Rajiva Wijesinha

“ Indeed it would seem that, by going to such an event, knowing how British leaders have been used before, Browne has nailed his colours to the mast. Perhaps he is hurt, like those journalists who claim they have to rely on dubious sources because access to the conflict zone is restricted. But, as with those journalists, their continuing misrepresentations even in the face of evidence to the contrary about the murderousness of the Tigers, is the best reason for not taking their claims of possible objectivity seriously. ”

“ Somehow one gets the impression that the poor British are trying hard to convince the Americans that they are the experts on South Asia. So, while young Miliband sorts out Kashmir, old Browne will facilitate 'a permanent solution' in Sri Lanka, one in which 'all parties to the conflict would need to be included', ie the dear old Brits will resuscitate the Tigers even if defeated on the battlefield, and thus ensure that all other Tamils willing to talk are once again betrayed and killed. ”

“ Given his comparatively decent record, it could have been argued that, since Des was now once again willing to take up an onerous responsibilty, we should have been honoured that his not quite namesake Gordon Brown had selected Sri Lanka for the purpose. Having been elevated when the big Brown became Premier to two Cabinet positions, it must have been upsetting when the boss told him that, if he could not stay the course, he might as well go away immediately. ”