Blast from the past: Praba Interviewed by Anita in 1984
February 29th, 2008
Anita Pratap is the Indian scribe who has been granted the most number of interviews with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabakharan.
We reproduce an interview given in 1984. Many of the views expressed provide an insight into the tiger supremo’s mind and are relevant even today:
Velupillai Pirapaharan, leader of the Liberation Tigers for Tamil Eelam, tells Anita Pratap.
[Anita Pratap]
Q: What made you opt out of a conventional system and spearhead a liberation movement which you knew would be outlawed?
A: The democratic parliamentary system, or what you refer to as the conventional political system in Sri Lanka, has always tried to impose the will of the majority on the minority. This system not only failed to solve the basic problems of our people but, in fact, aggravated our plight. For decades, the repression by the state has made the life of our people miserable. The non-violent democratic struggles of our people were met with military repression. Our just demands were totally ignored, and the oppression continued on such a scale as to threaten the very survival of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. It was these circumstances which led me to form our liberation movement. I felt that an armed struggle was the only alternative left to our people, not only to ensure our survival but ultimately to free’ ourselves from the Sinhala oppression. I have always been aware that our movement would be outlawed. It is for this reason that we organized our movement as a clandestine underground structure from its inception.
Q: Could you elaborate on some of your personal experiences that compelled you to believe that an armed struggle was the only solution for the Tamils of Sri Lanka? Were you, your family members and friends, directly victimized by the discriminatory policy of the Sri Lankan government?
A: The shocking events of the 1958 racial riots had a profound impact on me when I was a schoolboy. I heard of horrifying incidents of how our people had been mercilessly and brutally put to death by Sinhala racists. Once I met a widowed mother, a friend of my family, who related to me her agonizing personal experience of this racial holocaust. During the riots, a Sinhala mob attacked her house in Colombo. The rioters set fire to the house and murdered her husband. She and her children escaped with severe burn injuries. I was deeply shocked when I saw the scars on her body. I also heard stories of how young babies were roasted alive in boiling tar. When I heard such stories of cruelty, I felt a deep sense of sympathy and love for my people. A great passion overwhelmed me to redeem my people from this racist system. I strongly felt that armed struggle was the only way to confront a system which employs armed might against unarmed, innocent people.
Q: At what point of time did you lose faith in the parliamentary system? What precipitated this disillusionment?
A: I entered politics at a time-in the early Seventies-when the younger generation had already lost faith in parliamentary politics. I entered politics as an armed revolutionary. What precipitated the disillusionment in parliamentary politics was the total disregard and callousness of the successive governments towards the pathetic plight of our people.
Q: How did you come to start the Liberation Tiger movement?
A: I originally formed the movement with a group of dedicated youths who sincerely believed that armed struggle was the only way to liberate our people.
Q: What was the reason for identifying yourselves as ‘Tigers’?
A: I named the movement ‘Liberation Tigers’ since the tiger emblem had deep roots in the political history of the Tamils, symbolizing Tamil patriotic resurgence. The tiger symbol also depicts the mode of our guerrilla warfare.
Q: When you decided to form the ‘Liberation Tigers’, what was the reaction of your family members and those close to you?
A: As soon as the Tiger movement was formed, I went underground and lost contact with my family.
Q: When did you last meet your family members? Are they reconciled to your outlawed existence?
A: I have not seen my family members for the last 11 years. I do not think they regard me as an ordinary person leading an ordinary life. They are reconciled to my existence as a guerrilla fighter.
Q: After 14 years of struggle, do you think you are any closer to achieving your goal?
A: After all these years of struggle I feel that we are advancing towards our goal. The ‘83 July holocaust has united all sections of the Tamil masses. There is a massive support for the armed liberation program of our movement. This is certainly a step towards our goal.
Q: On what way have the experiences of the past 12 years changed you as a person?
A: These years of struggle have strengthened my determination and sharpened my vision.
Q: Till now what has been your most rewarding experiences?
A: It is difficult for me to identify a particular experience as rewarding. The life of a guerrilla fighter is full of experience: experiences of sorrow, happiness, frustration: each of which brings its own rewards.
“Nature is my friend. Life my philosopher and history is my guide.”
Q: The experience over the years must have changed your outlook. What are some of the dominant impressions and convictions that you gained by virtue of this experience? Moreover, your experiences would have convinced you of the inefficacy of certain principles and theories in practical situations, while at the same time bringing home the validity of yet others. Can you pinpoint some of them?
A: Twelve years of experience has convinced me beyond doubt that the armed revolutionary path we undertook was the correct one. The other liberation groups who criticized our armed strategy as terrorism have now realized that armed struggle is the only way out for the emancipation of our oppressed people. Moreover, the guerrilla warfare has been an effective form of struggle. Several successful guerrilla raids have convinced our people that the Sinhala forces can be defeated and freedom can be won.
Q: Who is your friend, philosopher, and guide?
A: Nature is my friend. Life my philosopher and history is my guide.
Q: How does it feel to be the most wanted man in Sri Lanka today?
A: An Irish leader once remarked that when the British indict a person as a terrorist it implied that he was a true Irish patriot. Similarly, when the Sri Lanka government refers to me as the most wanted man it means that I am a true Tamil patriot. Hence, I feel proud to beindicted as a wanted man.
Q: Which was your most frustrating moment of your life?
A: I cannot pinpoint such a moment in my life. But the most frustrating aspect has been the betrayal of some of my trusted friends: those who pretended to be sincere to the cause. But turned out to be self-seeking opportunists.
Q: How did the split between you and Uma Maheshwaran come about?
A: I do not approve the formulation of the question In fact, the issue should not be viewed as a conflict or split between me and Uma Maheshwaran. It was a problem between an individual and the Tiger movement. I am in no way responsible for the problem. It was Maheshwaran who created the issue. A leader of a revolutionary movement should commit himself totally to the discipline of the organization. If a leader violates the basic rules and principles then there will be chaos and the organization will crumble. Uma Maheshwaran violated the rules of our movement and as a disciplinary action he was expelled by the central committee. Being the founder of the movement and the person who appointed Maheshwaran as the chairman, I had no other alternative but to uphold the decision of the central committee.
Q: Today one finds that there are several Eelam liberation groups. Invariably they work at cross-purposes. When the goal is the same, should not there be a unification process? After all, there is more to be gained by using your combined strength against the common enemy. In principle, are you opposed to the rival groups uniting?
A: I have clearly and explicitly stated that I am in favor of such unity moves. I even wrote to these groups on 5 September 1982 welcoming the idea and suggested that we all be prepared to form a united front of all other liberation groups, shed our differences and work out a common program of action. But. unfortunately, these groups failed to formulate a common working program. Instead, at every unity meeting they fought against each other and fell apart. The tragedy is that these groups have no sincere intentions to unite and there is a wide gap between their words and their deeds. I sincerely feel that these groups should set an example by forging unity among themselves rather than blaming the Tigers for their disunity. Once they unite, we are prepared to join hands with them.
“I am not alone. I lead a powerful national movement and a wide section of the Tamil masses support me.”
Q: Spokesmen of rival groups have told me that all except you are open to the idea of uniting. Is this true?
A: This is absolutely untrue. It is only a propaganda by other groups to undermine our movement.
Q: Are you alone in the struggle?
A: I am not alone. I lead a powerful national movement and a wide section of the Tamil masses support me.
Q: Do you experience moments of loneliness? And if you do. how do you combat it?
A: I have never felt lonely at any point of time. Loneliness is only a problem with those who are buried in their own individual egos. A true revolutionary transcends individuality and develops a collective, social consciousness. I live and struggle for a common collective cause.
Q: Do you have any regrets about not leading a normal life?
A: There are millions who, as you put it, lead a normal, ordinary existence. But we are fighting for a cause, for a noble ideal which gives us a profound spiritual satisfaction.
Q: Are you worried over the fact that most Tamil youths face a bleak future in Sri Lanka?
A: The youths are fighting a battle for freedom. I foresee a bright future for them.
Q: Is it true that more and more Tamil youths are taking part in the liberation struggle?
A: Yes, more and more youths are joining the revolution under our leadership since they have realized that armed struggle is the only way to redeem themselves and their society.
Q: How would you defend your movement from being called a “separatist” one. and that you all are not freedom fighters but “terrorists”?
A: It is wrong to call our movement “separatist”. We are fighting for independence based on the right to national self-determination of our people. Our struggle is for self-determination, for the restoration of our sovereignty in our homeland. We are not fighting for a division or separation of a country but rather, we are fighting to uphold the sacred right to live in freedom and dignity. In this sense, we are freedom fighters not terrorists.
Q: Would you rather die than be caught by the Sinhalese army?
A: I would prefer to die in honour rather than being caught alive by the enemy.
Q: The Liberation Tigers ofTamil Eelam (LTTE) staged the 23 July 1983 ambush in which 13 Sinhalese soldiers were killed. The ambush was allegedly the reason for the Sinhalese retaliation on innocent Tamils. Did you expect such a massive retaliation?
A: The July violence should not be assessed simply as a Sinhala retaliation for the guerrilla ambush. This view is a gross oversimplification of the event. The island has been plagued with anti-Tamil racial violence which erupts periodically over the years. There were violent racial holocausts even before the emergence of our movement. Violent riots erupted in Trincomalee a couple of weeks before the ambush. Therefore, the phenomenon of anti-Tamil racial violence cannot be traced to a single event. We are engaged in a protracted guerrilla warfare. There have been several guerrilla raids, several ambushes, and we have killed several Sinhala soldiers and policemen The July ambush was only a part of the warfare we are engaged in. It is incorrect to assume that one particular military operation has precipitated the entire violence. The July riots, you would have certainly observed, was not only aimed at the physical extermination of our people but it was also aimed the destruction of the economic power base of the Tamils in Colombo. Our view is that the July holocaust was a pre-planned. well-orchestrate genocidal pogrom against the Tamils, carried out by the racial elements of the ruling party. Initially, these racist elements did attempt to put the whole blame on the Tiger. Then, suddenly they blamed the left parties for the riots. But in actual fact, it is the racist leaders of the present government who should be held responsible for this tragic loss of life and property of our people.
Q: Why did you stage the July ambush? There are various versions afloat. According to some, it was an act of reprisal as four Tamil women had been raped. Based on my investigations I felt that, you had to prove a point to the Sinhalese army who were jubilant over the death of your close associate, Charles Anthony, leader of the military wing on 15 July. The point I guess that you had to assert was that the LTTE despite the loss of one of its ablest leaders was still strong and capable of taking on the Sinhalese army. Is this theory correct?
A: There is an element of truth your findings about Charles Anthony and the ambush. The attack was partly a retaliation, a punishment of the Sinhala army. But still we feel that the lives of 13 soldiers cannot compensate the life of a great revolutionary and freedom fighter like Charles. The ambush was also a part of the guerrilla warfare directed against the enemy.
Q: Do you think that the round table negotiations will lead to the formulation of a permanent settlement?
A: I am of the opinion that the round table conferences will not bring about a permanent settlement to the Tamil issue. Our view is based on the experience of several decades. The Sinhala leaders never made a sincere attempt to resolve the Tamil issue. The present negotiations will also meet the same fate All the major Sinhala parties and the Buddhist organisations are opposed to granting any form of regional autonomy to the Tamils. They are even opposed to giving minor concessions. Hence nothing substantial will emerge from this conference.
Q: Do you hold the TULF (Tamil United Liberation Front) leaders responsible for retarding the liberation struggle? Do you view them a betrayers?
A: It is true that the opportunistic politics of the TULFare retarding the liberation struggle. They have never taken any concrete steps to further the struggle. On the contrary, they give false hopes, create illusions, and try to keep our people in perpetual bondage. They entered politics only to further their selfish ends. They never had any sincere intentions to liberate our oppressed people, nor did they ever put forward any concrete programme of political action. They never expected that they would be caught in the storm of a liberation struggle. The flame of a revolution is fast spreading all over Tamil Eelam. But the TULF leaders are trying their best to smother the fire. In this sense you can term the TULF leaders as betrayers.
“I think that the government of India should recognise the fair and legitimate demands of our people and accept our right to self determination.”
Q: Is it true that the TULF leaders are afraid to go to their hometown and stay there not because of the Sinhalese but because of the Tigers?
A: They are frightened not of the Tigers, but of the fury of the people who voted them to power on the promise of an independent state for the Tamils.
Q: Do you think that India’s good offices will result in anything tangible?
A: India’s efforts have given a positive hope to our people. But I do not think that the Sinhala racist government will utilize India’s offer to resolve the problems of the Tamils.
Q: Ideally, what should India do in such a situation to help the Tamils?
A: I think that the government of India should recognize the fair and legitimate demands of our people and accept our right to self-determination.
Q: Would you suggest military intervention?
A: We have the courage, confidence and determination to fight and win our freedom. We should fight and free ourselves. But we do need India’s support and sympathy.
Q: What is your personal assessment of President Jayewardene?
A: If Jayewardene was a true Buddhist, I would not be carrying a gun.
Q: What do you think is Jayewardene’s intention behind holding these negotiations? Is he buying time?
A: There are several reasons behind holding these peace negotiations. Firstly, Jayewardene wants to appease the Indians. Secondly, he wants to restore the colossal damage the riots have done to the image of the country. Thirdly, it would help him to seek financial aid from western agencies. Fourthly, the President wants to buy time to build up the Sinhala military machine.
Q: Is President Jayewardene a prisoner in the hands of the hawks in his cabinet or is he acting on his own? Is he being pressurized by the Buddhist clergy?
A: Jayewardene is acting on his own. He has supreme powers. The hawks in the cabinet and the Buddhist clergy are behind him.
Q: What is the role of the Buddhist clergy in Sri Lanka?
A: The Buddhist clergy has played a dominant role in shaping the political trends in Sri Lanka. They have played a crucial role in whipping up anti-Tamil feelings among the Sinhala people.
Q: Do you think that the Buddhist clergy is well on its way to establishing Sri Lanka as a Sinhala Buddhist nation?
A: Sri Lanka is already a Sinhala Buddhist nation and the Buddhist clergy has contributed a lot for this cause.
Q: Is it the result of the Buddhist clergy’s chauvinism or is it the result of a natural alignment following the Catholic clergy’s association with the Tamil?
A: The Buddhist clergy’s chauvinism has played a significant role in the establishment of a racist state system. Sections of the Tamil Catholic clergy has sympathies with the Tamil cause but the Sinhala Catholic clergy displays strong Sinhala national chauvinism and is opposed to the Tamil demands.
Q: Do you have ties with other liberation movements of the world? Which are the organizations who provide training and arms to the LTTE?
A: We have ties with other world liberation movements. I cannot answer the second part of your question.
Q: Which country in the world has proved to be most sympathetic to your cause?
A: I do not wish to comment on this matter.
Q: What is your ideological commitment?
A: Revolutionary socialism.
Q: Do you expect attacks on the Tamils in the future?
A: Yes, I do. The forces of racism and fascism are actively working against the Tamils in Trincomalee and Vavuniya. Tamils will never be safe until they establish an independent state of Tamil Eelam with a powerful patriotic army to protect their life and property.
Q: Is it true that Israelis are training Sinhalese army men on the techniques of anti-guerrilla warfare?
A: So far, we haven’t got any confirmed reports about the presence of Israeli military experts in Sri Lanka. If the reports are true, I won’t be surprised. Sri Lanka is turning into a base for US imperialism and its agents. Whoever the trainers are or whatever their expertise maybe, the Sinhala army cannot crush the will and determination of the Tigers. We have a great moral power, a supreme sense of sacrifice, and a noble cause.
Q: What is your reaction to the alleged heavy induction of arms and ammunition from the United States to Sri Lanka?
A: Induction of US arms is not only a threat to the Tamil freedom movement but also to India’s national security. America’s objective, as you will certainly be aware, is not simply confined to helping the Sri Lankan army to crush the Tamil liberation struggle. Their ultimate aim is to secure a naval base at Trincomalee. Such a happening will convert the Indian Ocean into a war zone, and will increase the tension prevalent in the region.
Q: If and when Eelam is achieved what sort of a nation do you conceive it to be?
A: Tamil Eelam will be a socialist state. By socialism I mean an egalitarian society where human freedom and individual liberties will be guaranteed, where all forms of oppression and exploitation will be abolished. It will be a free society where our people will have maximum opportunity to develop their economy and promote their culture. Tamil Eelam will be a neutral state, committed to non-alignment and friendly to India, respecting her regional policies, particularly the policy of making the Indian Ocean a zone of peace.
Q: In your estimate how long will it take to achieve this Eelam?
A: There cannot be a blueprint or a time limit for a freedom struggle. Everything depends on the situation in our homeland and happenings on the international scene.
Courtesy: Sunday Magazine, India 11-17 March 1984
Realated: On YouTube: Sri Lanka:”Land of Injustice”-by Anita Pratap
Entry Filed under: transCurrents Interview
27 Comments Add your own
1. Easwaran | February 29th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
How about printing a list of the thousands killed by tigers Tamil, Muslims and Sinhalese, the death toll would be ten times that of the WTC bombing.
2. KTR | February 29th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
If Jayewardene was a true Buddhist, I would not be carrying a gun, True even to MR.
3. Thamil | March 1st, 2008 at 1:43 am
I am really impressed, Prabaharan as a 25-26 old young man got the vision, maturity, composer and dedication.
I definitely believe, we Tamils will win our independent Tamil homeland during his life time.
4. Mohan | March 1st, 2008 at 7:39 am
Easwaran
What a silly comment. What does WTC bombing got to do with Prabakaran’s interview!
Why not ask for a list of tamils, sinhalese and muslims killed by SL Army and thugs.
You guys will never learn. That is why SL is in such a pathetic state
5. Oyathai Alai | March 1st, 2008 at 7:56 am
What a Great Leader who formed the world’s strongest Liberation Movement.
We’ll liberate our motherland.
6. para murugan | March 1st, 2008 at 8:02 am
After 24 years of this interview what has prabakaran achieved? Nothing but death of over 70000 valuable lives.
No terrorist organisation has ever acheived a seperate state in world’s history.
7. Marathhamizhan | March 1st, 2008 at 8:43 am
Thanks for bringing this article for the readers.
The words spoken were true for word to word after even 24 years. Thats why he is still there. If you read Castro, Ghandhi or Mandela, what they have said in there twenties were true when they were in their seventies.
The last two questions and answers are the crucial ones.
Still 100% true. Whoever read this interview would know why he is fighting for.
8. ratna | March 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am
24 years later, still the same.
Not all Sinhalese Buddhists are truly Buddhists and most Tamils still believe in armed struggle for their liberation.
9. Subra S.Massey | March 1st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Mr.Easwaren,
Please understand that once upon a time around 1950-1965 Sri Lanka was a peaceful country. I hope you are old enough know what went on. It depends on when you were born. I was born in 1944 and I saw how this evolved as a movement. !956,1958,1961, 1967,1972, 1983 are land marks in the birth of LTTE, Mother Tamil carried this child called LTTE in her womb for almost 25 years. She didn’t want to deliver this child but she was forced to deliver this child. If a tamil is not for the tamil he must not be a tamil, if a muslim wants to sell out a tamil he should not live in the neighbourhood, if a singhalse want to attack a tamil, a tamil should defend himself. How will you react? The way you are saying, all these Tamils, Muslims and Singhalese were innocent bystanders? In that case why did they spare you? You are talking like street sex vendor, politely and politically said.
Don’t display your ignorance in a world wide forum.
LTTE is not only LTTE it is also about Lifrting Tamil Tide Everywhere. You got it? (Acronyms). The LTTE in Sri Lanka is a small portion, but all over the world Lifitng Tamil Tide Everywhere is going on. Why don’t you become part of it?
It is a tsunami, learn to ride this tsunami, don’t fight it, people like us who have completed our lives are now doing this as a service and as a duty.
We will all be slaves and coolies if not for LTTE.
Today we have become world class people. Easwaren, if you are a Tamil, can you please if you cannot help us , don’t hurt us. We have been hurt enough. Please I beg you.
10. Wassa | March 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Anita has to talk about India first.The land of injustice is India and India is the country who created a pussy like Prbha,
11. Gayan | March 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
When Anita Prathap interviewd VP in 1984,i get the feeling that she was proud of it.The line of questioning,the topics the conversation are in a way that she was talking to a true freedom fighter,saviour of tamils and most importantly a true and reliable ally of India.
And why not ?!The horrible things are yet to happen.The kent/dollar farm civilian slaughter ,attack on the A’pura pilgrims ,monks& the holy tree ,the brutal killings of child monks at aranthalawa,muslim mosque slughte at Ampara,killing of 1000s of anti LTTE tamils,eviction of muslims from the north,civilian killins in the south from kabathigollawa to colombo to katharagama is couple of years to come.
And more importantly to her personally,i doubt that she believed even slightly that she was talking to the man who would ultimatly assasinate her countrys prime minister/head of state by a cowardly suicide attack.
24 years later .i believe she still have in her deep thoughts that she wish she could just put a bullet to the B****r head. then and there when she had a chance.
Today ,24 years later, the dream of tamil ealam is as elusive in more than its entire 30 year history.Prabakaran has destroyed the lankan tamil race,its giving and peaceful culture converted to a cult of killing and suicide bombing.Internationaly shamed from India to europe to USA.tens of thousands of tamils killed,displaced more than any other race.Nothern and eastern economy once the backbone of lankan agricultural economy shattered.
As lord Bhudda preached, natural human desire for control and power has transformed the once freedom fighter in 1984 to a brutal,cowardly,cheap terrorist by 2008.!
Oh Anita INDEED the “Life is our philosopher and history is our guide ” .!!!
12. A.Rajasingam | March 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am
At the beginning after the 1983 riots, I was under the impression that it would have been better had all the liberation organizations been united. Rajiv Gandhi tried, but the LTTE deviated its path. Volumes of atrocities of the LTTE can be written. It is heartening to hear the LTTE supreme giving an interview in 1984, but he lacked a far-sighted thinking. VP failed to explain the difference between a National Movement and a Terrorist Movement. This is similar to what Pol Pot of Cambodia also once said, but eventually killed millions of innocent civilians and ended lonely at death. Even Gariboldi was a founder of the Red Army but complied with the request of the Chief Minister Cavun Cavoor for the unification of Italy.
When he can boasts of a wide section of the Tamil masses who are really loyal to him, why is he having a fear to have Check Points at Omanthai. The LTTE could remove those Check Points for people to travel freely. If he thinks that the LTTE is a powerful National Movement loyal to him, there is no necessity to go underground and not coming to the surface. He even killed his own cadres and the fate of Mahthaya is a case in point. Leaders like George Washington of USA were freely moving with his people and never had such Check Points.
VP was mentioning of his ideological commitment as a Revolutionary Socialism. People will be happy to know whether he intended creating another Cuba near India. Does Revolutionary Socialism mean killing of Government servants, Parliamentarians, Academics, Professionals, thousands of cadres belonging to other liberation organizations and innocent civilians?
If VP needs the support of India, then at a later stage he should not have ordered his cadres to kill Rajiv Gandhi having known that he loved the Tamils even after he was assaulted by the Naval rating. Great Freedom Fighters like George Washington, Sardar Patel, Subash Chandra Bose, etc., adapted the practice of tolerance and never laid their hands on persons out of uniform. Freedom Fighters will not lay hand on four Sinhalese Technicians who came voluntarily to repair the Rupavahini TV in Jaffna for the benefit of the Tamils. That is the beauty of the Freedom Fighters. But what happened in North East Province was, the helpless Principals, Government servants and innocent people were targeted by the LTTE on the pretext of traitors. The word TRAITOR need explanation not in the context of the Terrorist’s Dictionary, but in a meaningful context as espoused in the Oxford Dictionary or in the Webster’s Dictionary or in the Tamil Akarathy (the Madras Lexicon).
As for the split between Uma Maheswaran and VP, If VP maintains that a leader of a revolutionary movement should commit himself totally to the discipline of the organization, then how was Oormila poisoned to death. Was it because she was having a soft corner for Uma Maheswaran. Further, the cruel murders of the TELO cadres (some were blind because of eye sores and on whom tyres were thrown and burnt alive) are instances of the LTTE atrocities. How is the LTTE going to answer the people of the Eastern Province. Was there a fear that the TELO was about to carry out a Rescue Operation of Kutti Mani and others at Welikade. The LTTE had a fear that the TELO was the darling of India at that time. The TELO had the best of training and demonstrated at the attack on the Chavakachcheri Police Station and at the Murungan Rail episode. There is a long list about the true face of the LTTE which will determine whether they are freedom fighters or bunch of terrorists.
No doubt the 1983 civil riots is a tragedy. Today the country is bleeding for a senseless war. The LTTE and the extremists of both sides must be made to realize, understand and accept the value and reality of living together as human beings without any discriminations whatsoever pertaining to one’s religion, language, colour and any other man-made divisions. In 1983, the minority Tamils living in the South were subject to be, at the receiving end due to a mob of unruly elements of the majority race, though majority of the Sinhalese were against and not condoning these criminal acts. But now, it is a different era where the human values are accepted and all races like to live and exist within the periphery of friendship and brotherhood. So it is up to the leaders of all political parties, intellectuals and the professionals to get together and grasp this opportunity and sustain and develop this current brotherhood feeling for generations to come.
13. parathan | March 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 am
What a prphatic verses. Great visionary. Thamils are blessed to have a leader like Pirapakaran.
14. Anonymous | March 2nd, 2008 at 6:39 am
Subram,
Your remark below is revealing…
“if a muslim wants to sell out a tamil he should not live in the neighbourhood, if a singhalse want to attack a tamil, a tamil should defend himself.”
Can I ask you what should happen if
1. A Tamil wants to sell out a Sinhalese?
2. If a Tamil wants to attack a Sinhalese?
15. V Siva | March 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
The vision of Prabakaran in 1984 is not reality yet as he himself a human being and made mistakes. The lanscape of politics is changing all over the world and the Sinhala leaders are still on a racial and chuvinist mood.
Tamils have suffered enough and Mahinda is responsible for crimes commited against humanity. Current US policy towards Sri Lanka is aganist the Tamils. Once Barack Obama takes over power in the US, the US policy will take a “U” turn and the GOSL will be accountable for the crimes committed.
Intl community is closely watching events in Sri Lanka now and Tamils will be free from Sinhala occupation and state terrorism sooner than later.
16. Reddy | March 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 am
I think it would a good idea if Sri lanka should build a memorial to the thousand who have died at the hands of this psychopath, we must never forget the terrible toll this terrorist has had on our country.
The people will never forget what you have done Prabha, you can fool your indian lady friends but the ordinary people of Lanka will remember you for you are cold blooded killer
17. R.VEERA | March 2nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
what a wonderful leader, we tamils must be proud about him.
long life our loving leader. we know why you are silence now. We beleive soon you show who you are.Keep up your fight we are behind with you, We all LIVE prosperous future in our sun shine state.
GOD BLESS TAMIL EALAM.
18. Jack Ranasinghe | March 2nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Prabhakaran is a symptom.
19. Randy | March 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
To the Tamils who support the GOSL,
1) It is acknowledged by everyone that Tamils in SL have genuine grievance but the political parties in SL do not have solution for the last 50 years
2) Until mid 1975, all the non-violent protests by Tamils were met with violence from Govt.
3) As mentioned before, several riots (58,78,83) were created by the Govt.
4) India has to force a solution with 50,000 troops but now the Govt went back and demerge NE
Why are you supporting the GOSL?
When you choke a person and when that person kicks, you can’t complain “foul” (I think it is quote from M.IA)
Reddy, It is not Pirbha, blame S W R D, J R, Srima and he southern party politics
20. Naga UK | March 3rd, 2008 at 1:50 am
VP is a monster created by the so called Sinhala Buddhists. It is patently clear that the clergy has an inherent fear that there is a strong possibility that it would be taken to task like in the case of 3000 rowdy monks being rounded up and beheaded by the then King having come to the tether’s end of enduring their atrocities and replacing them with real ones from Siam. They presumably have a premonition of what might be in store for them if they continue playing God and commit the very sins they have been expected of to preach against. The ploy then would be to create hatred between communities in the name of safeguarding Buddhism or territorial integrity, sovereignty etc in order to divert the attention of the followers in a different direction. SWRDB acted in this context as a catalyst through his opportunistic politics. The politicians to come later lost no time on picking up the loose ends for their personal gains which later became tantamount to organized crime in the name of Party Politics with the Advent of JRJ.
The UNP headed by JR Jayawardena receiving a landslide victory had gone a step further. Declaring that the President under the new constitution had so much power only he cannot turn a woman into a man or vise versa had enshrined a proportional representation system thinking and openly suggesting that the mistake of a Tamil Party becoming the opposition party would only be a dream. He also thought he was foxy enough to presume that given the past election results UNP would always be in power. Obviously he was wrong. The truth of the matter is that the UNP had done more lasting damage to the minority communities appearing to be more democratic on the surface. JRJ availed himself of a convenient holiday during the 1983 riots which was obviously engineered by him and executed by his goons like Syril Mathew. That perhaps sealed the deal with the Tamil moderates and the Sinhala governments. Of course there were Tamil politicians poaching in the dust-bins of the Sinhala governments least realizing this opportunity was being seized by Tamil extremists.
When the so called Eelam groups took to arms there was wide disapproval from the Tamil public. But the Governments (UNP or SLFP) did not come to their rescue. Instead, people like Athulathmudali openly declared that if the forces kill 10 Tamil youths there will be one terrorist – not necessarily the LTTE for it was non-existent per se at that time. In the action field based on that theory at that time the Tamil youths, 9 out of ten (not involved in terrorism) were at a loss. They had the inevitable choice of sitting ducks-dying in the hands of Security Forces or joining the terrorists there were so many groups not second to the Sinhala community. VP was in the right place and time with wrong ideas and the rest is history. The biggest sell out he made of the Tamil community is the pre-election accord he is reported to have had with MR with large amounts of money changing hands almost admitted by Thamilchelvan who paid a supreme price.
The long and short of the story is that several mafia like setups in politics have come into being and all of them have got the tiger by the tail. The stark naked fact is that there is absolutely no animosity between the Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese. The politicians and the terrorists including Tamil factions opposing them have heavily invested into this problem – some of them with their lives, they cannot get out of it.
M/s Pratab was only expressing her opinion. Do not shoot the messenger!
21. vije | March 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Opinions my differ as to the nature of LTTE and the leader. But there can be no question on their sincerity to their commitment.
Until LTTE became active Tamils were considered demalas who would run to refugee camps when attacked and return to be yours obedient servants to the rulers. Now they are feared or respected as Tigers. Which do you prefer demala or tiger?
Definitely the Tamils would prefer neither. But these are the only choices given to them by singhala hegemony.
22. Ram | March 5th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Opinions my differ as to the nature of LTTE, but al agree they are a terrorists, how many more of our leaders and Indian prime minister need to be killed before we arrest Prabha and his goons.
Send him to India for trial.
23. Ramya | March 5th, 2008 at 9:02 am
As a Indian Tamil, I was a supporter of the eelam cause till LTTE decimated TELO. As a tamil, I was shocked to see the gruesome pictures of TELO cadres being burnt alive with tires around thier neck.
I think VP’s LTTE would have killed more tamils than the sinhalese thugs.
Even after all the violence, the basic facts remains, that is the majority sinhalese feels that the tamils are second class citizen and does not have any rights.
When the majority sinhalese has this mind set then a megalomanic like VP will thrive and will be seen as a hero in the eyes of his people.
24. Some one with Compassion | March 5th, 2008 at 10:35 am
It is better for the country to divide now than later. Atleast some lives can be saved.
I am not the one to support killing.
One thing is for sure that tamil eelam will prosper with funding from tamils everywhere. Will there be internal fighting? yes. But it will also die down. When Tamil Eelam prospers Singhalese will realise why SL is not prospering. Their politicians will cleanup their act and SL also can proper.
WIN WIN for everyone. IS IT WRONG TO DREAM? But I am not dreaming.
BUT FOR SURE THE COUNTRY WILL SPLIT within TWO YEARS. Not because of one side getting beaten but for the simple reason of not being able to over power. Remember KOSOVO. UN intervention……
25. Karupiah | March 10th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
#24
I’m all for Canada to give them Toronto or UK to give them Tooting or India to give them Tamil Nadu, perhaps you can help to get such a movement of the ground based on compassion.
But Sri Lanka will never give in to terrosits and give land they have no right to, live in peace or leave for the Tamil homeland in Tamil Nadu where terroism is welcome.
26. raj | March 21st, 2008 at 9:19 am
Karuppu, terror is very well welcome in SL. That is infact the business of the government. You know the statistics. Astin Martin for MR’s son and a kick in the butt for the poor man.
27. Jenn | April 5th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
What a sin to be born in sri lanka or to be known as a sri lankan…either a tamil, singalese, muslim, buddiest, and etc…
That is how Sri Lanka is known…..a country thats been having wars ffor years.
Both parties have to realize…sri lanka is a small island….the population is not stable……it suppose to be a great tropical country, friendly people, a great tourist place. But unfortunately….it sounds like hell(or worse than that). No offence to anyone…. I am afraid that one day sri lanka will not be in the map. it’s almost getting there….
God created people, place, animals and etc to have a good and simple life. All we need is each other’s help and support. NOT WAR. We are to treat everyone as how we would like to be treated. Treat everyone equally, with respect, love and care and be great friends. Proof the world that finally we’ve decided the war is not the answer for the lives. Imagine all the lives that has been lost……from a baby to an elderly…we they born to see the war…..no they were born to see and prove how great their country is and to welcome tourist.
It is time to think straight….forget war….think of the future….how great can the country will be….how to increase the population…..what a great place for foreigners/tourist to admire…..there are many great places in Sri Lanka but it’s being destroyed….why……who is achieving what?
No one is achieving anything but a bad name for both sides. Guns/wars are not the asnwer. talk and listen and compensate…… just like life…..
All i can do for not being born in SL is pray for it to be a peace country.
God Bless All
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