris met Burt in London Oct 2010
Peris met Hague in London Oct 2010
Peris met another nutter in London Oct 2010
Fox met president as the Oxford Union debate was being cancelled, in Dorchester
See Prof. G.L. Peiris on todays Daily News, the most pro government of the local media that is wholly government controlled.
Last week British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (read: Foreign and Commonwealth Office as recently featured in the WikiLeak on Milliband and Tom Waite) postponed scheduled three day break in the Sun visit to Sri Lanka.
He had earlier announced in the parliamentary debate of Tuesday 14 September 2010 that [in Sri Lanka] “There is no doubt that conditions have changed in Sri Lanka and have improved to a degree after the conflict, but the issue is how far that goes,”.
This was followed by a visit from Prof G.L. Peiris [see attahced picture] on 19 October 2010. It is now claimed that this visit was to make arrangements for the 'private' visit of Mahinda Rajapakse to the Oxford Union. Prof G.L. Peiris also met Foreign Secretary William Hague and Lord Howell [see pictures] on same visit.
The British High Commission in Colombo, which bore the brunt of the anti-british protests last week announced the reason of the 'postponement' to parliamentary pressures of Alaistair Burt.
The Sunday Leader in Sri Lanka, the first to break the news of the 'secret' announcement! of Mahinda Rajapakse's visit to London broke the news that UK Defence Secretary Dr. Liam Fox will visit Sri Lanka on the 18th of December.
Dr. Liam Fox was the only minister to have greeted Mahinda Rajapakse in London as the Tamils laid a mini siege on the Dorchester hotel. Defence ministry had announced that it was a 'private' matter.
The excuse for Dr. Liam Fox's visit is to deliver a lecture on the death anniversary of Lakshman Kadirgamar, another the Oxford Union by product, who went on to ruin the island and peace.
Lakshman Kadirgarmar, a Tamil, was to become a decisive foreign minister who helped Sri Lanka get on the bandwagon of 'fight against terror' as Bush and Blair were desperately seeking global partners. It was reported soon after Kadirgamar's assasination that a 'western intelligence agency had warned him' of his impending fate.
One wonders what Dr. Liam Fox knows who shot Kadirgamar?
OxfordWatch
Those were the days
09.12.2010 22:53
Blair broke off mediterranean holiday to greet Mahinda Rajapakse
President Mahinda Rajapaksa meets with British Prime Minister Tony Blair
President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair at his country residence, Chequers, today. Prime Minister Blair took time off his vacation to meet President Rajapaksa who was on a private visit to London.
The two leaders used the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to the Peace Process in Sri Lanka, further strengthening bilateral relations, including advancing economic ties and international issues. The two sides acknowledged that the meeting was productive and agreed to take necessary follow up action.
Associated with President Rajapaksa at the meeting were Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to H.E the President, Dr Palitha Kohona, Secretary General of SCOPP, Kshenuka Seneviratne, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Gamini Senerath, Additional Secretary to H.E. the President and Mr. Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, Coordinating Secretary to H.E. the President.
Sajin Waas G
Homepage:
http://www.mihinlanka.com/
Many [Sri Lankan] army officers trained at Sandhurst
10.12.2010 11:47
comments on the article probably behind the Paywall of the The Times.
Rajapaksa tells James Harding and Ben Macintyre of The Times
“Most of the civilians were killed by the LTTE. The terrorists used them as human shields. They killed the people trying to cross over to the government-controlled areas.”
Government troops, he insisted, killed only terrorists. “Sri Lanka never killed any civilians as such. Our instructions were, ‘You must not touch any civilians. This is a humanitarian operation’.” He would concede only that “one or two civilians might have got caught in the crossfire. We will look into this too.”Then, as if offering the clinching argument, he added: “Many of our army officers trained at Sandhurst. That is why they will never kill a civilian.”
The editor of The Times and Ben Macintyre report that as they were leaving they were summoned back to be told that the president of Oxford Unioin, presumably James Kingston has been threatened. Elsewhere it is was reported that the news of the 'speech' cancellation was broken while Dr. Liam Fox was visiting H.E. President Mahinda Rajapakse.
Was the UK defence secretary present when Sandhurst was mentioned?
UKTimes Paywall
Meticulous planing since 12th October 2010
10.12.2010 13:31
James Langman (President-Hilary Term, Oxford Union), Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe
Then the society which was reportedly ordered to be investigated by the crestfallen and angry Mahinda Rajapakse somehow twists the facts about free speech and calls upon James Kingston to resign.
The plot of James Langman, president elect, who it seems cannot wait to be in charge is not hidden either.
Langman had apparently re-invited the president on the 5th December!
Following is the full text of the official press release.
(appeared on the 8th December at
Press Statement: Oxford University Sri Lanka Society
RE: The cancellation of the Second Address of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka at the Oxford Union
The Oxford University Sri Lanka Society is shocked and outraged at the eleventh hour cancellation of the Second Address of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka at the Oxford Union by its President James Kingston. We consider it a slur not only on Sri Lanka but also on the long cherished ideals of freedom of speech and liberty in the United Kingdom. It is reprehensible and utterly irresponsible that this was done only after President Rajapaksa had arrived in the United Kingdom and forever will be a black day in the annals of the Oxford Union.
The invitation by the Oxford Union
H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa was invited by James Kingston, Michaelmas Term President of the Oxford Union to address its members for a second time by a letter dated 8th September 2010 (attachment 2). This was in conjunction with the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society as joint organizers. As is evident, the Oxford Union was very enthusiastic to host President Rajapaksa. James Kingston states in his invitation that “your extraordinary leadership has seen the momentous achievement of a final and total victory against the forces for so long threatening the peace and stability of your people. Your successful conclusion of this 30 year military conflict ranks as one of the most significant acts seen by the world in recent years.” Further, it was planned to present an award to President Rajapaksa to mark the very special occasion of being the only Head of State to have addressed the Oxford Union twice.
Role of the Oxford Union and the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society
The OU Sri Lanka Society was joint organizer of the event. Our role included the organization of the Sri Lankan side of the event. This included inviting distinguished guests including diplomats, inviting other Sri Lankan guests and organizing peripheral events in Oxford (including the Felicitation Ceremony).
The Oxford Union was primary host and had sole authority over the cocktail reception, address of President Rajapaksa and the subsequent dinner.
Elaborate arrangements by the OU Sri Lanka Society
Elaborate arrangements were made by the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society to felicitate HE the President in a grand and dignified manner. Among those who had confirmed their participation included:
12 Ambassadors/High Commissioners (India, Pakistan, Argentina, Algeria, Belize, Mongolia, Barbados, Indonesia, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Papua New Guinea & Sierra Leone)
Hon. John Boyce, Cabinet Minister of Barbados
5 Diplomatic Representatives (China, Poland, Philippines, South Africa, Bhutan)
His Worship John Goddard, the Lord Mayor of Oxford
Mr. John Harwood, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire (representative of HM the Queen)
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Prof. Andrew Hamilton was to receive President Rajapaksa before his address at the Oxford Union. Further, a Felicitation ceremony was organized by the Society where the Sri Lankan community in the UK.
Involvement of the SL High Commission in the UK
All aspects of the Second Address of H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the related events were minutely discussed and agreed upon during several meetings between James Kingston, representatives of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK and representatives of the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society.
A delegation of the Sri Lanka High Commission led by Mr. P.M. Amza (Deputy High Commissioner) visited Oxford on 12th October 2010 and had detailed discussions with James Kingston and representatives of the OU Sri Lanka Society at the Oxford Union.
This was followed with the arrival of the Presidential Advance Team on 22nd October 2010 and once again, all arrangements were minutely examined. Thus, all arrangements at our end were finalized around 5 weeks before HE the President arrived in the UK.
Examination of the critical issues
All issues related to the visit were minutely discussed with the relevant authorities including the SL High Commission. Protests were anticipated, remedial action planned and strategies implemented.
Routine meetings were also held between James Kingston and representatives of the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society. At no time, during any of these numerous meetings, did James Kingston ever raise the possibility of a cancellation. On the contrary, he was always very enthusiastic about the event. Further, the OU Sri Lanka Society has organized events with 5 previous Presidents of the Oxford Union and had an extremely good working relationship with the Union. As this type of eleventh hour cancellation has never happened in the annals of the 187-year history of the Oxford Union and its officers act with great integrity, it was never deemed even a remote possibility.
Campaign of intimidation
It is now apparent that heavy pressure was brought to bear on James Kingston after it became known that the H.E. the President was invited again. A relentless e-mail campaign was unleashed whereby Kingston’s details were posted on websites and interested parties were asked to vent their anger by writing to him. It must be said, however, that this happened even during the First Address of H.E. the President and was therefore, expected.
The arrival of the President and the sudden turn of events
H.E. the President accepted this invitation and arrived in the United Kingdom on the 29th of November 2010 (Monday). Signs of trouble first appeared on the afternoon of the 30th of November 2010, when the OU Sri Lanka Society contacted by an alarmed James Kingston. Representatives of the OU Sri Lanka Society immediately contacted officials of the Sri Lanka High Commission and senior figures in the Presidential delegation. An urgent meeting was hastily arranged in Oxford with members of the OU Sri Lanka Society, the Sri Lanka High Commission, the Oxford Union, the Thames Valley Police and the University Marshalls attending. At this meeting, Supt. Amanda Pearson (Oxford Commander) clearly and unambiguously stated several times that the Thames Valley Police had developed a comprehensive policing operation in advance of the President’s visit and were fully prepared and very confident of handling the situation. Despite these assurances by the Police, James Kingston, very surprisingly decided to cancel the event, underlining the tremendous pressure brought to bear. It must be emphasised that the President of the Oxford Union does have the power to cancel an event on his own.
Founding principles of the Oxford Union imperiled
The cancellation leaves an indelible stain on an institution that British Premier Harold Macmillan once described as the “the last bastion of free speech in the Western world.” On its website, it is stated that “the Oxford Union believes first and foremost in freedom of speech: nothing more, nothing less.” It now seems that the very foundations of the Oxford Union have been imperiled by unseen forces by exerting pressure on its President. By this action, HE President Rajapaksa’s right to be heard has been denied.
President’s message of reconciliation silenced
It was known that H.E. President Rajapaksa would use this address to call for reconciliation of Sri Lankans in all parts of the world and invite all Sri Lankans in the UK to join in the new task of nation building. The address was aimed to heal old wounds and look to the future as a nation where all communities could live together in peace and amity. It is indeed very unfortunate that this crucial message has been silenced. It is further regrettable that members of the Oxford Union were denied the opportunity to interact with HE President Rajapaksa as in 2008
Contradictory statements by the Oxford Union and Police
The public statement issued by the Oxford Union citing security fears is belied by a statement issued by the Thames Valley Police stating that it did not advice the Union to cancel the event and it was completely the decision of the Union (attachment 3). In fact, Oxford Commander Supt. Amanda Pearson had stated several times that measures had been put into place and the Police were very confident bout handling the situation, despite some expected disruptions. Thus, one can infer that there was an unseen force behind the cancellation
Cancellation was a unilateral decision
It is fair to say that the cancellation was not a collective decision by the Oxford Union but rather, one of its President. The decision has caused ripples within the organisation.
Although a joint organizer, the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society was completely helpless in this matter as the right of cancellation lay only with the President of the Oxford Union. Our strong objections were simply not considered.
Oxford Union issues apology and invites President Rajapaksa again
It is highly commendable that James Langman (President-Hilary Term of the Oxford Union) visited President Rajapaksa on the 2nd of December and offered his sincere apologies to President Rajapaksa. Representatives of the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society were also present. A very cordial discussion followed with the President. He talked about President’s address in 2008 being one of the highlights of the Term and how Oxford Union members were eagerly waiting to hear him again. James Langman invited the President to address the Oxford Union on 5th December 2010. HE the President Rajapaksa politely turned it down citing commitments back home. The President then hosted the delegation to lunch.
The Oxford University Sri Lanka Society then presented a Special Award to President Rajapaksa for Extraordinary Service to Sri Lanka.
[Photo at the top should be here]
James Langman (President-Hilary Term, Oxford Union) and OU Sri Lanka Society representatives meet HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 2nd December 2010. The OU Sri Lanka Society makes a special presentation to HE the President. From left to right: Dilan Fernando (President – Oxford University Sri Lanka Society), James Langman (President – Hilary Term, Oxford Union), HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe (Secretary – Oxford University Sri Lanka Society). Pic by Sudath Silva
Exploitation of the situation by interested parties
Various rumours have been rapidly spread regarding the cancellation. Various groups with vested interests have given differing interpretations. It must be emphasized that all Sri Lankans must stand together as one at times like these. Petty moves such as these only serve to strengthen the hands of those unseen forces behind the cancellation and damage Sri Lanka’s prospects of reconciliation and moving forward.
The position of the Oxford University Sri Lanka Society
The Oxford University Sri Lanka Society (as joint-organisers) condemns the cancellation by James Kingston (despite the assurances given by the Police) in the strongest possible terms. We strongly feel his conduct in this matter is highly unbecoming of a President of the Oxford Union and has called on him to resign. As host, he has a great responsibility to his guest who has travelled thousands of miles to honour his commitment. We also appreciate the assurances given by the Thames Valley Police regarding policing this event. It is very unfortunate that these assurances were not taken on board.
By yielding, both the reputation of the Oxford Union as well as the United Kingdom (as a land known for free speech and liberty) has been sullied.
Oxford University Sri Lanka Society
4th December 2010.
OxfordWatch
Huge Cabinet preoccupied with Oxford post mortem
11.12.2010 20:32
It seems the meeting of the huge cabinet (Sri Lanka holds the record for the highest number of Cabinet ministers though 70% of the budget is controlled by the first family, some of whom are ministers too) was preoccupied with the Oxford Union speech that was forced to be canceled.
'[Mahinda Rajapakse] defends his London Courtiers'
The despot president's proclamations on the Oxford Union speech which he claims was a 'splendid forum' to unveil his plans for 'communal harmony' alone are below ...
'Rajapaksa who attended the Cabinet meeting with his head ‘reeling’ from listening to all these tales and complaints began by saying, ‘‘A national newspaper had reported various stories. All these are erroneous. I believe that as ministers, all of you must know what truly occurred.”
“I received an invitation from the Oxford Union. On an earlier occasion too I was invited and I responded to it. On this current tour it was my intention to communicate to the world via my address to the Oxford Union how communal harmony can be accomplished in Sri Lanka and I thought the Oxford Union would have been a splendid forum to do this. The Oxford Union President who invited me was scheduled to relinquish his post on 4th December . It was during those final days of his term that I received his invitation. I accepted the invitation and toured the UK. I was to deliver my lecture on the 2nd of December, but on the 1st of December I was informed that my lecture had been cancelled. This was ludicrous. Had I become aware of this earlier I would not have undertaken this tour.
“ After this intimation of cancellation, another team of the Oxford Union came and met me. Among them was the new president of the Union who was to take over duties on the 4th. He suggested that if I could stay on for three or four days more he would make arrangements for me to deliver my speech after he takes over duties. Had I heeded his request I believe I would have voluntarily walked into deep trouble. By that time, the LTTE Diaspora had gone to courts to take out a warrant to arrest the former army officer who had gone with me. I therefore decided to return to Sri Lanka as swiftly as possible. The President of the Oxford Union cancelled this lecture at the instigation of the Tamil Tiger Diaspora.’’
At this point G.L. Peiris asked him whether to issue the letter of invitation from the Oxford Union and the cancellation letter to the media. The President after agreeing to this, continued with his speech, ‘‘I wish to emphasise one thing. The British government accorded me the maximum security. My plane was to stop at Terminal Four, but for my sake they stopped at Terminal Five and summoned all the security vehicles to the tarmac and whisked me away under a heavy security blanket. The protests were being staged at Terminal Four. Had I arrived at Terminal Four I would have had to confront serious problems. We must express our profuse gratitude to the British government for these arrangements.”
“However the British High Commission conducted itself in a most untoward manner. When I included Minister Douglas Devananda in my delegation his visa was refused. Even the issue of visas to my security division was deliberately delayed and consequently my flight got delayed. The British High Commission did not give recognition to the fact that the President of the State was traveling. I know how the British High Commission treats our Sinhala children when they seek visas to study abroad. Those children whom I met in London complained about the harassment meted out to their parents by the High Commission when they request visas to visit their children. But they issue visas without any hesitation to those who are trying to attend meetings of the Tamil Diaspora. If Devananda had requested the visa to attend a Tamil Diaspora meeting they would have gladly granted it.’’
When the President made all these remarks critical of the British High Commission he did not however utter a word about the harassment and embarrassment that were caused to their High Commission in Colombo when his ministers staged violent demonstrations in front of it hurling rotten eggs and tomatoes.'
OxfordWatch
Huge Sri Lankan Cabinet preoccupied with Oxford post mortem
11.12.2010 20:58
The actions of the Sri Lankan president, a despot in all senses, seem to indicate he was provoking the 'Tamil diaspora' in to erring out of desperation while he could capitalise on the prestige of an archaic institution as the Oxford Union.
'[Mahinda Rajapakse] defends his London courtiers'
Excerpts from the despot's 'vituperative speech' on matters surrounding the Oxford Union alone are below. Read the linked article for the impact Oxford still makes within the Commonwealth.
It would be interesting to see the content of the communications as to be published by the Foreign Minister Peiris.
'Rajapaksa who attended the Cabinet meeting with his head ‘reeling’ from listening to all these tales and complaints began by saying, ‘‘A national newspaper had reported various stories. All these are erroneous. I believe that as ministers, all of you must know what truly occurred.”
“I received an invitation from the Oxford Union. On an earlier occasion too I was invited and I responded to it. On this current tour it was my intention to communicate to the world via my address to the Oxford Union how communal harmony can be accomplished in Sri Lanka and I thought the Oxford Union would have been a splendid forum to do this. The Oxford Union President who invited me was scheduled to relinquish his post on 4th December . It was during those final days of his term that I received his invitation. I accepted the invitation and toured the UK. I was to deliver my lecture on the 2nd of December, but on the 1st of December I was informed that my lecture had been cancelled. This was ludicrous. Had I become aware of this earlier I would not have undertaken this tour.
“ After this intimation of cancellation, another team of the Oxford Union came and met me. Among them was the new president of the Union who was to take over duties on the 4th. He suggested that if I could stay on for three or four days more he would make arrangements for me to deliver my speech after he takes over duties. Had I heeded his request I believe I would have voluntarily walked into deep trouble. By that time, the LTTE Diaspora had gone to courts to take out a warrant to arrest the former army officer who had gone with me. I therefore decided to return to Sri Lanka as swiftly as possible. The President of the Oxford Union cancelled this lecture at the instigation of the Tamil Tiger Diaspora.’’
At this point G.L. Peiris asked him whether to issue the letter of invitation from the Oxford Union and the cancellation letter to the media. The President after agreeing to this, continued with his speech, ‘‘I wish to emphasise one thing. The British government accorded me the maximum security. My plane was to stop at Terminal Four, but for my sake they stopped at Terminal Five and summoned all the security vehicles to the tarmac and whisked me away under a heavy security blanket. The protests were being staged at Terminal Four. Had I arrived at Terminal Four I would have had to confront serious problems. We must express our profuse gratitude to the British government for these arrangements.”
“However the British High Commission conducted itself in a most untoward manner. When I included Minister Douglas Devananda in my delegation his visa was refused. Even the issue of visas to my security division was deliberately delayed and consequently my flight got delayed. The British High Commission did not give recognition to the fact that the President of the State was traveling. I know how the British High Commission treats our Sinhala children when they seek visas to study abroad. Those children whom I met in London complained about the harassment meted out to their parents by the High Commission when they request visas to visit their children. But they issue visas without any hesitation to those who are trying to attend meetings of the Tamil Diaspora. If Devananda had requested the visa to attend a Tamil Diaspora meeting they would have gladly granted it.’’
When the President made all these remarks critical of the British High Commission he did not however utter a word about the harassment and embarrassment that were caused to their High Commission in Colombo when his ministers staged violent demonstrations in front of it hurling rotten eggs and tomatoes.'
OxfordWatch
Cyclic Connector
21.10.2011 13:01
Adam Werritty