By: Lakshman DissanayakeThe Norwegian Ambassador, on the eve of relinquishing his duties in Sri Lanka, is purported to have said that unpopularity is a small price to pay for Norway’s involvement in Sri Lanka and that Norway’s interest is to see that all communities live in peace, within a united Sri Lanka.
“Unpopular” is to put it mildly Mr. Brattskar… very mildly. If there was a reversal of roles, how you, as a Norwegian, would react to the antics of do-gooder Sri Lanka defies conjecture, given your current stance of blatant insincerity.
The discrepancy between your professed concern for Sri Lanka’s wellbeing and your contrary actions, which reveal your dubious intentions, is so obvious, that it is not only an insult to the intelligence of Sri Lankans but, a manifestation of your scant regard for the sentiments of the latter. Even if you speak in Norse Mr. Brattskar, no translation into Sinhala, Tamil or English is required to understand your true intentions. I wonder whether the Vikings of yore, on their missions of plunder and destruction, justified their actions on the grounds of their hapless victims’ wellbeing? If so, your” actions would” then acquire meaning as kindred genes manifesting themselves after transmission down the ages.
The despicable acts of the Norwegians, inimical to Sri Lanka, in the guise of “facilitating”, are far too numerous and well - known to warrant repetition.
The former President Chandrika and the Tiger terrorists requesting Norway to facilitate the “peace process”, and the current President repeating the request is flaunted by you, Mr. Brattskar, as the overwhelming reason for Norway to enter the Sri Lankan scene. How heartless of you to have forgotten former Prime Minister Ranil, Mr. Brattskar. The Tigers wanting their patron by their side is only natural. That Chandrika and Ranil competing for international accolades in pursuit of their personal agendas, find the Norwegian passport invaluable to gain ‘international community” acceptance, is an open secret. President Mahinda is unenviably placed in having to reap what Chandrika and Ranil have sown and his is merely an acquiescence in a situation sans options, where prudence and diplomacy is of the essence. Therefore, your excuses for getting on the Sri Lankan bandwagon, would find greater acceptance amongst the proverbial marines.
The fundamental flaw in your homily, Mr. Brattskar, stems from your equating the Norwegian Government to the Norwegian people (who are at sea, as far as their Government’s Sri Lanka agenda is concerned) and a handful of self-seeking Sri Lankan leaders with hidden agendas to the Sri Lanka people.
As facilitator par excellence Erik Solheim would, no doubt, reassure you Mr. Brattskar, unpopularity is indeed a small price to pay for the coveted “Prabha Piece Prize”!!
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