I fully endorse the views expressed by my friend and former classmate, Somapala Gunadheera (SG) published in The Island of the 30 June 2009 on the "Captain Ali" affair.

However, regarding the application of the ‘Dhammapada’ to the situation of Prabhakaran’s aged parents being in custody, as referred to in the last para, and also brought up by SG in a previous letter, I have some reservations.

I also have great respect for the sayings in Dhammapada, but here we are confronted with two individuals whose role may need close investigation as to whether or not they had played any role in encouraging, aiding and abetting Prabhakaran’s criminal deeds. At least, in respect of Prabhakaran’s mother, it is on record that Prabhakaran had told an Indian journalist that he possessed two revolvers, one of which was given to him by his mother purchased for Rs.150 by her, which he treasured more. If so, were they a pistol packing family?

Doesn’t that raise two questions? Firstly, did Mrs. Velupillai hold a license to possess a gun? Secondly, hasn’t she committed an offence by handing over the gun to her son, whether or not it was licensed?

Doesn’t this situation need investigation despite the age of the persons? Age did not prevent the former Allied powers in keeping the last surviving prisoner convicted at the Nuremberg Trials in prison till his death in very old age; or the trial of the former Chilean strongman, Pinochet.  Only Mrs. Margret Tatcher shielded him!

If any proven offences have been committed by Prabhakaran’s parents, then shouldn’t they have to face due punishment under the present legal system? 

Whether or not Sri Lankan judges influenced by the local ethos look at a situation more humanely, in determining punishment, is another matter. It did not stop my kinsman, the late High Court Judge, Sarath Ambepitiya (He was formerly married to my wife’s younger sister) delivering a 200 year prison sentence on Prabhakaran over the attack on the Central Bank. He created history on the bench here and I was very proud of him! Today, I read that a 138 year? sentence to run concurrently, has been  passed on a citizen by a U.S. judge!

Both Mr.Velupillai and his wife are younger to me by some years. I do not look at the issue from the point of view of age. Nor can one apply the ‘Dhammapada’ in the present context. That is my personal view.

The situation reminds me of a more down to earth situation, i,e., what the notorious Sri Lankan bandit of the 19th century, Utuwankande Saradiel, is said to have done when he was being taken to the gallows. (He was converted to Christianity before the gallows for the greater glory of the God!). The baptized criminal wanted to see his mother. When she got close the prisoner, he bit her ear hard, saying that she encouraged him when he committed his first act of banditry!

If Prabhakaran had a chance before he died, would he have done the same thing to his mother? The answer depends on two points. Mrs. Velupillai’s culpability in the crimes that the son committed with the gun which he displayed with much pride; and whether or not Prabhakaran was capable of remorse even at the moment of death!