When former LTTE commander Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan (aka Karuna Amman) met National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa – what language did they use to communicate? I doubt if Mr Weerawansa speaks fluent Tamil. The same might be said for Mr.Muralitharan’s Sinhala. English? or did they use interpreters? In which case, what languages did the interpreter(s) use? Tamil > Sinhala /Sinhala to Tamil ? Or Tamil > English & Sinhala > English?
As language is a significant component in the roots of Sri Lanka’s war, the protocols of communication that these players used has potential for some interesting symbolism. For those with more information the comment box awaits.
October 25, 2008 at 4:37 pm
not that I have ‘info’ but isn’t it common to find that Tamil people can speak Sinhalese. And specially, if you are a Tamil in the East -unlike in the North – since there are lots of Sinhalese also around, chances are that most Tamils in the East speak Sinhalese also. ?
October 25, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Wimal & Karuna – how do they communicate?
Easy.
First Wimal stands facing a wall with his pants down and Karuna does him. Next Karuna stands facing the same wall and Wimal takes his turn.
Message is passed. No language necessary.
October 26, 2008 at 9:01 am
English
October 26, 2008 at 9:34 am
i’m sure karuna understands sinhala. you can’t become prabha’s right hand man if you only know tamil.
October 26, 2008 at 4:46 pm
uhu: Could be. Thank you for that input. Better explanation that I can think of
Chandima:
sounds like a very give and take sort of relationship 
Buddi: Interesting – like to hear the details on that
nuwan: So VP is a multiligualist at heart?
October 28, 2008 at 6:16 am
heh no man i meant vp values any underhand talents in his subordinates. if it means being multilingual or even having no qualms about killing children
October 28, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Cerno,
Well, when they finish with each other, Mahinda mama does both.
October 28, 2008 at 3:09 pm
nuwan : Sad but true.
Chandima:
didn’t realise that Sri Lankan politics was all about spreading the love! 
October 28, 2008 at 6:00 pm
As for the commuting part, thats why they’re closing the roads from Col 3 all the way to Parliament. As opposed to just closing the darn Parliament road. Don’t you just love SL?
October 29, 2008 at 1:57 pm
chaarmax: Typical. I wish these pols move to somewhere isolated. That should lead to some road development and Colombo travel time will drop.