Bill of rights for peace or devolution for future separation?
Posted on October 22nd, 2012
By Damien
Devolution of power will only benefit the politicians and the separatists. Tamilnadu (with federal system) is a living example of political elite becoming super rich while the masses remain poor and helpless. The masses are not keen on devolution. They do not get anything by it. They are only keen on been treated equally. Not discriminated based on their cast, race, gender, religion, or political affiliation.
For centuries the ordinary people in North have been subject to discrimination based on their cast. With the war many rich and high cast people left the country. The new atmosphere has made the rich and the people of high casts to return. This will re-commence their caste based discrimination. Even among the non-Tamils there is rampant discrimination based on the cast.
Diaspora Tamils are using the western politicians to get the power devolved with police and land powers to be given the North. Indian politicians are also siding with the TNA and devolution when they want to twist the arm of Sri Lanka. While the Diaspora are living in the luxuries of the west they care less what happens to the poor Tamils who were once used by LTTE as a human shield. Devolution of powers could become only a first step of the Diaspora and separatists to proceed for a cessation later.
Apart from the Tamils there are many minorities in Sri Lanka. Also the discrimination of the poor or people of lower casts have a larger impact on human lives than any other discrimination.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ I hope the Sri Lankan politicians would have the courage and the wisdom to immediately introduce a bill of rights that will make discrimination based on race, cast, religion, gender etc.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Illegal. The only reason I can think of not doing so is the disadvantage the ruling politicians will have by not been able to favor friends and supporters for jobs. IsnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t it a small price to pay to ensure that the country could forever get rid of the discrimination cry and the devolution demand that would separate this country one day?
The agenda of the Diaspora and their supporters of the west can be best understood by reading on what happened in creation of Southern Sudan. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ When President Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir was pursued by International Criminal Court on war crimes allegations he agreed to hold a referendum of the separation of Southern Sudan. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The Tamil Diaspora who never cared about the Tamils when LTTE was holding hundreds of thousands as human shield are now shedding crocodile tears on ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”war crimesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ is their expectation of a replication of a Southern Sudan style separation. A comprehensive bill of rights will stall their attempt as thereafter they will not be able use the discrimination cry as the basis for separation.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Bill of rights in USA or Equal Opportunities Act in Australia can be used as a guide. The only exception could be the GOSLƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s responsibility on protection and propagation of Buddhism. With a strong bill of rights (Equal Opportunities Act) all kinds of discrimination not limited to race, can be arrested. The bill should ensure equal rights and equal treatment on everything which will also make depriving land ownership rights to non-Tamils is also a crime. Many non-Tamils who are discriminated on daily basis will benefit as the Tamils. Most importantly such an Equal Opportunity Act (or Bill of Rights) will be the best weapon to silence the many critics of Sri Lanka.
The chambers of commerce, professional organizations, local and overseas groups of Sri Lankans should request the GOSL to pursue this part than the 13, 13 A and 13 plus, which will have disastrous consequences for the integrity of the country.
October 22nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm
I agree with the writer.
As I pointed out yesterday in an article, Black Americans in USA and Tamils in Sri Lanka are the same in population percentage (12.6%). Both should have similar solutions. The only exception will be a supreme place for Buddhism which can be easily accomodated without violating anyone’s rights.
October 23rd, 2012 at 12:15 am
Defence Secretary repeats call for abolition of 13-A
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Island.lk
October 21, 2012
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday reiterated that post-war political strategy of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) left him with no alternative but to strongly recommend the abolition of the 13th Amendment. He urged the government, the Opposition as well as the international community to examine the conduct of the one-time mouthpiece of the LTTE.
It was up to Parliament to decide on the 13th Amendment, the Defence Secretary said, adding that the eradication of the LTTE conventional military capability shouldn’t be a reason for the government to be complacent.
The Defence Secretary was responding to a TNA delegation making representations to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo in a bid to block the on-going Chinese assistance to construct bases for security forces deployed in the Northern Province. The TNA was causing unnecessary friction, he said, adding that nothing could be as foolish as the TNA’s assertion that security forces were constructing bases on in Tamil areas.
The TNA couldn’t be allowed to dictate terms to the State as regards the deployment of security forces during war or peace time, the Defence Secretary said, noting that it was the sole prerogative of the government. He said the 13th Amendment was nothing but a springboard for those seeking to accomplish what the LTTE had failed achieve through terrorism.
The Defence Secretary said that that the government should realise the consequences of the TNA’s efforts to undermine GoSL’s relations with friendly countries. The TNA had never so much as issued a message of condolence when the LTTE killed Chinese nationals twice in separate attacks during the conflict, the Defence Secretary said. The TNA should be held accountable for its role during the 2001-May 2009 period, he, recalling that TNA leader R. Sampanthan’s had declared in the run-up to Dec 2001 parliamentary polls that the LTTE was the sole representative of Tamil speaking people.
Commenting on persistent TNA allegations that outsiders were being settled in Tamil areas since the end of the conflict, the Defence Secretary said that the main Tamil party was making an attempt to trigger ethnic tensions. “First of all let me tell you there is absolutely no necessity for the government to move outsiders to Northern and eastern Provinces. But people must have the right to live in any part of the country. There cannot be different sets of rules for Tamil speaking people and others.” He said people from the North and the East had moved to Colombo and its suburbs during the conflict and were living there peacefully. Likewise, other people, too, should have a right to live in any part of the country without being troubled by political parties or politicians, he added.
October 23rd, 2012 at 12:28 am
Claiming Supremacy over others is like Majority Rules and Minority Submits. How about ‘Receive the Rich and Poor, Powerful and the Humble with an equal show of respect’
October 23rd, 2012 at 2:52 am
HussainFahmy
Powerful and the Humble with an equal show of respect’- What is this chinese for us !
muslim Brother you still have hope in Mother lanka ?
We lankan claim ourself We are followers of Powerful and the Humble religiens ( Bhuddishamm & Saivate) but we are truthless blood suckers of other community !!!
You how many Woman & childrens in other community since 1956, have We learned any thing ? NO
we need more blood bath ! like in Nanthikada , Aanai iravu Samar etc…………….
October 23rd, 2012 at 3:53 am
A Bill of Rights will be a good idea. Living ‘next door’ to Caste ridden Tamil Nadu we will have to have such a Bill of Rights. Also stop illegal migration on a forever basis as Tamils fleeing Tamil Nadu and other caste bound areas of India will bring to Lanka their caste based anger and mindset. Labor needs in Lanka must be met with the existing population in Lanka. Labor needs too have to be looked into. Modernisation & Mechanisation is the way to go.
What is Sri Lanka doing about illegal migrants who are already in Lanka ?
October 23rd, 2012 at 4:12 am
Fran Diaz
What is Sri Lanka doing about illegal migrants who are already in Lanka ? Total Figure 1948 2.60millian
We killed 200,000 ( last killing field Nanthikadal) & chased them out 800,000 ( Include 150,000 Indian camp) , so 1.60 miilian to short out ….. Happy Fran Diaz !
Lanka must be met with the existing population in Lanka.-labor, what is that We do not have labors !( We have chinise worker ) We all are Muthalalis / Owners !
October 23rd, 2012 at 5:40 am
Andy,
Nearly MILLION Tamils went abroad from Sri Lanka after the set up 1983 Riots. Yet the numbers of Tamils of Lanka remain more or less the same.
The existing Tamil people are not allowed to settle down to a peaceful life in Sri Lanka. This is due to Tamil leaders wishes.
October 23rd, 2012 at 5:49 am
Andy,
I know very well that you do not like the core issues exposed, but in order to solve the problem, the core issues must be exposed. There is no other way. Do you know any other permanent way to solve the problem, without the 13-A which you always support, or forcing others to learn Tamil ?
I for one would support Education as a good way to help everyone, not only Tamil people. Plus of course the basic needs of Food, Clothing & Shelter which are common needs of everyone.
October 23rd, 2012 at 6:15 am
Fran Diaz
forcing others to learn Tamil ?Please explian me !I never said that !
Do you know any other permanent way to solve the problem, without the 13-A ? No
Unit in diversity , no short cut !
United PC of Sri Lanka !
October 23rd, 2012 at 6:21 am
forcing others to learn Tamil ?- No , I want all Tamil to give opportunity (free education ) learn Sinhala because 80% specking Sinhala so evatualy We may have Sinhala Demila people instead on Demila people !
at the end We will have Sinhala Sinhala, Sinhala Demila, Sinhala Muslim(already) !
We all are Hela Nation !
October 23rd, 2012 at 6:57 am
Andy,
There are other Tamil people who write to this website who want all the children of Sri Lanka to learn Sinhala & Tamil. As well, you have said that the 13-A is a good idea too. I do not agree with either of these ideas.
We say Sinhala is the main language of Lanka and learning English is most useful next to Sinhala. As for other languages, it is up to people to choose.
October 23rd, 2012 at 7:18 am
Fran Diaz
We say Sinhala is the main language of Lanka and learning English is most useful next to Sinhala. As for other languages, it is up to people to choose.- This the only problm We have !
You or I can not decite what is main or side language My brother !
Learning other language should benifit for the person no use sack of learning learn !
one should give oppourtunity learn a majority specking language so eventualy minority integrate with majority so any diversity diserpire itself !
no short cut!
October 23rd, 2012 at 8:35 am
Dear Andy,
Opportunities are happening in Sri Lanka. Create your own Opportunity too – that is encouraged now. In order to communicate – which is the purpose of language – in Sri Lanka, Sinhala is the language of the people of the Land. Next
comes English for opportunity.
However, 13-A must go, as it is creating insecurity in the greatest numbers in Lanka. It is also creating Separatist ideas among others.
Tamil Nadu does not offer jobs to Sri Lankans. Tamil is the main language of Tamil Nadu. In fact, TN offloads her unwanted people into Lanka.
You must learn Tamil as your main language as that is your Mother tongue. No one is stopping you.
October 23rd, 2012 at 9:07 am
Fran Diaz
in Sri Lanka, Sinhala is the language of the people of the Land. Next comes English for opportunity. -NO
We SAY in Sri Lanka, Tamil is the language of the people of the Land.Next comes English for opportunity !!!
Tamil Nadu – Why your are bringing Tamil Nadhu , India, Kerala here my chinhala brother We are (I)lanka(i) Putha(lvarkal)!
Mother tongue – is not problm here !
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:59 am
Andy,
You say : “We SAY in Sri Lanka, Tamil is the language of the people of the Land” – just what do you mean by Land here ?
October 23rd, 2012 at 10:30 pm
The bickering to claim superiority over Language, Race, Faith in this day and age is amazing. This century, this Millennium belongs to those who embrace Equality and Acceptance/Respect each others Language/Race/Faith. Sri Lanka has no visible hope as long as one community hell bent to dominate with Language, Race, Faith. Either we can work as equals or pass it on these ideals to the next generations to come. As a optimist, I believe common sense will prevail against ALL FORMS OF SUPREMACY. The difference between genius and stupidity is; STUPIDITY has NO limits.
October 24th, 2012 at 1:19 am
The writer of the article is naive to think that introduction of a bill of rights will satisfy the Tamil diaspora and that they will give up the demand for eelam. Common law allows even today for tamils and others to file fundamental rights cases in the Court system and our Supreme Court is already inundated with such cases. Damien is asking for bigger governments and layers of new adminstrative bodies, that is the last thing the country indebted to its eyes currently needed
October 24th, 2012 at 3:33 am
Fran Diaz
just what do you mean by Land here ?- excectly what you mean when you say by land !!!
Please brother plaese think we are twin brothers have same( similar) brain ( if any) ?
October 24th, 2012 at 4:32 am
Andy,
What I mean when I say “Sinhala language is the language of the Land” I mean that Sinhala is the MAIN language of Sri Lanka..
When you replace the world ‘Sinhala’ with the word ‘Tamil’, to my mind you mean that you think/want Tamil to be the main language of Sri Lanka. If you want mainly Tamil language, then you must vacate Sri Lanka and go to Tamil Nadu.
If you mean otherwise, it appears to me that we are not talking the same language here. Your use of English and mine does not seem to have common ground here. Shall close this thread now.
October 24th, 2012 at 4:45 am
** The bickering to claim superiority over Language, Race, Faith in this day and age is amazing. **
It starts from Saudi Arabia where Arab Sunni savages dream of enforcing their stone age way of life on the rest.
Some people really talk from the other end. :D
October 24th, 2012 at 5:05 am
Fran Diaz
think/want Tamil to be the main language of Sri Lanka- How can I expect only less 20% specking Tamil in Sri lankan can main language ? it does not mean We are infereire to other people speck 80% sinhalese (or if they speck Hindi) in Sri Lanka !
Our problm is not main or side language – can We all Lankan putha(lvarakar) can sort out their day to day life with out any language admistration problm – Yes We can , we only have Three language !!!
other ansewr for your comments as mjaya Says :
** The bickering to claim superiority over Language, Race, Faith in this day and age is amazing. **- problm!
Also you said you must vacate Sri Lanka and go to Tamil Nadu- Why I need to vacate from my, I mean say MY Mother Lanka , secondly where is the Tamil Nadu , is it in Africa?, Thirdly Why not Gujarat ?
My brother We do not have solution – but Solution is with in us !
We both are Moddayas & Muddalkal !!!
October 24th, 2012 at 6:40 am
Andy,
So long as you mean something other than ‘Tamil as MAIN language of Lanka’, I accept your explanation (though it sounds hazy and convoluted to me).
mjaya,
It is not a matter of “bickering over SUPERIORITY over language” here. It is a fight to preserve the Integrity of the Land of Sri Lanka and our identity, and how language is used here is a part of that battle.
Any laid back ‘what is the use’ attitude on the part of the Sinhala people will be construed as weakness by those who seek to overrun the country, hook or by crook.
———-
Anyway, in the end, I think it is the HUMAN VALUE systems that matters, for all human beings, wherever they live.
October 24th, 2012 at 7:09 am
Fran Diaz
It is a fight to preserve the Integrity of the Land of Sri Lanka and our identity, and how language is used here is a part of that battle.Any laid back ‘what is the use’ attitude on the part of the Sinhala people will be construed as weakness by those who seek to overrun the country, hook or by crook.- This is acceptable if you think we Tamils are from other planate or other country but unfortunatly We are from Mother Lanka ( Demila call ilankai & chinhalavan call Lanka) !!!
October 24th, 2012 at 8:36 am
Andy,
What you or I think is immaterial. It is the welfare of the bulk of the People of the Land that matters.
October 24th, 2012 at 8:45 am
Fran Diaz
welfare of the bulk of the People of the Land that matters.! This what Our Govt thought since our indipendant !
So call bulk of the People in thier mind Sinhala People !!!
Atleast If our head of state thing bulk of people are all Lankan Puthas (not only so call Bhuddish sinhalese) than We won’t have problm than We alltogether can show to Indian our two fingures & put 13A into indian ocecen forever !!! Until that We both hide by indian like sheeps or headless chicken !!!
Om Shanthy !!!
October 24th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Andy,
You say : “welfare of the bulk of the People of the Land that matters.! This what Our Govt thought since our indipendant !
So call bulk of the People in thier mind Sinhala People”.
Look at these facts & statistics below provided by Sri Rohana (see Comment above) , particularly the part about the Tamil schools in Sri Lanka. Can you call this not taking care of Tamils, way above Sinhala people ? That Tamils form a part of the “bulk” I refer to, is obvious.
1) Tamil language is a national language in Sri Lanka
2) Tamils have a right to study in tamil medium from year 1 to University free of charge.
3) Tamil medium schools are in every 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Out of 6500 schools in Sri Lanka nearly 3000 schools are tamil medium. Tamil medium schools in each district: Western 107, Central 517, Southern 37, Northern 842, Eastern 708, North Western 149, North Central 85, Uva 193 Sabaragamuwa 187. (Sinhala+tamil and tamil +English schools not included)
4) Health facilities are free to every citizen’s including tamils.
5) Every government department’s information and documents are in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
6) Government emblems, logos are in Sinhala, tamil and English
7) National flags is with green strip to represent tamils
8) Tamils have a right to elect their members to Parliament, Provincial councils and Local governments.
9) Tamils have a right to register their political parties and contest in the every election including presidential election. There are 15 tamil political parties registered in the election department.
10) They have a right to live anywhere in Sri Lanka as they wish, do business or any profession as they like
11) Tamils have a right to have tamil language newspapers, TV stations and any mass media
12) Sri Lanka Passport is in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.
13) Every currency note in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.
14) Every postal stamps are in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages
15) Every sign boards and street names in Sri Lanka are in Tamil language.
But Sri Lanka or anyone cannot solve the Tamils personal frustrations, inferior complex, caste problems and dowry matters.
October 24th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Isn’t Multilingual an Economic and Social benefit to trade and communicate locally and Internationally. Come guys, Look at the Big Picture.
THE BASIS TO SOLVE THE ISSUE AND THE WAY FORWARD IS TO EMBRACE (A) MULTI-CULTURE (B) MULTILINGUAL (C) MULTI-FAITH (D) EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL CITIZENS (E) RESPECT ALL COMMUNITIES, THEIR HONOUR AND PROPERTY RIGHTS. (F) NO COMMUNITY CLAIMS SUPREMACY OVER THE OTHER (G) STRICTLY MERIT BASED GOVERNANCE (H) ALLEGIANCE TO ONE COUNTRY, ONE NATION. (I) MAKE A DIPLOMATIC EFFORT TO CONVINCE THE NEIGHBOUR TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION AND RELIEVE THEIR CONCERNS AND ASSURE THEM OF A FAIR TREATMENT TO ALL COMMUNITIES.
October 25th, 2012 at 3:15 am
Sharia, Thesawalamei, polygamy, wearing rags on the head, Gonibilla dress, beheadings, amputations, stonings, animal sacrifices are incompatible with any civilized culture. They are not welcome in Sri Lanka. Certain people must realize this fact and stay in the stone age nations where they are practiced.
October 25th, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Attention Islamo’phobics,
This sermon was delivered by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ (in Makkah). After praising, and thanking Allah he said:
“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.