Komiyage Loke (Jokers World)

EMERGENCY - Please Read

2006-09-18T23:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently the pussies have launched a website that is complete and utterly false propoganda aimed at discrediting the Sri Lankan Army. I went to the place and saw a server 404 Error. Looked a little fake so looked at the code. Sure enough, the server not found IS PART OF THE CODING ON THE PAGE. i.e. it has been hardcoded to show it. Furthermore, I managed to get a screen image of the actual site before the fake page shows up.

Below is the part of the html source that shows where it has been coded to show 404 File Not Found.

Even if I am reading the code wrong... the above image speaks for itself.

P.s; I had to take a picture of the code coz blogger kept reading it and made it look like this page couldn't be found. Everything in between the "BY ME"s are pussy coding. lol.

Geopolitics

2006-09-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

American Foreign Policy:

Demand what they want and get it through diplomatic blackmail. Air bases, staging areas for troops, interrogation facilities for CIA etc etc. The 'War on Terror' policy demands all countries of the world to toe the American line when it comes to dealing with terrorists.

Pakistan:

Troubled by internal dissent over Musharaff's involvement with America on the War on Terror. The man is trying to please everybody and doing a so far decent act of balancing on the tightrope. If he falls, he's dead. Period. So, when given the opportunity, Pakistan shows its willingness to help out countries fighting terrorism.

India:

Being a regional powerhouse, economically and militarily, they have an unnecessary amount of say in the dealings of their neighboring countries. The thinly veiled animosity they feel towards Pakistan is highlighted when they 'almost' lodged a complaint (god knows with whom) when the Pakistani ambassador to Sri Lanka (who was previously some intelligence agent) was appointed. Now, India still has it's own internal problms due to the varying parties that consist of the ruling coalition. But, India still has to toe the global line when it comes to War on Terror. These days those who don't become a pariah faster than you can say 'huh'.

How it all plays out.

GOSL tried to purchase arms from India which India refused due to pressure from South Indian (mainly Tamil Nadu) political parties. But, although they themselves could refuse a sale, they cannot stop a sale from another country to GOSL. Enter Pakistan, who willingly supplied the armaments GOSL required. India couldn't utter a word for fear of being painted as a supporter of a recognized terrrorist group, i.e. LTTE.

Pakistan comes out looking nice and rosy, India has yet another reason to dislike Pakistan, GOSL gets the weapons it wants (I don't know if they need it, but they definitely wanted it) and LTTE gets a beating.

All hail the war on terror...

Little bit of this and a little bit of that...

2006-09-05T18:39:00.000-05:00

So. The Army is victorious. This (The Sampoor/Sampur) campaign wasa brilliantly executed military strategy. The three forces complemented each other better than anything we have ever seen (there might have been mistakes but as always thats the takeaway for a future lessons learned). AND the objective was secured by reportedly 2000 troops. The usual casualty ratio when fighting a guerilla army on their own ground is somewhere around 10:1. The LTTE reportedly had 600 cadres. Whatever the actual casualty figures are - the reported ones are so far below the expected ratio. Kudos to the Generals who had the balls to see this trhough and for once, the political leadership was (excuse the expression) N'sync with the military.

(Picture courtesy of www.sinhaya.com) - this site has some unbelievable pictures of massacres done by the LTTE)

Its interesting to note that the LTTE did not buttress their forces in Sampur/Sampoor with further troops from the Northern units or Eastern units. They are simply locking down and preparing for further military advances. This is at the very least unusual behavior on the part of the pussies. They have their credo that they will only give up territory after exacting maximum casualties regardless of the numbers they themselves sacrifice (Keep in mind that they are terrorists who have no respect for life - their own nor their victims'). So, why is it suddenly that they give up one of the most prized locations without a fight? Coz they can't. Their numbers are down - Karuna did more than desert the LTTE. When he left he told cadres to go home, that LTTE is wrong. Thats gotta count for something on the East coast as he is a 'son of the soil' that the people 'adore'.

This poses the question as to WTF is going on?

With the recent arrests of apparent do-gooders who tried to get the pussies off of the banned list for a paltry millioan dollars (unaffiliated to the pussies of course - as their own press release claims; begs to wonder are these simply hardcore fans? If not, how do they feel about being deserted?) it seems that they are hard pressed for hardware and political support.

For example;

The bunch were arrested trying to buy shoulder fired SA-18 SAM (Surface to Air Missiles) to shoot down the Kfirs and the Migs. Fine, these are relatively 'exotic' items that are not easily available. BUT there was that business of 500 AK-47 assault rifles. Quoted around the world as the 'guerillas weapon of choice' it has been readily available to anybody who had cash. But, the fact that they tried to purchase it IN USA where it is really hard to find that kind of stuff in that kind of bulk shows imo desperation.

TRO funds were frozen everywhere and finally Sri Lanka. Better late than never eh? But still, it has GOT TO be putting a crimp on the pussies. Even revolutionaries have families and need to feed them. Tiger money isn't good for crap anyway. The only places that accept that currency are the places that are forced to. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka does not honor it in any way so how would it be converted? From where? WHo will accept 1 billion tiger shits (or whatever they call it) for a loaf of bread?

Imo it seems that they losing places to turn to. TRO had Rs 78 million plus. (around $ 750,000). Its not much in the great scheme of things, but it also seems that the terrorist organization with the most effective fund raising machinery might be going broke. I mean, they offered $900,000 for 100 SA-18's and 500 Ak-47's and the training to use the missiles. They didn't use any missiles during Sampoor/Sampur even though the Air Force bombed them to hell. They tried to buttress the forces with their (snort) 'navy' but got routed by a few gunboats.

It looks like they are getting pushed. Slowly, inexorably towards one of two options. Stop fighting and start a serious dialogue OR go to all out war.

On a lighter note, the weekend was simply brilliant. Sleepless, but a lot of fun. Penn State beat Akron on Saturday in a good ol thrashing. Found a good restaurant that served the best shrimp curry I've had in the US.

Have a good one everybody.

Allah's Shame

2006-08-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

And Lo, the angel Gabriel came down from heaven, to whisper in the holy prophets ear the true word of God. He said unto the chosen one that he, Mohammed ibn Abdallah was the last prophet - chosen to spread the untainted word of God which had become at that time dilute and heretic. And so, Islam was born.

We are all children of the same God. We may know Him by many names. God, Allah, Bhagwan, The Big bang (The scientific term - thank you very much). His hand in the creation of the world is apparent. Science presents the theory of evolution - I say the timing and and far reaching consequences are a beautiful example of the chances in life. The same chances we think about after an accident... what if I left 10 seconds earlier? This would not have happened.

Now, back to the main point.

I in no way hold the followers of Islam in disdain. On the contrary it is the abusers of such a beautiful culture and religion that I abhor. The so called jihadists that claim to be carrying out the word of Allah.

Shame.

What would Allah say of his children now? His children are slaughtering each other in His name. Taking His name in vain. Exhorting to Him just before pulling the cord that triggers the suicide bomb. Taking their own lives when it is presented in every faith that suicide is a one way ticket, not to heaven and 72 virgins, but to eternal damnation.

If suicide is so 'laudable' why is it that we deplore the act, disown the people and deny the fact that these are the people who took their lives, not to hurt others, not in His name, but as an exit out of an existence they think is worthless? Aren't these the souls we should pity and condemn the so called 'jihadists' who kill without remorse?

How can a mother encourage her child to go and blow himself up in a crowded market/bus/ police station? Damn, the Tigers have to go out and abduct/brainwash to get suicide bombers. In the Middle East, I guess they just take out a classified. I bet they even have 'auditions'.

Its all about education. The Maddrassas preach a vile version of the Koran exhorting the annihilation of the infidel, i.e. everyoone who is not Muslim. The believe that it was the Jesuits who said, 'get them young, and the possibilities are endless'. Funny how that has been taken up by paedophiles and terror schools alike.

The young are impressionable, they are easily convinced of what is right and wrong. The abstract ideals that guide us in life is bastardized by teachers who have no problem sending the young to war. Its always the case, young men sent to die by old farts who only promote what they want.

Rebels vs Terrorists

2006-08-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

Rebels. That word connotates a romanticized view for a group that is actively working/fighting against established authority for change that is not forthcoming by the said authority. Rebels is the name given to people who fight for a just cause on the side of Justice and Light and all that hash. They are respected by many, admired by more and supported by the masses because they are believed to represent what is right while fighting that which is wrong.

Terrorist. Defined as "characteristic of someone who employs terrorism (especially as a political weapon); 'terrorist activity'; 'terrorist state' n : a radical who employs terror as a political weapon; usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities". A word to describe cowards who only know how to use violence as the means towards a questionable end. A group or individual to whom everybody and everything is a target.

The distinction must be made because, as always, the western media is very clever at how things are portrayed. For example, the people fighting in Iraq against the coalition forces can be classified as rebels - but they are referred to as insurgents and/or terrorists. The Maoists 'Rebels' in Nepal were also nothing more than a terrorist organization - that has brains. CNN, BBC and almost every other network refers to the Tamil Tiger Rebels. Especially when their respective governments has classified the Tigers as a terrorist organization, they continue to refer to them using terms that they do not deserve.

Another point. Different. I apologize for the compeltely different tangent.
Child Soldiers. Each and everytime the Army engages the Terrorists and a child soldier gets killed, I believe one of two things happen.

1.) If tigers have the time, they will strip the body of any weaponry and claim GOSL forces killed a civillian.
2.) If there is no time they stay mum.

The question is, why the powers that be in the places that make the biggest noise (UNHCR, UNICEF) can't see that? I mean, if a soldier found himself sighting his gun on someone shooting at him and sees its a child, what is s/he to do? Not shoot and get killed? It takes a lot to level a gun at a person and shoot. Imagine the resolve it would require to shoot a child who is shooting you. How many soldiers may have died because they couldn't bring themselves to shoot a child soldier of the LTTE? I don't think they can be classified as gutless, on the contrary, I think they are the real heroes - they died rather than do something which they might not have been able to live without.

Israel blew apart a bona fide shelter that held ONLY women and children. There was outrage. Condemnation. Demands for investigations, then the furore died down. UNHCR/UNICEF did not go to check things out because their Security was not guaranteed. In Sri Lanka, they DEMAND security and go where they will. In this case, they went to the 'Orphanage' that was bombed. The figures reported by the tigers were obviously inflated and was reported more accurately by these inspectors. However, their claim as to the location actually being an orphanage is at the very least iffy.

The time between the bombing and the inspection was long - a couple of days. The LTTE had more than enough time to 'clean up' the place and present the facade of orphanage. It is in their best interests to do so because UNICEF/UNHCR has constantly attacked them regarding child abduction (recruitment implies voluntary choice which these kids never have) and if they were proven to be right, tigers would take another PR hit on top of everything else. However, if the GOSL did make a mistake and it was a real orphanage, I think the best approach is for them to admit the mistake and make whatever reparations they can.

Tigers are on the run. They have nowhere to go. They constantly threaten if attacks contnue they will declare the ceasefire null and void. But in the face of everything going on right now, they are not doing that because the minute they do they become the aggressor. They botched Maavilaru - at first they didn't block it but the people did because the GOSL did not deliver on promises (in tiger territory). Then they opened it after sustained firefights with the military. What does that mean? That they don't give a shit about the grievances of the people they 'represent'? IF the people had blocked it, the LTTE should not have given it up at all, neither should they have claimed to have opened the anicut. Now the LTTE lies and deception is being revealed to everybody. Wonder how the people in and around Maavilaru feel about being used as scapegoats.

Another interesting thing is what happened to Daya Master. Wonder if the dude is still alive after accepting treatment at the heart of enemy territory. The new dude is constantly shooting himself in the foot with his declarations as well. Now, Daya Master was allowed to make a formal request to the GOSL for medical treatment. How many regular people in rebel territory are allowed to travel outside at all?

Over There

2006-08-13T22:45:00.000-05:00

"Over There" is a relatively new show that is aired on FX in the US. I am not sure about the showtimes and if they are going to continue for a second season.

(Picture courtesy of www.stewartcn.com)

Given the current situation in Sri Lanka and everywhere around th world, I think the theme song of the show holds special meaning to everybody who has somebody in the armed forces.

This post contains the words to the song 'Over There' performed and written by Chris Gerolmo, not as an attempt to plagiarize but as an attempt to get out there another song for the brave - who will forever be on the side of Righteous Justice.

So, here is to everybody who has made and continues to be willing to make the sacrifice. May the blessings of the triple gem, the holy trinity, bhagwan and Allah be upon you all.

Over There - Chris Gerolmo

the days coming,
the drums are drumming
if u know one say a prayer

theres mothers crying, fathers sighing,

war is in the air...

trains are filling up with boys
left behind their favorite toys
their going over there
over there

where someone has to die,

over there...
over there

where ours is not to reason why,

over there...
over there

where someone has to die

Rupee Wise, Dollar Foolish

2006-08-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

(Picture courtesy of www.buildsrilanka.com )

NGO's. The bane of existence for a developing nation. Why? Well, let us go and see.

1. NGO's function thanks to the generosity of various donors, of whom a majority are foreign nations. They launch 'programs' that apparently cost a lot of money but in reality are a sham with inflated costs. For example, the recent protest against the Mavilaaru tussle probably cost somewhere around Rs. 5000. Max. I mean looking at the pictures - the signs were cheap; pieces of bristol board nailed onto a piece of wood smaller than a two by four. Including refreshments for the participants it shud not have cost more than that. The participants themselves of course should not have to be paid right? They must surely be volunteers not associated with the NGO, right?

2. They distract everybody when it is essential for focus to be maintained and unity is necessary. They muddy the waters and play a role in leveling blame. For some reason, the blame game no matter how messed up it is carries some weight when the NGO's get involved. I know not why.

3. They exacerbate situations in order to ensure their stream of income. They list horrors and violence that may or may not have happened, some they just simply make up. This in turn screws it up royally for the country - the people they bitch to, tell their respective governments which in turns puts out tavel advisories that negatively impact the tourist trade - an essential cog in our economy. Sri Lanka is seen as a hellhole because these are the 'people on the ground' that foreign countries attest to when issuing advisories.

4. They pretend to know what's going on - ignorance is not only their nature, it seems to be a prerequisite to become a member. Its a problem for them to admit when a mistake has been made or to admit it when they dont know something.

5. They propose an immediate ceasefire. Fine. Then what? A few months later its only gonna break out again. The rationale the Israeli Defense Forces are using comes into play. Now while I don't condone the way Israel is conducting its campaign, the rationale that if we are to stop now, it will only be a tougher fight later is true. To quote Mr. Bond, '[we may] live to die another day' but if we take the fight to the end, there will be closure of a sort. Some will like it, some won't.

Look, lets face it. Sri Lanka is in the soup and we are the only people who want to get out of it. Everybody else who gets involved has some sort of agenda - Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu insists on using his influence in the coalition central government to make sure GOSL doesn't get any support because the LTTE was initially funded by him. Like all political parties anywhere in the world, they just want to retain power at any cost. Norway wants Oil or another Government it helped into power (LTTE) as a future lifelong client for its weapons industry (thanks for the tip Sam). United States doesn't give a shit coz there is no direct threat to them and they have no vested interest in anything SL produces - not even Victorias Secret. Britain doesn't give a shit coz , they don't. Japan is the only country that gives a shit because they feel indebted. Thats kinda wearing thin right now and nobody in this world can blame them.

We need to get it done, the best way we can.

Eye of the Tiger

2006-08-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

For the longest time, people have been confused by the Norwegian presence in the country. WHY are they doing it? Well, one of the first 'theories' to come up was that Eric Solheim was making a bid for the Nobel Peace Prize. Another was that it was the out of the goodness of their heart... (gag). Fine. The other one that did come up was not pushed around as much or as loudly. Before I explain the 'theory' (call it a conspiracy theory if you want to) lets build up to the moment shall we?

Way back in the day, Europeans were convinced that Sri Lanka had deposits of Oil. Black Gold. So convinced were they that drilling began in earnest along the north western coast. I believe it was primarily concentrated around Mannar. They dug and dug but found nothing. To alleviate the embarrasment, someone really dipped a few barrels of oil down the well in order to make a fast buck. I don't know how THAT turned out but Oil in Sri Lanka was abandoned.

Recently a Norwegian Oil Exploration company was awarded a contract to conducta study off the NorthEASTERN seaboard of Sri Lanka. Their findings indicate significant deposits of Oil and Natural Gas. The GOSL I believe is still trying to figure out how to tap that effectively.
Now, the Norwegians think like all European Colonists used to think. We gave them So much, they are indebted to us. They think that if they intervened in the conflict and managed to broker a deal where the Tigers get Eelam, they will be the first in line to start drilling. The other interesting indicator that supports this theory is the composition of the SLMM. All the members are citizens of countries that will benefit immensely from their neighbor having easy access to something that will be worth more than its weight in Gold in a few years.

The eye of the Whtie Tiger seems to be focused on Oil.

Now, all other foreign nations have told Norway to get lost, for them to keep their hands clean because this is simply a bid by a nation not known for much to be a 'world player'. They are trying to do to South Asia what the US, Britain is trying to do to the Middle East, leave an imprint that follows their own principles.

Now, the white tigers are unhappy that the GOSL is using its brains when it comes to Propaganda, Military Action, Diplomacy. What irks them the most is the fact that these actions are taken without consulting them so that now they canot warn the tigers of new policies before the public is even aware.

Sittingnut was absolutely correct in stating that Ulf Henricsson had no right to be at Maavilaru. His actions indicate that the LTTE has been recognized as a legitimate Governor of people and that the GOSL is simply an adminstrative formality. He broke protocol set forth in the CFA by going to a conflict area without the knowledge of one party and HE is in violation of the CFA.
Everybody thinks that the Govt is to blame for everything and the rebels should be given a little leeway since they are not a govt. These same idiots cannot see that simply becausethe LTTE are NOT a govt, they cannot be treated as a recognized representative. LTTE is not the result of a popular uprising - it is the result of a cult of personality. Where no opposition is brooked nor any compassion tolerated. These are the very people that citizens of a country need to be protected from - not consigned to at any cost.

Right now, the only 'international player' that is paying any attention to the LTTE is Norway. I guess they both make each other feel important. The discrimination that most members of the tamil diaspora is screaming about is correct - because it happened a long time ago. They don't know what is happening on the ground there and they believe what TamilNet says. They swallow propaganda and think that nothing has changed. The poor folk in the North/NorthEast who don't have access to news etc believe what they are told. GOSL Bad. Tigers Good. Most doubt it, but cannot speak their minds for fear of being found in a gunny sack. Inanimate and dismembered.

Not a single Tamil person I know in Colombo complains about discrimination. They collectively refer to the Tigers as 'motherf*ckers' that CAUSE problems for them. They are quite happy, thank you very much Mr.P, they and nobody else in the world would like someone like you telling them what to do. There are only a few people who know both sides of the story.

Anyway, in closing I would like to point out another couple that enjoyed playing with White Tigers. Siegfried and Roy (LOL). Right now I think their nursing injuries sustained in 'horseplay' with the animals. A warning, a threat to whoever considers them to be the master of the other when it comes to dealing with 'Tiger' animals.

The Fostering of Religious Tensions by the Media

2006-08-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

I guess this not news at all, but considering the new age and the easy dissemiantion of information, I believe that all purveyors of news should voluntarily shoulder the responsibility of unbiased, non-inflammatory comments, much less headlines.

" 'Muslims Flee' Sri Lanka Fighting"

This is a story on the South Asia page of BBC. I feel that the headline itself implies many things about Sri Lanka that are completely inaccurate. I mean, c'mon, why do they have to label them using the religion handle? Are they Muslims first, Sri Lankans second? I know there are many people out there who think they are Religious first, patriotic second. But for an international news voice like the BBC should be above such 'petty' classifications.

Its bad enough that the war in SL has been drawn along ethnic lines, should it be encouraged that it should be along religious lines as well? Ugh.

Work pace has picked up and the damned temperature is hitting 100+ degrees... Fahrenheit thank you very much.

Cheers...

The Rabbit

2006-07-31T22:14:00.000-05:00

No. I am not talking about the celebrity sex toy (I was told about that - I had no clue). All who read this wonder, what the hell is going on? This is neither a critique on a new tech toy, nor an economic/political analysis of current events, or even an update on the current conflict. Nay, this my friends is a person. A fascinating individual who has managed to capture my undivided (well, not quite) attention.

An easy laugh, a zest for life. A sense of humor unparalleled in many quarters. A sense of adventure one seldom finds these days and a streak of independence that is to be admired in anybody.

Smug, smart and searching for centre, at times confused, disoriented. All put together, rather a fascinating individual. The more you converse, the more you realize its something you want to keep on going. For however long it will go on till.

Blatantly outspoken, at times outright obscene, but most times unbelievably hilarious. Sometimes soberingly candid. Seems never to get into anything without thinking, but blows off fear about the unknown with casual bravado.

Never insecure, always sure of what is going on - a refreshing experience all around.

All in all, a fun person to be with I refer to as 'Rabbit'. She is infuriated by it as evidenced by each an every infuriated, withering remark directed at me with every utterance of the word. She prefers to be called, Her Highness - The Queen of all Evil. Xelene - the Death Dealer. Fancies herself to be a fan of Kate Beckinsale, but i beg to point out that she herself (Rabbit, not Kate) is much better than Kate - on screen or off.

She is defensive - to the point of trying to be rude and offensive. I believe that all that is a defense to prevent past hurts from occuring again. She may realize in time that life is about getting burned, and that it happens to everybody. Its how we let that affect us that will either make us or break us.

I don't need to use a name nor a picture for the reader who knows who the Rabbit is know what I'm about.

The Elements

2006-07-31T12:31:00.000-05:00

Anyone can attest that the 4 known elements are essential to life. Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. (If you count Captain Planet, you need Heart too).

Earth - Every bloody war has been waged since the god knows when for this. Real estate, dirt, a place to live in peace.

Wind - Every politician in the world is full of it, the poor voters are the only ones who smell the wind.

Fire - The tool of every participant in any conflict, i.e fire = weapons, causing death and destruction to all those they claim to protect and represent

Water - The elixir of life. A need that circumvents any human law anywhere on the planet as it is a fundamental human right.

Heart - What everybody needs, but most people don't have.

I don't know what I started off to write about, but I just keep writing now on an interesting tangent.

In any seige like situation, the victor will be the one who controls the water. When the Egyptians invaded Mesopotamia, Babylon was put under seige. It was a traitor that led the pharoahs through the secret tunnel via the canal into the city. But even they did not block it, poison it. Oh yes, they raped and pillaged and did everything a victorious army back in the day (or even now in some cases) did. But at any time, poisoning (or effectively preventing access to water) was considered a crime against God - Egyptian, Christian or whoever. However, militarily it was an effective method of neutralizing an enemy. Historical use of 'Hydrowarfare' is listed here.

I believe that it is in the 'Hague Convention' that the following is listed in no uncertain terms (also listed at above link);

Protocol I (art. 54) prohibits, ‘whatever the motive’, the attacking, destroying, removing of ‘objects indispensable to the survival’ of civilian population, such as ‘drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works’.

All in all, I don't think anybody in their right mind needs a bunch of wise old men to get together to write up a document that tells us whats acceptable and whats not. neither do we need any script telling us whats right and whats wrong. Laws are there to punish perpetrators, but the upholding of social mores is an individual effort. What kind of example are the Tigers hoping to set by doing this? Encourage 'hydrowarfare' between individuals who have grievances with each other? "He owes me money and he is not paying so let me poison his well, or the village well for that matter".

There is a reason that Bio Weapons, Chem Weapons and Nukes are all classified as Weapons of Mass Destruction. American policy for example is this: if there is a Bio/Chem attack on the US, its response will be in kind - WMD. But since America 'does not have' Chem/Bio weapons, they will launch a nuke.

The dirty fact of the matter is, its all well and good for the Tigers to block the damn sluice gates and issue demands but a nation cannot retaliate in like manner for it is responsible for all citizens. Just because your dog bites you, you don't bite back - you can, but then your the bigger idiot,. The BBC and pretty much all the newslines I've been reading didn't pick up on this until the air raids started.

Then the headlines go "SL Air Force Conducts Air Raids in East" or "SL Offensive Intensifies". I guess as the tigers are not answerable to the people like an elected government is they don't care to give exact casualty figures either. So far, Army is 5 KIA, 8 Injured, LTTE reports 2 (Army reports LTTE at abt 35). "Heavy Casualties in Mavilaru" on BBC.

Also in the story the SLMM spokesperson 'Blamed both sides for fighting'. If by all accounts the situation was so dire as to require a military response the SLMM should have given an ultimatum to the Tigers instead of dropping to their knees to suck some Tiger Dick and accept all ultimatums received. Why is it that the GOSL (I don't care which one at this point) have to respond to every ultimatum but is not able to give some in return?

My prayers and best wishes to the brave sons of Sri Lanka enagaged in this fight for what is right. May the blessing of the Triple Gem, Bhagwan, Allah and the Holy Trinity be upon all of you.

My deepest sympathies for those who have lost their lives for the cause of righteous justice. May you attain Nirvana.

I apologize to any reader who is offended by the language but now this war has been brought into the homes of the people who are just tyring to eke out a living. Thats where my sympathy lies.

P.S: To hell with CBNSAT.

An Interesting Proposition

2006-07-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

(Picture Courtesy of BBC)

Just before Israel launched their ground offensive (not the big one that was shelved, the ‘little’ one going on right now) the IDF Warplanes dropped thousands of flyers into areas asking civilians to leave. They did this for a few days before and during their campaign. The Israeli stance was, “We have given ample time for civilians to evacuate, and now when we advance anyone who remains can and will be considered a sympathizer/member of Hezbollah and will be targeted”. Not a single world power raised a voice against this.

The UN and Red Cross keep requesting clear routes to deliver aid and supplies and the IDF tells them to literally keep their pants on, you’ll get it when we want to give it. So, they wait. US ‘airlifts’ munitions to Israel and only one such flight has been flagged. No one says a thing.

Small question, WHY THE HELL CAN’T WE DO THE SAME?

C’mon Buffalo get your shit together here. Drop some flyers on the territories and clear the entire region of anyone standing. Raze the North/Northeast to the ground. It seems to be the ‘in’ war plan at the time. Endorsed by the US, apparently ratified by the UN. What more can you ask for? Shoot every damn fool standing after dropping the flyers/announcing over loudspeakers. No more once a month air raids, once in a while Long Range incursions or embarrassing hostage situations.

Give a call to Mr. Bush and say, “Machung, charr scene machang. I need a few ‘duppi’ to drop on the kotiyas. You know I’m good for it no? Machang they are terrorists, al qaeda is terrorists and we are fighting the same war no? Ehenang fit thamai, I will tell the airport FedEx is coming with the ‘duppi’.”

Crises upon Crises

2006-07-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

(Picture Courtesy of BBC)

Anyone who read about the Bush/Blair conversation that was caught on tape (BBC Article) can see the utter frustration caused on people who are by any standards Bone Headed when it comes to foreign policy.

However, it is interesting to note that Bush and Blair seem to be talking about about a 'Him' who thinks a certain way and that 'this is all part of the same thing'. Interesting. The language that was captured indicate a sense of superiority that the 'him' posses and that these two leaders are answerable to 'him'. And no, I don't think its God either.

Funnily enough, World War I was started 'apparently' because of the assasination of Francis Ferdinandes (I think that was the last name) somewhere in Europe. He was a nobody that no one cared much for but whose death was manipulated for German superiority in Europe. The second one was one lunatics idea of a new order, the Third reich. Neo Nazis - Kiss my Ass.

Now, in what seems to be a repetition of history, the abduction of two soldiers (whose deaths would have mattered only to their families) is being used as an excuse for a possible ground incursion by Israel into Lebanon. Lebanon has already stated that if there is an invasion the Lebanses army will fight Israel (a laudable fact remains that Lebanon still hasn't taken any direct action agianst Israel) This in turn might trigger Syria and Iran to 'assist' Lebanon which will mean alliances being formed to support Israel and Lo and Behold, the middle east might erupt in WW III.

Any historian can attest that wars are begun by men in desperation or when countries want to steal land. War is robbery writ large. The offensive campaign is one that is designed to expand borders and spread their own rule. The current situation CAN lead up to a conflict that will forever define the middle east, along ethnic/religious/political lines.

Anybody who studies warfare can tell you that when you are attacking a superior enemy, the best thing you can hope for is to distract him/her and to weaken them if possible BEFORE launching your campaign.

The US being the biggest dog on the block right now has its hands full and is militarily kind of stretched. So stretched infact that only a small detachment was sent to Lebanon for evacuation. Iraq, Afghanistan are commitments that they cannot drop immediately, North Korea is making noise about Nukes, Iran is making noise about Nukes. Pretty much the US is stretched out I guess on intelligence as well as military might.

The enemy of the antagonists is now effectively distracted - its attention split between multiple, geographically spread out theaters in which it has a vested interest. At the same time it has to look within itself as well to make sure no attacks take place on its own soil anymore. WWIII? Distinct possibility.

Random thoughts borne out of bits and pieces of news seen here and there, but a mite interesting is it not?

Sh*t

2006-07-15T12:23:00.000-05:00

Its been a very long time. I have been remiss, busy, in a I don't care about anything anymore blah blah blah mode for a while. Life has taken some crazy swings and methinks trying to get back to doing whatever it was before the shit hit the fan might help to at least slow the slide into purgatory.

Work has been exceptional in a way but a pain in a wrong place at the same time. I mean, my team lead went on vacation for a MONTH! So I was looking forward to a relaxed month to deal with my deliverables and mind my own business and generally have a nice time...NOT! My manager decides to make me the contact person for the leads deliverables and my inbox is always beeping. Hell, I can't go pick up a print out and come back without "You've got mail" on my screen. Basically, workload has increased about 10 fold.

Went and saw a few movies recently. Superman (CGI was cool, story and Supermans acting sucked), Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Mans Chest (so so movie - they did to this franchise what they did to the matrix trilogy: broke apart one story to make parts II and III), Cars (excellent movie, highly recommend) and some mixed up rentals that a sigh+shrug pretty much sums up.

Interestingly, this whole flap going on the middle east and all has got me further annoyed with the foreign policies of the 'developed' nations. Oooh they raided the border, they kidnapped soldiers, they fired rockets. SO? That shit happens on a daily basis in the North/NorthEast and the only people crying are the ones affected - where the hell is the sympathy for them? Some newspaper the other day had quoted some poombah as having said "Israel has the right to do whatever is necessary to protect their national security"... the implication there being it only applies if you are developed and if you are a struggling devlopING country you do what the money lenders want you to do. Bastards.

The outgoing US ambassador to Sri Lanka had said that "the government should ensure that the security forces do not engage in attacks/operations that have not been authorized by the government" (or something to that effect). Now that opens up a whole new can of worms... especially for the US.

When he said that does he mean that all the atrocities at Guantanamo, The rape/killings in Haditha (Iraq), Abu Ghraib (Iraq) was all AUTHORIZED? Goodness, who would've thought it. But no, they could not have been, so he must be HYPOCRITICAL no?

(If you can see, I am trying to channel some stress and unfocused anger into something actual and happening that will continue to happen regardless of my rantings)

Right now, the weekend has been like this. Full workday on Friday, starting at 7:30 on friday a 4 and 1/2 hour drive, drank till 4:30AM, woke up at 8:45AM, sat through one stupid 4 hour lecture, waiting for the second stupid four hour lecture, THEN maybe get a little sleep before going out in the night. Hopefully. Then another 4-5 hour drive back tomorrow! Work on Monday. Oh Joy.

Earth – A film for the sub continent

2005-12-30T11:48:00.000-05:00

I recently watched the film Earth, directed by Nandita Das (Director of ‘Fire’). It is about a group of diverse (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh) friends, whose dynamics are drastically altered by the partition of India in 1947. Trains filled with dead bodies of Muslims sent to Lahore, Hindus slaughtering Muslims and Muslims slaughtering hindus, Sikhs in the middle slaughtering anybody is pretty much the fare for the second half. In the end, the friends turn on one another and in the process takes care of ‘personal business’ under cover of the carnage. Oh Yes, there is a girl involved (isn’t there always?)

All in all, a bloody movie it may have been, but it shows how the British made a mistake (or was it intentional – to cause instability in the region for a long time) in dividing up a country. Maybe it was the resultant carnage that prevented them from dividing up Sri Lanka the following year. But that is definitely what the war has been about isn’t it?

What does it show I wonder? If the damned colonials didn’t divide us up, we choose to do it ourselves? Don’t delude yourself by saying “we” don’t want to divide up the country. But every single one of us at some point or the other might have thought, wouldn’t it be a good idea if we were divided.

I believe everybody was united right up until we got independence, and then it all went haywire. But maybe a civil war after independence is the norm rather than the exception. For example, the United States had its civil war after about 75 years of independence. The Sikhs in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan and The Maoists rebels in Nepal.

“Before a Civilization is destroyed from without, it has destroyed itself from within” – Will Durant (I could not find the exact quotation)

Because

“The political machine [will always] triumph because it is [a] united minority acting against a divided majority” – Will Durant

The Principles Taught by Ther Guttila Saga

2005-12-13T17:09:00.000-05:00

I was in a meeting today and managed to lose myself in the seemingly meaningless mumbo-jumbo nad ended up thinking about Guttila. For no coherent reason. I swear. The more I thought about it the more the 'righteousness' part of the story make any sense.

Now in a very brief rehash, Guttila taught Musila to rock and roll and Musila challenged Guttila to a musical duel vying for the kings favor. We were taught that what Musila did was wrong and the god punished him for... what? Becoming better than his teacher?

In an outright no holds barred duel, Musila would have won coz he was the better musician, a classic case of the student becoming the master. But Guttila had to CHEAT in order to win. Just becasue the god (Shakra Deva no?) gave him the means and the license to do it doesn't change the fact that it was cheating.

So, were we taught that even if we are better than our elders/teachers in something, we need to shut up and tolerate it and not demonstrate our talents? The 'Guru Mushti' principle seems not to have left that stream of thought eh?

I for one never had a teacher who wished me to be less than him/her. They wanted me to become a doctor (ha!), an engineer (yeesh) or something. And I also had the teachers (bless them) who admitted when they were wrong and wanted to learn the right thing. Whatever it was.

So, coming back to Guttila, isn't the lesson being taught that its ok to cheat simply to beat someone who is better than you? Isn't this a clear violation of the ethical principles that are so prevalent in the 'Jathaka Kathas'?

Random ramblings borne of a boring meeting. Moot points I guess, but I thought it was an interesting kind of 'spin' to put on that story.

Cheers.

Very Good News Article

2005-12-05T13:10:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give a heads up on a good piece of analytical reporting done by "Fuss Budget" at Lanka Business Online.

Please Read Story "Thirft Column - Purrs and Whimpers"

United (Terror?) States of Sri Lanka

2005-12-02T13:03:00.000-05:00

There are some aspects of the request for a unitary state by the LTTE that might not be included in mainstream thoughts/debates.

These are some aspects that I have read about that rogue nations or political parties (Namely the Soviet Bloc to promote communism back in the day) have taken to co-opt existing infrastructure et al for their own nefarious purposes.

Considering the fact that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Referred to as LTTE) is first and foremost a terrorist organization, it is in our best interest to keep in mind the consequences of them being given, or them obtaining a seperatre state.

As it is a publicized fact (I am unaware of the accuracy of the documentation on this) that they trained in North Africa and the Middle Eastern Deserts, they pioneered the suicide bombing technology that we see used in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel/Palestine, we have to assume that once they achieve their objectives they will be in debt to there erstwhile sponsors.

The members of the middle eastern terror groups, or terror groups in general is quickly running out of spaces to hide since the initiation of the Global War on Terror – instigated by the President of the United States, George W. Bush.

Is it not a likely scenario that IF the LTTE obtains a separate state, they can issue diplomatic status to anyone with impunity, which nations of the world will have to honor due to their own civilized nature and the Geneva Convention/Versailles Treaty (whichever it falls under). Nations which in turn will be rocked to their very own foundations by terrorist who will utilize the new found Eelam to carry out their murderous deeds and thus case the world to direct its wrath upon Sri Lanka in general – not Eelam in particular.

Hell, Eelam will be THE hangout of terrorists… founded by terrorists, for terrorist. The people of Eelam will suffer, the keepers of Eelam will thrive, Sri Lanka will be divided, and the world will sink a little bit more into the modern dark age.

And on a final note, if federalism takes place (which I hope it will) the ethnic Muslims in Sri Lanka might demand a seperate state/province/district for themeselves too. Then the South, then Kandy so on and so forth. Wonder how well thought out the whole idea of federalism is in the long run.

Meeta Hithawath (Yours Truly)

komisiripala

Been A Long Time

2005-11-28T14:11:00.000-05:00

So,

Feels good to be able to finally post on my blog again - moving to a new city etc does play havoc on ones usual routine.

That being said, we are now well and truly at a crossroads in History. We as in all Sri Lankans. The people (those who were allowed to that is) voted, and their voice was heard. What most may not realize is that instead of grabbing the tiger by the balls as our 'veeraya' (Hero) claimed he would do, he finds his own balls held right royally by a pair of LTTE pliers.

a) If he reneges on his deal with the Jay Vee Pee (which he has begun to do) he will lose their support in parliament and will therefore fail to put through any legislation/reforms.

b) If he delivers on his deal, i.e. Revising the ceasefire unilaterally (at this point I would like to mention that Mahinda Rajapakse was quoted as saying he 'vows to uphold the current ceasefire' and has also 'invited' the LTTE into talks) and abolishes a federal system, war will break out.

Now that chap in the Northern Jungles, Monkey of The Wanni Prabhakaran has, to his credit, some brains as well. Instead of declaring all out war YET, he sees an opportunity to further strengthen his position by generously according a one year deadline. Now, those who may be blind to the fact that be enlightened - the LTTE can hit Colombo anytime they want with impunity. They too would like more time to build up their forces.

Mahinda R. is in a rather unique position right now. The peoples choice can either choose to follow the path Ranil W. set in motion - i.e. engage LTTE in talks that they cannot back out of due to international pressure. Or create a situation whereby the LTTE can justify hostilities with even the smallest of reasons. The world is filled with a lot of romantics, pacifists and idealists. The phrase one man's terrorist is another mans Freedom Fighter is music and mantra to these people. Unfortunately they are in positions to affect nations such as ours. Lets not forget the LTTE gangs who terrorize Sri Lankan expats (People of tamil ethnicity are Sri Lankan too - NEVER FORGET) for money.

Anyhow, Mahinda R may be a former actor, but the question is, can he dance? For the tune he will have to dance to is a new one that not many people have heard. I mean, CBK skated thru the last of her years doing nothing about the conflict and no one said much of anything. Mahind R. has six years... Six Bloody Years. Even a fool can do SOMETHING in six years.

My apologies

2005-09-29T10:24:00.000-05:00

Dear All,

I wish to apologize for my previous blog as it seems I did not have all the facts. I read the article on LBO and went off on that presumption. Again, I was not aware that it had not passed and for that I apologize.

Cheers

Statutory or Consensual... Is there a difference?

2005-09-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

Some people have been blogging about the recent revision of legislature that changed the existing statutory rape laws. The age was brought down to 13 (THIRTEEN).

While I feel that people should have the right to do what they want whenever they want, we are talking about children here. It takes very little to convince a child to do something an adult would not do, AND there are too many hit-and-run johns out there who prey on children as it is.

Now they go and change the friggin law so that it makes it LEGAL. For gods sake, ask a WOMAN of 18 what she thinks of sex and compare that to what a GIRL of 13 would say.

This instance is sad in itself as I feel it heralds a further downgrading of our society and now, our sisters and cousins have to be protected even more.

Even in the United States (which some consider to be one of the most decadent societies in the world) the statutory age is 18. WOMEN have been sent to jail for having sex with boys who were under 18.

Far as I am concerned anybody who is 13 is still a child. And as such anyone having sex with any child is a pedophile.

Apples and Oranges

2005-09-26T09:23:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable...

I don't know jack about UniX much less shell scripting and the damned marketers won't take me off of the requirement. So now, I am stuck with learning all that jazz in a few days as opposed to those idiots... sigh

Anyway, the lady and I was having a discussion and the battle of the sexes came up. Venus and Mars and blah blah blah. That got me thinking and I had quite a few epiphanies.

Women are always harping that they can do this and they can do that. Good for you... its something no one can take away from you. So what? Whats the big deal? There are MANY things that men can and cannot do. Just like that there are things that women can and cannot do. Example: have kids... men can't (FYI 'Junior' was a MOVIE) and women can. Men are biologically designed to have superior upper body strength... women don't. I don't know why, but that is the case.

My argument is this... Men and women are humans. BUT, we are different and as such cannot be compared using the same measurement or activities. Its like apples and oranges, they are both fruit but they are different. You can eat both, they are good for you but they still taste and feel different.

So, WHY are women so hell bent on proving that they can do what men can do? Why do they need to bring themselves to a level that they claim to abhor in order to feel fulfilled? And why does most women say that they would rather work with men than other women?

I am a firm believer in equality. I applauded the fact that Bars and Cafes were sued for sexual discrimination in the Valley that is Happy coz they had free entrance for girls. Men are brought up to be gentlemen... for the most part. As such we would never strike a girl. But, when women scream for equality, does a punch in the face fall into that as well? Take this situation: a Girl slaps a guy... a GENTLEMEN would do nothing except walk away. A guy punches/slaps a guy and a fight breaks out. Equal? Hardly. Why have female divisions in sports? Have full contact rugby open for unisex teams and see what happens...

Yes, I agree that there has been sexual discrimination throughout recorded history. Yes, women went through a lot. Yes women are strong intelligent individuals. Yes they are capable of much. But ladies, you need to understand, that you can never ever compare yourself to another man UNLESS you are a man too. Simply because the population with which you compare yourself is DIFFERENT at a very fundamental level (Biologically) and that cannot be changed.

Please, I am not a chauvinist pig. Really I am not. But what I think people (men AND women) fail to realize is that whenever they compare themselves to each other the resulting analysis is flawed due to the fundamental differences inherent in humans... that of Apples and Oranges.

Oh yeah, if a Man was to say Men are great and the greatest and blah blah blah... he is a pig/chauvinist/sexist

If a woman is saying the same thing... she is a feminist/leader/figurehead etc. These things are definitely <> (not equal) is it now?

Fear... Its causes and result in the Sri Lankan Context

2005-09-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

Blistering pace at work this week... sigh

Anyway, lets get down to it.

Now, these days (just like it has been for the past 20+ years, if I am wrong, please let me know the correct amount of time) people are dead scared of politicos. If they say jump, most people would say 'how high'. Its only people with influence/power or the same standing that is able to tell them to go screw themselves.

For the most part, it is the people who are appointed through the national list who engage in thuggery and hooliganism. However, some of the appointed assh*les do so to. Lets not forget their itinerant offspring who prior to daddy's appointment were the butt of the joke and after daddy's appointment uses the butt of a pistol for a joke.

The people who are affected by this thuggery is everybody. But it happens through many layers. When some poombahs son is arrested, 'strings' are pulled and 'puppets' do a dance and lo and behold, poombah junior is scot free, be it weapons possesion (very harsh punishment during states of emergency) murder or assaulting an officer of the law.

These 'puppets' however come in different kinds. There are the main puppets who think they are puppeteers of sorts, the brown nosing a-holes who think they've got it made coz they have a talent for kissing ass exquisitely. Then there are the people immediately subordinate to them. These are the people whose lives will be changed if they dance to a different tune. They might get fired, arrested, killed, transferred to high risk places. They are people too. Every one of them is a father, a mother, a son, a daughter. They have a lot to lose if they do not obey. They do not have the luxury to say no.

Finally, people like you and me are affected. I say you and me because the reader and I may be in the same boat (family in SL) or different boats (reader is in SL). Wherever we are, and whatever we may do, as long as people allow whoever it is to do whatever, EVERY SINGLE PERSON is in danger.

Now, it all boils down to one thing. The people elect other people into power. Just coz they are in power don't mean they are divine right? So they must be accountable too. You cannot blame the functionaries who have to carry out the orders, you must blame the originator and main facilitator of the orders. So people must elect good people. But Alas! In Sri Lankan politics, everybody is just about to attain enlightenment when election time comes right? But as soon as they rest their ass on that seat of power, they change their colors faster than a chameleon being hunted.

Rabid ravings and rantings this may be, but I leave you with one question...

What would you do if you had to decide between what YOU should do and what SHOULD be done? Should you sacrifice yourself on the altar of all that is good, or say to hell with them, I need my job. I'll be honest with all of you, I don't know the hard and fast answer to that one. Anyone knows, please let me know...

Of subsidies and multi million dollar loans

2005-09-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

Oh what a blissful weekend...

So Matel, Frodo and I headed over to Valley that is Happy to indulge in two of its favorite pastimes... Drinking and Football. The Lions from Nittany won the game this weekend with the new fellows doing some excellent catching and running.

Kudos to jackpoint for laying it out in black and white... I think that is the most clear and concise way in which all the issues pertaining to Sri Lanka has been laid out.

Economics... we all deal with it, some know it and some are ignorant of it. So lets examine the how and the why of how Sri Lanka is still a developing nation.

Back in the day, it was stated that for developing nations to produce a strong economy, subsidies must be in place INITIALLY. Afterwards, Laissez Faire (Hands off economics) should make things just right. After the great depression, the idea of Laissez Faire economics had to go out the window, coz the world could not afford another episode... not even with Prozac. So, they adjusted the models and did the math and came up with a formula that has managed to float almost all countries... except THE hardcore socialist i.e. former Soviet Union.

What happened in the USSR was simple. Everybody got paid the same wage regardless of the job. A brilliant surgeon/professor was paid the same as the janitor sweeping the hallways. Promotions and the like was present but the increments were minuscule and the only benefit was access to better stores/supplies and MAYBE a state assigned apartment. Now according to STRICT Marxism and Leninsm, perks and bonuses were taboo (as was the idea of religion - The Party was the only authority) but they were there for the Party hierachy. Equality was the game and you had to play it whether you liked it or not. To make a long story short, factory managers reported quotas had been met when they weren't, and everybody believed this happy song right up until the collapse. Gorbachev (bless him) saw this and managed to steer Russia into democracy before anarchy set in. Now however, due to the troubles of Russia and its rampant corruption, NUKES, yes Nuclear Missiles that will blow you and I to kingdom come are missing. God knows who has them.

Ok, why am I going on like this? Because of the economic policy in Sri Lanka.

The GOSL (the first one back in 1948) established the subsidy system as we were an 'emerging economy' at the time. Subsequent governments Blue or Green continued to uphold the subsidies coz no one would vote for them if people had to pay real prices for goods and services. Therefore, state entities which at the very least should have been breaking even started to lose money like crazy. To date, the CEB alone owes somewhere around 1 1/2 BILLION to the Treasury. DAMN.

The price of foodstuffs fluctuate a little, but does not reflect market price, therefore are underpriced. The people producing them (the farmers who have been doing this for generations) are ripped off because of this. Becasue people are not paying REAL prices they are not paid REAL wages. So things like petrol which tend to reflect INTERNATIONAL prices AFTER the subsidy are VERY expensive to the layman.

In short:

People are paid shitty wages because
Cost of Living (COL) is artficially held low owing to
Subsidies which is
Draining the treasury becasue of which
The ruppee devaluates everyday which in turn
Increases the downward spiral of the economy which
Ensure people don't get proper wages.

True, the war is a contributer to the drain on the economy too, but if we put in place proper infrastructure, all the money spent on the war will stay inside SL and contribute to its economy by providing jobs and more money in the economy. But then again, HOW MUCH was spent on the WAR when there is a ceasefire in place? I mean besides proper wahes and upkeep expenses for the defense forces... which would be spent anyway regardless of the war.

Does anyone notice that everytime the Central Bank has to take out a loan to finance a subsidy, its the peoples money and credit being risked? I mean, subsidies remain in place to curry flavor with the masses right? Reds, Blues and Greens do it right? So basically, THEY finance THEIR campaigns using OUR BLOODY MONEY. We are essentially paying them to screw us over. Ain't that just beautiful?

"WAR!!! What is it good for? Absolutely Nothing..."

2005-09-08T12:47:00.000-05:00

"We don't like war, but we are not afraid of war either," Amarasinghe [leader of the JVP] said after the deal was sealed at the tightly-guarded Temple Trees official residence of the premier. "You can't bring peace by being afraid of war."

an exceprt from the article "Confused?" at Lanka Business Online.

Wow, such bravado, such courage... wonder who (or who's who) will be holding the guns when the shooting starts?

I guess, thats why the Jay Vee Pee went on their 'revolutionary sprees' back in the day huh? Maybe the hiatus in violence has been making them more antsy for more blood and gore... especially when it is not their own blood being spilled.

Does anyone find it funny how the President and the PM is at completely opposite poles regarding the whole situation? The President is trying to make sure P-TOMS goes ahead when her number two has already agreed to scrap it when he gets to the top seat. To top it all off, her party is SUPPORTING the candidacy of the PM for President. Hell, it might be the joke of the century eh? Small wonder that they are still working in the same parliament.

And yeah, if the LTTE is not accepting CIA (Colombo International Airport) as a venue to REVISIT the ceasefire, they will lie down and accept and REVISION of the ceasefire made by Marxists and Hardliners?

Everybody is quick to point out how Hard Line muslim clerics gather armies for jihad right? But what about Hard Liner nationalists who prolong war? Is what they do alright because they are not muslim and they have a political position to do so? Food for thought? Probably diarrhea for breakfast.

Cheers

Then they came for me...

2005-09-07T07:15:00.000-05:00

In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

- Pastor Martin Niemoller

Commies + Lust For Power = Disaster for country

2005-09-06T13:15:00.000-05:00

So, they did it. They went and fricking did it.

The Jay Vee Pee has gone and convinced the Pee A to sign an agreement in order to provide support for the current Pee Em in the upcoming elections.

While the text of the agreement is verbose and very legalese, it basically amounts to one thing. Disaster. No privatisation, No P-TOMS, Revising the cease fire (allowing for the fact that the LTTE will bend over and accept the terms of the hardliners) No recognition of the LTTE etc etc.

Now, I know that many people don't agree with recognizing the LTTE as a political entity, but for God's sake, what other alternative is there? I am a pacifist by nature but neither do I run away from a fight. But this is a meaningless fight that can be resolved if people commit to it. What the Jay Vee Pee fail to see is that if the late Ranasinghe Premadasa had not given them the same recognition, they would have been extinct by now. That man (Mr. Premadasa) was quite capable of eradicating communism from the face of Sri Lanka but decided not to. Now they want to deny others a PEACEFUL alternative to a war. I guess it was ok for them to have been killing and burning etc, and then enter politics. Not for anyone else eh?

While they are so hot to shoot down every idea or plan that comes up, the only alternative they want is war. They are for the people and by the people, but how many Jay Vee Pee poombahs are out there fighting in the boonies of the Wanni? How have they helped to ensure the relative serenity that the people who are not in the war torn areas enjoy? If it was upto them, we would be fighting everybody tooth and nail.

Going back on privatisation. What does privatisation actually do? It streamlines the existing infrastructure to function more effectively and show a PROFIT. Its not majority stakes that are being privatised, its only a minority percentage that still allows the government all the control it wants.

Kicking Norway out. About bloody time. Its the only thing that makes sense in this piece of asswipe they call a 'manifesto'.

For the full text, please follow:
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/new_full_story.php?subcatcode
=11&subcatname=&newscode=74623755

Oh yeah, the president went on Chinese TV and said that she created the civilized society that currently exists out of the anarchy that reigned before she got into power... Hmm, wonder what the Jay Vee Pee mean when they say 'the current lawlessness..."

sittingnut, looking at this you cannot tell me that voting for these people is the smart thing to do. Just as they have a right to vote their hearts, I have the right to call them stupid as*holes when they can't see the consequences of their actions. Especially when it affects not just me, but my country as well.

Friends, Lankans and whoever else...

2005-08-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

In the wake of the recent ruling by the supreme court of Sri Lanka, many political analysts (amateurs of course) have developed many theories. While most are so far fetched as to require a foot up the ass of the author, one in particular is scary because it is simple and direct.

The esteemed president it seems might resign her current post of executive president in order to contest the upcoming general elections in the capacity of Prime Minister. Now, for one such as her, this step down in public life is not at all an insult to herself, her family and her party because she will be able to retain some semblance of power. After all, 12 years of absolute power is not enough for anybody right? But the funny thing is, people with power always aspire for more power, and this theory highlights the complete lack of self dignity Madam President has managed to communicate to the entire world.

That being said, my faith in the people remains, but also my skepticism that yet another 'free and fair election' will take place also remains.

Now that the government has re-introduced the 'elections are near and so we will abolish taxes' policy, the people will be left sucking hind tit once again. The individual Sri Lankan is an intelligent individual, however, taken collectively we have as much intelligence as two rocks. So, people will fall for that 'dazzling' smile (who in their right mind thinks it is even remotely attractive?) fall for the short term relief in cost of living and yet again vote the blues onto the wicket. They will vote not with their minds, but because of whom their parents voted for, who their aunties and uncles worked for, because they met that VIP in some podunk function, or some VIP smiled at them.

Now, I would like nothing more than to be proven wrong on all accounts. I want my country to prosper and develop, not to remain labeled forever as a 'developing nation' (diplo speak for 3rd world) due to personal bickerings amongst so called leaders. While they are trying to find who farted in the elevator, the JVP is going to blow the cables. Revolution may not be that far away. Thats when the ethnic conflict will become the least of everybodys concern.

To wax or not to wax...

2005-08-29T07:13:00.000-05:00

So, Matel (formerly known as Mr. M.P.) made one of his wonderful comments yesterday.

As the exam in the training was on the following day, me, Frodo and Matel were studying. Obviously we were really very tired and cracking jokes at the stupidest things. At a point in the discussion about the finer points of waxing the human body Matel came out with the following;

"is there a place where you can get your as*hole waxed?"

Frodo was rolling around the floor cracking up and I couldn't breathe. Once more was the observation made that it must be some really f*cked up people that come out of Oklahoma and Matel was their champion.

The weekend was spent mainly on the road as Frodo and I went to Happy Valley for a day to clear up where to leave what back there. Unfortunately for me, I was too exhausted to indulge in that towns favorite past time... drinking. It is not without reason that State College, PA is known as 'an alcoholic town with a football problem'.

On a different note, the lady from Lanka has come back and now I am happy. Very happy. We shall see what the year holds eh?

Love and Hate Go Hand in Hand...

2005-08-25T07:13:00.000-05:00

So, nothing really interesting happened to speak of, other than Frodo starting to speak (fake) Japanese. He insists it is easy to accomplish if you get yourself into a state of mind where you believe yourself to be constipated or frustrated.

Anyway, a friend of mine sent me the following few lines which were taken from the Washington Post's Rhymes competition which asked for the most romantic first line and least romantic (hateful?) second line. I think its pretty funny.

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I slept with you because I was pissed.

I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty,and so is your head.

Kind, intelligent, loving, and hot.
This describes everything you're not.

I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that bag from off your face.

I love your smile, your face, your eyes.
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife,
Marrying you screwed up my life.

I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.

My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

RIP or RUP?

2005-08-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

It was a 'usual' day at training... We learnt a little about LoadRunner and then drowned in all the handouts given out. The amount of reading involved to stay abreast is unbelievable.

When we started Back End testing, Frodo (known before as Mr.A.M.) made the observation that 'it sounds dirty', which is true enough. I mean, to a lay person, what the hell does Back End testing mean? Getting a checkup for Hemmorhoids, Foliculitis et al right? But to the really gutter-minded, Back End testing has completely different connotations that I will not get into here.

Dinner was made and eaten while watching Kaal Ho Naa Ho (Tommorow may not be). It was an apparently sad film that I found very hilarious due to the comic nature of Rohit (Saif Ali Khan) and Aman (Shah RUkh Khan). The fact that Rohits housekeeper kept walking in on them when they were in 'compromising situations' made the hilarity complete.

Just as we were given some handouts with background information on XML, UML and RUP, I asked Frodo if he knew waht RIP meant (just for the hell of it) and he says 'Rrrest in Peace?, so I asked him if he knew RUP (Rational Unified Process) and he goes, 'Rrrrest your pus*y?'.

Later, when we were teaching fonts to a testing application, we used the sample phrase 'He is reading a book'. Frodo felt it necessary to change it into, 'He is reading a book with a finger up his as*'.

And that ladies and gents was another day at work.

Vicks in the brain...

2005-08-23T06:59:00.000-05:00

So after wrapping up SQL in a day, the guys and I went home and chilled out till it was dinner time. Surprisingly none of us was tired so we just watched TV, popped in a DVD of Aishwarya Rai's music videos (it was already in the apartment... thank you very much) and studied a little.

Mr A.M. made spaghetti and franks and we had a good dinner watching "That 70's Show". Then we got on with our various phone calls as it was past 9 (Unlimited night and weekends makes life very cheap).

At around 10:30 Mr.A.M, Mr. M.P. and I were having a chat before turning in (Mr.S.D) was already sleeping when Mr. M.P made some interesting comments about Vicks Vapor Rub and its many unpublished applications.

He went on to elaborate on how people should put some on the female nethers 'if you aren't getting some' which prompted us to ask him what the hell kind of women he was hanging out with. THEN, when Mr. A.M and I were discussing the many pranks that can be played using a toilet seat Mr. M.P interjected with the comment, "Man you should put some vicks on your as*hole". Silence. Profound silence... followed by two emphatic WTF's.

At the end of that conversation, we came to the consensus that Mr. M.P was a little f'ed in the brain and needed to be avoided due to his unusual experiments with Vicks.

Another day, another crack up. Very funny.

Oh yeah, running into the bathroom this morning when Mr.S.D. was taking a dump and hadn't locked the door was almost as funny, but not quite as much.

Ayubowan, Hello, Namaste, Buenos Dias, Bon Jour and wahtever else you prefer

2005-08-22T07:14:00.000-05:00

Hello all,

So, the komiya (me) has decided on this wonderful phenomenon (did I get it right?) known as blogging. This will be a multi-tasking posting dealing with politics (Hooray) with my two cents worth, advice for the needy (at your own risk of course, please await terms & conditions) and whatever else comes to mind. All in all, it looks like its going to be a lot of work.

Anyhow... I am a student from S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia (not from any 'branch school' ok?) who went to Penn State for my bachelors in Global and Strategic Management. Owing to the intense boredom because of too much time on hand, I tagged on an Economics Minor as well. Sigh.

Now, I am employed in a field completely unrelated to my degree... however, it does seem promising... balamukoo (we shall see).

My proclivities and activities in school and uni will come to light in the near future... but for now, this will be the lowdown. See, work is about to start and I can't get fired in the second week no? Must wait at least for the third week right?

Meeta obage senehebara wana ma (Yours sincerely... i think thats the meaning)
komisiripala