Submission to the Lessons Learnt & Reconciliation Commission, by Dr Sudath Gunasekara.
Posted on December 3rd, 2010
Dr Sudath Gunasekara.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Hanthana Pedesa, Mahanuwara .
TheƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Secretary,
TheƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Lessons LearntƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ &ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Reconciliation Commission,
TheƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ LakshmanƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Kadirgamar InstituteƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ of InternationalƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ RelationsƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ &ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ StrategicƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Studies,
24ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Horton Place,
Colombo – 07,
Sri Lanka.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 2nd Dec. 2010
Sir,
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ I do not know whether the content of this submission will be directly relevant to the mandate of your Commission. Nevertheless deliberately I have attempted to look at your mission from a broader perspective without confining it to the so-called ethnic conflict that is being widely debated at the moment. Looking at the proceedings of your Commission so far, I think my submission wants be out of place either. In this note what I have tried is to look at the root causes that have brought about the present unfortunate situation in this country. Because I strongly believe that it is only by treating the cause of the disease rather than the symptom, as we normally do, we can find the remedy to this chronic malady.
Therefore I hope my submission will make it possible for your Commission to perceive your noble mission in a broader perspective so that you will be able to recommend some long lasting solutions to take his country out of the present mess.
Text of the Submission
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Historical background
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 1.Sri Lanka is the only country in the world that had been ruled under one geopolitical framework for 2242 years from 247 BC to 1815 AD.
That was the Tun Rata,
Ruhunu
Pihiti and
Maya.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 1 This geopolitical division had been the underlining bed rock that has sustained theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ stability of this State for such a long time in history.
2.South Indian Tamils had been the sworn enemies of this Island Nation from theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ inception of history who had created problems for the political, economic and socialƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ progress and prosperity of this country.
3 The fundamental cause of our inability to emerge as a vibrant nation in the modern world was the destruction of that solid geopolitical foundation by the Colonial BritishƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ in 1815 and the division of the country in to ethno-centric Divisions called Provinces byƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ British and the seeds of communal politics they planted to achieve their divide and ruleƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ policy and promotion of Tamil elite through education, employment etc
4 We have not been able to emerge from the collapse of the Rajarata civilization for 12ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ centuries after the devastations done by the Kalingha Magha invasions in the 13th century up to date.
.Since IndependenceƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
5 The main cause of all our present day political problems was the failure on the part of our politicians to install a meaningful, realistic and sustainable political, economic and social system in 1948
For example they should have
a)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Restored the State of Sinhale that was there from 643 BC to 1815 until it was ceded to the British in 1815
b)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Made Sinhala the official Language of this country which had enjoyed that status from 643 BC to 1815 AD. Even after 1815 Sinhala had been the Language used by at least 90 % of the population in this country.
c)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Should have asked the British to hand over the country as it was given to them in 1815 by taking back all immigrant labourers brought by them to work on their plantations as it was done in Burma
d)ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Banned all communal political parties including the Ilankai Tamil Arusukachchi ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ (Sri Lanka Tamil State Party) that was formed in 1947 and the Tamil Congress and made legal provisions to have only national parties until such time a National Political System based on local traditions was designed
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Have we learnt any lesson from these failures and blunders?
NO
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Post 1977
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 1 Political parties had been the root cause of our inability to emerge as a vibrantƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ nation in the modern world. This had been worst since 1960s. The main cause ofƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ our downfall
2 Granting monstrous powers to the President like Immunity by the 1987ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Constitution and the constitutional provisions enabling him to appoint all topƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ appointments like Ministers, Ministry Secretaries, Judges, ambassadors and ViceƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Chancellors of Universities etc. and even organizers of electorates reducing them toƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ mere hostages, puppets and Alsatian dogs of the President. This situation has made them totally dependent and subservient to the President. This dependency syndrome makes every one absolutely ineffective and benumbed. ArenƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t we heading for total anarchy?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
3 Politicization of Public Service and even the Judiciary a main cause of the down fall of our public service which has reduced them to a status of domestic servants of the partyƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ in power for the time being 4 The 13th Amendment to the 1987 Constitution imposed on us by India specially
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ a) The provincial Council System
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ b) Making Tamil also an Official Language
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ c) Granting citizenship to more than 500.000 Estate Tamils under an affidavit Besides the Western worldƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
5 Opening the door for International Schools that have ruined our National EducationƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ System
6 Starting a domestic slavery system in the Middle East and other Countries especially for poverty stricken women
7 Introduction of the Proportional Representation system of elections
8 Nepotism, corruption and appointment of defeated politicians with no education and professional qualifications to public positions like corporations and diplomatic service
9 Leaving everything in the hands of politicians
10 Absence of checks and balances in the Political, Administrative and Judicial system
11 Proliferations of Ministries, Government Department and Corporations
12 Absence of law and order and the rule of law
13 Absence of work norms and targets in Public Service, absence of time and costƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ management, excess staff and excessive Public holidays (2010=107). At the moment there are about 1.3 m public servants in this country and every 16 persons have 1 public servant. But the service they render is appalling. Most of the time they are out of office and the output is almost negligible. So much so today Public Service in this country has got reduced to a mere domestic Service of the political party in power paid by the public. Both politicians and public Servants therefore have ceased to be the servants of the public. But no one seams to be concerned about it. Everything under the Sri Lankan sky appears to be under the tight grip of a monstrous political mafia.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Have we learnt any lesson from these failures and blunders?
NO
Two things learnt in recent history and remedied
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 1That the LTTE cannot be trusted and therefore it has to be defeated militarily. ThatƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ mission is now achieved, though there are many more things to be done to ensureƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ that Tamil Separatism does not again raise its ugly head. The present President shouldƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ be given the credit for this bold decision. And the Three Forces for implementing it toƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ the letter led by Secretary DefenseƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ (But this marvelous achievement has been badly marred by the action taken againstƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sarath Fonseka by the President, the hero of the ground war).
2 That we have to have new friends like China and Pakistan to counter western Imperialism and neutralize arrogant India. This also has been now achieved.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The way to permanent reconciliation
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 1 All communities must accept that there is only one nation in this country. You donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t have a Tamil Nation or a Muslim Nation in this country. India is the home of the Tamil Nation and you donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t have a Muslim Nation any where in the world for that matter. They are only a religious group spread over many countries that have their own Nations. Tamils and Muslims should concede to the fact that this was the country of the Sinhalese Nation at least from 643 BC up to date. Therefore they are the only people who can claim to be a Nation in this country.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 2 Sinhala should be made the only official Language in this country, Tamil a regionalƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Language and English the link Language.
3 Tamils and Muslims should renounce their identification with India and Arab countriesƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ as their motherlands. Those who want to be citizens of Sri Lanka should renounce thisƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ mentality and consider this country as their motherland
4 Tamils should renounce their claim of a Traditional Homeland in the north and East.
5 No community should claim exclusive rights for any particular section of the country.
6 All communal segregation should be banned and integration should be encouraged
7 Bring the whole country under one law
8 Ban all political parties based on ethnicity, religion or region. Because political parties are the mechanism that has set theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Tamils against the SinhaleseƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Muslims against the Sinhalese and finallyƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sinhalese also against the Sinhalese and ruined the country. Average people of allƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Communities are not communal and they do not want separate rights andƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ countries. Politicians are the people who instigate the average.
9 Minority communities should refrain from provocative public display of identity like dress etc. Even European countries have banned such action.
10 All minority communities in Sri Lanka should admit that there is no other country in the whole world where minority groups have got more privileges.
11They should be prepared to respect and ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ admit that this was the Land of theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sinhalese from time immemorial and they are the architects of the civilization in this Country.
12 Finally the present system of ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-government by the politicians, for the politicians and ofƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ the politicians and their families and croniesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ should end and a ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-government by theƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ people, for the people and of the people and their familiesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ sans political partiesƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ should emerge ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ to bring permanent reconciliation to the current political crisis in thisƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ country and to restore sanity, prosperity and peace.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ If you wish me to elaborate on these issues before the Commission please let me know.
Yours truly,
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Dr Sudath Gunasekara.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Hanthana Pedesa, Mahanuwara .
December 3rd, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Doctor
This is what Cyril Mathew and Nevil fernando said They are responsible for the riots in 77 where many innocent tamils died. They were directly involved also according to the wintesses
do not try to divide and create hatred but try to resolve the Tamil issue once and for all The price paid is too high
Ceylon Tamils were in Ceylon for many many many years unlike Indian Tamils who were brought in 1940s by British . History proves it Ellalan ruled Ceylon who was a Tamil
We are living in the 21st century Doctor and do not try to create hatred . Let our children live like brothers and sisters where we could not live before
I remember very well the funeral of the mother of Lionel fernando ( Former GA of Jafna) in Jaffna I have never seen the crowd like that any other Funerals
So many many tamils came and paid the respect . Lionel fernando was great man . I was a kid but remember well . The year must be 82 I think
I remember There was a great man named Shelton Ranaraja who spoke for the tamil People in the Parliament .
I am sure Jaffna people one day will have a statue for people like Lionel and Shelton
Hope you understand there are many sheltons and Lionels in Sinhalese who are peace loving and kind who want the issue resolved unlike people like you sir who think of writing things like this to get 1 minute fame
December 3rd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I think Jimmy means the Riots of 1983; that was when Cyril Mathew was involved. Sadly, some 300-400 people died, almost all Hindu Tamils, and a few Buddhist Sinhalas. As far as we know, no Christian or Catholic Tamils died in those riots.
How was that when there were a large number of Catholic & Christian Tamils in Colombo ? Strange ! How did they get protected ? Were they identified by the Electoral lists the gangs carried ?
Dr Sudath Gunasekera: We appreciate your concerned article.
I would like to make the following comments.
(1) A strong Presidency is needed in Lanka which has become the stomping grounds for many factions, thanks mostly to 500
yrs of Colonial Rule, and Lanka’s importance in the sea routes, as also its proximity to India (Tamil Nadu). May be Lanka can rectify this situation if matters improve, mostly in the living conditions of the ordinary people, jobs, trust levels between communities, etc.
(2) The 1983 riots were filmed and shown in London, Paris & Bonn (Germany) by the then Tamil Ambassadors for Lanka in those places. The 1983 Riots were set up, as we now know, and were not spontaneous. The present President has appointed trustworthy people as Ambassadors. This situation too may improve and appointments made more according to merit.
(3) One of the biggest problems is that Tamils of Dalit origin left Tamil Nadu to enter Lanka during Ranil’s tenure as PM, mostly due to strengthening of the ltte during that time. There are some 15,000 plus Tamil people without proper papers in the camps. How do we deal with this problem ? How do we know whether they are Lankans or Tamil Nadu Tamils ? They carry UNHRC ID cards, as do thousands of Tamil refugees supposedly all from Lanka, who are now in Tamil Nadu camps.
December 3rd, 2010 at 4:59 pm
it was 1983 riots Fran
One of my uncles who was an engineer was killed by some racist thugs in South simply because he is tamil
For the sake of our kids Let our Kids live like brothers and sisters in Lanka .
The rights of Tamils should be safeguarded . If you tell me 83 riots , 77 riots , 58 rights are not true
you are lying or you are a racist
When a person write it reveals a lot about him or her .whether he is a good or bad person
It is very sad Tamils did not have sympathy or speak out for hundres of Sinhalese when They were killed in 80s by Govt
My sinhala friends told me how innocent men were killed on suspicions of JVP in South
They said how these men were put on burning fire. hundreds of them disappeared
The point is People should speak out against injustice whether it happens to Tamils or Sinhalese or Muslims or Burgers.
Time has come for people in Lanka to forget the past but go for the bright Future . No need of hatred any more for both races
Life is extremly short . If People still behave like Animals then nothing could happen
I know There are thousands and Thousands of Shelton Ranarajas( former MP for Senkadagala) in Lanka unlike you Doctor who are snakes who create hatred
Bye
December 3rd, 2010 at 10:35 pm
no body is trying to make riot here. This article is absolutely true. One thing is missing. Bring back Siri-Sastry agreement start to remove all recent Indian Tamil people back to Indian with a payment of at least 100.000 rupees.
The group who has history of plotting against Sri lanka not suppose to receive citizenship; it does not happen nowhere in the world and whoever country who come to support Sri lanka to bring it back 1815 welcome. And other Tamil also who conspire automatically lose citizenship or deport.
December 4th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Jayt
There are Srilankan Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils , Srilankan Muslims in Srilanka
History clearly says Sri Lankan Tamils and Srilankan Sihalese were in Srilanka for Many hundreds of Years
We studied in History about Ellalan ( Tamil) who ruled Ceylon . Dutta Gamunu won the battle with Ellalan
Dutta Gamanu even built a statue for Ellalan and asked people to respect Ellalan
This act shows what a great man Dutta Gamunu is
The article written by Doctor is not true . Equal rights should be given to Srilankan Tamils also who were in Srilanka for hundreds of years . Do not discriminate even after so many many loses in both sides. All the Srilankan Tamil grievances should be addressed by his Excellancy
Jaynt,
Why are you mean to the poor Indian Tamils who were brought to Srilanka as plantation workers who are workaholics work for less money in plantations . They contribute a l lot for the economy
We are better than Tutsis and Hutus
The hatred killed millions of Tutsis in Rwanda . What a shame for human race
You said “The group who has history of plotting against Sri lanka not suppose to receive citizenship”
Agree fully which is applicable to All Srilankans does not matter Sinhalese or Tamils or Burgers
Even at this time of this Centuary only a fool will show discrimination towards one another
In My humble opinion as a Srilankan Tamil this article is very bad and People wo write articles like this should loose Srilankan Citizenship whether Tamils or Sinhalese or Muslims or Burgers
I will pray to God to give the strength for people like Doctor and you Jaynt to grow up
December 4th, 2010 at 2:13 am
It is Jimmy who should grow up and read real history instead of fiction by Ealmists. You wouldn’t know about Elara or Ellalan as you call him if not for the Sinhala history – Mahavamsa. It is true that Elara deposed the Sinhala king Asela and ruled Raja Rata for a period of 44 years. He did not rule over Tamils in Sri Lanka. He ruled over Sinhala people with a Chola army he brought in from South India. The fact that the British ruled over Sri Lanka for nearly 150 years with a British Army does that make – Sri Lanka a British country? The current British Royalty are more German than English. That does not mean there is a large population of Germans in Britain.
The present day – so called Ceylon Tamils are mostly indented labour brought in by the Portuguese first and then by the Dutch to tend their tobacco plantations. So the history of Ceylon Tamils is not much different from the so called Indian Tamils – they simply arrived before British times. History records that during Dutch times there were more foreigners in Jaffana than locals – meaning – there were more Malabar Tamils in Jaffna than the local Sinhalese. This story can go of for a long time.
It would be good if Jimmy can persuade the diaspora Tamils not to pursue the Ealam dream ever again. Any division of Sri Lanka or devolution of special status to Tamils will only bring more Nanthikadals and more misery. If the Tamils in Sri Lanka are desirous of peaceful living among the Sinhalese they are always welcome.
Also the Christian God and his Church has brought more misery to the world than any other religious institution in history. From the inquisitions to colonial exploitation to protection of pedophiles this immoral church has no place in Sri Lanka or anywhere in Asia for that matter. Simply Jesus has nothing new to say in Asia other than old grandmother’s tales of virgin birth and resurrection.
My dear Jimmy – Integration is the name of the game. This is what your diaspora Tamils are doing in the countries where they live. They don’t dare ask for territorial concessions. What the good Doctor Sudath has written is the truth; however the nation must survive – democracy and human rights are secondary! We need a strong president with a strong sense of history – because history is what made us survive for 2500 years!
December 4th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Jaynt
Honetsly I was thinking Tamils were in Ceylon before Sinhalese arrived . Ceylon Tamils came from South hundres of years ago and Our Sinhala brothers came from North Of India
Why do we need to go back we should go forward
Listen
I lived with Sinhala Friends for nearly 2 years in USA . I respect their friendship compassion , the byla and cooking If we can live here like this why not in entire Srilanka
I respect Great Brian Mulroney of Canada who stood for French Canadians Brian Mulroney wanted the meech Lake accord passed which give a distinct clause for French Language . He worked hard for it eventhough he was a conservative
Every premier from all Provinces supported this except the Premier of New Foundland
What a shame? the accord failed . The law could have passed if this man agreed
I respect Great John F Kennedy the man who gave the opportunity for non whites to enter USA
His moto was opportunity should be given to all regarless of color of the skin
I respect the Democrat Senators who voted to make Judge Clarence Thomas as the First Black Supreme Court Judge of USA. He was appointed by Republicans and all republican Senators voted for him they also need support from few democrats inorder for Judge Thomas to become Supreme Court Judge
I remember this very well during my college days here .
I respect Senator John Mccain from Arizona( Champion of Imigration reform) to bring the Imigration reform with the help of Democrats
eventhough Many of his colleagues oppose . The law passed Finally
I respect Great man named Shelton Ranaraja MP who spoke in Parliament against the brutality happening for Tamils during 83 riots and wanted GOVT to help
I respect great man named Lionel fernando who was the GA of Jaffna but more popular than tamils MPs those time . People in Jaffna loved this man
The Point is we need people like Mulroneys, Kennedys, Shelton Ranarajas and Lionel Fernandos in Srilanka today
I remeber my dads friends from South visit jaffna , stay at our home and we all go to Keerimali beach in our car
and when we go to Colombo we stayed with them I was a child ( 74 , 75) I recall very well
Unforunatley this did not happen when I grow up . We all lived in fear
Now it is the time for Our children to live happily without fear of LTTE withou Fear of Srilankan Army
(a) The Govt got the majority and time to resolve the issues which were not resolved by Dudley or SWRD B or Madam Srimavo or JR Jeyawardena
Provide the best solution for this ethnic issue
The price paid is too too high so many many many lives lost we saw the y tube thosands of children and mothers lost lives in Vanni Let this be biggest sacrifice for the best solution for Tamil issue
I pray for peace
I pray both Tamil and Sinhalese every where to concentrate for everlasting Peace in this beautiful Land
Srilankan Issue can be resolved only by Srilankans that is my opinion It can not be resolved by any one
I prayi to GOD to do a supernatural miracle I pray to God for Both Extremists among Tamils and Sinhalese not to hurt but to support for a better solution for Srilankan Issue
I pray to God to give the srength for his Excellancy to resolve the Tamils issue in a very compassionate way Let Tamils in Lanka get the best solution may be above and Beyond 13th Amendment
I do not know but what ever makes Tamils in Lanka happy not for the sake of Srilankans living outside
I really love this newspaper Lankaweb I respect the Views eventhough I do not necessarily agree everything
Myvacation is over and I have to start work
I tell my folks here sometimes no time even to pee . Work is crazy You all know what I mean
I will read the paper once ina while eventhough I may not write any more
God bless you and I love you all
December 4th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Jimmy you misunderstood,
Indian
Tamil brought by British to serve interest not our interest, and British to refuse to bring them back when Sri lanka asked and left it for Indian to decide whether to take Tamil or not which also a trick. Second, Portuguese brought Tamil and dutch brought Tamil for their interest.
Third Indian refused to take all Tamil keeping room for future espionage and manipulate Sinhalese to agree on Indian impose agreement.
Now, what do you think Sri lanka have to go by foreigners and their law?
December 4th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Ratnapala/Jaynt
No you were wrong brothers
My people were there long before British
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceylon_Tamils
Come on why are we arguing things which is unnessary who came first either your people or my people
We have to work hard for Peace and harmony in my opinion
Not all disaspora tamils are for Eelam . There are many people like me praying for everlasting Peace and harmony
Govt should do the right thing give the proper rights to Tamils what They are asking for in Lanka
Too many lives lost . I am sure as a human being you will be sad to watch thousands of children and Mothers killed ( you could watch in you tube) in Vanni
Even so many Sinhalese lost their precious lives in the last 30 years
I pray Govt should do the right thing to resolve the issues
There should never be hatred and jealousy among Tamils and Sinhalese
December 4th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Acording to wikipidia
Ceylon Tamils, or Eelam Tamils, are a section of Tamil people native to the South Asia island state of Sri Lanka. According to anthropological evidence, Sri Lankan Tamils have lived on the island since the 2nd century BCE.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Jimmy,
Who entered those lies in Wiki. Tamil racist fraudsters are creating history for SL. What you are writing are baseless created history. You know how you find how long some races migrated to a country? It is from the language they speake. The difference between the language spoken in Indian Tamils and Sl Tamils is around 300 years , meaning the present day SL Tamils , all or most have migrated about 300 years ago.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Great piece Sudath. And to add a few , bio identity and securing the borders is a must to stop Tamil Nadu Tamils from migrating to SL.