Mahinda Rajapaksa’s political survival and the security of India depends on revoking the 13th amendment
Posted on October 15th, 2012
Shenali Waduge
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s fragile federal status predicts a possible eventual breakup of India similar to that of the Soviet Union. This spells a national security concern for both India and Sri Lanka. Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s armed forces eliminated the initial possibility securing Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s security and that of India. Why should India want to commit hara-kiri by continuing to encourage the eelaam slogan bypassing the possible dangers thinking it can handle worst case scenario of annexing Sri Lanka? Realizing the dangers of IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s entire Southern stretch falling into external hands if not protected, India must first protect its turf before exploring annexing endeavors. As for President Rajapakse it is in his interest to revoke the 13th amendment for the majority block vote will back him so long as he protects Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s sovereignty and unitary status. That is a powerful backing ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” one that President should not turn his back upon.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why does India want 13a and Devolution?
India forced Sri Lanka to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord. Sri Lanka was made to amend its constitution and introduce an Indian-style Provincial Council system and merge the North and east provinces to create an ethnic-based minority rule that would help IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s later objectives. With all these major changes already introduced what is all this nonsense about implementing the 13a ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” it is already implemented. So what is India not telling us?
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Is it only IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s interest in Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Tamils that makes India seeks assurance to ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-implementƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ the 13th amendment and devolution? Why would a powerful Central Government wish to take pains to appease Tamil Nadu ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” just another state of India? From the manner Tamil Nadu politicians are influenced is it not a dangerous scenario. No one expects State Governments to dictate to the Central Government and we certainly donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t take too kindly to being caught in between this tussle.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Have we failed to convey to India the dangers of separatism in Sri Lanka or does India want to have Sri Lanka separate ignoring that the plan is to actually separate India ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” Sri Lanka is just a pebble to test the water!
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sri Lanka did not ask for Provincial Council system ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” it was India that decided. Prabakaran had to consent because he was in India and was apprehensive of his future had he not given his consent. 13a was discarded by Prabakaran and therefore there should be no reason why Tamils should favor Provincial councils or the 13a.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why India doesnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t need an Eelaam to add to its woes
Let us not mince our words. When countries enjoy creating turmoil in other nations the karmic effects eventually comes home. India is a federal state on fire. Calamities, natural catastrophes, terrorist movements are taking place throughout its borders and culturally and socially too it is facing tremendous challenges. Let us also not fool ourselves that the rest of India is not very happy about the Hindi domination of India least of all South India. This is what led to South India feeling that in view of India not being originally a single country, Tamil Nadu had every right to demand a separate state. The Indian Government made sure the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-We Tamil MovementƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ didnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t get off the ground, it introduced constitutional amendments and currently it allows Tamil Nadu voices on Eelaam purely because they know how to keep those voices in check when the time comes. Money is very powerful. Yet we foresee the Balkanization of India happening and it is something India should be more concerned about considering the fragile status of Tamil Nadu and its current inability to handle the puppets in place. If a Central Government dances to tunes of its State Governments, Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s leaders need to pay far more attention than waiting and watching.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ India forcibly brought Bhutan under its control through a 1949 Treaty (Article 2 of that Treaty requires Bhutan to seek IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s advice on all external affairs while Article 6 bans imports of arms and ammunition without IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s approval). The 25year Treaty signed with Bangladesh was similar and today Bangladesh is distancing itself from India and forging ties with China. Similarly, NepalƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s relationship with China is developing while its ties with India are not so great. There is little need to elaborate on Indo-Pak ties. Therefore, India is not winning accolades from any of its SAARC neighbors. India is using the same divide and rule policy of the colonial masters. Creating a separate Tamil province in Sri Lanka will next help create further dissent which India will provide ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-assistanceƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ eventually leading to the North of Sri Lanka becoming part of India. What is the future of Sri Lanka especially the Sinhalese? We believe the current leadership should be weighing these odds as well.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Ironically PrabakaranƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s existence kept these hidden agendas in check however the present situation is far more docile. The eelaam agenda is moving at full speed and gathering Tamils together in a drive to unite all Tamils in phase two of the bid to create Tamil Eelaam.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ How can a small area of Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s north be homeland to 75m world Tamils when 65m of this number presently live in Tamil Nadu ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” the ideal and most practical state to declare a Tamil homeland. Tamils are well aware of this but do not wish to vocalize their ultimate objective ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” an objective that is probably sponsored by the West so that not only will there be a Tamil state but that Tamil state would include north and east of Sri Lanka so that the West can use the world famous natural harbor in East Sri Lanka whilst also running the eventual Balkanized Indian states. IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s leaders will not know what happened unless India stop its complex to bully and start thinking of protecting itself first.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Sri Lanka is apprehensive. We have a right to be so. We are aware of IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s training and arming of LTTE, we also know that India saved Prabakaran from capture in 1987, we know that Tamil Nadu was a transit and logistics base for the LTTE, we are also angry by the manner India air-dropped food packs violating our sovereignty and we know the dangers of the provincial system because the first Chief Minister of the North declared it an independent state and he remains the guest of India.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Demand for Devolution
Who says there is a national demand for devolution? Simply because a handful of Tamils, a countable number of Colombo elite with excess to international media and personages cry ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-devolutionƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ it does not mean the rest of the country and over 14m of the 20m want the 13a, devolution or provincial councils
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why should Sri Lanka spend over $1.3billion in recurrent expenses to run 9 provinces that have done little for the masses except produce rapists, corrupt provincial councilors, thugs and totally ill-suited people to run these provinces?
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The people of Sri Lanka have had enough of half-hearted Committees and Commissions that refuse to ask the fundamental question ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” What are the grievances that exclusively Tamils suffer from legally and constitutionally? Without asking this we have been dancing round a ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-solutionƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ without knowing the problem. In so far as the problem is concerned there is a major difference in ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-grievanceƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ and ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-aspirationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” if it is aspirations that the Tamils grieve from then sadly it is something that simply has no solution because less than half the country did not vote for President Rajapakse but he remains after all the President of Sri Lanka!
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The Tamils who accuse the Sinhalese of unfairly equating them with the LTTE may like to recall that it was the TNA who claimed the LTTE was the SOLE representative of the Tamil people. WhatƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s more with 65m Tamils India has still not made Tamil an official language. What is the reason to make Tamil an official language for just 1.4m of a population of 20m? Malaysia has only one language within a multi-ethnic society.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It has been convenient too for the Tamils to hide the caste factor that is a strong factor amongst Tamils. This is perfectly displayed in high caste Tamils protesting against the Prevention of Social Disabilities Act of 1957 making illegal caste discrimination and affording opportunities for low caste Tamils to obtain education ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” these are the very people who internationally whine over an eelaam for ONLY Tamils!
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Nullifying the Tamil homeland myth further is archeological findings, Brahmi inscriptions, Buddhist sites, tanks in Wanni area buit by the Sinhala kings of ancient times which should all be declared national archeological sites and ban any construction over them.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Where our politicians have failed the country
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ How many of our politicians have been able to ask what exactly the grievances that Tamils exclusively suffer from denied to them legislatively and constitutionally.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ How many have asked those who point fingers accusing Sri Lanka of ethnic discrimination, why over 50% of the Tamils in Sri Lanka are presently living and working amongst the Sinhalese.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ When reconciliation has become an annoying yardstick how many of our politicians cared to quote why the West is giving up multiculturalism and giving immigrants ultimatums ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-live like us or get outƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚! Why would that not apply to Tamils ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” if they want a Tamil Eelaam and they cant live amongst the Sinhalese in peace, they are more than welcome to obtain citizenship in IndiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Tamil Nadu where an entire state comprises Tamils
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why is the Government and politicians not doing anything to stop racist parties when constitutionally the provisions are in place, why are they encouraging ethnic-based division by allowing ethnic-based laws like Thesavalamai and Shariah laws to increase and spread? Can they not argue that these are all impediments to reconciliation and integration?
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Do our politicians not know that every public event, roads, signboards, public forms and documents all have Tamil for just over 12% of the total populationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚¦. Can they not have the guts to quote these examples to those accusing Sri Lanka?
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Moreover why cannot our politicians ask why Tamils cannot learn Sinhala in a country that has more than 74% Sinhalese when they are learning French, German, Spanish etc?
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ How many politicians care to use the world Tamil population statistics to argue that with over 97% of world Tamils living in Tamil Nadu (a single state in India which started the Independent State struggle) that Tamil Eelaam for the 75m world Tamils should be in India not Sri Lanka!
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why have we not continuously and consistently reminded the world of all LTTE crimes against humanity – from kidnapping children making them into killers denying them the UN fundamental right to education, from giving a cyanide capsule and asking them to commit suicide which is a punishable crime, keeping civilians as human shields and the countless assassinations, bombings and suicide attacks that they have committed over 30 years!
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why do our politicians simply except the lies and gobbledygook statements from foreign envoys without matching every accusation with the facts that we have before us. What is the rationale in remaining silent and following the policy of appeasement because we have not benefited in any way and neither has the Government which is constantly the target of regime change. This is why we need to now be proactive, assertive and play our cards to win.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚§ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Why cannot our politicians say that whilst safeguarding the rights of citizens no one can change the fact that the Sinhalese population accounts for over 74% of the total population.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ There are ground realities. Contrary to the hyped inference that the majority of Tamils live in the North ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” this lie can be statistically proven as over 50% of Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Tamils live outside of the north and east of Sri Lanka ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” the Tamils that remain are predominately Tamil primarily because Sinhalese and Muslims were forcibly evicted from these areas ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” no Western nation or NGO shed too many tears over this unceremonious eviction though. Even if a census is taken of Tamil sentiment in the North it does not necessarily carry the census of ALL Tamils living throughout Sri Lanka. If Tamils inclusive of all TNA politicians are living amongst the Sinhalese ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” where exactly is the problem and does that not nullify need for ethnic based devolution and who says ethnic-based devolution can bring peace and reconciliation?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The bottom line is Sri Lanka and its people are not going to be fettered by Eelamist federal ideology and emotional blackmail. The argument is that the 13a contravenes the BASIC LAW of the country ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” it was enacted and enforced against the will of the people (even PM Premadasa, Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Jayasuriya vehemently opposed it). If the north and east was demerged then there is all possibility that the entire 13a should be thrown out of Sri Lankan soil. Moreover it is recognizing a mythical Tamil homeland one reason to merge the north and east province.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Political divisions does not give political powers to the people.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Three pacts have proven detrimental to Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s sovereignty. The 1958 Bandaranaike-Chelvanayagam Pact was signed in secrecy, the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord of 1987 was signed with equal secrecy, the 2002 Cease Fire Agreement giving territory to the LTTE was signed without the concurrence of Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s President. In all these instances the leaders betrayed the people to sign pacts. They were given no sanction by the people and they have broken and lost the faith of the people. President Rajapakse cannot commit the same mistake. If he thinks he can escape calls of war crime charges by agreeing to the 13a not only would he face these eventual charges but he would lose every friend and advisor around him and most of all the public of Sri Lanka that continues to back him. If he revokes the 13a as voiced by the Defense Secretary he would be backed by the people of Sri Lanka as gratitude for reinstating the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unitary status of Sri Lanka.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Mr. President you cannot delay the decision to finally revoke the 13a any further. If you cannot decide allow the people to decide for you ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” as sovereignty lies in the hands of the people of Sri Lanka. The Indo-Lanka Accord broke the peopleƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s fundamental rights and the people now need justice for the damage done since 1987. Mr. President remember at all times it is the Sinhala votes that brought you to power and it is these votes that will bring to power anyone else too.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ No foreign force can overpower an entire country backing its President.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
October 15th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
“why does India want the 13th amendment?” one reason is India is ideologically different to Sri Lanka.
Hindus traditionally live amongst their own ethnic and caste group according to their station in life, socializing, working or marrying across these ones is kept to a minimum, or as relations between superiors and inferiors. Go and read the Baghavad Gita and other Vedic scriptures to get an idea. They see Sri Lankans as flouting all the traditions, as “chaotic and uncultured”, as flouting the very cosmic order itself, of not giving a “space” for Tamils to mingle exclusively among themselves and retain pre-indepence loyalties and identities. Remember also the British colonial empire in Ceylon was modeled along Indian society. British didn’t care at all about Sinhala or Buddhist perspectives. Not giving Tamils their own exclusive space is perceived as “genocide”. Sri Lankans, on the other hand, tend to see Indian society as infused with communalism at all levels.
October 15th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Voice 123,
If tamils wish a monoethnic group why are they flooding into sinhala areas. No,the problem with India and Indians and the tamils is brahaminism. Hearachial system with subjugation of the vulnerable like the untouchables. Sinhalese have a different perspective of life live and let live. The so called tamil riots in SL have always been precipitated by acts of the tamils be it 58 or 83. The response unto this date have been because the Sinhalese at that time felt enough was enough. India wants a brahaminical philosophy and dominate every body with in and outside India. In contrast Chinese philosophy is one of harmony.The tamils of SL wants to have the cake and eat it. They want to enjoy the luxury of living among the sinhalese but also wish a tamil ghetto. Unfortunately the sinhalese are like a puss wedilla Complacent to the devious manner of India and the tamils but respond violently when they feel out manourvered by the tamils and indians. It is time the sinhalese wake up to the vile behaviour of the tamils and indians.
October 15th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Voice123,
100% true.
India is divided along ethnic boundaries.
Tamils in TN, Panjabis in Panjab, etc.
In SL too Tamils live in ghettos. Jaffna, Vanni, Batticaloa districts are Tamil only MONO ETHNIC!!
Wellawatta, Kottanchenai, Kochchikadai, Chettiyawattei, Mutwal, Mattagguliya, Maathampiddi, Dehiwelai are ALL TAMIL ONLY GHETTOS.
Thalawakalei, Maskeliya, etc. are also Tamil ONLY ghettos.
As you say it IS in the Gita and ALL historical documents of INDIA.
I forgot, SL Tamils also live in GHETTOS in Scarborough (Canada), South London, West Sydney, South Paris. These suburbs are SOUTH INDIAN GHETTOS.
October 15th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Nandimitra,
“If tamils wish a monoethnic group why are they flooding into sinhala areas.”
To create mono ethnic Tamil only GHETTOS!!
In SL too Tamils live in ghettos. Jaffna, Vanni, Batticaloa districts are Tamil only MONO ETHNIC!!
Wellawatta, Kottanchenai, Kochchikadai, Chettiyawattei, Mutwal, Mattagguliya, Maathampiddi, Dehiwelai are ALL TAMIL ONLY GHETTOS.
Thalawakalei, Maskeliya, etc. are also Tamil ONLY ghettos.
I forgot, SL Tamils also live in GHETTOS in Scarborough (Canada), South London, West Sydney, South Paris. These suburbs are SOUTH INDIAN GHETTOS.
TAMIL GHETTO MENTALITY (TGM) is the root cause of all the problem.
If Sinhalese or Muslims go to Tamil only GHETTOS is colonization.
If Tamils move to Sinhala areas it is peace. Ultimately they HAVE ALREAY created Tamil only GHETTOS in PREVIOUSLY Sinhala areas.
October 15th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Then our politicians must explain to the Indians that Sri Lanka has a different historical culture and ideology. Continuing to say “they are our relatives, they are our relatives, relatives, relatives” only makes India bolder. If we are related, India thinks, like a big brother, they must impose their system on us for our own good. High time the politicians became more assertive and diplomatic with India.
October 16th, 2012 at 2:27 am
Very well said, Shenali. You have highlighted the core issue.
This nation will form a human shield around President MR all on the trust and “as gratitude for reinstating the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unitary status of Sri Lanka.” Should he fail in that trust the human shield around him will crumble and he will stand exposed.
This is the crux of the matter. Fail and fall: uphold and win.
Mario Perera, Kadawata
October 16th, 2012 at 7:01 am
Bravo.. Bravo Shenali.. you have nailed it! This is a great article that should be pasted on the inside of the ‘sun shades’ that are worn by our politicians.
This is the most simple and logical:
“What are the grievances that exclusively Tamils suffer from legally and constitutionally? Without asking this we have been dancing round a “solution” without knowing the problem.”
Why do not our politicians have this backbone to ask this simple question, before running around like headless chicken to find solutions..
Always and always, the ‘problem should be well defined and understood’ prior to exploring solutions. However, our politicians are oblivion to the realities and dance to the tunes of Eelamist separatists trying to find solutions (solutions to what exactly?).
Bravo Shenali.. A great article. Keep them coming.
Hope this article would reach to our President and the Ministers.
October 16th, 2012 at 8:34 am
Re the so called “Tamil problem’ :
(a) The ONLY problem Tamils of Lanka have is a Tamil Caste based problem. All the rest of their problems are the usual human problems, same as for the rest of us in Lanka.
(b) Ghetto building is a system peculiar to a people who have been persecuted over long periods of time. There are ‘ghettos’ in Tamil Nadu built along Caste lines. Who persecutes Tamil people in Sri Lanka ? Only the Caste System persecutes Tamil people. They bring the ‘stigma’ of that with them when they come to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu. That is why they continue to build ghettos in Lanka – that is what they are used to doing in TN, an ingrained habit. Whilst I deeply sympathise those who suffer from any form of “Institutionalised Discrimination” (ID) as in the Caste system of Tamil Nadu (India), I don’t see why Sri Lanka is made to pay a HEAVY PRICE in various inimical ways for that. Free Education & Health Care are provided for all Tamils as for the rest of us here in Lanka.
(c) Tamil leaders (TNA) in Sri Lanka are using this whole ID matter to consolidate themselves into leadership roles on a forever basis, tying up with the Tamil Nadu leaders who are of the same caste base. When abroad, Tamils have been trained to say that they are ‘persecuted’ and ‘discriminated against’ in Sri Lanka.
October 16th, 2012 at 8:36 am
Shenali, Great Words ! thank you . Of course as you say “…we need to now be proactive, assertive and play our cards to win”. But unfortunately to achieve that we need (a) a set of competent, genuine politicians working for the Sinhala cause and (b) Legal expertise in International Law – and a suppoting cast of many others. We do not yet seem to have organised ourselves around these requirements – S de Silva – London.
October 16th, 2012 at 11:52 am
SdeS,
The biggest drawback is that GoSL seems too shy to mention the ‘C’ word (CASTE) at any international forum. This may be to protect India which is still caste bound in some areas, especially Tamil Nadu area. India meantime is making hay while the sun shines by taking over important parts of the Lanka economy in the name of Indian/regional security. Our socio-economists must not be too shy to come out with the truth of the matter, why Tamils of Lanka are the way they are, and blindly following the TNA.
Lorenzo is right. Stand your Ground, and insist on what is right for Sri Lanka – go multi-ethnic in EVERY PART of Sri Lanka.
That is best way to offer real integration to the Tamils of Lanka. And tell the TNA to get lost.
October 16th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
After the resounding success of Tamil GHETTO tactics in Colombo, Jaffna, etc. Wahabis also follow it.
We also have to fight Wahabi GHETTOS before it becomes another problem.
The first step is to DENY ANY political concession to Tamil only GHETTOS. That will discourage Wahabis also.
October 16th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Fran Diaz, Tamil (“Orang India”) caste ghettoes are in Malaysia also. All the Malaysians know this and that they are the lowest achieving group over here. They are clearly identified as originating from India. (no talk if traditional exclusive homelands here). Another difference here is that they are constantly sucking up to the Bhumiputra Malays and Chinese, learning their languages, saying how proud and thankful they are to be living there, rather than in India. No talk of “discrimination”. Unproductive and divisive Socialism and Communism is frowned upon. Problem identified. Solution elusive. Likewise we all must cooperate to develop Sri Lanka rapidly as one way around this problem.
October 16th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
There you go.
Malaysia keeps them where they belong.
SL keeps them where Bumiputhras belong!!
“okkama kanapita”
October 16th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Voice 123,
Fortunately for Malaysians, they are located FAR AWAY from Tamil Nadu. The problems are far less for them. Our Lanka problems are enhanced because of our proximity to Tamil Nadu (& India).
Develop we must, but very cautiously, with Rules & Regulations (R&R) in place and R&R followed up, every step of the way.
I have an abiding affection for parts of India, but I do not let that get in the way of National Security for Sri Lanka.
October 16th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
India needs 13 or 13 A to avoid the 1983 murders mainly. Have you any doubt on it? Or Shenali thinks ‘nothing happened in 1983″?
People like Lorenzo, who is a Parawa fisherman from Tamil nadu and now a “Sinhalaya’ of Vijaya kumara, creates troubles . So, Tamils need some form of safeguards from Sinhala mobs! Lorenzo and his Parawa fishing gangs already have their own ghettos in kotahena, Jaela or negombo but this fool talk non-sense about others.
More than 150,000 SL Tamil refugees are in India. Will Shenali open her racist mouth and tell what to do with those Tamil refugees? If peace returned, SL must bring them back and re-settle them if SL rulers are decent and honest!
Sri Lanka always a thorn in the ass to India in security matters. whether 13 is there or not Sinhalese and their double crossing mentality will be handled well by India.
October 16th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
voice123,
Where are you living ?
Indians make riots in Malaysia. Were you not aware of riots 3-4 years ago ?
All you said is not true. Ceylon tamils too are in the group “Orang India” ( orangUtang) but they are high achievers and richest group.
Indians are the worst affected by racial Malaysian quota system. They are extremely unhappy.
Our tamils are 100 times better off in Sri lanka , than them.
October 16th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Mudalali,
Murders occured with the killing of Alfred Duraiappa in 1973 and ended in 2009. Between the first and the las person killed, so many had to die, some fools died by killing themselves together with others.
If you can get rid of stupidness, everything will be alright. They will be no Tamil problem any more.
It is the hatredand deluded attitude of Tamils cause these unnessary murders.
If you can treat Sinhala people with love and compassion, you can achieve the lot.
October 16th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I have lived there a few years back for a short period. Correct, Ceylon Tamils are the high achievers among the “Indian” community but they are only like 5 percent of that community and the descendants of the darlings of the British colonial administration. Those weren’t riots but protests gone a bit wild. Even those protesters held placards of Prabhakaran and tamed their criticism of Malaysia by raising the Sri Lanka issue.
October 17th, 2012 at 1:16 am
Tamils in India are NOT refugees. They are IDPs of India.
October 18th, 2012 at 2:23 am
A.Duraiyappah was killed in 1976 (not in 1973), but how the killer Pirabhakaran escaped without any punishment? The corrupt system helped him to go free to continue his murderous spree for another three decades. Now the same thing continue in the matters of judiciary. Is it the Sinhala Buddhist judiciary?
October 18th, 2012 at 4:09 am
Mudali,
‘killer Pirabhakaran escaped without any punishment? The corrupt system helped him to go free to continue his murderous spree for another three decades.”
Yes. That corrupt system you are talking about is in India more than Sri lanka. Agreed ?
It is India that gave protection this bloody idiot who killed so many for a Ga Ga lannd.
Sure, lanka politicians are corrupt, more than agreed. But Indians are even more corrupt, phiscally and mentally.
Sinhala- Buddhist is differnt from Indians by many ways, even if I agreed with you that Sinahalas came from tamilNadu.
October 18th, 2012 at 5:58 am
India and Indians (includes Tamils) in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) financed and set policies and created Sri Lanka Freedom party in 1951. We had freedom from the British but not from Indian. We are still subjects of Indian imperialism.
It is time for Sinhala people to unite and fight for freedo from Indian imperialism and Indian colonial parasites.
October 18th, 2012 at 7:49 am
Sinhala people carry different genes from all over the world. That is their strength – no inbreeding which weakens people physically. We have a set of values that are generally life supportive. Sri Lanka does not carry the Caste System, though it was prevalent among the Northern Tamils and also an inherited self imposed feeling among the Upcountry Tamils (Indian Tamils) who came from Tamil Nadu. Tamil people should now join in Lanka’s mainstream life supportive living.
Tamil Separatism in Lanka and will bring back strong ties with Tamil Nadu resulting in the re-installment of the Caste System for Tamil people in Lanka. In Lanka, be ‘Tamil’ sans Caste & Separatism. In Lanka we will not allow Caste or Separatism.
October 18th, 2012 at 8:37 am
Christie
Sinhala people to unite and fight for freedo from Indian – Not only Sinhala people but also We Tamil people should joint with sinhala people for this liberation !
pass is pass We all made mistake now time for right thinging !
If you can treat Sinhala people with love and compassion, you can achieve the lot.- Dham you are Dham right !!
now up to Tamil people to follow Sinhala people ! We Tamil should accept our foolshnes (Muddal thanam)
Not to follow Indian imperialism- We Tamil have paid heavy price , We need atleast for 100 years to recover!
Also Sinhala People & Politician are helping us more than any one in world ( just imagin We were killing their son & daugter last 30 years if We were them do you thing We will give a drop of water to them now – NO)
ok both made mistake !!!
now live & let’s live !!! ( until Indian come to brian wash us (:-( )
October 18th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Dham:
I talk about the judiciary system of Sri Lanka, not India. Are you going to tell here that Premadasa and his UNP protected the same LTTE goons for the interest of India or Sri lanka?
We have enough shit on our back. First clean it before talk about others. We talk high about Buddhism but we protect criminals through politics. For example all the “KUDU” kings get political protection.
An ordinary farmer or fisherman kill himself to make some money for his family but a criminal without any hardwork make millions and become a political leader at some point. How can we justify this kind of crime based political ideology with Buddhism?
October 18th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
//India and Indians (includes Tamils) in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) financed and set policies and created Sri Lanka Freedom party in 1951.//
What a foolish moron!
October 18th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Fran you say..
Sinhala people carry different genes from all over the world. That is their strength – no inbreeding which weakens people physically. We have a set of values that are generally life supportive.
Sri Lanka does not carry the Caste System..?
Oh really?
You ought to come to Sri Lanka more often
October 18th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Marco,
Just some weeks ago, you wrote to these columns stating that I should ‘come’ to Sri Lanka and see how well people are getting along with each other. Now you say that Sri Lanka does carry the caste system (implying that people do not get along well with each other) … and I ought to come more often ! Now, which of these is the right assumption ?
I am of the view that Sri Lanka does not carry the Tamil Caste System, i.e. there is no government acceptance of or encouragement of any Caste system in Lanka. Buddhists (over 50% of Lanka), do not accept the traditional Hindu Caste System either, neither do the Muslims (Tamil speaking), or the Christians & Catholics (all the Tamils there too), all of which adds up to over 95% of Sri Lanka. Caste may be in the minds of some Northern Tamil leaders or in the minds (self entrenched from Tamil Nadu) Upcountry Tamils. They must be weaned away from such feelings.
You are probably mixing up Tamil Nadu acceptance of Caste with Sri Lankan attitudes. TN still has some 95,000 night soil carriers (Caste based employment) employed by the State govt. alone. The day these attitudes are (gently) removed through building of modern sanitary systems there, then we can say TN is also relatively free of caste.
October 18th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Tamils are Tamils and there are more than 70 million of them in Tamil Nadu. They had their country and regime before the British (English, Welsh, Scots and Irish) made India by forcibly uniting the differen countries of the Indian subcontinent. Tamils and other Indians in Ceylon are not different to Tamils in India or Malasia, Singapore, South Africa etc. The British imperialists took the Indian colonial parasites to its dominions as sepoys and coolies. There are no differnt brands of Tamils.
October 19th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Christie
We all know about our Histrory very well ( hen come first or egg come frist – no one know ) thanks to SWRD’s Free Mahavidyalaya secondray education in mother tange !!!
We live in IT world now this old kaththava won’t give any good to us any more !!!
think after indipendant 1948 !!!
October 22nd, 2012 at 5:19 am
It is time to demand freedom from Indian imperialists.
The problems faced by non Indians in the island are not limited to them.
The same problemis faced by Fijians, Native M (auritians, Zulus in South Africa (Mohandas, N Pilla, Sooka all come from there), Malaysia, Uganda allmost all countries in the Commonwealth. After the WWII Canada, UK, Australia, NZ also feels the effects of non-violent aggression and oppression.