Lanka’s peace boosts diplomats’ role - Maj. Gen. Jagath Dias

By Dhaneshi YATAWARA

The LTTE supportive bodies have been successful in infiltrating into almost any level of the Western society be it social, political, sports or media. “Yet the representation is very small,” said the Deputy Chief of the Sri Lankan Mission in Germany Major General Jagath Dias. In an interview with the Sunday Observer via email last week Dias said that the best message Sri Lankans living abroad could give overseas was to show the positive transformation in Sri Lanka, following the defeat of LTTE terrorism.

Q: The victory of Sri Lanka has raised doubts and questions in many parts of the Western world. Led by several human rights organisations, certain factions of Sri Lankan expatriates seems to be involved in these missions. How do you see the situation in Germany?

A: It is a true Sri Lankans who would understand the calamity that could have resulted if the LTTE existed today in Sri Lanka. No one would ever want to dare imagine. Only those who lived in Sri Lanka for the past three decades under LTTE terror would understand.

They, who were suppressed by terrorist threat would only know the value of peace and security that the citizens enjoy today.

You must know that no terrorist campaign could sustain without outside support. LTTE received such funds and set up its overseas arm since the very beginning of the conflict. This was well structured and organised and a considerable portion still exists. These LTTE supportive bodies have been successful in infiltrating into almost every level of the western society, be it social, political, sports, NGOs and media etc.

Overseas leadership of the LTTE rump is still functioning. But represent a very small percentage, around 5%, of the expatriate community. The balance join them due to sympathy.

However, these groups have been capable of influencing the expatriate community to a great extent at any time. It is this small percentage that is behind all these activities supported by human rights organisations, interest groups, etc.

Q : You took up the Deputy Ambassador post soon after the victory. How was the situation then?

A: The situation was extremely hostile. LTTE protested against my posting even before I arrived to take up the post. I felt the tension in the air at that time.

Q: How do you see the present situation among the Sri Lankan expatriates in Germany?

A: As I said earlier, except the small percentage of the LTTE hardcore elements, others are innocent peace loving people. Most, if not all, of them are economic immigrants. But when they are detected at borders they narrate a different story.

They say that they are political victims, victims of discrimination by the government. LTTE on one hand encouraged this situation. Those who migrated and settled down overseas, each and everyone of them was well looked after, thanks to the overseas taxpayers, contributions.

That was luxury as against the living standards back at home. So, obviously the LTTE used this situation to their advantage.

However, after the victory in Sri Lanka, a good majority of these expatriate community lost faith and sympathy towards the LTTE. Almost all the moderate thinkers do not even pay the slightest sympathy to the LTTE now. Since of very late it is being observed that the LTTE is attempting to revive the organisation and at the same time win the lost popular support through various activities. They use a number of front organisations to execute their plans.

Q: How is the relationship between the expatriates and the High Commission?

A: Very cordial. The High Commission at every possible time organises cultural events and get-togethers celebrating special Sri Lankan events such as the Sinhala–Hindu New year, Vesak, Thaipongal etc.

There are many societies in the Sri Lankan community in Germany and Switzerland who organises such events as well. And the High Commission is concerned about each and every Sri Lankan living in Germany and Switzerland irrespective of their ethnicity.

Majority of the Sri Lankans living in Germany are very patriotic and are not extremists but very peace loving people. It is this group of Sri Lankans, who have no hidden agendas or political motives and who need to make German and Switzerland communities aware of the true situation in Sri Lanka.

How do their families back in the motherland live peacefully in a multi ethnic and multi religious society. No one needs to fear now as the deep roots of the terrorist problem have been wiped out from Sri Lanka under an unwavering leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The voice of the civil societies would make a better impression. That would be one of the best ways they can do to serve their motherland.

Q: Do you think the diplomatic missions need to adopt a different approach to address queries arising in this era?

A: Our Missions the world over have been working very hard round the clock during very difficult times in the past that has not been told publicly. There is no iota of doubt about it.

However, it seems that traditional approach is no longer effective in this post conflict diplomacy. Present day diplomacy should be more people centred.

There is a need to identify the most important Missions or representations to Sri Lanka without delay. Those Missions should be staffed and resourced sufficiently to do the job. The staff need to be skilful enough to approach the people in an innovative, creative yet effective manner and keep the Sri Lankan community united at all times.

Q: What is the situation of the pro-LTTE groups in Germany?

A: LTTE front organisations in these parts of the world are very active. These organisations pose themselves as educational, cultural, sports and even as relief organisations.

They operate very carefully not violating the law of the land. These organisations use the liberal systems that exist in these parts of the world to their maximum benefit.

LTTE leadership does not surface, but gets almost everything done through these front organisations. It has even come to a stage that politics of certain constituencies are being influenced by these front organisations, pro-LTTE groups to put pressure on Sri Lanka.

Q: You were the senior-most ground commander leading the fighting until its very end. How do you see the present war crime allegations against the Sri Lankan military?

A: We conducted a humanitarian relief mission. Our aim was to liberate all civilians and their property from the clutches of the LTTE.

We were successful in doing that and rescued nearly 280,000 civilians of which 95% is re-settled by now. Therefore, talking about war crimes is out of the question. Allegations non-substantiated are speculations only.

Q: What threats are still existing in Europe for the diminished LTTE elements to rise?

A: To my understanding in Europe, LTTE is being closely watched. In the recent past, several arrests were made across Europe, of members belonging to LTTE front organisations called Tamil Coordinating Committee. Some cases are still being heard while some were given lesser punishments and released.

Almost all of the changes were of criminal nature. Mainly money laundering. This is the only threat the LTTE is facing in Europe. They are still at large in Europe as far as other anti-Sri Lankan activities are concerned.

The present environment, with different obstacles and challenges, provides no conducive environment for the diminished LTTE elements to rise.

Q: You led a war that defeated the most ruthless terrorist group and its leader. Now you are facing a different front with a different kind of challenges. How do you compare yourself in these situations?

A: I play a role of a diplomat at present. But invariably my knowledge about the separatist terrorist group, LTTE and its behaviour prompt me to highlight certain subtle actions of the LTTE rump. This is done with the sole intention of warning the people concerned.

Q: Have you had an opportunity to present to the German Government and civil society Lanka’s efforts at peace and reconciliation following the victory in May 2009?

A: Yes, whenever I got the opportunity I have done so.

Q: You are a military officer turned diplomat and we are aware that there are a number of other military figures holding diplomatic posts. How do you describe the impact this has in terms of Lanka’s projection of post-conflict efforts to the outside world?

A: Post conflict efforts are intertwined with lessons learnt during the conflict. Therefore, when it comes to Lanka’s projection of post-conflict efforts to the outside world, I have experienced that the role of a military officer in an overseas Mission makes the achievement of the Mission’s objectives all the more effective.

His inputs become essential for planning purposes. He could play the role of a very fruitful team member. A military officer could make a huge difference in that regard.

Q: Many news stories appeared saying that you have been recalled by the Sri Lankan Government before ending your tenure. Are you returning on such a basis?

A: I have not been informed of such decision by the Sri Lankan Government. Definitely I am returning to my motherland after completing my tenure.

I have not received instructions from my authorities of that nature.