Create the conditions that will banish the idea of separatism
By Dr. S. Narapalasingam
In post war Sri Lanka, no one wants another spate of violent disturbances that would deny the majority of the people in all communities the long overdue harmony and lasting peace. There seems to be some confusion among politicians about the means of achieving this national objective.
To put it bluntly, lasting peace cannot be achieved by force or deception. How the idea of separatism got ingrained in the minds of disillusioned Tamils has been discussed earlier. Briefly it is the system that helped the power hungry politicians to exploit the ethnic division for their own short-term benefit. The system itself became increasingly helpful to this group at great cost to the people and the island nation
After the war ended, not only the Sri Lankans who endured the terrible losses and sufferings during the turbulent years but also the many concerned foreign governments and non-governmental organizations expected positive developments on the political front aimed at securing real unity and lasting peace. Although the jubilant government declared that the island has been unified and peace secured with the annihilation of terrorism, the mindful did not take this seriously because the root causes that led to the conflict remained unaddressed. The peculiar post-war developments reflect the nature of the domestic problems that have obstructed unity, peace and progress after independence. Even the April 8 general election is being contested without focussing on the key issues that need to be resolved for rebuilding the damaged nation.
Dayapala Thiranagama who knows very well the true history of the conflict and the reasons for its prolongation has explained lucidly in his latest article (groundviews 25 March 2010) how the politics of Sinhala Nationalism has undermined Sri Lankan Nationhood. The LTTE seized the many failures to resolve the political problem and the violent methods to suppress the non-violent protests of Tamils to wage the ruthless Eelam war. Tamil nationalism, which emerged as a corollary of the actions and inaction of successive governments aimed at safeguarding the interests of Sinhala nationalists, also contributed to the prolongation of the war.
Dayapala has opined that President Rajapaksa’s electoral success “has been the most significant electoral victory Sinhala Buddhist nationalism has gained since the victory of 1956 over the Sri Lankan polity, signalling grim prospects for the building of a Sri Lankan identity accommodating the aspirations of the ethnic minorities. We have already paid a high price for the tragic political outcome and the continuing legacy of the 1956 victory. The victory of the Presidential election and the up-coming general elections in April 2010 and its likely outcome can take us to a political project similar to the 1956 political project, making ethnic relations between the Sinhala community and ethnic minorities politically unworkable as well as discriminatory towards the Tamil community”. He has also categorically said that depriving the ethnic minorities their democratic rights has in turn undermined the democratic rights of all communities, including the Sinhala community.
Government’s top priority: Consolidating political power
There have been no logical moves to transform the military victory into permanent peace in a cohesive nation even after the war that ended 10 months ago. The first and foremost step is the launching of a genuine reconciliation process. But the government has been preoccupied with exploiting the military victory for its own advantage. The focus has been on consolidating political power at provincial and national levels. The April general election too is viewed in this light by discerning persons. The trump card has throughout been the historic military victory that liberated the island from the terror of the LTTE. Initially, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he wanted two-thirds majority in the Parliament but later he said a substantial majority would suffice. It should not be difficult for him to increase this, given his success in attracting members of opposition parties to join the government.
But there have been different views within the government on the need for two-thirds majority. In the absence of a precise statement by the President, the ministers and party leaders in the present coalition government seem to think that with the two-thirds majority they will be able to fulfil their own political desires. The Prime Minister is reported to have said (Daily News 23 March 2010); the UPFA wants a strong mandate to negate the various internal forces that are hatching conspiracies against the country. On the other hand there is the feeling among those close to the President that this would ensure stability helpful for implementing swiftly the government’s development programme. The concept of development excludes the current deficiencies in democracy, rule of law, governance (public administration including law and order, accountability and in general the inappropriate Constitution which has failed to serve the entire population and the country.
With regard to the latter the emphasis seems to be on changing the present electoral system which defined a district as one electorate contributing to acrimonious intra-party rivalry and the absence of close link between the elected representatives and voters. It has also ensured that no single party gets the majority to form a stable government. Past experience shows the adverse consequences of introducing constitutional changes solely with two-thirds majority of the ruling party or parties.
The continued reliance on Sinhala nationalism for consolidating power for governance is evident from Dayapala Thiranagama’s remark. “In the absence of ideological and political challenge within rural Sri Lankan social formations, political parties such as the UPFA have benefited from a Sinhala nationalist and one-sided interpretation of Sri Lanka’s history. The school, the village temple and the rural peasant family have formed an organic social triangle which ideologically and politically grew stronger and stronger during the war against the Tamil Tigers fostering the politics of the hegemonic Sinhala ideology. This was the electoral bulwark of President Rajapaksa’s electoral victory and is likely to be repeated in the general election in favour of the UPFA, in spite of a war hero, Sarath Fonseka, behind bars.
The renewed threat of war crimes investigation will motivate the rural masses to demonstrate their solidarity with a political leadership, who stands against world powers. As in 1956, the current government has propagated a perception that its refusal to bend to international pressure is because of an anti imperialist mission – an essential ingredient of the Sinhala nationalist project. In order to build a Sri Lankan nationhood it is imperative that the rural social and political classes to be convinced that our political stability and common humanity with all other minorities in the country is our future, and that every human being has a right to enjoy a decent human existence irrespective of their nationality, language and social class”.
This is a formidable challenge and only a reputable Sinhala Buddhist leader can convince the rural Sinhala masses of the importance of non-discriminatory inclusive political system based on democratic principles for their own advancement and importantly the future of the island nation in the modern world. Unless the nationalism of the majority is inclusive and not confined to the Sinhalese as it is now, separatism will resurrect at some future time.
Prof. Carlo Fonseka in his recent article on ‘Ethics and Politics’ has explained the constitute elements of true democracy. He has said: “True democracy means much more than holding free and fair elections based on adult suffrage, at periodic intervals. The basis of democracy should be social justice for all in society. Democracy demands an unvarying respect for human rights of all .It requires independence of the judiciary. Without an honest acceptance of the concept of the rule of law, democracy degenerates into something like the law of the jungle. The public behaviour of the elected rulers must be transparent. They are finally accountable to the people who entrusted power to them to use it for the welfare of the whole society”. Politics lacks a code of ethics and realism in Sri Lanka and this has been the main reason for the disturbing situation.
The claim that the Sinhalese are the earliest inhabitants is untrue. It is the distinct language that evolved among a section of the early dwellers, all having the common Indian lineage and ancient caste system which characterised the Hindu society that obstructed social integration. The exploitation of the linguistic division for political advantage exacerbated the communal division resulting in the emergence of the notion of two nations in the tiny island which was part of the Indian continent during the ice age. The historical facts are reminded to stress the importance of unity in diversity, which is normal in modern societies. This doctrine has been crucial for their economic, social, cultural and political advancement.
The disturbing Fonseka factor
The controversial and highly embarrassing Fonseka episode sidetracked not only the government but also many citizens from the pressing national issues. The two top political and military leaders who jointly accomplished the military objective fell out soon after the war. Apparently they had diverse self-centred agendas for post-war Sri Lanka. Both earned the admiration of Sinhala nationalists. The support of Sinhala nationalists for the retired Gen. Fonseka in the last Presidential contest is mainly linked to his military role in the successful war against the LTTE. Thanks to the flawed system, the incumbent President was in the advantageous position able to benefit from his unchecked powers even during the election time.
By arresting the General soon after the January Presidential poll, who dared to challenge the incumbent President Rajapaksa as the opposition common candidate in the January poll, the government effectively took him out of campaigning during the April general election. Some of the alleged charges against him, though not yet lawfully judged are serious to undermine his popularity.
Rajapaksa regime has cleverly turned many negatives into useful means for short-term gains. The condemnations on the failure to act as promised to the UN Secretary General and foreign governments have also been construed as conspiracy to destabilise the present government that defeated the ruthless LTTE. This has enabled President Rajapaksa to sustain the view of the Sinhala rural masses that he is a bold national leader.
Apparently in the light of the pressure exerted by the UN Secretary –General Ban Ki-Moon and some Western powers on Sri Lanka regarding the lack of progress on the promised political reconciliation process and accountability during the final stages of the war, Sri Lanka has succeeded in accentuating the division between the Western powers and the non-aligned countries. The head of the 118-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) accused Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of trying to interfere in the domestic affairs of Sri Lanka but later withdrew this allegation saying that the proposed panel of experts "would only be an advisory mechanism to advise him (the UNSG) on modalities, applicable standards and comparative experience relevant to the fulfilment of the joint commitment to a national accountability process in the context of Sri Lanka.” (The Sunday Times 28 March 2010)
Government’s post election priorities
Addressing the media at the Mahaweli Centre on March 28, the Sinhala Buddhist nationalist (JHU) Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Patali Champika Ranawaka said a new Constitution is not a priority and only a set of Constitutional amendments would be introduced on priority basis soon after the new UPFA govt was formed after the April 8 General election. These will abolish the executive presidency, strengthen parliamentary powers and make 17th amendment more effective,
The Minister pointed out: “The introduction of a fully fledged new Constitution is a long process that must go through a number of Constitutional and Legislative hurdles. Our purpose will be served without much trouble if we can do the job through Constitutional amendments in a targeted period of time without resorting to the long process of introducing a new Constitution.” On the anticipated electoral reform, he said: “In addition to the re-introduction of the First Past the Post system to replace the much criticized PR system under electoral reforms, more powers will be vested with Pradeshiya Sabas and each Pradeshiya Saba there will be a ‘Jana Saba’ for revitalized Gama-Neguma and ‘Pura Neguma’ programmes after re-demarcation of Pradeshiya Sabas”.
“The objective is to kick start the accelerated development programme that will ensure an economic, industrial, trade, cultural and even a spiritual progress in the next six years that will make Sri Lanka the economic power house in South Asia”, Minister Ranawaka said. (Daily Mirror 29 March 2010) It is significant that the ethnic issue not even the inoperative 13th Amendment was in the list of priorities. There is the perception that the panacea to all the political problems is development at the village level. Even devolution has become a taboo word. The Daily News 29 March reported that Minister Ranawaka emphasized that “the Government was not going for a Constitutional Amendment based on foreign influences”.
Missing reconciliation process
The resettlement of all the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their habitats has also not been effected as promised after the end of the war. This is also an essential part of the reconciliation process. Ideally this has to be along the line the post-apartheid ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ functioned in South Africa. Real reconciliation is not possible without acknowledging the past mistakes both in acts of commission and omission and displaying renewed faith in mutual trust. The present government some months ago dismissed this method as counterproductive in Sri Lanka’s case. Perhaps the perception is it would aggravate rather than heal the wounds. The alternative then is to act voluntarily with compassion and wide national interest to create conducive conditions for winning the hearts and minds of the disillusioned ethnic minorities. The indefinite imprisonment of former LTTE cadres without trial is also harming the reconciliation process.
A general amnesty for political prisoners is also consistent with the spirit of Buddhist philosophy. The contradiction between Lord Buddha’s doctrines and actions of the leaders claiming to be the followers and custodians of the Buddhist faith has also been highlighted by other analysts. The argument that the captives including those who surrendered are potential threat to the country is just hallucination. It is well known that many were forcibly recruited and brainwashed by the rebel leaders to obey their orders. Even now the mothers are desperately searching for their missing children. Having declared that there are no more militant leaders to fight against the State and to pretend there are still enemies within is incomprehensible. Even countries that have waged wars gave utmost importance to reconciliation which brought them closer giving hope for sustained peace, democracy and development.
The report compiled by the BBC Colombo correspondent Charles Haviland on the launching of a film on the five-day conference ‘on hope and reconciliation’ held in central Sri Lanka a few months ago attended by about four hundred Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and mixed-race students gives the general mood of the youngsters in favour of national reconciliation and unity. The following quotes give an idea of the magnitude of the task that lies ahead to put the past behind and seek genuine reconciliation that will lead to unity, justice and peace for all citizens, which are essential for stability and rapid development.
"If my people did anything wrong, I am sorry, I am your brother for the rest of my life."
"I was born into a country of war. That’s all I have known"
“People try and frame you into a box”.
"There were misunderstandings among people also there was hatred people looking with a sense of suspicion to the other person even if it's their own race, ethnicity."
Some said they grew up with stereotypes. Kanishka Herat, aged 18, a Sinhalese, remembers that when the Tamil Tigers were strong, there were numerous suicide bombings in Colombo and elsewhere. As a result, he told the BBC, "There was a wrong impression given about the Tamil community and other communities".
The failure to implement the announced policies to alleviate the problems of the ethnic minorities has exacerbated the mistrust. It is the lack of political will of successive governments to implement the right policies that also promoted the idea of separatism.
A woman prepares tea in her makeshift home in Mullaithivu District. Thousands of people have returned to their places of origin and are in need of permanent housing/IRIN
Comprehensive rehabilitation programme needed
Former Sri Lankan ambassador K. Godage has proposed ‘a feasible rehab project for misguided Tamil youth’ based on the note sent to him by another concerned Sri Lankan, Charith Goonetilleke residing in Battaramulla (The Sunday Island 21 March 2010). He expects the government to implement it in the national interest. As noted earlier, the meaning of national interest depends crucially on the concept of nation in the minds of the leaders. Sadly, many Sinhala nationalists are yet to accept the reality that the island is a multi-ethnic country and the Tamil-speaking ethnic minorities have the same rights as the majority ethnic Sinhalese.
Godage has said: “The vast majority of IDPs are currently unemployed. Unemployment, combined with long-term stays at IDP camps, has resulted in unrest and increases the likelihood of social, physical and psychological problems for those displaced. Many of the IDPs possess valuable skills whilst others have the potential to learn new ones. This project aims to utilize those existing skills and willingness to learn by establishing the opportunity to develop sustainable livelihoods”. There is also economic gain to the country from such projects. What is needed is the attitudinal change that enables the decision-makers to think apolitically from the true long-term national interest.
The proposed project will enable “the IDPs in northern Sri Lanka to enjoy sustainable livelihoods by learning vocations such as tinkering, motor vehicle painting, motor winding, motor mechanics, electronics and upholstering seat cushioning, which will in turn contribute to national development”. This is a very practical suggestion. At present the government is only thinking of rebuilding the damaged infrastructure with foreign assistance.
The depressed mental state of war widows and mothers who have lost their children is a serious matter of concern to all interested in reconciliation and the future of post war Sri Lanka. It is immaterial now who was responsible or how this tragedy happened. Both warring parties have acted inconsiderately. A compassionate approach is needed now not only from the government but also other non-governmental groups concerned about the plight of unfortunate fellow citizens. It is rather odd to appeal for compassion here when this is one pillar of Buddhist philosophy. The victims are on both sides of the ethnic divide. Both sides must know the traumas of the other. This will help to bring together the divided communities; the division exacerbated by irresponsible self-serving political leaders, who have been and still are sticking to the calamitous divide and rule policy.
Tamil Diaspora
The Global Tamil Forum organised by a section of the Tamil Diaspora has earned the wrath of the Sri Lankan government for canvassing support for the right of the Sri Lankan Tamils to self determination. The meeting held in Westminster, London at the end of February 2010 was attended by Britain's foreign minister, David Miliband and other parliamentarians from both the government and opposition parties in Britain.
It was a concerted effort of the Tamil nationalists in the Diaspora to revitalize support for the Tamil cause in the wake of the demise of the LTTE.
In July last year, another group widely considered to be the overseas wing of the LTTE proposed a Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam. According to the statement issued by Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran, the co-ordinator of the Committee for the formation this body, the need for Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (a government in exile) has arisen because “not only is the very physical survival of Tamils in danger in the island of Sri Lanka, but Tamils also do not have any political space to articulate their legitimate political aspirations on the island”. But the reasons given are contentious in the light of many Tamils from various parties contesting in the April 8 general election. Some contestants are members of the constituent parties in the coalition government, headed by President Rajapaksa.
The disappointed LTTE loyalists in the Diaspora conducted improvised polls on independent and sovereign Tamil Eelam. Even if these were proper referenda involving the entire Tamil Diaspora, the verdict for Eelam would be useless except to satisfy the ideologues. They cannot be unaware how Bangladesh, formerly ‘East Pakistan’ detached from Pakistan and became an independent sovereign state.
A recent report published by the International Crisis Group, a well known think tank whose current president is Louise Arbour, former UN Commissioner for Human Rights has claimed that there is a very significant contrast between the attitudes of the Tamil Diaspora and the views and aspirations of Tamil leaders and political parties within Sri Lanka. The conclusion that the determined section of the Diaspora has not given up the concept of Eelam and is very strenuously pursuing the Eelam goal has been seized by the government and other interested bodies to warn that Sri Lanka is still facing grave threats, although the war against the vicious LTTE ended last May Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris has referred to this report alarmingly on several occasions.
This was also raised at a roundtable discussion held at The International Centre for Ethnic Studies on ‘Future Security & Implications of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Emergency Regulations in Post-War Sri Lanka’ on 9 March 2010. Instigating the discussion, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, Head of the Singapore-based International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research stated that although the LTTE has been militarily annihilated, hardly any strategy had been administered to terminate powerful LTTE support networks in the international arena. He stated that the degree of damage to the LTTE international network has been minimal and insisted that the recent demonstrations from the pro LTTE supportive Global Tamil Forum and the Transnational Government indicates a heavy threat to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Addressing the symposium on 'The future of Tamils and the Timely Approach' at the Ramada Hotel, Colombo (formerly the Holiday Inn) SC Chandrahasan, the founder of OFFER, a NGO helping the SL Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu and the eldest son of the Federal Party leader, the late SJV Chelvanayakam said, the proper time had arrived for the Tamils to solve their problems and a lot could be achieve, if they acted in a pragmatic manner. Shan Shanmuganathan, who convened the conference, in his welcome speech also said that Tamils should adopt a new approach and work towards their emancipation under a new vision. He also said: "We must have a consensual and compromising approach when dealing with the Government". Chandrahasan, having visited his birth place in Jaffna after 26 years, agreed there is an urgent need to raise the living standard of the people affected by the prolonged war.
A realistic plan devoid of the aforementioned pitfalls is necessary for gaining a secure future for the depressed Tamils. The Tamil Diaspora should not ignore the real conditions that exist in the war-torn North-East and the need for fresh pragmatic approach to the liberation sought by the Tamils over the past several decades. The past blunders in discarding good opportunities because of blind idealism should not be repeated. Let the whole world know who still wants to invigorate separatism?
The rational thing to do at the present time, when the government is desperately looking for any remnant of the vanquished LTTE to sustain its standing as the guardian of the nation instead of taking meaningful actions towards political reconciliation, is to avoid falling into this trap and seek a reasonable political settlement jointly with moderates in other communities based on adequate devolution of powers to the provinces and power sharing arrangement at the centre. There are Sinhalese brethren who desire to empower the ethnic minorities and make them equal stakeholders in the national venture to build a strong united prosperous Sri Lanka. This is evident from the APRC process which too was abandoned expediently to please the Sinhala nationalists. International support will be readily forthcoming for a reasonable political settlement within undivided Sri Lanka.
The strategy of the LTTE to encourage Sinhala nationalism hoping this would facilitate the division of the island into two separate Sinhala and Tamil states has failed terribly. As stated at the outset Sinhala nationalism and Tamil nationalism are correlated. Let me reiterate; it was uncontrolled Sinhala nationalism and the opportunism of power hungry political leaders to exploit this for their own benefit that nourished the idea of separatism among the dejected Tamils.
The imaginary concern amongst the Sinhala nationalists that a strong Tamil community in Sri Lanka is a threat to the future of the Sinhalese is also one reason for keeping the Tamils powerless. Moreover, the discriminatory way national development was undertaken by successive governments also underpinned the idea of two states. Despite the known resource potential in the North and East, development of the two provinces was neglected. The failure to develop Trincomalee is a case in point.
The determined Tamils in the Diaspora should not act to bolster Sinhala nationalism as in the recent past or create the impression they are now a formidable threat to the Sinhala nationalists. The Tamil Diaspora too can contribute to the political reconciliation process in discreet ways. Now that the Sri Lankan Tamil issue is in the international spotlight nothing should be done to dim it.
[The writer is Former Additional Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Sri Lanka and UN Advisor, Development Economics/Planning]
23 Comments
"The imaginary concern a strong Tamil community is a threat to Sinhalese in the future" was the reason various ruses were discovered to break the backbone of the powerful and influentialTamil business community in Colombo and the South. Now that is accomplished no effort will be spared to prevent the rebuilding of the North-East Province (the Tamil Homeland) either via devolution under a 2-Nation Sri Lanka or a Separate State.
The South is fully aware the diaspora is capable of doing this themselves and usher in a successful State with a much higher per capita within 5-10 years. They have the global, regional and resources-support within the Tamil community to achieve this. I hate the idea of a divided Sri Lanka but in the circumstances described where is the peaceful alternative to a future Tamil well-being? A highly inflated army - the formulae of Sarath Fonseka and the Sinhala supremacists - is on temporary hold until the arrival of the next Sarath Fonseka.
The writer should have commented sufficiently in the Govt wrongly maintaining and insisting ruling under Emergency Regulations that is harmful both to the Sinhalese and Tamils (as well others) It is ironic that pseudo patriot Sarath Fonseka suffers today with the very instrument with these illegal and unwarranted Regulations that his army used to send thousands of innocent Tamils to their earlyh graves.
ISS
"Moreover, the discriminatory way national development was undertaken by successive governments also underpinned the idea of two states. Despite the known resource potential in the North and East, development of the two provinces was neglected. The failure to develop Trincomalee is a case in point."
Mr. Narapalasingham, where did you live during the last 30 years?
Mr. Ilaya Seran Senguttuvan
"Now that is accomplished no effort will be spared to prevent the rebuilding of the North-East Province (the Tamil Homeland) either via devolution under a 2-Nation Sri Lanka or a Separate State"
Of course the economic development will take place (at least attempted within available resources) under a unitary structure (states quo) not under 2-nation or a separate state. This is the wish of the 4/5 of the people in this isolated island. Also the official policy of the present government.
Diaspora who supported the holding civilians hostage as a human shield for the LTTE is instigating another war. Theoretically speaking war is the only way to establish a separate state. As their own skin is unaffected diaspora is all willing to stake that, again. Another approach is to get the UN impose a crippling trade embargo on Sri Lankan state which also will leave the Tamil community equally affected. Either way there is no way to get a separate state without massive suffering entailed on Tamils as well. All fine unless it is you and me and our children who will be affected.
But there is a way towards a peaceful, prosperous life for the Tamil community and thereby for all in this poor small island. That is to banish this thought of separate states. In this world of Transport and communication , of global information access those desires are childlish. You have 60 miilion across 20 miles, large communities in Canada, Australia, UK, Soth Africa, MAlaysia, Fiji. You can travel around as you wish and have instant communication with all of them.
Mr. Ilaya Seran Senguttuvan spare a thought for the poor people who suffered a terrible war for 30 years.If you are happy that Sinhalese too suffered, not only Tamils and yet another confrontation will make the Sinhalase too suffer , then I have nothing to say.
"They have the global, regional and resources-support within the Tamil community to achieve this."
But not the unity of vision or effort.
Dr. S. Narapalasingam, Thank you for this presentation.
In response to Mr. Senguttuvan's comments:
"I hate the idea of a divided Sri Lanka but in the circumstances described where is the peaceful alternative to a future Tamil well-being?"
Perhaps within a secular-like arrangement in which not only Tamils, but also others including Muslims, Sinhalese and whatever future identities can equally celebrate their unique contributions and dispositions - within a new Sri Lankan identity void of ethno-religious associations.
"The South is fully aware the diaspora is capable of doing this themselves and usher in a successful State with a much higher per capita within 5-10 years. They have the global, regional and resources-support within the Tamil community to achieve this."
It is indeed really great that the Tamil Diaspora possesses the high resource capacity to effectuate rapid economic growth. My question: In that case, wouldn’t the smart thing to do is to distribute this benefit among all the communities - so that not only the Tamil community but all communities could benefit from this advantage? Would not such an approach be less divisive and lead to a more uniform society than perhaps a 2-state competitive outcome?
"...diaspora is capable of doing this themselves and usher in a successful State with a much higher per capita within 5-10 years. They have the global, regional and resources-support within the Tamil community ..."
While perhaps very true, the implication here that the Sinhalese community may not yet have matured enough to effectuate similar changes could be an over estimation of the Tamil community's Diaspora strength. Note that the Boomer generation has produced many world class Sinhalese entrepreneurs, professionals, artists and leaders in many disciplines - certainly including in business among its Diaspora; I personally know several Cxx's of Sinhala background of top US public corporations running billion dollar organizations and one Sinhala teenage basketball player (the world's tallest person of Sri Lankan origin) who could well be inducted to the NBA in a few years! Nonetheless, this is a mute point, because irrespective of an expat's ethno-religious background, the idea for the supposed enlightened Diaspora must be to make contributions in a manner equitable to all communities of the nation - to strive to create uniform social prosperity among all Sri Lankans.
As long as Tamils (or the Sinhalese) continue to ‘think’ in communal terms and ‘plan’-for only their respective communal domains discounting the wider national one, it is quite unlikely that there can ever be secular-like social convergence on the island. The Diasporas – Sinhalese, Tamil of Muslim – who perhaps are in the frontier for positive change, more than anyone else, have the obligation to ensure that their contributions benefit all of the nation’s people and not just specific communities. [Now I know that the govt. has lot more to do for folks to feel vested in the nation, yet, the Diasporas too have an obligation to facilitate socio-economic convergence – and refrain from efforts that seek to polarize and divert.]
Dr. S. Narapalasingam,
I guess the that I would like to ask Tamils is that DO YOU CONSIDER WHOLE OF SRI LANKA as your HOMELAND or only some part where Tamils live in MAJORITY.
Because this is the difference between the Sinhalese and the Tamils. Sinhala people CONSIDER WHOLE ISLAND as their HOMELAND. Not just parts of it.
I also disagree with you on the point>>>
"The claim that the Sinhalese are the earliest inhabitants is untrue. It is the distinct language that evolved among a section of the early dwellers, all having the common Indian lineage and ancient caste system which characterised the Hindu society that obstructed social integration."
WHY IS IT THAT TAMIL AREAS OF HIGH POPULATION EXIST NEXT TO TAMIL NADU Where there are 70million Tamils.
Isn't it concievable that Tamils at various times migrated to Sri Lanka from the neighbouring Indian area. ?????
If Tamil in Sri Lanka and Sinhala evolved together there should be more Sinhala like words in Tamil. But there are not very much Sinhala like words in Tamil. It is more closer to the Tamil in Tamil Nadu than to Sinhala....which leads on to the language difference....
If there were strong similarities at ground level NO BODY WOULD HAVE been able to separate the two languages not kings or monks or anybody......
As usual ISS comes up with nonsensical two state solution.to keep North and East as Tamil homelamds while he and his well off mates enjoy the luxuary of Colombo life.
His talk of Diaspora lifting the standard of living of Tamils in the North and the East is nothing but a joke.
How they improved the Tamil lives with their proxy VP is well documented and well known. It will be the same again if Sampathan gets a foot hold again as the Diaspora money is waiting to be pumped for another insurrection as soon as the opportunity arises.
Sampathan has openly stated that he will mobilize the Tamils to hold Sathyagrahas and Hartals if he does not get his way after the election.
If the several billion Green Backs the Diaspora put in to the coffers of VP were used to develop the North and the East it would have definitely made these regions better than the rest.
Post VP era is totally different my friend. No homelands and no self rule of different ethnic communities.
I wish to applaud the realistic and conciliatory approach advocated by Saman. The alternative is the scourge of separatism and the hardships such a policy will visit on all the communities in Sri Lanka, We have to learn from the past, that separatism or a homeland for the exclusivity of specific communities is not a tangible solution especially in the twenty first century. Do we still want another war however remote in the present circumstances to visit our grandchildren and great grandchildren? Sri Lanka is a small state with a population of twenty million. Within a decade, communication and travel will render Jaffna and Colombo a mere hour away.
The Diaspora sheltered from the last war and its repercussions, still dreams of Eleam and will pursue it with all the ill gotten resources at its disposal. The Tamils, Sinhalese, Malays, Moors, Burghers and the other smaller communities in Sri Lanka would be the victims if such thoughts ever came to fruition. The main aim of the Diaspora is to destabilise the peace and the economic aspirations that all Sri Lankans in all communities are striving to establish. The Government has prioritised the development of the North and East and it is gathering pace and bringing benefits to all who live there.
Will the Diaspora ever learn that Tamils in Sri Lanka can only achieve economic progress, peace and happiness within a unitary state that guarantees equality for all irrespective of their ethnic origin? Do we need another war to change the mindset of the Diaspora Tamils that the aspirations of their kith and kin still resident in Sri Lanka are intertwined with that of the other communities of Sri Lanka? We have seen that the tacit apartheid preached by the Diaspora has been discredited the world over and moreover it is unworkable here. Will the Cancer of separatism so beloved of the Diaspora be expunged from these alluring shores?
Many in the Diaspora hanker for a similar solution imposed by the International Community similar to Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia. Unfortunately for them the dynamics and the realities are different in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka did not separate the hundreds of Tamil males and systematically murder them as it was perpetuated in the former Yugoslavia by the army. Instead ex-LTTE cadres including child soldiers are being rehabilitated and given skills to enable them to build their shattered lives and live in dignity and respect. This rehabilitation has been applauded by the United Nations on the efforts being made by the Sri Lankan authorities.
As the President has stated the Tamils and all other minorities in Sri Lanka are an integral part and parcel of the Sri Lankan citizenry. He has further propounded that there are ones who love Sri Lanka and others who do not. The choice for the Tamil Diaspora is plain on which side of the divide they wish to be.
Dear Saman,
I think that you dont know that since 1748 to 1978, for thirty years Tamils only asked for devolution.successive sinhala govts have suppressed the rights of tamils and cheated them by tearing down the pacts to please sinhala mass.
bASICALLY SINHALESE OR SINHALA GOVTS DO NOT WANT TO DEVOLVE AND SHARE THE POWER WITH MINORITIES DESPITE THEY ARE OCCUPYING THE TAMILS NATION ILLEGALLY. yOU KNOW WHEN THE PORTUGESE CAME THERE WERE SEPARATE KINGDOMS IN NORTH EAST AND EVEN THEV LAST KANDYIAN KING IS TAMIL. BUT TAMILS ARE NOT ASKING FOR CENTRAL PROVINCE DESPITE THEY HAD THEIR KING THERE. THEY ASK ONLY WAHTS THEIR OWN.
So only way to kee a single country is to devolve power atkleast as in India. Other wise one day there will be two states. Two nations, one country or ona nation two country still applies.
Karikalan
Dr. S. Narapalasingam,
Your prescription to Tamils in the N&E is a poison pill. You are so naïve to believe working with Rajapakse government is going to yield any good for Tamils in N&E. You are wrong to think that only forming of Global Tamil Forum (GTF) is going antagonise the Sinhala regime.
Even before GTF is formed, and after LTTE is completely eliminated, the Sinhala regime has not shown any regards to Tamils’ wellbeing anyway. Only way you could please Rajapakses is that all minorities living in the Island become Sinhala-Buddhist, just like some of these Fernandos, and Silvas.
To sinhala voice and kukul charlie,
Your arguments are laughable.
Tamils has to claim their homelands to keep their culture and language alive. as they are minorities unless they have their own state their culture and language will be swallowed by sinhalese. As you see ai 1900 trinco was occupied 98%by tamils. But they are now reduced to almost one third. For sinhalese no problem. as they are majority its advantageous to claim all as their home land, so that they can enjoy privileges everywhere and by doing so they will even get 100% sinhala parliament by diluting the minorities. That's what they want and trying to do. Have any major party ever put a tamil or muslim for presidential or prime ministerial candidate. so it itself shows sinhalese want to keep all control by themselves and do not think all as a countrymen. YOU CAN PUT SALT INTO RICE, BUT NOT RICE INTO SALT. TAHTS WHY TAMILS WANT THEIR HOMELAND.
Another thing is why they made sinhala only act, sinhala buddhist nation and defranchising. see even india is anon secular country though more hindus(81%) are living in India than buddhist in Srilanka(73%) India also has most of its prime ministers and presidents from minority group. Why the srilankans wanted to get the independence from Britain. They wanted to keep their identity. Tamils also want that.
Then the fact who came first. The tamil nadu is close to mannar and even they can see the cost from Rameshwaram. So whom you think would have landed first here. If you have at least little bit of logical thinking you will accept the fact. Sinhalese has come from far away Orissa and they had no written language until 8th centuary AD. But Tamil has well developed written language even in 1500BC. Sinhala words are mixture of Tamil, malayala sanskrit and later english and portugese. Even the letters they copied from Tamils. If you know both languages you will understand that sinhala alphabets are similar to Tamil. As sinhala is a later developed language they just copied from tamil and probably malayalam.
You are asking a silly question "WHY IS IT THAT TAMIL AREAS OF HIGH POPULATION EXIST NEXT TO TAMIL NADU Where there are 70million Tamils.
Isn't it concievable that Tamils at various times migrated to Sri Lanka from the neighbouring Indian area. ?????"
Even when there are people in Jaffna peninsula there are people living in Kayts and Nainathivu where even getting water is a problem. For various reasons people live in various places. In addition in Tamilnadu there were 3 kingdoms and there were war among them frequently.Some people would have come even to escape from other enemies. Ravana was a siva devotee lived in Ilankai( ceylon- I dont recognize the word srilanka) long before the Vijaya's( naughty prince exorted by his own father) arrival here.
oTHER THING i DONT KNOW WHERE THE WRITER IS LIVING. But even if he is living in Colombo, that does not prevent him writing this article. Dont you know even after getting independence from Britain, even the so called anti british are living in Uk or sending their children to UK. The funny thing is even while living in Uk after getting Uk citizenship they shout against Uk when UK is higlighting the human rights issue of the Ilankai( Ceylon).
Sinhalese have the fear in their mind if tamils given autonomy or separate country they will out do the corrupted sinhala nation.Whether it will be true or not thats the fear they have. They standardised and reduced the Tamil students entry into universities.There is no standardisation to recruit police or army or cricketers. Its just for universities. Only aim is to reduce tamils growth.
You know what happened in 1948, 52,56, 60s 70s and 83. They just used the sinhala army and police to kill tamils and destroy their properties. They have cheated and torn the pacts signed. So who started this. Its all started even before Prabaharan was born.
So it is obvious whats in sinhalese minds. So what is left for tamils rather than fighting.
Think. Put yourseles as Tamils and think from their point or Think that the island is occupied by china or India and chinese or indians are colonising the island with their nationalities. Just Close your eyes and think for 5 mins . TThen you will be enlightened.
Karikalan
After reading the comments do you think there is any salvation to the poor Sinhalese widows or the Tamil widows I doubt it.
As long as people with similar mind sets are there Sri Lanka has a long way to go
nathen
If the writer (and his/her type of so called intellectuals) is genuinely interested in reconciliation he/she should desist from continued propagation of the lie "it was uncontrolled Sinhala nationalism and the opportunism of power hungry political leaders to exploit this for their own benefit that nourished the idea of separatism among the dejected Tamils"
We all know when the Tamil Arasu politics began.That was long before 1956 or even 1948. Sinhala nationalism didn't have any power then. I would rather submit the opposit. It was Tamil racism that has forced the Sinhalese to trotective measures for survival.
Another lie that these so called intellectuals propagate is "We have already paid a high price for the tragic political outcome and the continuing legacy of the 1956 victory" This statement clearly shows the enmity of these intellectuals towards this country and it's natives.
1956 is the first major attempt by the natives to assert control over the resources of their country for the benefit of the larger population. Prior to that it was under the control of 5% English speaking elite a larger component of which comprised of elite Tamils who fanned exclusivist Tamil racism in the first place. 1956 brought key sectors of the economy from foreign ownership to national ownership. It strengthened sovereignity of the country by sending away foreign military forces from the country. It expanded education opportunities to the rural sectors of the country through central colleges opening up vast opportunities to the rural youth. It is a shame that some of those intellectuals who are now deriding 1956 were in fact wouldn't have been able to climb up the social ladder if not for the benefits they received through 1956. These guys now act as enemies of the nation. Otherwise they wouldn't have to feel threatened with the revival of 1956 through Rajapkse victory. Tamils should discard the exclusivist mind set and join the mainstream movement to build a truly national economy and a society.
1956 and it's probable re enaction now is not only about Sinhalese. It is about all ethnicities who are willing to join hands to buils and independant, sovereign & prosperous Sri Lanka.
In that regard, the sentiments mentioned at the gathering 'The future of Tamils and the Timely Approach' seems very encouraging.
Tamils are asking for independence and not separation.
The politicos. their cohorts and the media, should be shameful for the disgraceful political history they created since colonial Ceylon became a British dominion in 1948, to be administered by a Governor General, appointed by the queen of England.
Bandaranayake-Chelvanayakam Pact, an agreement made between the two leaders of the two nations in the island, during the time of Dominion of Ceylon - not yet an "independent republic"- proved not only the existence of two nations but also confirmed the presence of dual sovereignty.
The unilateral and rebellious declaration of the entire island as a republic by the politicos of the Sinhala nation in 1972 as Sri Lanka(SL), leaving out the representatives of the Tamil nation, necessitated the declaration of its independence also.
The Vaddukoddai Resolution of 1976, seeking the independence of Tamil nation as Tamil Eelam(TE), and the peoples' democratic mandate of 1977, established TE as a country politically.
This great, timely and irreversible act of wisdom of the fathers of TE is somewhat similar to the wisdom of the founding fathers of America.
Instead of respecting the democratic mandate of the people of a nation and recognising it as a state, TE was treated as a colony occupied by SL; the Sinhala nation.
A non violent political struggle for the freedom of TE ensued and it was replied by the colonists in Colombo with military repression, arbitrary arrests, disappearances and ethnic racism, worse than apartheid.
Armed resistance against these evil acts and terror by the Sinhala nation birthed the LTTE.
Determined to have independence, a postal system was inaugurated and first stamps were issued on the 5th of September 1986.
Indo-Lanka Pact of 1987 gave partial independence to TE and when the Sinhala nation abrogated the pact as another abrogation, the Chief Minister rightly and timeously declared TE as fully independent.
And to this day, that political act remains unreversed and will remain so for ever.
From 1987-2009, the de facto state of TE existed and even a ceasefire was signed between the de facto state and SL.
Trying to dismantle the de facto state, the Sinhala nation resorted to war crimes and Tamil genocide, necessitating international justice and punishment.
It is time for the Sinhala nation to revive itself and learn from history instead of fooloishly repeating it. It should make way for TE and SL in the island, as TE is technically independnt but occupied by SL.
Dear Dr. S. Narapalasingam and Mr. Ilaya Seran Senguttuvan,
Could you kindly give me the reference of a homeland proposal presented by any Tamil intellectual in which the problems of Tamils living in Sinhala majority areas and the Muslim community are also addressed. Thanks
Mr.Narapalasingham
Please tell clearly what is in your mind rather than doing hide and seek.
What do you expect as the so called solution
A seperate tamil homeland in NE?
Seperate rule for Tamils?
Upholding of Thimpu principles and Vadukkoday?
Then you are wasting your time by writing lenghty noneseones.No bodywill agree to your Moda Jokes.
But We will support these
1.Equal status to Tamil language as Sinhala
2.Get rid of all type of discriminations for Tamils
3.Equal opportunities in every fiels as true equal citizens.
So when you write next time try to show your true intentions without wasting yours and ours time.
Dear Saman:
It was because of 3 decades of disagreement and acrimony between the two communities GoSL, of that tim (1987) that had a 5/6th people's mandate, INVITED India to step in and help us solve the issue. The NEP was the ideal answer - that was then acceptable to most Tamils and assured protection to the minorities within. It was Premadassa, Athulathmudali and the extremists in JR's Govt that sabotaged this Agreement. Premadasa was to later provide arms to the LTTE to "humiliate and chase the IPKF" which,in the first plac, came here to save a lawfully constituted Govt from the JVP and the LTTE. Over a thousand Indian lives were sacrificed to save us - but we still continue to insult India. I realise some will not like my position but someone has to stand up and speak for those who came to help us. I think it was Socrates who said gratitude is the finest of all virtues and if one did not have it, the wise old Greek advised, acquire one. I do not have to tell you those who helped destroy power lines, burn trains and buses against the Agreement in the past few years have been going to Delhi - smiles and all- assuring anyone who cares to listen there "India is our greatest friend and we are India's most sincere supporters"
After a solemn agreement between the two countries our HEROES helped to remove the bottom of the whole arrangement. It is like after years after a Cricket match is over with one side winning fairly, the other side intimidates the Umpires to change the verdict in their favour. Not quite cricket,eh?
My friend, the sooner we change our attitude towards the UN, the EU and the West the better. Otherwise, I fear there can be turmoil here none of us can control - while our present leaders who work the country against these sources will seek refuse in the very same countries with their loot, their near and dear ones. As we say in local parlance Citizen Perera and Kandasamy "will have to look up the sky" and probably cry - again.
ISS
Dear Saman
I will give you the answer.
Does the people of pre independent era think how it( the independence) would help sinhalese living in UK and dropped the idea of independence?
But for Tamils it would help in many ways. I will leave all other things as a chauvinist like you will never understand or accept it. At least they will find a safe place when something like 1983 happens by bloody sinhala govt forces and thugs.
I gave you the answer. But I am waiting the reply from you for the questions I raised in my previous post
Dear Mr Karikalan,
"Tamils has to claim their homelands to keep their culture and language alive. as they are minorities unless they have their own state their culture and language will be swallowed by sinhalese"
What nonsense. There are 60 milion just across 20 miles, large numbers in Canada, Australia, Europe, South Africa, Malaysia and Fiji. It is the Sinhalese who justiably fear that they will be extinct 100 years after Elam.
More than 50% of the TAmils are living in Sinhala majority areas. You want a separate homeland as a vacation spot?
I fully agree that it was uncontrolled Sinhala nationalism that inexorably led to uncontrolled Tamil nationalism and the concomitant Tamil separatism. TAMIL SEPARATISM GAINED A FOOTHOLD IN SRI LANKA BECAUSE OF SINHALA NATIONALISM RUNNING BERSERK AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PEACE-LOVING TAMILS.
I also agree with the point that the Tamils now need a consensual and compromising approach. OTHERWISE, WE WILL HAVE ONLY OURSELVES TO BLAME. WE HOPE PEOPLE SUCH AS DR. NARAPALASINGAM, MR. CHANDRAHASAN, AND OTHER LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE, WILL HELP SET THE COURSE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS OUTCOME. OTHERWISE, WE WILL BE BACK TO SQUARE ONE. THEREFORE, THIS GOAL IS OF THE UTMOST URGENCY.
A pointed out in the above article, "THE SYSTEM" aided and abetted the ensuing mess after Independence. This was because the Constitution lacked sufficient "teeth" to prevent the ensuing mess. Therefore, the Constitution needs sufficient safeguards to prevent a recurrence of the mess we encountered after Independence. THE SYSTEM aided and abetted those who were willing to play the "race" and "language" cars, etc.
As pointed out in the above article, while a certain amount of devolution of power is inevitable (AND THIS DEVOLUTION WILL COVER THE ENTIRE COUNTRY), this devolution must be linked to a power-sharing arrangement at the Centre: An arrangement that brings together at the Centre all the ethnic groups in the country.
WE HOPE PEOPLE SUCH AS DR. NARAPALASINGAM, MR. CHANDRAHASAN, AND OTHERS, WILL WILL DO THE NEEDFUL TO ACHIEVE THIS OUTCOME.
A CONSENSUAL AND COMPROMISING APPROACH IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE AT THE JUNCTURE.
My parents use to say that the "Gonibilla" is coming to frighten the kids who are playing up.
ISS seems to use the same tactic to force the Rajapaksas to submission by call on his new found Gonibillas the UN and EC.
Srilankans could not careless what the UN and the EC says when it comes to sovereignity and unity of the nation.EU can't look after their own mates like the Greeks let alone looking after others.
UN is a good for nothing body when it comes to protecting the small nations.Secretary General is bending to the white man to get another crack.World is littered with the injustices inflicted on the poorer and weak nations by the muscle men of Europe and the US whilst the UN hobnobs live in luxury on the banks of the Hudson.
You think the Chinese and the Russians are going to allow the EU and UN to meddle in the internal affairs of a country that has been a good friend of theirs for over fifty years.
Anonymous,
The time and the climate to give expression to your thoughts (April 05) are here
as of April 08. This time MR's lot have won with lesser flaws. The negatives are to be expected in a partial-democracy as we have. Basil has won handsomely and some excess-baggage have been thrown out. India is with us in the present mode and so the UN, the West and everyone else - including the now feared Tamil diaspora. The Tamil people in the NEP have mandated the TNA although 80% of them did not want to get involved in a further carnival of "an election" They cannot be blamed if they thought Elections in recent times have been massive frauds to hide the real issues away from the focus of the Southern Electorate.
President Rajapakse can assure himself a long and safe place in history if he
gets his act together. The Sinhala people, the army (an important segment of the power structure - like in Pakistan - since MR arrived in 2005) the pancha balavegaya and the Mahanayakas are with him. So let's hope he has the strength and spirit to usher in the peace. Tamils must be made to feel part of the nation and not merely as citizens (there is a Case in an Israeli Court filed by Arab interests as I write) and their immediate needs - outlined by the TNA - should be transparently engaged upon. That will be the first step to that path of peace and reconciliation we all hope for.
ISS