There are many translation of Kara.niiya sutta. I give below two:
This is what is to be done by one who is skilful in respect ot the good having attained the peaceful state. (Norman, K.R., The Rhinoceros Horn and Other Early Buddhist Poems (Sutta-Nipaata). p.24)

What should be done by him who is skilled in his own welfare for the purpose of attaining that of serenity is ... (Jayawickrema, N.A., Suttanipaata, p. 57)

You would notice from what I have underlined, that the two are very different.

I am happy with Norman's translation. 

Hope the above helps in understanding the 'intended meaning' of the above text.
D. G. D. C. Wijeratna




________________________________
From: Nina van Gorkom <vangorko@...>
To: Pali@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 8:39:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Pali] First 2 verses of Metta Sutta





Dear Alex,
Op 22-apr-2009, om 4:56 heeft duriank24 het volgende geschreven:

> Dear Nina,
> Currently i am learning metta sutta and only wish you have me to
> get the meaning of first 2 verses, word by word.. The rest i have it.
>
> "Karaniya mattha kusalena ,
> Yantam santam padam Abhi Samecca"

------
N: I have the Commentary "Minor Readings and
Illustrator" (Khuddakapaa. tha) and in section IX all is explained.
It has: kara.niiya.m atthakusalena
/should be done by one skilled in good (attha)/

> Yan tam /santa.m pada.m /abhisamecca

/which that/ state (pada.m) of peace (santa.m)/ having reached/

What should be done by one with skill in good,
The state of peace to have attained is this.
Yan ta.m are nominative, agreeing with kara.niiya.m.
Or a second possibility given by the Co: ya.m is a nominative, and
ta.m accusative, agreeing with santa.m pada.m.

This is interesting, we can see that there is not just one possibility.

Nina.

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