EPDP Replies to Rajasingam Jeyadevan

by A.Rajamanicam
Administrative Secretary for Eelam Peoples’ Democratic Party

(December 03, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Rajasingam Jeyadevan has put across ridiculous questions about EPDP and its leader Douglas Devananda to Dr. T. Rajaratnam in a series of articles written in the Sri Lanka Guardian(SLG). DR. T. Rajaratnam has in clear terms replied that he is neither an EPDP member nor authorised by the EPDP to answer on its behalf. However, in view of the fact that we will fail in our sense of duty if those questions remain unanswered, we have decided to clear the misconception embodied in those questions. In fact, Jeyadevan knows the answer to the questions he has posed, but, in a self-seeking publicity campaign he had coined those questions. For the benefit of the readers of SLG the EPDP decided to reply to those questions.

The assertions embodied in those questions are nothing new to EPDP. These are photo prints of the mudslinging campaign carried out by the pro-LTTE media against the EPDP from time to time. Jayadevan has only picked it up from the LTTE media and given it a fresh facelift.

Is the EPDP paramilitary group responsible for introducing ‘White van abduction culture in Colombo and Jaffna?

Who was responsible for killing the former editor of ‘Eela Murasu’ at Station road, Wellawatte?

Is the EPDP paramilitary group enjoying the impunity to violate the human rights of the Tamils?

Did the EPDP paramilitary group murder Maheswaran M.P?

Did the EPDP paramilitary group murder BBC reporter Nimalaraj?

Did the EPDP paramilitary group cause serious bodily harm to Sivajilingam MP belonging to the TNA?

Did the EPDP paramilitary group threaten the doctors working in Vavuniya to hand over millions of rupees to the group?

Was Douglas Devanada responsible for organizing the Hartal and demonstrations in the Tamil areas to put pressure on the Indian government at the behest of the President?

Will the EPDP stop its campaign of terror against the Tamils?

Has Douglas Devananda or his proxies taken over the lucrative business of shipping goods to Jaffna after the murder of Maheswaran. MP?
In short, the answers to all of these questions are that the EPDP is not involved with any of the allegations made above or responsible for it. However in respect of few questions we want make certain clarification.

Question No. 1, white van abduction. The EPDP is not involved with any white van abduction. EPDP firmly a beliefs that the problem of the Tamil Speaking people has to be resolved through democratic means. We always stood against the anti-democratic forces and foght to safeguard freedom of speech. We do not belief in violent means. We do belief that through the parliamentary democratic means we would be able to resolve the issues we are faced with.

Question No. 2, murder of Eelamurasu editor. We believe Jeyadevan is referring to the editor of Thinamurasu, late Nadarajah Atputharaja alias Ramesh. There was no paper such as Eela Murasu connected to EPDP. Atputharajah is one of the founder member of the EPDP. His murder was undoubtedly by the LTTE. Jeyadevan knows very well that the LTTE always try to kill two birds with an arrow. While killing Atputharajah for being an active founder member of EPDP, they have also masqueraded in putting the blame on the EPDP. Not only Atputharajah, EPDP has lost many of its valuable members by the LTTE gunmen.

Question No. 4, murder of Maheswaran. The killer was caught red-handed and admitted in the inquiry that he carried out the murder on the instruction of LTTE; the reason being Maheswaran failed to share his profits with the LTTE. The case is before the court of law.

Qestion No. 6, bodily harm to Sivajilingam. The matter is before the courts. Once the case is concluded it would be known whether the EPDP has any involvement.

Question No. 8, Hartal in Jaffna. When the cargo ship with essential commodities to Jaffna was attacked by the LTTE on the morning hours of 22nd October, 2008 off the coast of KKS, our leader got several requests from the people of Jaffna to organize protest against the LTTE terror. In view of those requests, our party called for a Hartal in Jaffna against the LTTE’s attempt to disrupt the supply of goods to Jaffna on the following day, 23rd of October. The Hartal was a great success.

Question No. 10, shipping goods to Jaffna. In the absence of a land route to Jaffna, the supply of essential commodities is done through sea route. Few ship owners including late Maheswaran monopolised the situation and were selling those items at an enhanced price, almost three times the affordable price. The Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, of which Mr. Devananda is the minister took initiative by facilitating the transport service to all traders willing to transport the merchandise goods and sell it at a reasonable profit margin, thus were able to bring down the prices substantially. This service was started long before the demise of Maheswaran. Still the ministry is doing that service.

With regard to the term ‘paramilitary’ used in the above questions by Jeyadevan, this is really a replica of the words used by the LTTE media to tarnish the image of EPDP. EPDP is not a paramilitary force. It is a democratic political party. It has only political offices in Jaffna, all other districts in the North and East and in Colombo.

We hope it is suffice to the questions raised by Jeyadevan. - Sri Lanka Guardian