Lanka-e-News: Stop Tarnishing. Credibility of Ex-UN Ambasssador Mr. H.M.G.S. Palihakkara.

This petition is created to protest against the article published in an online Sri Lankan newpaper,Lanka-e-news carrying the headline "Palihakkara who should learn many a lesson in jail appointed to 'Lessons learnt Commission'- what an irony!" ( http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=9689). It was published on 24 Jane 2010, 10.45 AM.Majority of Sri Lankans found the facts and figures in the article to be totally untrue and misleading.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Silent gratitude too isnt much use to anyone. Those are the very reasons why the following letter is written. It is written on behalf of the majority of Sri Lankans who stood by various Sri Lankan governments during the times the GOSL needed them most while fighting a war against the barbaric LTTE terrorism. While gratefully recalling many Sri Lankan diplomats and numerous other Sri Lankan patriots who occupied the forefront we have to recognize and acknowledge the tremendous services rendered to our motherland by veteran diplomat Mr. H.M.G.S. Palihakkara.
He was a tower of strength for our nation during those turbulent times. UN did not recommend any advisory or investigating panels during his tenor.
After nearly 40 years of honest, humble and dedicated service Mr. Palihakkara s image cannot be tarnished by some malicious elements and those of us who worked with him closely know the real truth. With this vicious mudslinging such elements cannot negate the professional and diplomatic battles he fought for our country during his watch at the Ministry and at the New York mission.
We know the real truth behind the two domestics who disappeared a day prior to Mr. Palihakkaras departure from New York. Some rogue elements from our own community advised the domestics to do the vanishing trick. Mr. Palihakkara duly informed the US and Sri Lankan authorities on the disappearance and such action could not have come from a collaborator. He even summoned assistance from the Sri Lankan community to locate the two domestics so that they could have avoided legal complications.
Those of us who knew him well are truly appalled at these baseless allegations and request Lankaenews to deal with the contributor of this article. We think that this person has to be identified and held responsible for character assassination with a malicious intent. This person needs to be exposed for the sake of the reputation of the Foreign Ministry. Lankaenews should immediately publish this letter from the Sri Lankan expatriates domiciled in the United States.
To those who make these baseless allegations and to websites who publish such reports without verifying the facts we have one simple advice.

Always put yourself in others shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person too! Let us be fair and accurate!