transcurrents

108 Comments Add your own

• 1. ratna  |  February 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am

  I just finished reading a commentary by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States in Washington Times that majority of Tamil population in Sri Lanka lives happily in Sinhalese areas.
  After all this little girl is not even Tamil except for her surname. I hope he reads this.

• 2. Sandakantha Warnakula  |  February 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

  This definitely brings down the Minister of Education to a level way below that of ‘DR’ Mervyn Silva. Only one thing will clear the air. Sacking of Minister Susil Premjayanth.

• 3. Devinda Fernando  |  February 17th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

  *** It is a tragedy that the government of Sri Lanka sees her only as a Tamil. ***

  ?? So the WHOLE OF SRI LANKA is now being BLAMED for this Racist Discriminatory Act by One Individual…. Oh I see! – How these Tamil Nationalists love to spin this individual act into the Big Picture and as a Blanket Indictment of the Country. They are going to have a Field Day with this one… Not to mention the Regular Diaspora Barkers here who will undoubtedly Jump on the Band Wagon on this website and Tamilnet, and all the Other Terror-Supporting Websites and Blog sites to Hammer their “Justified-Slaughter-of-Sinhalese” agenda home to the rest of the World. This poor girl is now going to become the LTTE’s New Poster Child! I expect to see her picture next to the Black Tiger Martyrs Hall of Fame, and Velupillai Prabharkaran honoring her in his next Hero’s day speech while Garlanding her photo and pretending to offer a Pray for her. Ironically though she is Buddhist, which puts those who criticize the Sri Lankan government for being “Buddhist Chauvinists” at odds with themselves…. And another Irony would be if this girl grew up to be a prominent Tamil who didn’t support Eelam (like Laksman Kadirgamar) she would become a Target for the LTTE who love to kill Successful Tamils in Sri Lanka because these people are living testimony of how the LTTE’s Armed struggle and need for Eelam is a COMPLETE FARCE.

  While it is a tragedy that this girl has been discriminated against solely due to her race, I’m sure the Courts and other legal avenues can easily be explored and the matter rectified accordingly – just like the Eviction of those 300 Tamils from Colombo Lodges. I seem to remember that it was Buddhist Monks who physically protested, and the Sri Lankan Supreme Court swiftly overruling the government’s decision to evict those people. But there will be not Credit for that with Eelamists nor the realistic perspective when this child is used as a Political Football. I would also expect the Education Minister Susil Premajayanth be reprimanded and disciplinary action be taken; perhaps even his removal should the governing bodies feel as I do that his actions do not reflect what the Ministry of Education should be portraying to its Citizens in Sri Lanka. Personally I would feel his removal an appropriate step as he has openly outlined his way of thinking and it is blatantly a Racist mindset that does look bad to Sri Lanka being that he is in a Public Service position. Hwever his actions and mentality in no way reflect the views of ALL Sri Lankans. He is one person, and possibly a racist, he should face the consequences of his actions. I for one would be the first to say this and I think the Majority of Sri Lankans (especially Sinhalese) would agree with me.

  I will hold my judgment of this situation to see if this injustice is corrected through the normal legal channels of our functioning Democratic society… I can only hope you Tamil Nationalists would do the same… but somehow….. I doubt it very much.

  

• 4. A.Rajasingam  |  February 17th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

  While I congraulate the child, Nethmi Lavanya Yogendra on her fine performance at the Year 5 Scholarship Examination, the reasons for non-admission should be analyzed reasonably. It is painful to hear that she could not gain admission at Visaka Ladies College to pursue her studies on grounds of her birth in an ethnic community. No doubt it is violation of one’s fundamental rights. However, before reaching a conclusion and politicize on decisions made by authorities, we must closely examine the surrounding circumstances which would have compelled such decision. Susil Premajayantha is an experienced lawyer who knows very well about Human Rights violation. He is well respected by all the Teachers and Students of Tamil Scools in the Western Province for his sympathetic approach towards Tamils. During his last tenure, when Tamil teachers and students from northern region flooded in Colombo, he visited school by school and gave two to three storey buildings to all schools which accommodated displaced Tamil children. Not a single Tamil child, a teacher or a parent will deny it. For instance when he was passing Negombo one day, he dropped in at the Wijeyaratnam Maha Vidyalaya. When he saw the displaced children housed in a temporary shed, he got down, and sent his own vehicle to get down the architect to immediately attend to the urgent needs of those children. Today there is a two storied building housing the entire displaced children. Another instance was the plight of the Modera Hindu Tamil Mixed School. On looking at the dilapidated condition he immediately took necessary steps to provide with a three storied building including laboratories and other facilities. He personally provided 14 additional teachers for those displaced children and made it a full-fledged School. Having done such services to the Tamils while Tamil Parliamentarians in Colombo remained silent, it is very difficult to cast a blame on the Minister for just denying a admission to the child. One will have to think rationally.

  At this juncture we must not forget that the LTTE has infiltrated into all Government Departments with bogus Sinhala and/or Muslim names and continuing to do so. Even though the Public was aware of it, the Government became aware of it only now. It is only, when Gothapaya was attacked they discovered that their Chief Security Officer, who was well known for torturing Tamil suspects, was a member of the LTTE who with a bogus Muslim name, had infiltrated into Security Services. He is still in prison. A Muslim Deputy Commissioner who manipulated Identity Cards for the LTTE is also still in jail. Further, on 14th September 2005 the arrest of a the bogus lady Lawyer in the Court House of Colombo in Lawyer’s attire is another instance of the infiltration of the LTTE in Colombo. These are recent incidents. But I, as a husband of a teacher knew in early Nineties how an O/level Student of one of the leading School in Colombo, suffered from shock and could not proceed with her studies when she came to know that the suicide bomber who killed Gamini Dissanayake and 70 others, was housed by them and fed by them without knowing that she belonged to LTTE. Visaka Ladies College was earmarked by LTTE from the inception. There may be a possibility that this child may be utilized without her knowledge or that of her parents to seek access to the School on various pretexts. Who will have to later regret – Not only the parents of the child, but the entire country. I am expressing my view purely out of my personal experience. I do not know the position of Mr.Yogendra. Will it not be a risk to the life of the child if she is approached by unscrupulous characters. Prevention is always better than cure.

• 5. roshann wickremesinge  |  February 17th, 2008 at 5:24 pm

  On behalf sinhalease I aplogise all my fellow tamils, We civilized sinhalease not responsible for this evil act. Terrorist. fascist mad mahindas government responsible for this foolish act ion. I appeal all sensible sinhalease sooner you get rid of this evil regime better for all Srilankans, if you dont tamil ealam is likely another kosovo.

• 6. Ranjan Aluwihare  |  February 17th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

  This is outrageous. The education minister has to be sacked. Since when did fine schools like Visakha become prey to ministerial interventions like this? My wife schooled at Visakha and there were Tamil girls and Muslim girls there in her time. This intervention is complete nonsense. I hope the parents of this girl will take matters to the supreme court, and I hope the teachers and parents at Visakha support them. What this government is doing is bad enough without stupid people like this minister dragging the country into further disrepute.

• 7. Buddhika H  |  February 17th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

  This is appalling. Not only should little Nethmini be able to attend Visakha Vidyalaya, but we should also make it possible for any Tamil medium or Sinhala Medium student to be able to attend any school in Srilanka according to their merits. Royal College is a good example of such a school (even DS Senanayake College is also the same I believe). Though lack of resources make it difficult for every school to have both mediums, at least the top schools in each district should have this capability. Any government who cant provide this basic right is a failed government. Also in little Nethmini’s case it is a blatant violation of her fundamental rights and I hope her parents have filed a case on this regard in the Supreme Court.

• 8. rathakrishnan  |  February 17th, 2008 at 8:28 pm

  If it is true, it’s a bad news for peace lovinng ordinary Srilankan people.

• 9. Sri Lankan  |  February 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm

  It amazes me how Sri Lanka produces some of the finest intellectuals in the world, and yet we have a Government that is run by a bunch of idiots! It is high time our diaspora played a greater role in the country’s administration.

  Young Nethmi should be permitted to enter any academic institution of her choice.

  Since when does a civil servant such as Susil Premajayanth get to decide what is in the best interests of Nethmi?

• 10. Udeni  |  February 17th, 2008 at 8:59 pm

  This is another instance of how stupid politicians of this country have made Sri Lanka where it is now. There is no excuse for what the minister has done. The best thing he can do is now apologize and let her go to Vishaka.

  What all this does is give an opportunity to those idiots who lives outside SL, who does not know a damn about what LTTE does, to just use this isolated incident to generalize how Tamils live in SL and say a inhuman terrorist group is a freedom fighting unit

• 11. Kumar soysa  |  February 17th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

  This is despicable. But it can be resolved, and can be done without too much media attention. The minister is a very foolish person who, even at this stage shows utter stupidity. But for sure, the majority of the Sinhala population and the President himself (who has just opened the door to the “Dr”.) will surely intervene in this matter to see justice done.

• 12. Jeyaranjan  |  February 17th, 2008 at 9:54 pm

  this is yet another typical example how minority tamil are discriminated despite the little girl’s acheivement.I never understand why the majority doesn’t recognise minority’s civil rights. it is high time SL learnt how to rule a multi-ethnic country.in my opinion,all these critics have fall on deaf ears.

• 13. Arun  |  February 17th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

  provided there is no other dimension to this story that we don’t know, this type of heineous, filthy, and sinfull decisions of the education minister should be condemned by everybody. Personally I know Minister Premajayanth as a minister who goes after popular votes. He never is a man of judgement. When he was the minister of power and energy, he did nothing to improve the situation of the CEB that makes a daily loss of Rs. 45million to the country, because of his close ties with the unions. Now in the education ministry, the inter university federation front, a proxy of JVP is his main consultant. They sit in the high decision making bodies.

• 14. Anton Fernando  |  February 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

  Congratulations to you little Lavanya. One day you will be a great leader of our country. Please do not get disheartened to what has happened. All our good wishes are with you to obtain a place at Visakha which is your dream. The present rulers are the worst in the country since Independence and all your relatives and Sinhalese uncles and aunts and brothers and sisters will take your side as we consider the decision of the Minister is against humanity and a pure citizen of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. We are all Sri Lankans and we belong to one family as our roots are in India whether we are Sinhalese or Tamils. Let us get together and chase this racist government so that we can live in peace and religious harmony.
  Anton

• 15. Hussain  |  February 17th, 2008 at 10:15 pm

  She should get one of these prestigious Intl Schools in Colombo to slap in the face to Susil jayantha . I wonder which school he attend,, this is a raceist

• 16. Nisa T  |  February 17th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

  I This is a very good example out of millions injustices inflicted by the successive governments of Sri Lanka against Tamils. I do not understand when the goverments are going to realise their mistakes that has led to the present burning situation in the country. We live in a modern civilised era but not the Sri Lankan government.

• 17. Wijithagune  |  February 17th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

  I am an Sinhalease living in Australia and am ashamed to that our community leaders come up with these ideas. Shame Minister you need some education.

• 18. Anton Fernando  |  February 17th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

  I strongly feel that this should be notified to the Assistant Director General ADG/ED (Education Sector) Unesco Hqrs., 7 Place Fontenoy, 75007 Paris, France (tel. 00-33-45681000 – Gen.). This Minister is an Executive Committee member of this prestigious International Organization which is the Specialized Agency for EDUCATION of UNITED NATIONS. Even though I am a Sinhalese without any affiliations to any political parties (ofcourse I am against JVP and LTTE terrorists), we are not racists like the present set of ruling politicians and we denounce such stupid actions of the Sri Lankan Government Minister. What would have happened if Susil’s son or daughter is being refused a place at Oxford or at Cambridge just because the child is not British but a Sinhalese! Susil, please don’t do dirty tricks with innocent children. We thought that you are the only decent politician in this Mahinda Chinthanaya. One day you may have to visit this clever child and I am sure she will never refuse to assist you even though you have become a damper for her education.
  Anton

• 19. Quintin Fernando  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:12 am

  If this was not an act of despicable discrimination, it would be a joke.

  Is this a free offering to the LTTE to justify their stand?

• 20. Quintin Fernando  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:13 am

  If this was not an act of despicable discrimination, it would be a joke. What has the President got to say?

• 21. Dr. Darini  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:17 am

  Unfortunately, this sort of discrimination happens at all levels in the education system in Sri Lanka, including in higher education institutions which are supposed to be among the most enlightened in a society. I refer to Colombo University’s Sociology Department, where I applied for a Senior Lecturer position in September 2006. Though I was the most qualified, expereinced, and best published off those who attended the interview I was not hired (and far less qualified and experienced individuals were), I presume because I am Tamil. Like Nethmi Yogendra I had studied in the Sinhala medium at Ladies College Colombo before going to Peradeniya and then Princeton University, US. Discrimination against Tamils in this country means that the standards, international ranking, and sadly the values of universities and institutions that are supposed to uphold enlightened values would continue to decline. The whole country and its younger generation is diminished as a result of a few peoples folly and a general lack of accountability and transparency in parts of the education system.

• 22. Thamilan  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:43 am

  This is arogant. This is rude. This is racism. This is not democracy. So, how can anyone expect patriotism from Tamils? GOOD LUCK TO SRI LANKA,

• 23. a sl voter  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:55 am

  This is the first time I heard something of this kind about Hon. Susil Premajayanth, even though there are enough stories about his bad management skills.
  I really usspect whether it is his order, or some soemone else ordered him to do so.

  Some readers feel this as an isolated incident where in Sri Lanka, Isolated incidents become the norm. Most of the Tamils like Sinhalese fear to go to the police or news paper. I have heard of so many stories like this.
  Additionally, Many denials happen with out stating the actual reason (i.e. the ethnicity) but stating reasons like security, and many other.

  The solution to this problem is
  1. The minister should be sacked.
  2. The child should be given addmission to any school which she and her parents prefer. (if they have the facilities to teach the language and religion)
  3. The government should be more transparent in their action
  4. More autonomy should be given to the schools, regional (zonal) edicational departments and provincial councils. The central mnister should not get involved in this matter.

• 24. HUMAN BEING  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:24 am

  It is very funny that Devida Fernando and A Rajasingam are relating this issue with LTTE. This is not LTTE’s fault the admission was rejected but it is obvious the minister is responsible for this act. What can we expect from a corrupted government and its ministries? Sometimes, she may get the admission back if her parents pay huge donation to the minister as it is a corrupted cabinet.

• 25. seeni  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:54 am

  when Ms. Rosa park was denied the right to go to school
  of her choice the federal Govt of usa has sent the military
  this is the right time the majority sinhalese to demonstrate their courage and enforce the rule of law
  if the parents or any organizations should elect to file a fundermental right case against the minister i am wiling to
  contribute to save the country from the propaganda of ltte

• 26. Tissa Wijesinghe, Canada  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:54 am

  If this is a true story, as a Sri Lankan, I feel so ashamed of this kind of diabolical acts by these politicians. Discrimination always destroys hopes and dreams of anybody and should NEVER be tolerated in this modern world. This politician should be sacked and the President should personally look into the matter and see that this little girl is given everything that she deserves!

• 27. Pora  |  February 18th, 2008 at 2:07 am

  Read mr A.Rajasingam’s comment, it has all given us an oppertunity to think with out emotions!

• 28. diplomut  |  February 18th, 2008 at 2:23 am

  A fundamental rights violation application to the supreme court will ensure that the girl gets her school and the minister gets his dues.

• 29. j.muthu  |  February 18th, 2008 at 2:46 am

  Worst than mahinda,dayan gang. this mnister should be fired from his post. Disgrace for sinhala race.
  AGAIN TAMIL EALAM BEST OPTION FOR BRAVE TAMILS.

• 30. Mano  |  February 18th, 2008 at 2:48 am

  Congratulations to the little girl who had done well in the exam to enter Visaka Vidyalaya. Twenty years ago I used to go pass Visaka Vidyalaya very often. It is one of the leading best schools in Sri Lanka.
  The poor discriminatory attitude of the the so called Minister of Education is disgracefull to all Sri Lankans around the world.
  This type of attitude against the minority community in Sri Lanka is the root cause for the present ethnic war which had killed over 80,000 innocent Sri Lankans in the island of paradise. Still the Minister had not learnt from the past mistakes.
  Matter should be brought to the notice of UN and Prime Minister’s of all the countries in the world. World leaders should know the standard of education of a person who had been appointed as a Minister of Education. Disgracefull.

• 31. Jagath  |  February 18th, 2008 at 3:06 am

  Readers who make comments should understand that Vishaka is a school earmarked by the LTTE since early nineties.Why risk the lives of thousands of innocent children for the sake of a one child. There are other good schools around Colombo . Why only Vishaka.?
  We must commend the Minister for his decision.
  Please read Mr.Rajasingham’s comments on this.

• 32. Udeni Priyangika Peiris  |  February 18th, 2008 at 4:05 am

  I as a past student of the above school, disgusted over this unwarranted action of MP’s and the school heads who go along with this kind of partial treatment based on ethnicity.
  Doesn’t this prove that Tamils need their state back to avoid such discrimination?
  Dr.Dayan, Please enlighten us on your take on this matter!
  Since you are with this govt of goons and thugs, why not write another article here defending the govt minister who intervened to discriminate the merited Tamil 10 year old.????

• 33. Sri Vats  |  February 18th, 2008 at 4:10 am

  Well As a Tamil I am not surprised. I am saddened that a little girl’s heart has been broken by this sadist who claimed that he did this for her ‘own good’.
  By saying this, he has actually shamed the whole of Sinhalese.
  I am actually encouraged by the comments from many of the Sinhalese brethren which denounced this man’s decision.
  I was indeed surprised by Mr A Rajasingam’s comment which attempted to justify Susil Premajayanth’s decision in this issue. He who posted that comment was keen to show himself as a Tamil and attempts to justify Premajayanth’s decision through his past track record. The way he attempts to draw comparisons between this little student and the criminals is simply disgusting.
  I’s like to say this to the little girl: ‘Your destiny is in your hands, young lady. Don’t let others shape it for you. We, the good men and women are in your side!

• 34. thekillromeoproject  |  February 18th, 2008 at 4:36 am

  Have the School authorities responded as yet to the allegations of the Minister? Afterall, he has in effect called them a bunch of intolerant racists, who will hound this girl if she were to join!

• 35. andy lingam  |  February 18th, 2008 at 5:00 am

  Devinda Fernando ,
  While it is a tragedy that this girl has been discriminated against solely due to her race, I’m sure the Courts and other legal avenues can easily be explored and the matter rectified accordingly
  Devinda, How many time We Damil have to go to your Suprime court for basic human rights to ractify.
  please leave us along will you???

• 36. Sinhalaya  |  February 18th, 2008 at 5:25 am

  If this story is true, this minister is a goose and should be sacked. Unfortunately, he was in Australia recently to see how they run schools here..

  Minister, please open your eyes and let the girl’s parents make that decision, not a bloody corrupt and useless minister like you.

• 37. Naga UK  |  February 18th, 2008 at 5:39 am

  This is only gaping example of purgation. There are quite a few undercover activities to get rid of Tamils from the state machinery. Whether there is a set plan in operation or it is happening spontaneously, I am not sure. The manner in which high ranking Tamil officers in some Ministries and Departments are treated is outrageous – forcing them to retire. Tamil translators have not been recruited for a very long time. With retirement of them the vacancies were never advertised. Tamil typists have been sent out perform other functions, virtually closing down that area. As a neutral Sri Lankan, I perceive these actions as playing right into the hands of secessionist terrorists!

• 38. Tudor  |  February 18th, 2008 at 6:09 am

  I believe there are several Muslim girls at Visakha including the daughters of Mr. Rauff Hakim. So, the decision to exclude this Tamil girl is inexplicable.

  Minister Susil Premjayanth is one of our better politicians and one is constrained to label him as racist. Perhaps Mr. Premjayanth should explain the reasons for this decision.

  The interest of this child is paramount and the Minister should intervene to find a good school for her and if necessary the state should pay for her education in an International School.

• 39. Upul F  |  February 18th, 2008 at 6:14 am

  Time to time, so called ministers/sinhalese representatives in Sri Lanka do this type of arrogant, illegal, despicable things sadly without accountability to law abiding people. However, president of the country has the responsibility for the government and should intervene and should correct this appalling discrimination towards this innocent girl, without hesitation. I know President got other important things to do but, In Sri Lanka currently there is no other means of correcting ministers misbehaviours. In my opinion, we should e.mail worldwide petition to object to this type of ministerial/government conduct that is shameful for whole Sri lankan community.

• 40. de Silva  |  February 18th, 2008 at 6:15 am

  Congratualtions Nethmi. Do not get dicouraged! Sri Lanka is run by a bunch of racist, uneducated, idiotic government. All they want is to get rich and stay on power for ever. I wish you all the best…
  The government SHOULD get rid of that dumb eduacation minister ASAP.
  We are all humans and religion, race should not divide us.

• 41. de silva  |  February 18th, 2008 at 6:25 am

  Lets hear the minister out on this issue. Surely he must have a explanation. Lets not pre-judge the man before he speaks….
  If not Vishaka certainly this girl should be found the best school possible.

• 42. Eric Nirmalan  |  February 18th, 2008 at 6:34 am

  This is indeed interesting, if the reporting is true. One wonders how the Education Minister employs special snooping agents to detect the ethnicity of 10 year olds out of hundreds of thousands of students.

  Such news items also arouse passionate discussions. So do take care.

  And, when may I ask from a knowledgeable person that students of any ethnicity who wanted to study in Sinhalese barred from Visakha Vidyalaya ? Many Buddhist Tamil girls have been exemplery Visakha students, and the barring of little Nethmi perhaps has other unfulfilled reasons.

  Can the public have the full story please – over to you Mr Minister – please speak up.

• 43. Kumar  |  February 18th, 2008 at 7:42 am

  This is not news to any Tamil, this is what have been happening all these years. Discrimintaion at every time and level- in this case just a name.

• 44. Subra S.Massey  |  February 18th, 2008 at 7:48 am

  How about this,

  Why don’t I offer a scholarship to Canada and I will pay for her education in Canada. Of course I don’t have to spend so much because she is so smart the government will pay for her education. After all we need people like her in our country, Canada.
  Sri Lanka does not have the know how to build a nation.My Name is Subra S.Massey and my email address is tidol@pathcom.com, let show the Sri Lankan government how stupid they are. We can talk and write but some one has to do something, let that be I.

  Shame on you Mahinda Rajapaksa, if you still have the self esteem nerve active. Let show the world what an ordinary citizen can do what a government cannot do. This action of mine will make more people to come forward to rescue my former country.

  The president is a lame duck, he does not have the courage to bring the country together!

• 45. Thrishantha  |  February 18th, 2008 at 8:13 am

  Dear Nethmi, I was so saddened to see this news. My recommendation to your father is to file a case against the minister. Open a bank account and publish it here. We will all send money for your fight. Our justice system is very good. It will bring you what you deserve. I have been teaching University Students for four years now. I have seen how the system kills our best scientists, and young brilliant minds who could serve our country in a bog way.

  More energy to your family. Be determined, and continue to do your studies well.

• 46. wicks  |  February 18th, 2008 at 8:49 am

  It is too bad MR has selected an uneducared person as the country’s education minister, Does he know that the school was built-up by ladies like Motwani and Pulimood?, Indian Tamils. This is the same for Ananda, which came to fame on the backs of Tamil students and teachers. O know, as I am an Anandian.

• 47. Chandrani  |  February 18th, 2008 at 9:12 am

  I am a old Visakian and am really angry for the comments made by the minister to say that she was not selected for her own good. What does he think about Visakians. A bunch of hooligans like them in the cabinet.

  He should apologize for Nethmi, Tamils and above all to the Visakians at large.

• 48. Lanka Puthra  |  February 18th, 2008 at 9:31 am

  This is not a shocking thing, this is a common thing in Sri Lankan Education System. This is creating a whirlwind because this transpired from a popular school like Vishaka. Several hemi & demi schools do the same thing to the minorities with or without the influence of politicians. A seessionist & dividionist mind is created in the psyche of a child of the minority right at the time of school admission. Todays admission regulation are majority centric as others in the society. There were several cases of pupils resident adjoining boundary of the schools but admission not granted because they belong to the OTHER.
  One of the salient nature of a failed state is “LACK OF OPPORTUNITY TO RIGHTFUL PEOPLE” This is applicable right from the head of state to the admission to school of a Darling Bud of Srilanka.

  It looks like that Sri Lanka will sink in the mighty ocean before Maldives due to the SILENCE OF THE SILENT MAJORITY TO HEINOUS CRIMES THAT TAKES PLACE AROUND.

  Those who truly love this blessed land must come foward in an organised manner to fight these kind of discriminations for the sake of knitting a beautiful social fabric that protect all Sri Lankans

  O Darling Bud Nethmi, You are not alone, You shall join the brethren of victims. You oppressed for no reason grow up as righteous beings to deliver this land from the fools that inherit today.

• 49. leelpil  |  February 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am

  The things what is happing in the ethnic front in the country right now clearly show that SLFPers are racially motivated lot. This action proved it beyond any doubt…

• 50. Pauala Kulatunga  |  February 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am

  To Whom it May Concern,
  As a past student of Visakha Vidyalaya and a catholic who attended school during the time of Mrs. Pulimood who was also a tamil I am ashamed appauled at the treatment of the Minister of education at its intention to segregate and compromise a child’s welfare because of her ethnicity. Why not give the students and the teachers some credit who I am sure capable of overcoming these differences which is one of the purpose of education and treat this child and recognize the child for who she is regardless of her ethnicity. It is wrong to deny a child the best of education because she is a tamil and people should stand up and protest against such discrimination. You are not protecting her anyway by doing this. As a former student of Visakha Vidyalaya now residing in the U.S I am only thankful to those teachers who believed in me and thought me the value of a great education.
  Paula Kulatunga

• 51. LankaPutra  |  February 18th, 2008 at 10:34 am

  Bravo Rajasingam for putting things into context!

  This is to ‘roshann wickremesinge’ who tries to impersonate a sinhalese and make outrageous comments.

  The first name you try to use is written as ‘Roshan’ in Sinhala, not as Roshann as you would write it in Tamil. Also ‘Wickremesinge’ is written as ‘Wickramasinghe’ (with an ‘h’ at the end). So next time you try to impersonate, do your homework!

• 52. Sinhalese  |  February 18th, 2008 at 10:58 am

  OK Jeyaraj, I do not doubt your integrity. But I was told truth is somewhat different. Girl’s parents had a different name in Scholarship list or birth certificate and name on admission papers were different. School asked advice from Education dept and they hold the admission in true such bureaucratic passion and sent order to school to stop admitting the child. however I learned after Enews publication child was admitted to Vishaka which we all should be happy.

• 53. Rohan de Silva  |  February 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am

  What has happened to this country? No wonder Sri Lanka is in the mess it is in today if this is the calibre of our politicans. First, Mervyn and now Susil! As a Sri Lankan I am truly embarassed. Mahinda sort your bunch of jokers who mascarade as ministers? Is this the “Aluth Sri Lanka” you promised us? If you or your government cannot run the country competently perhaps you should resign and let someone who can run the country have ago! I am sure a bullock can do a better job in the Education Ministry compared to Susil!

• 54. Lahiru Navaratne  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:08 pm

  I myself am a Sinhalese, but I think the Sinhalese people who voted for an illiterate and racist sum bag like Mervin De Silva should be blamed for this. It is people like Mervin Silva who are dividing our country up and it is people like him that should be burnt at the stake. At least now that this has come into the attention of the public I sincerely hope this little girl will get into Visaka.

• 55. Lahiru Navaratne  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:10 pm

  sorry my mistake who i meant was Susil Premajayantha.

• 56. Devinda Fernando  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm

  *** On behalf sinhalease I aplogise all my fellow tamils, We civilized sinhalease not responsible for this evil act. ***

  For God Sake! Roshann Wickremesinge,…. Do me a Favor and get off your knees. Please don’t apologize on my behalf… this is not a crime against Humanity that ALL Sri Lankans (Sinhalese) have to feel we are responsible…it is that attitude that emboldens these Communalists to push for their separatist agenda when you rationalize thier already deluded mentality of Blame and Responsibility.

  Communalist Logic: When the LTTE kill Civilians – the LTTE are defending themselves…and they are Responsible…

  But if a Sinhalese Kills or Wrongs a Tamil,..that is not an Ordinary crime, that is the WHOLE COUNTRY of Sinhalese who are responsible for allowing that to happen to a PRECIOUS TAMIL

• 57. Devinda Fernando  |  February 18th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

  *** this is yet another typical example how minority tamil are discriminated despite the little girl’s acheivement.I never understand why the majority doesn’t recognise minority’s civil rights.***

  LOL! Here we go! Didn’t I tell you that this individual incident would become a Searing Indictment of Sri Lankan Society and of the Sinhalese as a Race….

  You Communalists are so Predictable.

• 58. Mano  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

  ok

• 59. r.veera  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

  BRAVO, another inncent tamil victim. What a monsters, I salute my little tamil sister, tamils again prooved they are brainies what ever medium thay study. Tamils are wasting their talents unwanted lands, they need their own land so thay can prosper in this modern world.
  I SALUTE MY KOSOVOAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, HOPE YOU RECOGNISE OUR PLIGHT.

• 60. Sad Sri Lanka !  |  February 18th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

  We know it, Mahinda is a fascist elected and still supported by Sinhalas. He evicted innocent Tamils from Colombo for being Tamil.
  He now refused scholarship to a great student, for being Tamil.

  I hope this girl will reconvert herself into Islam, Hinduism or Christianity.
  The BEST thing for her, after my humble opinion, is to leave this pathetic failed racist state called Sri Lanka for Switzerland or USA or Germany where she can receive the best education !

  May God bless her. I hope she will be enough strong to face this RACISM.

  This case is NOT unique in Sri Lankan history. This is the discrimination Tamils are talking about !!

  Mahinda is the best ally of Eelamists… Mahinda more than any previous SL President (if not Premadasa) is showing Sinhala’s modern hatred for Tamils. I even now doubt that his deal with LTTE is really true..

• 61. karuna  |  February 18th, 2008 at 2:38 pm

  This girl can go to Vanni and have a good education at International standards. Why her parents are worrying. All the top people did not study in thes type of schools. Most of the scholars are from village schools. It is sad to show this as an example to prove this racist government whereas immense incidents are here.

• 62. Varuna  |  February 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

  This kind of racism is just sickening. I am really appalled at the sad state of sri lanka. Is it any wonder that the tamils want a seperate country? As a sri lankan and a singhalese I feel very ashamed. I hope the government takes some steps to rectify this problem. Admission to schools should have nothing to do with race.

• 63. samuel  |  February 18th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

  Ref Comment 3 :- If ONE individual who is a minister does something wrong, the head of state should correct it as soon as possible. Why should the child’s parents go to courts at great cost ?
  Same applies for eviction of lodgers from the cheap lodges in colombo, including a man recuperating after a kidney transplant & those who had passports, and proof of awaiting to go abroad. The eviction was ordered by the Defence Secretary, who is the president’s brother. The swift reversal was due to international publicity and condemnation which followed – not due any buddhist monks.
  Removal of ANY minister for ANY wrong doing will NEVER happen – see how Mervyn Silva is mollycoddled with his long history of thuggery.
  Now he expects to become a Constitutional Counciller – heaven forbid ! !

• 64. Rahula G  |  February 18th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

  I am shocked by such a blatenly racist decision and hope that the Minister comes to his sensors and reverses his decision and offer an apology.

  I would also like to that the Honarable minister for working on behalf of the LTTE in sticking a “Kick me I am a racist” sign on the back of every Sinhala person, free of charge.

• 65. A.Rajasingam  |  February 18th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

  Comment # 33 – Srivats
  Dear Mr.Srivats,
  When Minister Susil Premajayantha had done so much to Tamil Schools in Colombo, there must be a reason why he had politely told the little girl it is good for her to find another school. He has no grievances against the little girl and not a racist. He is one step above an average politician. Please remember that he is only concerned of the life of little Nethmi and that of 8,000 students together with their teachers a matter that should be given priority, at a time when Visaka Ladies College is already ear-marked by the LTTE. One should live to study. The child has alternative schools in Colombo which accommodates both Sinhala and Tamil children where she will be more comfortable. Like Ramanathan Ladies College in Colombo which accommodates only Tamil, Visaka Ladies College accommodates only Sinhalese. We must talk of the present situation in Colombo when terrorism rears its ugly head on various pretexts. If any one lives in Colombo one could notice that the rear portion (playground) of the school is facing the Duplication Road facing the rear portion of Pillaiyar temple where Police is on duty only at 8.00 a.m. and at 1.30 p.m. when the school closes. Further, it is an open space and is vulnerable to terrorist attack. Whereas some schools like St.Paul Milagiriya has raised their walls for purposes of security. But this is a very big school covering a vast area. The protection of the students is of paramount importance. Living comfortably in foreign countries one cannot blindly comment on the happenings in Sri Lanka without scrutinizing the actual situation. Please think rationally. Word of Sorry cannot later rectify lost lives. Now I hear that the matter is happily settled with little Nethmi gaining admission.

• 66. Thamilannpan  |  February 19th, 2008 at 12:06 am

  Over the last sixty years from 1948, Ceylon has been messed up. The only solution to this crisis and both Sinhalees and Tamils to prosper in the future we need to find a solution like Kosovo and Serbia. If US and EU can support Kosovo why cannnot they support Tamileelam in the name of preserving human rights? MAY GOD BLESS THE TINY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND.

• 67. Kumar  |  February 19th, 2008 at 1:59 am

  Rajasingham The first part of your comment is acceptable but not the second part. Being a Tamil (!?) you try to label that all Tamils are Tigers or sympothizers of Tigers. I guess that you trapped into a fear psychosis! Better have a chek-up with a good docotor!

• 68. Sinhalese  |  February 19th, 2008 at 5:15 am

  When I was studying in Royal College one Tamil student was given chance for something ahead of me because of the “connections”. But I never blamed all Tamils for that and in our college we had good understanding with tamil Boys. tamils racists here just jumping up and screaming and soem Unpers jumping up too. Tell me UNPErs are you saying these kind of tings doe snot happen when you were there in power- say like 1983 when many innocent Tamils killed using our name by UNP gundas. I agree with Davind Fernando this is not sometnig we Sinhalse should apologise as human rights violation. Parents of the cild did a mistake as well as ministry. They sorted that and child is in Vishaka. Daughter of my sister also starts this year at Vishaka I specialy asked her to be freind with Lavanya and help her anyway she can. So stop accusing all Sinhalse you western based Tamil racists who does not knwo nothing about Sri Lanka.

• 69. Justin  |  February 19th, 2008 at 9:27 am

  Devinda, have you at least used your grey matter within the skull to understand this incident.

  It is not an isolated incident. It is a daily occurence for Tamils. But Sinhalese always have the wrong attitude to think that this is isolated, because it does not happen to them. They are a privileged and favoured people even by the constitution.

  I don’t blame neither you nor the minister because you were brain washed to believe that such cruelty is alright. Mostly, all Sinhalese do not want to know the truth and seek justice.

  The problem in Sri Lanka lies with the attitude of the Sinhalese. They are stubborn and rebellious. They do not want to listen to the truth and accept it.

  What can we expect from the citizens of a country which was born out of rebellion with a rebel constitution?

• 70. Argonot  |  February 19th, 2008 at 9:28 am

  Mr Rajasingam #4 claims that the child could be a potential LTTE coduit in the future. If we are to believe his logic then all Tamils are linked LTTE and therefore, should be excluded from all institutions and employment! .

  I would love to know the history of Vishaka Ladies college from any of your readers. I am to understand that many Tamils have contributed in the past to the founding and the development of this excellent Buddhist Institution.

  Vishaka will be that much richer and respected if it makes an effort to admit students of all ethnicity irrespective of race or relgion as long as they adhere to the founding principle and the Buddhist value of the college.

  Here are two quotations from His Highness the 14th DALAI LAMA:

  Through vilolence you may solve one problem,but you saw the seeds of another.

  The purpose of all major relgious tradition is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside in our hearts.

• 71. Vije  |  February 19th, 2008 at 9:47 am

  I am glade to see so many Singhala friends condemning this despicable act of the minister. I also wonder if these friends have acted so when the Sinhala only rule and standardization by race in university admission were introduced we won’t see the killings that we are seeing now.

• 72. Devinda Fernando  |  February 19th, 2008 at 9:58 am

  *** It is very funny that Devida Fernando and A Rajasingam are relating this issue with LTTE. This is not LTTE’s fault the admission was rejected but it is obvious the minister is responsible for this act. ***

  Ah Good! Then I too hope you can not relate this individual act as an act against the Tamil Population. But look and see the responses above…. You Tamil Nationalists will use any incident to further your seperatist agenda… Like Clockwork you can see the way people will try to twist this into the justification for an Armed Struggle and the Win-by-any-means-necessary attitude you have.

• 73. Naga UK  |  February 19th, 2008 at 9:58 am

  I think I will have to agree with Mr. Devinda ‘F’. He is quite right. The sensitive Sri Lankans have no business apologizing here. A freak logic of the Hon. Minister could be a valid argument in the present context. It is possible that the parents (obviously terrorists) have been planning this infiltration even as they obtained the pregnancy scanning result to be a girl into this school and get bombs smuggled into the college and create mayhem! The terrorists have now started planning from the ’sperm-level’! What’s next? Sing a “Terrosist Lulaby’ when people shout about their hunger? Great!!

  In retrospection, one has to ask a few questions from the parents of this child, notwithstanding the (ill) logical arguments of the powers that be.
  1. What made them to educate their child in Sinhala medium, if in fact they are Tamils? Is one of the parents is a Sinhales?
  2. What made them to get the child to practice ‘Budhism’, disregarding their own religion? Is it solely for the purpose of attainig a newly created ‘mirage’ status – an illusion some Tamil families are afflicted to?

  If anyone who had been mislead to believe that trying to be a patriotic Sri Lankan rather than Tamil or Sihalese of extreme affiliations they should take a lesson from Laxaman Kadhirkamar’s history. LK probably thought he could become a national hero by being a practising Budhist and be a Sri lankan rather than sporting an ethnic identity at times ashamed of being born as a Tamil in spite of his fancy qualificartions notwithstanding his international standings that has no bearings in Sri Lanka. No matter how much he had been patted and praised when it suited the pot-bellies, the manner in which he had been jettisoned when his name came up for the PM’s post just because he was sporting a Tamil name speaks voulmes for the mentality of the majority!

  I would reiteratingly quote the neo-budhist Sri Lankan D.”F’
  ‘LOL! Here we go! Didn’t I tell you that this individual incident would become a Searing Indictment of Sri Lankan Society and of the Sinhalese as a Race….’

  He is predictably right you know.

• 74. Devinda Fernando  |  February 19th, 2008 at 10:01 am

  *** BRAVO, another inncent tamil victim. What a monsters, I salute my little tamil sister, tamils again prooved they are brainies what ever medium thay study. ***

  Do you support your litte Tamil Sisters who are right now being forced to use guns and forced to face the SL Army in the North? I guess it is ok for you to advocate Child Soldiers in the North and then cry Racism and Outrage for one girl’s ciscrimination in the South.

• 75. Devinda Fernando  |  February 19th, 2008 at 11:55 am

  *** If US and EU can support Kosovo why cannnot they support Tamileelam ***

  No Country in the World will side with Tamil Eelam, especially if it is ruled by the LTTE. Who’s Interests would it serve to create a another Fascist Totalitarian Racial Pure Country that will take away from Minority rights?

  LOL! Keep deluding yoruself.

• 76. Dayan  |  February 19th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

  It is interesting to see that how many Sinhalase people reacted positively to this incident. I wonder why this sudden change of heart after the Kosovo independence. Most of Tamils living outside the Sri Lanka are victims of discrimination and state terrorism since independence. The educated Snhalease normally react when the GOSL failed to produce the promise of mahavamsa. Eg Dr Peris, one of the architect of CFA in 2002. He showed his true colors when the LTTE weakened after the IC restrictions and overwhelming IC support to crush the LTTE militarily.

  Now, there is a need for them to pretend to protect the Demelas. This is to give an impression to the world that there are only few racist in Sri Lanka, hence there is no need for a seperate homeland for Tamils.

  I lived and worked with Sinhalease and I still familiar with Sinhala people. I know the mentality of avarege Sinhala middle class people very well. You are started to show some human side now , but it is only a start. You have to work hard to improve the ground situation as such in the case of Lavanya or a child with higher marks.

  What we have to say about the failure of Tsunami releif ? Who is responsible for the failure? Mr Clinton or Kofi Annan or Chandrika or Sinhala mass.

  Killing of innocent Tamils, Creation of orphans of communal riots, Creation of Diaspora Tamils , all these are the by products of Sinhala racism. Do not forget all of this.

  Dispora Tamils want to return to the North & East with dignity and freedom. Help us to help you to bring peace to both communities.

  Why do not we select an independant Tamil candidate who can become the next president of Sri Lanka to stop this cycle of violence. Any comments ?

• 77. Argonot  |  February 19th, 2008 at 1:43 pm

  There are racists amongst Tamils and Sinhalese and probably also amongst other races in the world.

• 78. Argonot  |  February 19th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

  There are racists amongst Tamils and Sinhalese and probably amongs other races in the world. Bigots are Bigots wherever they come from. Northern Tamils are the worst racists,selfish and inward looking Bigots.No wonder they are unable to win whole hearted sympathy for their cause from Eastern Province,Upcountry and Tamils in India.

  All moderate Sri Lankans should unite and fight against violence,corruption discrimination and stop accusing each other.

• 79. muditha  |  February 19th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

  Most of the comments above from both Sinhalese and Tamils say that if this story is true then it is despicable. I agree with that. However, has it not occured to anyone that this story is being exploited and manipulated by those who are waiting to point fingers at any goverment institution?

  This story was first published by ravaya, a Sinhala newspaper. It quoted the father of the child as ALLEGING his daughter’s rejection was due to her being Tamil: ‘Her father Yogendra Madhavan Yogendra claims that despite his daughter having studied in the Sinhala medium, she had been rejected due her being from the Tamil community.’

  This allegation by a distraught father was enough for certain elements to play the race card.

  Take into account the information not publicized by these elements:

  (1) Nethmi’s application to the Education Ministry had her race listed as Sinhala and her religion listed as Buddhism.
  (2) Earlier academic records had her religion listed as Hinduism.
  (3) the application only had the initial “Y” as her last name

  Is it so hard for all those crying foul to see that these distortions, descrepancies and witheld/incomplete information on her application could have caused the rejection of her application?

  Can any other kids (Sinhalese or otherwise) in Sri Lanka get into their choice of school after submitting an application with such significant flaws???

• 80. Suresh M  |  February 19th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

  #75

  Davinda Fernando,

  “Who’s Interests would it serve to create a another Fascist Totalitarian Racial Pure Country that will take away from Minority rights”…. Do you want an example? Current Sinhala regime headed by Rajapakse brothers… supported by Iran, Pakistan, China, Serbia (minus Kosovo).

• 81. Thamilannpan  |  February 20th, 2008 at 2:00 am

  Well, we all understand this was done by the minister belongs to Sri Lanka government. I agree we should not blame the whole Sinhala community for this act. There are lots and lots of good people among them but most of the politicians are bad and they do not have long term vision for the country.

  Person like Devinda Fernando must study the pre 1983 violent history where the state run terrorism caused lots damages to Tamils. It was the state run terrorism that induced Tamils to take wepons in their hands to resist the violence and brutal activities organised by the rulers. It was the time the Tamil militancy and LTTE were able to successfully establish their freedom fight to liberate the Tamils from terrorists goverments. I woild like to give below some very important points to Devinda Fernando.

  1983
  23-29 July – 1983 Riots ‑ more than 3000 Tamil civilians killed ­ in Colombo and its suburbs. The Sinhalese thugs with the connivance of government forces killed and burnt Tamils and looted and burned TamilsÌ properties. The riots lasted for several days and thousands of Tamils were hacked to death. Millions of dollars worth of their property was destroyed.

  Fifty three Tamil political prisoners were massacred in the Welikadai prison in Colombo by the Sinhala inmates. The government masterminded this massacre and the Sinhala attackers were released from the prison and rewarded with houses and properties in the Sinhala settlement in Tamil homeland.

  18 May -175 homes of Tamils burnt in Jaffna by Sri Lankan armed forces. One killed, many wounded in Thineveley, Jaffna.

  1982
  1982 Anti-Tamil, anti-Hindu offensive in Mullaitivu ‑ 1982 Kuranthan Malai, Mullaitivu. According to plans drawn up by officials working under the Ministry of Industries and Scientific Affairs, a Buddhist vihare (temple) and a Sinhala settlement were established. Army personnel, an ex‑Director of a Public Corporation under the Ministry, several leading members of the UNP Trade Union (The Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya), several Ceramics Corporation vehicles, and employees of the government Tile factory of Oddichuddan were involved in the implementation of this project! This is one of the latest Sinhala settlements!

  1981
  1981 Continued attacks on Tamil civilians ‑ July/August 1981 – Incidents of violence centred on three specific areas against the Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka. (1) The gem mining area of Ratnapura, (2) Negombo near the capital city of Colombo, (3) and the plantation towns in central Sri Lanka.

  Before the violence was brought under control… at least 10 plantation Tamils had been killed, numerous Tamil shops and businesses burned, and more than 5000 Indian Tamils had fled to refugee camps…

  31 May – 1 June – Destruction of Jaffna Public Library ‑ A large group of police (estimated variously from 100‑200) went on a rampage on the nights of May 31‑June 1 (1981) and June 1‑2 burning the market area of Jaffna, the office of the Tamil Newspaper, the home of the member of Parliament for Jaffna and the Jaffna Public Library.

  The destruction of the Jaffna Public Library has cause intense distress to the Tamils. The 95,000 volumes of the Public Library destroyed by the fire included numerous culturally important and irreplaceable manuscripts.

  1979
  14 July – Several Tamils were killed after emergency declared in Jaffna. On the 11th of July 1979 President Jayawardene appointed his nephew Brigadier Weeratunga, as commander of the security forces in Jaffna… On the same day, a state of emergency was declared in Jaffna, and a Public Security Ordinance gave the police and armed forces the power to dispose of dead bodies without an inquest.

  1977
  1977 – Organised progrom against Tamils ‑ 300 killed in various parts of the island of Sri Lanka. The political conflict following the 1977 elections, turned into a racial massacre. It is estimated that between 250 and 300 Tamil citizens lost their lives and over 40,000 were made homeless.

  1961
  1961 Sinhala army attacks Tamil Satyagrahis ‑ The military forces of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) under the command of Colonel Udugama, attacked the non-violent satyagrahis. Nearly 200 security personnel stationed at the Jaffna Kacheri kicked them and used belts, batons and rifle‑butts to assault them. They arrested the leaders.

  1958
  25 May – 1958 Genocide – The most heinous crimes in the history of Ceylon were carried out against the Tamil nation. The Sinhalese thugs struck the Tamil labourers in the Government farms at Polonnaruwa and Hingurakgoda and Polonnaruwa sugar‑cane plantation, remorselessly. The Tamil labourers fled the farms when they saw the Sinhalese approaching and hid in the sugar‑cane bushes. The goondas set the sugar cane alight and flushed out the Tamils. As they came out screaming, men, women and children were cut down with swards, grass cutting knives and katties, or pulped under heavy clubs. This was the beginning of the government sponsored Tamil genocide in the Island of Sri Lanka, then Ceylon.

  1956
  The outbreak of first anti-Tamil riots in the island. The peaceful Satyagraha campaign staged by the Tamils to protest against the ÏSinhala Only ActÓ at the Galle Face Green, in front of the Parliament in Colombo was brutally savaged by Sinhalese thugs with the connivance of government. More than 150 Tamils were burnt or hacked to death and million rupees worth of properties belonging to Tamils were looted and destroyed.

• 82. MANO GANESAN MP  |  February 20th, 2008 at 4:47 am

  I am informed that the ministry of education has given necessary instructions to the Visaka Vidyalaya to enroll Nethmi Lavanya Yogendra, lately. The issue practically ends for this child here. I refrained from making it a political issue in the interest of the child. The stir publicity it gained through the electronic and print media primly in Sinhala language has helped this issue to be sorted comparatively in short time. Now, let us not give undue publicity to this issue and bring difficulties to this talented child.

  Nethmi is referred as a Tamil child. And her father claims to be a Tamil Buddhist. I do not know about her mother’s ethnicity. I as a policy do not encourage Tamil children to study in Sinhala medium. I support them studying Sinhala as a language subject. Colombo has a sizable Tamil population. My party supports the policy of maintaining and preserving the cultural identity of ethnic and religious minorities. This preservation process of ethnic identity begins at homes and schools. We have critical history on safeguarding ethnic identity in this country.

  The logical answer to the ethnic strife is a new constitution. Therefore we aspire for a new constitution. But there are thousands of subjects from Education to Tamil administrative language, Citizenship to Electoral rights what have found consensus and passed with relevant laws in the parliament are not implemented in this country. Education is a key issue which has made Tamils alienated. (I wish I have the time to write to this site on the actual conditions of the ‘Tamil school education in Colombo’, for a fruitful discussion).

  The comment #4 by Mr. Rajasingam hurts me. This gentleman generalizes and humiliates Tamil parliamentarians of Colombo. I am an elected Tamil member of parliament for Colombo district. This is while not all my voters are Tamils.

  Mr. Rajasingam praises Minister Susil Premjayanth and says that Tamil Parliamentarians in Colombo remained silent in developing Tamil schools. He has liberty to praise Susil who is my friend too. But he is wrong in random accusations. Susil is the central minister of education. Even at the western provincial council he was the minister in charge of education as chief minister. Parliamentarians are not ministers.

  However, amidst my prime struggle in protecting the ‘right to life’ of Tamils, I have had attended to many needs of the Tamil schools.

  Mr. Rajasingam, If you require further information on this subject, please contact me through ‘ganesan@eureka.lk’.

  - Mano Ganesan

• 83. Subra S.Massey  |  February 20th, 2008 at 6:25 am

  Ladies and Gentlemen,
  Can we stop talking and writing do something about this girl. Who is willing to co-sponsor this girl to come to Canada?

• 84. Eric Nirmalan  |  February 20th, 2008 at 7:10 am

  The comments show horrendous, simplicity. Please stop to think for a while as Muditha has done. All your energies could be used usefully elsewhere. There are always half truths and distortions to whip up emotions, and others ready to harvest the venom.

  This news item brought out the worst in many that would be used conveniently elsewhere for propaganda – and nothing wrong with it too – this exactly is what you have said. Many have swollowed it hook, bait and sinker.

  Excellent answer Muditha, but lets also not get sucked totally into Muditha’s logic too- there is nothing wrong in Nethmi Lavanya Yogendra to be listed as a Sinhalese and her religion as Buddhism.

  As mentioned, if the there were other irregularities in the application – then there is a case to answer, of course without causing injustice to the child in question. And that exactly is what the Minister has done. Congratulations.

  To become a Sinhalese for a person living in Sri Lanka is a choice under a persons fundamental rights. All our ancestors who roamed the seas and came to rest in this island ended mostly as Sinhalese. There is nothing wrong with it too.

  Similarly Nethmi or her parents have taken a choice to naturalise themselves to the nation they live in, in the same way that many hundred of thousands of Sri Lankans do today, when they take up overseas citizenship after emigration.

  They become British, American, Australian or what not. Whether you are of Tamil, Sinhalese, Serbian, Chinese or any other ethnicity you just take the nationality marked on your passport – the name of the nation. Sri Lanka sadly has no formal process to naturalise those who wish to do so.

  These overseas nations do not go by their ethnicity, they take the name of the nation, and take the language of the nation. Only some nations allow places of worship to be established alien to the the nations religion, but almost all allow personal choice of religion.

  But many of these nations are clever to come and dictate to us how we should continue the great divide caused after 1972, when the country lost its true name and we started identifying ourselves as Sinhalese and Tamils, and not Ceylonese anymore.

  Prior to 1972 everyone was a Ceylonese. Ceylon was the name given by the British to this nation, previously known to the Dutch as Zeylan and the Portuguese as Ceilao, simply because the Europeans could not pronounce Sihalayo. So prior to 1972 everyone in Ceylon carried the name of the nation. They were all Ceylonese.

  Now we have the ethnic division, ethnic conflict and the confusion, because the name Sri Lanka does not identify it as anyone’s nation.

  May I ask, what is the alphabet of the Sri Lankan language? You can go to any other nation and you get an answer excepting of course some federal states.

  Regarding Nethmi being a Hindu first and then a Buddhist or the vice versa – should it upset anyone? You can switch religions daily if you wish to. Does some unseen godfather controls ones personal wishes ? Of course in this instance of Nethimi – the paperwork needs to be kept upto date.

  What about also the thousands who pose off as Muslims, so that they openly slip through the bigamy trap. What a silly nation that we have become – allowing imported national rights to subvert the law of the land.

  Which other country in the world allows such stupidity. Read the recent controversy about the Archbishop of Canterbury ? how did the countries overseas react ?
  Oh, we Sri Lankans !

• 85. Naga UK  |  February 20th, 2008 at 8:59 am

  Hi #79
  Now it has gone down to the level of crossing the ‘T’s and dotting the ‘I’s. The next thing it will be the smell of the application form! How low can this get in the name of incompetence? If one takes the trouble to scrutinize the applications on that basis (of common mistakes and omissions) there will be enough to reject 99% of the applications. Why the authorities are hesitating to come up with the real reason and clear the air rather than commissioning people like mudithas and Rajasinghams to cushion the impact? A straightforward reply would do.
  It is heartening indeed to note that there are people in all communities to think and express what they feel right including those who think the perpetrators are also right. I do think the parents of the particular child had been mislead for a long time to believe that sacrificing their own religious and ethnic identity would take them places only to fall down flat on their faces like Laxman Kadhirgamar.

• 86. Jack Ranasinghe  |  February 20th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

  Sadly, this episode has validated the LTTE’s position that Tamils don’t belong in Sri Lanka. We can repeat till we’re blue in the face that Tamils and Sinhalese co-exist harmoniously and happily in the South but as we all know that is far from true.

  Prabhakaran must be thrilled that the Minister intervened to deny school admission to this little girl. Its almost like he’s following Prabhakaran’s policy dictate. Whose cabinet is he a member of ‘eh?

• 87. Lanka Puthra  |  February 20th, 2008 at 9:10 pm

  Lanka Puthra of Comment 48 and Lankaputhra of Comment 51 are not the same person. Hence readers please distinguish. I don’t know whether I (Lanka Puthra) am impersonated.

• 88. Ruwan Ranasinghe  |  February 20th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

  “Education Minister Susil Premajayanth claims that he prevented Nethmi from entering Vishaka ‘for her own good.’ Her ethnicity would have caused her much worse problems, he declares.”

  Why did the Minister blame Vishaka? I have trouble believing that the pupils of that school are half as dumb as the Minister. Well, I have seen the dirty side of SL politicians, but when they go this low – blaming innocent schoolgirls for GOSL’s useless decisions – it shows a new level of desperation.

  Of course, if the Minister wished to vindicate himself, he could explain in detail exactly what these “much worse problems” might be… ideally, in the Supreme Court itself, while defending himself from a massive lawsuit filed on behalf of the school.

  This kind of toying with young childrens’ education, especially by an individual assuming such a high position of power, is disgusting, to say the least. Not to mention that young Nethmi, will forever despise such a blatantly racist educational system, to the extent that she takes her talents abroad, where intellect, not ethnicity, is valued. Meanwhile, SL will continue to have *geniuses* like Wimal Weerawansa and JHU monks formulating government policy.

• 89. Thamilannpan  |  February 21st, 2008 at 3:49 am

  My kind request to everyone participated in this discussion is please leave the little girl and family alone.

  BUT ALL OF US MUST ACCEPT AND AGREE THAT SRI LANKA IS A FAILED NATION BECAUSE THERE IS NO HUMAN RIGHTS, JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS FAILED, FAILED ECONOMY, INEQUALITY IN STANDARD OF LIVING, HEAVYLY DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN AID, HIGH RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT, VERY POOR PRODCTIVITY, VERY POOR INFRASTRUCURES SUCH ROADS, HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS IN REGIONAL AREAS ALTHOUGH THEY ARE BOASTING HIGH LEVEL OF LITERACY RATE.
  THESE POOR POLITICIANS MUST GO TO THE DEVELOPED WORLD SUCH AS SINGAPORE, JAPAN,USA, CANADA, EU, AUSTRALIA AND NZ TO STUDY HOW THEY DEVLOPED THEIR NATIONS. IF THEY UNDERSTAND THE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT, THEY CAN COME BACK TO THEIR PRECIOUS NATION AND AT LEAST TRY TO DO SOMETHING TO DEVLOP THE COUNTRY.

• 90. Subra S.Massey  |  February 21st, 2008 at 6:44 am

  Ladies and Gentlemen,
  Do not under estimate the power of internet.
  In a fraction of a minute we can inform 500,000 people.
  It is a small advice to Mahinda and his government.
  We can turn the tide on a dime as we say in Canada.
  Don’t fear the LTTE, but fear the world opinion which can be changed instantaneously.
  And also ladies and gentlemen keep your focus on resolving the problem in Sri Lanka. Looks like mostly gentlemen lose their focus and get into personal mud throwing. I got much of mud on my face. Just kidding you guys are great.

• 91. Devinda Fernando  |  February 21st, 2008 at 10:02 am

  *** I as a policy do not encourage Tamil children to study in Sinhala medium. I support them studying Sinhala as a language subject. Colombo has a sizable Tamil population. My party supports the policy of maintaining and preserving the cultural identity of ethnic and religious minorities. This preservation process of ethnic identity begins at homes and schools. We have critical history on safeguarding ethnic identity in this country. ***

  Not to beat up on Mr. Ganesan too much because he is after all, a Moderate, and that is far better than the Alternative in terms of Tamil Politicians. I do have to ask this one question though….

  Don’t you think that Race Politics is a dying business? Or at least should we not be heading in that direction? You say your voters are not all Tamil, that is a good thing, but how do you adequately represent those who are not Tamil and now have to hear your Ethnic Ideology as you have expressed above? Why can’t a Tamil child if she so choses, or her parents chose for her, to be educated in the Sinhala Medium? Why MUST she learn in Tamil? Is her Tamil Cutlure and Ethnicity and Identity not adequately preserved at home? Funny how you don’t seem to say those things about the English Medium? Seems Sinhala is a Lowly language and not worth embracing in any form. But the language of our former Masters still carries a Desirable ‘value’ to it. The message Tamil Politicians and leaders seem to give to their communities are: “Learn Tamil and English, not Sinhala; there is no use for Sinhala, because one day you will not need to be a part of Sri Lanka.” Isn’t that right?

  Furthermore, I would like to know what your views about Tamils Marrying Sinhalese…? I already have a pretty good idea, but I will allow you to answer that for yourself without being too presumptuous.

• 92. Naga UK  |  February 21st, 2008 at 10:36 am

  #86 Jack
  I am 110% with you for I find that I am between the devil and the deep blue sea! Being a Sri Lankan with a Tamil idendity is not a problem at all as far as I am concerned and for that matter the majority of the Sinhalese concerned.

  But to think that I have the nauseating prospect of confronting people like Devinda Fernado, Dayan Jayatilake, Wimal Weerawansa (only examples of mindsets) living in Sri Lanka is not very appealing even though (for me) it is the best place on earth I want to live and die – hopefully not in the hands of the extremist elements of either side.

• 93. Ruwan Ranasinghe  |  February 21st, 2008 at 10:49 am

  Sorry, I see my post now… its a problem with my browser. Please delete this and post #89.

• 94. muditha  |  February 21st, 2008 at 3:06 pm

  @ Eric Nirmalan,

  Thank you sir for considering an opposing point of view – a feat quite infeasible for many judgemental noise-makers in these forums.

  However, I beg to differ that you can instantaneously change your race. Race or the ability to change it, is not a fundamental right. Because you are born to it, it is not changable, just like those born with brown eyes cannot change them to blue. I think you are confusing race with nationality or citizenship sir. (The fact that pro-tiger elements do not want to call themselves Sri-Lankan is their dilemma. If they hold a Sri-Lankan passport, they are in fact considered Sri-Lankans in the eyes of the rest of the world)

  I do agree with you that people of different ethnicities assimilated into the Sinhala race throughout many generations. Sinhala people living in the north also assimilated into the Tamil community there. However, this was done over a period of time, and not instantaneously.

  On the other hand, if 2 races intermarry, then their offspring could be considered of either race. However, no one knows the ethnicity of this child’s mother. So neither I, nor you can say that she should be able to change her race. If both her parents are Tamil, then the child is also a Tamil. That is a fact, plain and simple. And if both parents being Tamil, intentionally chose to project their child as a Sinhalese, then I’m afraid that is deceit.

  If we are to take your example about naturalized Americans, British or Australians, they are in fact American, British or Australian citizens, as many here would know, having gone through the process of gaining said citizenships. However, can you tell me which box you checked under race, in the myriad of applications you had to fill out to become an American, British or Australian citizen, or to gain a visa for those countries? Did you check Asian/South Asian/Other? Or did you check Caucasian/Black (or African American)/ Hispanic? Don’t tell me you checked any of the latter because if you did, your immigration officer would have taken one look at you and rejected your application.

  Similarly, many people mistake me for a Hispanic and have come up to me and speak to me in Spanish. By your logic then, I should present myself as a Hispanic because surely I can get away with it if they seem to think I’m one of them. I should then apply for the numerous scholarships dedicated to Hispanic minorities, or apply for jobs as a Hispanic for those positions that require employers to maintain a certain quota for Hispanic people. Should I really?

  One can still be an American citizen but can belong to only one of either white, black, Hispanic, or Asian races. If you are a black man in America, you cannot change your race to white just because you want to, (unless you are the product of an interracial marriage) because your physical attributes are unique to your race. It is the same for whites, Hispanics, Asians, etc. In Sri-Lanka though, all of us look the same even though we are of different races. Therefore, we cannot differentiate between a Tamil and a Sinhala person. But that doesn’t mean you can or should change your race. If we could, then why the hell are we at war for so long?

  Unlike race, anyone can switch their religion whenever they want to. But in this case, neither you nor I know if this child did in fact switch her religion, or if the differing records were the result of intentional deceit by the parents. Therefore, no one here can make statements of certainty.

  The fact remains that there were at least 3 instances of wrong or incomplete information on her application that did not tally with her past academic records. That is not dismissable in an application for any competitive position. If this happened anywhere else in the world, the application would have been rejected or returned, and nobody would have made a big fuss about it. But since this happened to a Tamil child in Sri Lanka, we are supposed to overlook those inconsistencies, because heaven forbid if we didn’t, then surely it will amount to racism in the eyes of those waiting to exploit such instances for ulterior motives. I would like to know how many here would rush to defend the numerous Sinhala children who also obtained the qualifying marks, but haven’t secured a spot in their school of choice?

  Again, I applaud your capacity to consider alternatives without trying to pigeonhole everything to suit an agenda, like so many here have done.

  @ Naga
  Please read my response to Eric Nirmalan. The fact that you consider it a matter as small as crossing Ts and dotting Is, does not make it so. And nobody is commissioning me to comment here. I am flattered you would think so, but I write of my own accord.

• 95. MANO GANESAN MP  |  February 22nd, 2008 at 3:16 am

  Dear Mr. Devindra Fernando,

  Thanks for entering into healthy discussion and posing questions to me.

  Yes, ethnic, language, caste and religious based political ideologies are dying and all barriers are withering away and we are getting assimilated to each others culture at the national and international levels. But I am very alert to the fact that this ‘positive assimilation’ should happen unintentionally over the times. This is a sensitive subject. Any systematic intentional activity in this area would be ‘unwelcome and negative assimilation’. Negative assimilation endangers the total process and it will lead to ethnic polarization instead of integration and take us years backwards. The other important element here is that negative assimilation favors the numerical majority ethnicity. What if you place the Sinhalese in the position of Tamils or Muslims inside Sri Lanka? Will you still put the same argument? It is the cause for the traditional ‘minority fear’ of the Sinhalese when Tamils of India and Lanka are put together. Please understand. That is why in a multi ethnic environment the numerical ethnic and religious minorities are always on the guard and alert. There is nothing wrong in this attitude.

  Please manage your terminology of expression. You are dragging an otherwise healthy discussion to pointless territory with your wild imaginations. Please kindly avoid this attitude. You are unnecessarily putting false blames on me. I did not consider Sinhala as a lowly language. I did not say not to learn Sinhala. It is a beautiful language. I myself learned Sinhala. I love Sinhala language and culture. But of course, not at the cost my mother tongue. I was only referring to the medium of instruction and not subjects. I support Tamils to study Sinhala and Sinhalese to study Tamil as second or third subjects. The issue of English is not applicable here. It is foreign and common to both Tamils and Sinhalese. It is not equivalent to Tamil and Sinhala in the Lankan ethnic context.

  Have you visited our parliament in recent times? Please be kind enough to visit, if not. Mano Ganesan is one of the very few Tamil parliamentarians, if not only one who make parliamentary speeches in Sinhala. Even outside the house, I am heard in Sinhala over electronic media and on platforms. I am one of the few MPs who speak in all three languages. This is the indication of my desire to live together in one country. Please do not construct mischievous castle with your wilder allegations on me. We, living together or separation is now in the hands of the Sinhalese political leadership. That is a separate discussion hence I leave it at that point.

  Do you know, in Sri Lanka, school principals cannot enroll a child in a medium which is not the language of the parents? It is a state policy. We have this circular on language of instruction since early 1960s. But it is not practiced. We are not going behind it either. It was brought into circulation in respect of the state policy of preserving the identities of ethnic groups in our multi ethnic society.

  Please do not consider subject of national unity as ‘giving up ethnic and religious identities’. Only a numeric majority hegemonic will pursue this policy.

  I personally do not mind anybody studying in any language of instruction as long there is no forced conversion and adoption. But I have my party policy. Please read further. You are very innocently (do you?) asking me ‘Why MUST (a Tamil) child learn in Tamil? (Aren’t) Tamil Culture and Ethnicity and Identity not adequately preserved at home?’ Here is my answer. Take a trip along the west coastal belt from Colombo to Puttlam. Hundreds of thousands of Tamils living in this region have been systematically assimilated in to the Sinhala ethnicity within last four decades after independence. First they were and made Catholics. Thanks to the priests, the language of the Church became Sinhala only. Then they changed the schools. There were over one hundred Tamil schools in this region. The Sinhala state and the Catholic Church started Sinhala Catholic sections in the Tamil schools and systematically closed down the Tamil sections. They were made Sinhala only schools. Sinhala became the language of the Church and the School for the Tamil children. Tamil was spoken only at homes. When the older Tamil speaking parental generation passed away and the Sinhala speaking younger generation became the ‘parents’, Sinhala became the home language too. So the entire region became Sinhala only catholic belt. This is what is called systematic assimilation. Please try to understand. So my party policy is developed based on above critical history.

  I have a great party machinery to represent all my voters including non Tamils. I have over the period earned the confidence of the people beyond ethnic barriers. Furthermore, about your idea of inter ethnic marriage. It is purely a private subject. Ethnicity cannot be a barrier here. One of my brothers is married to Sinhalese.

• 96. MANO GANESAN MP  |  February 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 am

  Dear Mr. Devindra Fernando,

  Thanks for entering into healthy discussion and posing questions to me.

  Yes, ethnic, language, caste and religious based political ideologies are dying and all barriers are withering away and we are getting assimilated to each others culture at the national and international levels. But I am very alert to the fact that this ‘positive assimilation’ should happen unintentionally over the times. This is a sensitive subject. Any systematic intentional activity in this area would be ‘unwelcome and negative assimilation’. Negative assimilation endangers the total process and it will lead to ethnic polarization instead of integration and take us years backwards. The other important element here is that negative assimilation favors the numerical majority ethnicity. What if you place the Sinhalese in the position of Tamils or Muslims inside Sri Lanka? Will you still put the same argument? It is the cause for the traditional ‘minority fear’ of the Sinhalese when Tamils of India and Lanka are put together. Please understand. That is why in a multi ethnic environment the numerical ethnic and religious minorities are always on the guard and alert. There is nothing wrong in this attitude.

  Please manage your terminology of expression. You are dragging an otherwise healthy discussion to pointless territory with your wild imaginations. Please kindly avoid this attitude. You are unnecessarily putting false blames on me. I did not consider Sinhala as a lowly language. I did not say not to learn Sinhala. It is a beautiful language. I myself learned Sinhala. I love Sinhala language and culture. But of course, not at the cost my mother tongue. I was only referring to the medium of instruction and not subjects. I support Tamils to study Sinhala and Sinhalese to study Tamil as second or third subjects. The issue of English is not applicable here. It is foreign and common to both Tamils and Sinhalese. It is not equivalent to Tamil and Sinhala in the Lankan ethnic context.

  Have you visited our parliament in recent times? Please be kind enough to visit, if not. Mano Ganesan is one of the very few Tamil parliamentarians, if not only one who make parliamentary speeches in Sinhala. Even outside the house, I am heard in Sinhala over electronic media and on platforms. I am one of the few MPs who speak in all three languages. This is the indication of my desire to live together in one country. Please do not construct mischievous castle with your wilder allegations on me. We, living together or separation is now in the hands of the Sinhalese political leadership. That is a separate discussion hence I leave it at that point.

  Do you know, in Sri Lanka, school principals cannot enroll a child in a medium which is not the language of the parents? It is a state policy. We have this circular on language of instruction since early 1960s. But it is not practiced. We are not going behind it either. It was brought into circulation in respect of the state policy of preserving the identities of ethnic groups in our multi ethnic society.

  Please do not consider subject of national unity as ‘giving up ethnic and religious identities’. Only a numeric majority hegemonic will pursue this policy.

  I personally do not mind anybody studying in any language of instruction as long there is no forced conversion and adoption. But I have my party policy. Please read further. You are very innocently (do you?) asking me ‘Why MUST (a Tamil) child learn in Tamil? (Aren’t) Tamil Culture and Ethnicity and Identity not adequately preserved at home?’ Here is my answer. Take a trip along the west coastal belt from Colombo to Puttlam. Hundreds of thousands of Tamils living in this region have been systematically assimilated in to the Sinhala ethnicity within last four decades after independence. First they were and made Catholics. Thanks to the priests, the language of the Church became Sinhala only. Then they changed the schools. There were over one hundred Tamil schools in this region. The Sinhala state and the Catholic Church started Sinhala Catholic sections in the Tamil schools and systematically closed down the Tamil sections. They were made Sinhala only schools. Sinhala became the language of the Church and the School for the Tamil children. Tamil was spoken only at homes. When the older Tamil speaking parental generation passed away and the Sinhala speaking younger generation became the ‘parents’, Sinhala became the home language too. So the entire region became Sinhala only catholic belt. This is what is called systematic assimilation. Please try to understand. So my party policy is developed based on above critical history.

  Furthermore, about your idea of inter ethnic marriage. It is purely a private subject. Ethnicity cannot be a barrier here. One of my brothers is married to Sinhalese.

• 97. Ecvee  |  February 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 am

  I am now certain that the moderate and the educated Singhalese realise the dicrimmination that is taking place in our beloved country. I hope they will also that the solution is seperation like what happened in Kosova. It is only a matter of time before the Tamils in SL will folow the Kosovars – there seems no other way.

• 98. Devinda Fernando  |  February 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 pm

  RESONSE TO MANO GANESAN

  *** Thanks for entering into healthy discussion and posing questions to me.***

  It almost sounds like you say that as if I don’t do this in the first place…

  The problem Mano with what you are saying is this. You say you support assimilation, however it has to be unintentional? I’m not sure what you mean by that? Is there forced Assimilation going on? Your example of the Colombo to Puttlam coast Tamils and their conversion to Christianity is not Ethnic Assimilation it is Religious, and unless I’m mistaken, Christianity is not traditionally a Sinhalese trait…it is a Western one. Your implication that conversion to Christianity then standardization of language to Sinhala is some sort of ‘Forced’ assimilation is really stretching it very thin because what you are really saying by this is that to be a “Tamil” means you must also be a Hindu, and speak the Tamil language too. From what I can understand is that in order to be Tamil you must satisfy the 3 Categories: Ethnicity (Blood/Genetics), Religion (Hindu), and Language (Tamil). Without all 3 you are not a Tamil (based on what you are advocating). That seems a bit odd because that means being Tamil by blood yet having diversity of language and religion means you are not quite a whole Tamil. Also Speaking the Language but being of a different Religion or Ethnicity like the Moors (Muslims) is not being Tamil either (this is true in this case). I personally feel that your Ethnicity is the Blood alone and not the religion our language, and while these are unique and do shape us in the Nature vs. Nurture sense of things I don’t think they are essential in preserving Ethnic Identity. If this is not the case please correct me. As a Sinhalese Catholic (or should I better clarify, an Ex-Catholic) I don’t think religion takes away from my Ethnic Identity. However in your case, as someone who appeals to a select Ethnic group for your base of votes it obviously does you no good for there to be diversity among your ranks. Am I wrong in saying most of your constituents vote for you because you are Tamil and advocate the purity of the 3 Categories stated above?

  *** . That is why in a multi ethnic environment the numerical ethnic and religious minorities are always on the guard and alert. There is nothing wrong in this attitude. ***

  There is EVERYTHING wrong with this attitude because what you are saying is that a Communalistic attitude is acceptable in minorities and not the majority. For the Record: I don’t think it is acceptable in either case but hey, call me crazy! Double standards such as these are what create all these grievances. Where do you draw the line? In order for ABSOLUTE preservation of your Ethnicity, Religion, and Language the obvious answer to those who would chose to pursue this attitude is SEPARATION. Is it not? But what are you protecting really? A Language, a Religion, and Ethnic Blood line? Why? You validate my initial point which is your sense of need to preserve this is merely a Political tool to secure your leadership position. The fundamental idea I see here is that you think in terms of ethnicity for Sri Lanka, everything has to be race based. And the question about inter marriage also has everything to do with this topic because we both know that it is not encouraged in either community because that would not fall in line with Race Based politics. By intermarrying the Ethnic Blood lines are tainted are they not,…? Another No-No for Race Based Politics because it destroys one of the 3 traits of Ethnic preservation.

  I also don’t know why you bring up the State enrollment policy for Language medium? Are you saying it is a Good thing or a Bad thing? I think you are implying it is not a good thing so I will answer as such. Personally it sounds like a practical solution to me. There were tremendous complaints when it was Sinhala Only in the 1950s, now there is a choice, and obviously made in order to make Tamils study in Tamil and Sinhalese in Sinhala – as a way to correct the grievances of the past policy, but now it seems that you are complaining about this too? It seems to me that you are splitting hairs to cause problems with this issue. What would be your perfect solution for this matter?

  I find it funny because living in the West you see that Race Based Politicians are ‘Carnival Barkers’, they are scorned on and are considered Fringe Elements of the Political spectrum. In Sri Lanka it seems that these people are Center Stage main attraction, yourself included.

• 99. Eric Nirmalan  |  February 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 am

  We have to be glad that the Nethmi’s admission has been resolved and the child did not finally become a victim of a tussle.

  Let me also refer to earlier post 94 of Muditha. I appreciate the reply, however the whole matter of race, ethnicity , colour have been viewed from a US construct. The world does not revolve round the US.

  Race based immigration rightfully is a thing of the past and many of the issues Muditha has raised is more relevent to the era of South African aperthaid of the 60s and the Nazi racism of the 30s. US and a few other countries are just coming out of it, or trying to re-enter.

  However, there are valid reasons to identify disadvantaged communities in many countries. Hispanics in US, the Untouchables in India and the Aborigines in Australia and many others are being identified in order to provide additional facilities to these disadvantaged communities, eventually to bring them upto the standard of the general populace. These are temporary measures of negative discrimination.There maybe other valid reasons too. For example of medical or health reasons of prevalent medical conditions based on ethnic origins. Then in policing and identification matters appearences do matter, but has been toned down in most democracies to remove any derogatory aspects.

  If you yourself fulfil all conditions as an Hispanic as per US definitions, please do apply for the scholarships. My question is what if a person does qualify on paper, but some official declares the person is not so in ‘appearence’. Do we reinvent the S African mess again?

  Not only you, but I too have been asked in Brazil – Tu Mexicana ? In fact we Sri Lankans do have a sprinkling of Hispanic blood. So, please do go for your scholarship in the US. What happened to all those Portuguese / Spanish soldiers who ended up in Sri Lanka who could not take the last bus home ? But remember we may start getting into the S African equation of ethnic judgement and blood percentages.

  You also raise the question ‘why the hell are we at war for so long?’. By the term ‘we’ do you refer to the Tamils and the Sinhalese, as ethnic groups? many Sinhalese and Tamils are close to each than to their own people. There is no war between these communities. They have not been at war in Sri Lanka, perhaps during the past 450 years. The last was when Sankili killed, enslaved or expelled the Sinhalese who were all Buddhist from Jaffna peninsula after his battles with the Portuguese, as Rasanayagam Mudaliar states in his book ,as well as other historians do.

  LTTE did the same in early 90s when they killed or expelled the Sinhalese and the Muslims again from Jaffna. To say that we are at war as ethnic groups – wrong again. Neighbours collectively do not kill each other in the streets of Sri Lanka. This is again propaganda that has soaked into gullible heads. Do we kill each other as the Sunni’s and the Shi’ites and bomb each others places of worship ?

  However, we do have a war betweeen a terrorist organisation and the legitimate defence force of a democracy. In that terrorist organisation, there are persons of Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala ethnic origin. On the governement side there have always been Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese in known history. So where is this ethnic war or civil war ?

  I am not aware of countries that still have race based immigration, but once a person is in the country as an immigrant, then there maybe reasons to find out his ethnicity in order to provide facilities under
  ‘disadvantaged group’ criteria.

  Read my post 84 carefully again and again regarding the change that happened in 1972. It is based on the name of the island had prior to 1972 which identified the race, language and the nation as one. Look up an older Oxford Dictionary too.

  You say that assimilation is done over a period of time. Good. Here we talk of hundreds of thousands persons perhaps. Now, how does the hundreds of thousands change ? Is it overnight on a particular day that is between AD 1700 and AD 2000 or some such. Or is it that a few people/ families change every year ?

  Years back these changes were not documented. Now in Nethmi’s case she belongs to one of those families that is in the process of change and the change is captured on documents. This is beacuse now you are in a modern era, where documents matter. Look around in your own relations. Aren’t there similar chnages ?

  Thank you for the disscussion. Good Bye.

• 100. Natasha  |  February 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 pm

  Post 89:

  Excellent point. Sri Lanka is a failed state. It’s living on borrowed time. Yesterday I read the statement of a JVP member, that a crisis point will eventually be reached. IMO: the only reason why such a crisis point has already not been reached is due to massive foreign loans. What Sri Lankans, both Tamils and Sinhalese, should do now is gather together and petition the United Nations to send a peace-keeping force to resolve this crisis in such a manner that the warring parties are forcibly prevented from having contact with each other. There is no point in talking about past history, e.g. the 2500-year history of the Sinhalese or the battle between Dutugumenu and Eelara… for one thing, there are Sri Lankans living all over the world now, not just a little island, so we think globally, not locally… secondly, technology, specifically Western technology, is so easy to use, and efficient that prolonging the war is a simple matter for either side (compare this to the olden days of fighting with swords while riding elephants)…In essence, the key to solving the problem is to think globally, not locally. The integration of Sri Lanka with the outside world is a global, not a local phenomenon. Ethnic divisions and race based thinking in general are insignificant from this larger vantage point.

• 101. ilaya seran senguttuven  |  February 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am

  If anyone believed until now there is no racial prejudice in Sri Lanka Nethmi’s saga gives the lie away. Here’s a little but brilliant girl, brought as a Buddhist, comes 2nd in the entire District having done her exams in Sinhala and is entitled to a place at Visaka. The Visaka administration entertains her application and yet she is rejected-because SHE IS A TAMIL. I have always had a poor opinion of Susil Premjayanth as ministerial material and this proves me right by his injudicious decision. But the saving grace is that nearly hundreds of screams from Sinhala readers crying foul from here and all over the world. Tthat reinforces my faith that in spite of all the gloom-and inspite of scum of the earth like Devinda Fernando and his ilk-there is yet a chance for Sri Lanka to build a united society and country. You guys make me proud.The best thing for Nethmi’s dad to do is to take the child out of the obvious unfriendly environment she will be subject to and allow this talented girl to develop her inherent skills through a good International School – that gives two hoots to this racial/religious nonsense.

• 102. ilaya seran senguttuven  |  February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

  I happened to see reader Rajasingham’s hossanas to his friend Minister Premjayanth only after I wrote the above piece. Having read Rajasingham’s pieces in these columns it is clear as crystal there are limitations in this man in many disciplines. To say “Susil is “an experienced lawyer” is to expose your ignorance about the lawyers in the country. I am glad Susil from Bank Clerk got through his law exams and then has had an upward political career. I congratulate him on that.In my many chats with Susil I found him to be a pleasant and courteous man. In stopping to help Wijayaratnam school and all those other good deeds to other schools in Cbo the Minister is only doing what his officials seem to have ignored to do in spite of the massive funds Parliament allocates to him every year. But if Rajasingham is hoping to get a transfer for his wife by sycophancy I must remind him there could be dozens of other subtle ways to achieve his dubious goal. As for a list of successful lawyers I suggest he get in touch with the bird of the same feather of the trajectory he travels on – Devinda Fernando, whose knowledge of good lawyers in the country will stun Rajasingham.

• 103. Thamilannpan  |  February 25th, 2008 at 12:20 am

  To Mr Devinda Fernando

  Where is your comment on the point #81? Why are you keeping your mouth shut on this point?

• 104. Sinhalese  |  February 25th, 2008 at 6:47 am

  Thank you DBS for providing opportunity to understand differing views. I quite enjoyed arguements and counter arguements here specialy Mano Ganeshan, Devinda, Muditha, Nirmalan Senguptha and Dayan.

• 105. N2  |  February 26th, 2008 at 5:14 am

  IF as #79. muditha says all this confusion was only caused by application procedural matters (such as inconsistencies on the form),
  THEN WHY did the Education Minister Susil Premajayanth say that he prevented Nethmi from entering Vishaka forher own good and that her ethnicity would have caused her much worse problems?? If the matter was straightforward why not just say it as it is?

  And could the Minsister have acted entirely on his own? No way! It just shows the communalistic thinking that is around and clearly demonstrates that the Tamils are not regarded as equal citizens.

  If the Minister (and the GOSL ) are to be seen as having done the right thing by wishing to protect the girl for her own good,THEN the mister is claining that Vishaka Vidyalaya is communalistic and that the girl needed protection from the them!

  A.Rajasingam (the pretend Tamil) is clearly paranoid, and needs serious treatrment if he/she thinks that the liitle girl had to be stopped in case she became a TIGER let loose among the Sinhalese.
  (But A.Rajasingam should be reminded that the Minister however was concerned that the little TAMIL girl needed protection since she would otherwise be as a lamb thrown to the lions!)

  Surely at this rate a great and prosperous future awaits SL!

• 106. Devinda Fernando  |  February 26th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

  *** Where is your comment on the point #81? Why are you keeping your mouth shut on this point? ***

  Thamilannpan,

  No I am not. You only post selective history, Maybe you should go and look up all the Massacres and Assasinations done to Sinhalese…. or even better yet the Sri Lankans that the LTTE have killed.

  How many Tamils have been murdered by the LTTE? How many Muslims Ethnically Cleansed from Jaffna and even in the East?

  How many Sinhalese Villagers massacred? You will claim Zero… because a Deluded like you thinks only the Tamisl have suffered in this conflict.

• 107. N2  |  February 27th, 2008 at 2:29 am

  #106 Devinda Fernando seems confused about the history of the conflict and/or has not read # 81 Thamilanpan’s post properly.

  #81. Thamilannpan referred to “the pre 1983 violent history where the state run terrorism caused lots damages to Tamils.” Note carefully: “…PRE 1983…”.

  #106. Devinda Fernando: No one is disputing that people from all the commmunities have suffered in some way or other since the war/conflict began.

  BUT (with apologies to Thamilannpan if I have misinterpreted him) the point I think #81 Thamilanpan is making is that all that suffering is due to the Sinhala-Buddhist-Extremism (SBE), and that this absurd incident involving little Nethmi Lavanya Yogendra shows that the SBE communalistic attitude is STILL present in SL.

  If not for SBE there would have not have been any LTTE either!
  The SBE are responsible for all the pre 1983 suffering as well as the suffering due to the present conflict/war that they have caused.

  Are the more normal minded Sinhalese and true Buddists willing or able to stand up against Sinhala-Buddhist-Extremism (SBE) and opportunistic politicians?

• 108. Thamilannpan  |  February 29th, 2008 at 7:03 am

  Thanks N2 for your posting 107. You are correct. I meant pre 1983 history as you interpreted. Up until 1983 Tamils did not take violence in their hands but Sinhala rulers did. Tamils learnt to use violent aganist violent from Sinhala rulers. Devinda Fernando does not know the history.

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