Interviewed by Nilantha Ilangamuwa(September 09, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) "I think the Governments of India and Sri Lanka have cooperated extensively on investigations into the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi," said Professor G. Parthasarathy in an exclusive interview with the Sri Lanka Guardian. This interview was conducted two days before the passing of the 18th Amendment. The Amendment was passed by the parliament with two third majority.
In New Delhi, Mr.Gopalaswami Parthasarathy was Deputy Secretary in the Foreign Secretary’s Office (1976-1978). He has served as Spokesman, Ministry of External Affairs and Information Adviser and Spokesman in the Prime Minister’s Office with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (1985-90). He has been a member of Indian Delegations in several international conferences including summits at the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and SAARC.
Mr. Parthasarathy is presently Visiting Professor in the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and a member of the Executive Committee of the Centre for Air Power Studies in New Delhi.
Excerpts of the interview;
What is your opinion of the forthcoming 18th Amendment to the Constitution introduced by the President that is going to be approved in the Parliament with a two thirds majority?
I think it is really for the Parliament and the elected Government in Sri Lanka to determine issues of governance in the country. The Constitution in India has been amended on over 90 occasions, with successor Parliaments sometimes rescinding earlier amendments, considered to be unwarranted or undesirable. The Supreme Court in India has, however, ruled that Parliament cannot alter the 'basic structure' of the Constitution.
It is perhaps for the Judiciary in Sri Lanka to determine the Constitutional propriety of any amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution.
Do you think that President Rajapaksha will solve the problems of the minorities in Sri Lanka?
I think President Rajapakse is better placed than any of his predecessors to end the sense of alienation of the Tamils of Sri Lanka. He has shown grit and determination in wiping out LTTE terrorism. It would be a great pity if he does not use the huge mandate he currently enjoys to see the emergence of a pluralistic, prosperous Sri Lanka, developing with peace within the country. There can ultimately be no military solution to political problems.
The UN Secretary General Moon has appointed a panel to investigate alleged War Crimes by the Sri Lankan forces as well as the LTTE during the final phase of the war. Do you think the panel will make crucial decisions over Sri Lanka? Do you think these decisions will have any effect on the governance of Sri Lanka?
It is really for the Government of Sri Lanka to persuade the international community that it acted with due restraint during the final stages of the war against the LTTE. But as I said earlier, there can be no military solution to political issues. To my mind, what is of crucial importance today is to heal the wounds of the war with compassion and foresight.
In southern Sri Lanka a new harbour project, constructed with Chinese help was opened. On the same day the EU has decided to conclude the GSP plus offer to the Sri Lankan apparel sector. So, what is your assessment of the economic management of the government of Sri Lanka?
It is only natural for Sri Lanka to seek good relations with all major centres of power in the world. I am sure Sri Lanka's leaders will act with wisdom to see that the Island is not drawn into the vortex of great power rivalries. But the major lesson of the Cold War was that every country has to show due regard for the core security interests of others in its neighbourhood.
Why do you think the government of India did not ask the Government of Sri Lanka to investigate the role of Kumaran Padmanadhan, a.k.a. KP, in the assassination of former Indian Premier Rajiv Gandhi?
I think the Governments of India and Sri Lanka have cooperated extensively on investigations into the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. No one needs to have any misgivings on this score, or on the commitment of the two Governments to bring those who were involved to justice.
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