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Anti Lankan Miliband out

12 May 2010 03:34 am - 62     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Controversial British Foreign Secretary David Miliband who was unpopular in Sri Lanka over his anti government remarks has been ousted following the labour government’s loss at the British elections and has been replaced by William Hague.

Miliband drew the ire of the Sri Lankan government and also was reported to have had a verbal spat with Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse over the safety of civilians in rebel-held areas in Sri Lanka during an official visit he undertook to the country in May last year.

Miliband’s repeated calls for a ceasefire saw hundreds of Sri Lankan’s gathering outside the British High Commission in Colombo on two occasions, one last year and the other early this year, where the protestors threw rotten eggs and stones at the embassy compound, and the effigy of Miliband was set on fire before being thrown over the high embassy walls.

In February 2010, a new chill settled on the diplomatic relation between Sri Lanka and Britain as Miliband addressed a parliament meeting of the Global Tamil Forum in London. The forum is known to campaign for a separate Tamil nation in Sri Lanka.

At the protest launched outside the British Embassy, large cut out’s of the British Prime Minister and Miliband were seen pasted across the walls with both of them dressed in LTTE outfits.

Meanwhile, according to the AFP, William Hague who was named Britain's new Foreign Secretary was a prodigy who led the Conservatives into electoral disaster but is now one of their most popular and respected MPs.

The 49-year-old is fiercely eurosceptic, but while attacking the European Union (EU) for being overpowerful and undemocratic, he has toned down his opposition since becoming David Cameron's foreign affairs spokesman in 2005.

Meanwhile Dr Liam Fox, who often visited Sri Lanka and was close to the Sri Lankan government, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Defence in the newly formed Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government, it has emerged.

The North Somerset MP - a former civilian army medical officer and GP - had been shadow defence secretary since December 2005.

No party won an overall majority in the 2010 general election on 6 May, meaning Fox's appointment was delayed as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown remained in Downing Street during coalition talks. (Daily Mirror online)


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  Comments - 62

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  • Wednesday, 12 May 2010 03:24 PM

    It is called the 'banana republic' because the people have gone bananas!

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:13 AM

    You idiots completely miss the point that there are actually free and fair elections in other countries, where the police, the media, etc are not all bullied and coerced into supporting a party.....

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:30 AM

    hey Mr.kumar when you claimed 40,ooo tamils were killed you forgot to mention the number who carried guns & bombs dressed in camaflouge..tamil or non-tamils,every terrorists should be wiped out..just like the way SL forces did last may this time around..

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:31 AM

    The defeat or win of this UK elections should not be viewed by Sri lankans as favorable to us. These suddas of the West want the so called "third world" to continue to be divided as they had successfuly done during their occupancy of our countries and to remain in conflict forever for their own benefit. We should ignore their elections - its not our business - but remain "on our guard" always.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:37 AM

    oh we saw how UK elections were conducted..next time we should send election observers to their country as well...

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:48 AM

    And since we have nothing else to do let's add this too to our list of celebrations. More fire crackers and more kiri bath please...

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:57 AM

    Jim, what are you talking? According to BBC certain polling centres did not have enough ballot papers for voting and voters were furious. When the same thing happens in our country it is sabotage or unfair politics.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:11 AM

    Well said patriot. All suddas are white.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:11 AM

    Like RW?

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:16 AM

    actually, david milliband won his seat and is in parliament, it's just that his party lost by about 8% of the votes! so instead of criticizing him, use that energy to clean our own garbage!

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:23 AM

    Milliband is still an MP in the British House of Parliament .Unlike in this country there is a smooth transition of power because they are civilised democracies.
    If you watched the decorum with which the whole process was carried out from the TV debates,to the resignation of the PM and the talks to form a coalition government you would see a huge difference in the way things are done here and there.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:27 AM

    Hi,Let us all stop being small in celebrating defeat of a political party or an individual in a foreign land.Govermnents come and go, I think what we need to focus on how we can show the world we are country where equal justice prevails for all communities. Now that the current goverment has won the elections but they have so far failed to bring about a pact of solution for the minorities, neither have they been able to stop the abductions in the N&E by the para militaries,. Until these stop, foreign countries will voice their suppurt, No one can stop it.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:50 AM

    Both Milliband and his brother may contest for the labour party leadership. There may be only Ed ball fighting with them. It is possible that very soon he will be the leader of the opposition in the Parliament. SL should think in terms of standing on own two feet , Agriculture, green power generation, ship building, IT services are the ares that will help.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:22 AM

    our stupids always talk nonsense.MPs there do not go behind money like our fools.pl do not think that new minister will not attend the meetings of tamils UK.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 02:43 PM

    that's not fair to say. They (average british people) are a wonderful population with open mindset and their own value system which we must learn from. That said, the problem is that they have corrupt politicians (just like we used to have, before Mahinda & co), who try to fish in troubled waters.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 02:53 PM

    Hey guys you have missed point here. It's not Miliband who created all these - it's the UK Government's foreign policy. Unlike in Sri Lanka, the UK’s foreign policy will not change due to a defect of the ruling party. May be Miliband was bit aggressive but his successor will follow the same path route in a different manner – the end result will be the same.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:06 AM

    First expose our local politicians before you go around trying to expose others

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 04:40 PM

    Who said that Miliband was ousted? He is set to be the next leader of the opposition. He could even well be the next PM. And, hold on, William Hague, too, addressed the said Tamil forum ...

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 06:54 PM

    Why are we so concerned about Miliband? It is improbable that Britain will change it's stance regarding human rights, even without him. Usually, 'conservatives' live-up to their name, and I feel that things may even 'heat-up.' As long as SL has to depend on the goodwill of other countries, to survive, then it might as well 'clean-up' it's act.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 12:00 AM

    Miliband or no Miliband Sri Lanka has a lot to learn about Democracy-elections-honourably resigning when not wanted by the Voters-clearing up and handing over-taking over and respecting those who opposed.The BBC is not running behind the elected Government-
    And now Miliband the shadow Prime Minister probably?

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 12:18 AM

    What to do ????????????????

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 02:14 AM

    Dear All, Remember he is an MP now.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 02:16 AM

    Dear All, Remember He is an MP now, and the present Government is an anti Immigrant and also full favor on Tamil Diaspora. There were 59 MP's were on by supporting Tamil Diaspora. So the threat is more than MILIBAND.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 02:25 AM

    Miliband can now join the LTTE Trans-national provisional Government of Eelam

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 02:26 AM

    He might try to creep into EU parliament to work against Sri Lanka.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 03:08 AM

    Now here speaks a true and proud Sri Lankan patriot. The sooner Sri Lanka does stand on its own two feet and stops expecting the world to give it hand outs, cheap loans, and every other form of charity the better. And don't still blame 'colonialists' for Lanka's plight. Malaysia, where I live was in a far worse situation than Sri Lanka at the end of the 1940s...Now look at Malaysia. Instead of whinging they got organised, worked hard and succeeded. Time Sri Lanka started doing the same and stopped blaming 'suddas'. The country is in a mess due to bad government, corruption, general mismanagement and a propensity to violence, bullying and thuggery at every opportunity. It is a tragedy.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 04:41 AM

    David miliband is going to be the leader of Labour party soon. Then lankans will have to cry again. Also David Camaroon is friend of Ranil. And he was opposed to sri lankan politics more than Brown.

    It is as always, sri lankan learn by experience. Give me a thump down. That means you accept me....

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 05:25 AM

    I am sure with the TAMIL majority who are residing in UK will ensure that Midland is back in power not as just a minister but as the PRIMINISTER of UK. Because BROWN is stepping down and the one the party is counting to put forward is Midland. So I think people should not think too much of anything and just do what is right for the people in our country. Just grow up Sri Lanka lets try to make a free country not for Midland but for us and ours kids future.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 05:38 AM

    what some people don't understand is Eton educated tories &Simon Hughes (Lib Dem) will never be on SL 's side .david Miliband is tipped to be the next Labour leader

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 05:47 AM

    Jim Dougal - You hit the nail on the head. Sri :Lankans are very good at whining and blaming everything on colonialism.
    Wasn't Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore too were once colonies, even the mighty USA was a British colony till 1776. If those countries could prosper & be developed. What is holding Sri Lanka? Except exactly what you pointed out. The British left us with a stable country and a fantastic infrastructure of Roads, Railways, Bridges, Telegraph, Police, Postal & all other services and a functioning Island wide government infrastructure besides a well established Plantation economy. Tea, Rubber etc. What the heck have we done???? We only know to grumble and increase our population in geometrical progression.

    Thursday, 13 May 2010 06:12 AM

    Most of those who criticize the British should always wear the sarong or saree instead of trousers. Look when 3 to 7 thousand civilians are killed in a short period any decent person should be concerned. The problem is that we sinhalese dont really care how many tamil civilians were killed.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:31 AM

    You are so worried about Miliband, isn't it ??

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 06:54 AM

    David could represent Global Tamil Forum full time now and make his money.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 06:58 AM

    Dear Mili, do not worry, impermanent is permanent in this world. Try and try, one day you can fly again !
    TC

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:03 AM

    We are happy to hear this ,

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:04 AM

    One by one is falling!
    Sri Lanka should celebrate by lighting fire crackers and serving kiribath.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:09 AM

    Dear Mr.Milliband,

    You can seek a new post in the Global Tamil Forum.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:09 AM

    Ok most probably will become the labour leader and the opposition leader. We need to try and expose him as much as possible.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:09 AM

    Dear Mili...whatever the opinion you hold on Sri Lanka nothing to worry..if you need any help we are there..but we know you will get to know the real picture soon,,all the best..

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:13 AM

    Yeah, he can fly a kite !!

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:16 AM

    Seems like your beloved Tamil Diaspora haven't vote for you or for your party. Good lesson for you Mili-Banda. Bye-bye !!!

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:17 AM

    When we have so many problems of our own what with corruption at all levels, sky-rocketing cost of living etc. it is ridiculous that some people still want to celebrate by lighting fire crackers and serving kiribath for some political developments in UK. Havent we celebrated enough now, Our people even celebrated the assassination of a former President of the country ! Also those who celebrated victory over tigers, are also celebrating the incarceration of the war hero. A funny nation indeed.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:18 AM

    I have been in UK. Never believe Suddas. They are greedy for money and are two face. They are not open.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:18 AM

    This is politics. He could come back again. So whats this big issue about??.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:26 AM

    Not sure whether we should celebrate Mili's fall from grace too much. Lib Dems, coalition partners, are infamous for their ill informed soft approach towards the LTTE. Mark, Simon Hughes , a senior MP of Lib Dems, an open runner for LTTE lobbysists in the UK. He will seek to manipulate UK foreign policy to strangle Sri Lanka even further. Sri Lanka needs to be smart. Fix our problems at home. Fix human rights record for our own sake. Start by building a world class team of diplomats with knowledge and enthusiasm to deal with the LTTE diaspora.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:29 AM

    Well said! could not have said it better

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:30 AM

    Certain politicians of various european countries (such as Norway and UK) are/were in the LTTE payroll. So they are/were a part of LTTE propaganda. Peace loving anti terrorist public in those countries should reject those politicians

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 06:54 AM

    I am sure SL now will be accused of a conspiracy that the Labour party lost in the UK. As we are nearing a year of wiping out terrorism there couldnt be better news than his ousting.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:35 AM

    No change may happen on the foreign policy of GB even if Miliban goes. Unlike in Sri Lanka, where we do not have a national policy and government stance drastically changes from one government to the other, in countries like GB their attitudes do not changes much even if a different government is elected. Probably this William Hague will be nothing less than Miliband

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:42 AM

    William Hague is in many ways similar to David Miliband. As shadow foreign secretary he has on many occassions endorsed Mili's actions. Good thing about the new cabinet is Dr. Liam Fox is the new Defence Secretary. He has been to Sri Lanka several times and has always backed President Rajapaksa during the final phase of the war.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 07:47 AM

    It will be icing on the cake if we defeat England in T20 semi.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:05 AM

    Milliband was not the real threat...the terrorists who have close links to governments around the world are the real threat. When Milliban goes, they will catch the next FM, and so on. The GoSL needs very intelligent people (like Kadirigama) to counter terrorist propaganda.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:21 AM

    Good riddance

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:22 AM

    He is not a supporter of LTTE, but, raised his voice against the killings of innocent civilian. Sinhalese may think this as a event to celebrate with "Kiribath" like they have done after killing of 40,000 Tamils , but they have forgotten that UK Foreign policies won't change with the new Government .

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:25 AM

    all are in the same board

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:27 AM

    He is not outsted and British politics is not like our politics. David will be the next Labour leader and he will be the PM. he is an intelect and not like our thuggery gang parlimentarians. He has better things to do and not think of a tiny island in the Indian ocean.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:51 AM

    Be careful of what you wish for. As it is now reported, David Miliband is set to become the Opposition Leader & a contender for the next PM's post. Also, don't forget that William Hague too attended and addressed in favour of the Trans National Government meeting in London last month. SL should really be careful here.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:51 AM

    Celebrations will be short lived as Brown will resign as head of the Labour Party in UK and who do you think will take up that mantle as head of the Labour Party - Milliband & he has a brother too. The new UK Administration may not work as Conservatives and Liberal Democrats don't see eye to eye on many policy matters, only time will tell. we have to wait and see.
    Milliband has gone nowhere, he is still in parliament.

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:57 AM

    There is no big difference between you and them. You don't know how to spell your name. So how many faces do you have? You went to UK for greener grass!!!! But failed..

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:57 AM

    dear Lanka miliband
    it is only us Sri Lankans that blame everything on a foreign conspiracy!!!

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:59 AM

    I agree with Warnay, Miliband would most probably become the Labour Partly leader hence next PM in the UK. I think rather than blaming Miliband we have to look at how Global Tamil Forum managed to get both of them to address their forum, Did any Sinhalese organisations try to do that? Why did we fail to organise something to address the true national concerns ?

    Wednesday, 12 May 2010 09:03 AM

    You told them that when you applied for your visa, didn't you? Who is two faced?


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