10 December, 2024

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Analysis Of NPP Plan To Develop Tamil Areas 

By Gnana Sankaralingam –                   

Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

Recently during the election campaign in Jaffna, president Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that he will settle the Tamil aspirations for autonomy through development. Whether this is an empty rhetoric or serious intent, will have to be seen in times to come. Probably he may be thinking of counterbalancing Tamil nationalism with economic prosperity, similar to that of Scotland and Quebec scenario and present position in Tamil Nadu. Idealistically northern province has to be developed on par with southern province, which has seen in recent years mega projects such as deep sea port, international airport, expressway, extension of railway and cricket stadium and several minor ones. Realistically this may not happen as firstly there are no resources, and secondly no willingness as focus is on southern electorate.

Development does not stop with rehabilitating roads, restoring tanks or erecting buildings. Recently it was stated that Japan and south Korea are resuming projects that had been stalled. Sadly they are all in the south and not in Tamil areas. In the election campaign, Sajith Premadasa said that he will build a cricket stadium for Jaffna, and so there will be no opposition to it if the government does it, for which land had been allocated in Mandaitivu. There are several projects lined up for the south such as completion of central expressway, building an expressway to Ratnapura, extending Kelani valley line to Ratnapura and beyond among others, but none for Tamil areas. India has submitted plan to build bridge connecting India and Srilanka and road link between Talaimannar and Trincomalee through Vanni which should not be opposed by the government, stating that Sinhalese do not want it.

Development of Tamil regions should conform to the desires and priorities of the local populace and not according to agenda of the government. In this respect convening a ruling body elected by Tamils to carry out development is paramount. At present there is no plan to constitute such an institution with financial clout, in control of its activity. Grass root level authorites cannot undertake mega projects, to bring Tamil regions on par with others. Government must distance itself from opportunistic and incompetent Tamil politicians and officials and rope in Tamils in the country as well as those abroad with proven track record. If NPP is to apply meritocracy, it has to go beyond their support base, being wary of people without any demonstrable credential, who are waiting to jump the band wagon.

One of the issues faced in Tamil areas is lack of water for agriculture and drinking. When Mahaveli scheme was inaugurated, it was told that diverted waters would reach the north. It never happened and now it is time to fulfil the promise. The envisaged scheme is to divert Mahaveli water into Aruvi Aru and from there using existing channels to take water to fill Iranaimadu tank, from which to pump water to Jaffna peninsula, similar to how water is being pumped from Labugama and Kalatuwawa to Colombo city. In addition to that, several desalination plants need to be commissioned to meet the total fresh water requirement. As for Vanni, wells should be constructed to draw water, where government could give subsidy for it. Unlike Jaffna peninsula which could soon run out of ground water, Vanni has sufficient amount and with virgin soil, promoting agriculture would lead to self sufficiency.

Next important issue is housing, where several of them have been destroyed due to the war, where the affected people have no money to reconstruct them. There is no plan by the government to meet this requirement. Even after 15 years of cessation of hostilities, people who were internally displaced are continuing to live in make shift houses. With lack of financial wherewithal faced by the government, it is unlikely that any progress will occur on this matter. Lands owned by people occupied by armed forces are being returned at slow pace, which is not satisfactory if the government is sincerely looking to foster reconciliation. In addition, land grabbing exercises in the name of archaeological sites, Mahaveli zones and forest reserves must be stopped and lands so appropriated given back to Tamils.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Infrastructure development is the key factor in elevating the economy of Tamil areas. Since independence, hardly any investment has been made by the government in the north, while some made in the east was for the benefit of Sinhala settlers. Recent debacle of Sangupiddy to Kerativu bridge is a good example of slipshod treatment meted out to Tamils. Similar to road construction programme for the south, expressways must be commissioned to connect major towns in the two provinces. Promoting Tourism in Tamil regions is a sector which the government must explore. While tourism has not been fully exploited in the east, it remains dormant in the north with high potential, with projects such as beach cabanas off the islands and boat houses in lagoons. Industries catering to export should be established, that could enter markets abroad through retail outlets owned by Tamil diaspora.

Challenges faced by Tamil diaspora in investing in Sri Lanka need to be examined and measures taken to eliminate any hindrances. Recently one Tamil entrepreneur from UK said that there is no guarantee for investments made by Tamils in Sri Lanka. This is a serious indictment made against the state, which must be addressed. Systematic corruption within Sri Lanka’s investment process, where Tamil diaspora reportedly face demand for bribes and other unethical practices will deter them from investing. In addition to red tape and barriers placed by high ranking officials in delaying approval of projects, Tamils also face harassment by armed forces and para-military organisations, who want a slice of the cake. There is also complaint that Tamil investor is being dictated by authorities about the location.

As far as Sri Lanka government is concerned which is eager in developing mainly the south, any mega project proposal put forward by Tamils is unsolicited, to be swept aside without considering its merits. Tamil diaspora has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and ambition, having prosperous lives and businesses globally, and their expertise and resources will without doubt advance the economic goals of Sri Lanka. Till now due to political reasons, Sri Lanka government has missed the opportunity to harness this economic strength of Tamil diaspora, which calls for change to this attitude. Without stability and assurance, there will be no advancement. As first step, empower Tamils in Sri Lanka to live with dignity and safety in their traditional areas. My appeal to NPP government is, without making vacant promises and token gestures, allow Tamils to prosper, whose contribution to national economy would lift up the country from doldrums, just like what Chinese have done to Malaysia.   

Latest comments

  • 8
    0

    Mr. Sankaralingam has raised some valid points particularly in regard to water for agriculture. and drinking. Sadly, the plan to divert Mahaweli waters to the North were aborted by rulers at the time, a majority of whom closet racists.

    The new leader, who was born to a rural, low-income family in a predominantly agricultural part of the country would clearly have more empathy with the farmers of the North who have been battling with these problems for several decades.

    We all hope that “a change is gonna come’.

  • 3
    7

    They promised no easy price reduction of essential goods immediately they grabed power. However,
    .
    Today they deny to have made any such promises.
    .
    – nepotism.
    – oil price reduction
    – VAT to be reduced.
    – Female and younger rights
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjmDdkkALM
    Chanthuranga and his father s contesting …. why do they so ?
    No oil price reduction ?

  • 3
    4

    Political Solution vs Development in the North East.

    First call for Provisional Council Elections, devolve power to the local authorities and allow the Tamil Diaspora will manage development in the NE.

    It is the trust and respect that is needed to reconcile, to live and let live to build up the two nations to develop and prosper together.

    • 3
      3

      This is exactly what is in the article.

  • 2
    7

    Since the dawn of independence or even before during State Council days, the Tamils have been treated as second-class citizens. The Sinhalese chauvinists like DS Senanayake stealthily and SWRD Bandaranaike quite openly were communal-minded and racist.

    The Gal Oya and Allai Kantalai state-aided Sinhala colonization in the east launched in 1947 resulted in drastic changes in the demographic composition. In 1946 the population of Sinhalese in the east was only 8.40%. But today it is 23.15%! In today’s parlance, this is ethnic cleansing per se.

    Bandaranaike, for his part, ousted Tamils from public service by introducing the Sinhala Only Act. Today, the percentage of Tamils in public service is less than 5 percent.

    Both mistakenly believed that the prosperity of the Sinhalese lay in destroying their language, culture and identity.

    All these factors plus the civil war culminated in Sri Lanka declaring bankruptcy in April 2022.

  • 5
    7

    devolution is more important than development for the tamils.Otherwise the unrest will continue.

    • 3
      5

      Tamils appear to be complacent at present, with youths only interested in enjoying life, using drugs, riding motor cycles and spending on food and clothes. Tamil diaspora is partly responsible for this by sending money to their relatives, for them to lead an easy life. Sinhala leaders are capitalising on this lethargy to think that developing Tamil areas will wean Tamils away from devolution. For it to succeed to any extent, genuine substantial development has to take place, and not slip shod measures. Tamil leaders will go along with this plan to fill their pockets, and if the government takes them on board, it will be sure that this scheme will fail. With the current position of lack of money and lack of will, this project is likely to fail. So give it a chance, because failure will boomerang on the Sinhalese with Tamil youths leading the front in agitating of their rights. There will be no unrest with current Tamil politicians in place. As a first step get rid of them and replace with sincere selfless individuals.

      • 2
        2

        To the attention of Tamils: I have been contacting Indian business leaders connected to BJP government regarding funding for my Jaffna Metro project. They told me to wait patiently. Their priority is building the bridge between India and Srilanka across Palk Straits and construction of road / rail link between Talaimannar and Trincomalee keeping to the Vanni to avoid Sinhala area. They are going to come to take over north and east. They said that they have found sources of oil in three sites, two in peninsula and one just outside on east coast. So whatever spent to develop Tamil areas will be self supporting without depending on Sinhala generosity.

    • 3
      3

      Shankar:
      You are damn right! There can be no substitute for Devolution but for some reason this does not seem to penetrate the thick skulls of many people. Either racism or low IQ, I think.

      • 3
        3

        capt morgan

        same happened in ukraine.The leaders, numbskulls that they were refused devolution to the russian speaking people bordering russia.Now they have lost those areas that constitute 20% of the country and brought unimaginable horrors to the ukrainians.

        sometime this century india will take over the north and east to have a buffer between its vulnerable southern borders and increasing influence of china in SL.

        The people of the north and east will welcome this as now the selfish prabha is no more.That is why when you have minorities you have to treat them well.

      • 2
        3

        capt morgan.

        this is what happens as people become more educated and assertive in a democracy.Leaders are led by the dumb masses and not the other way about.example SWRD tearing up the banda chelva pact that could have avoided a 25 year old civil war.Just imagine if nehru did not devolve powers to the 25 different kingdoms that constitute india and some other leader tried to do it 25 years later.There would have been a uproar by the northern aryans and dravidian south india would be seperated by now.Who knows india might be even 25 countries.

        Nehru did it at the correct time just after independence when the masses accepted that they were asses and let the leaders do decisions on their behalf.After the free education of the masses though they are still asses they think otherwise.

        education=knowledge + wisdom + culture. Having knowledge only is not enough to be a educated person.Also too little knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge.The free education gives only literacy and numeracy knowledge.

        • 2
          2

          “Just imagine if nehru did not devolve powers to the 25 different kingdoms that constitute india and some other leader tried to do it 25 years later.”
          Did he do that?
          Why did he put Master Tara Singh behind bars?

          • 1
            0

            SJ
            even when tara singh went on a hunger fast to get a seperate sikh state nehru did not jail him.He wrote to him stating he will look into it and tara called off the fast.

    • 3
      1

      Check with Tamils below the poverty line.

      • 0
        0

        SJ development and devolution should go hand in hand with each other.We should not get bribed like the way prabha was bribed by mahinda and entered nanthikadal.

  • 5
    2

    You can’t eat a flag – John Hume

    • 0
      6

      but you can have the pole put up your arse like what happenned to ghaddafi.

      • 6
        0

        Indeed, our glorious leader VP has demonstrated that what you suggest is a possibility along the trajectory he dragged our people along!

        • 3
          2

          SAV
          Despite that there are worshippers of the cult figure.

      • 3
        2

        “like what happenned to ghaddafi.”
        The pole went up the wrong hole. I think that the President of the US at the time deserved it best.

        • 0
          1

          sj
          or is it the hole of secretary of state hilary.with bill running around with other women she might have even welcomed it provided you do it gently.

  • 5
    5

    ” just like what Chinese have done to Malaysia.”

    Not a good comparison. Chinese never ask for special rights, wherever they live. If you look at the US and UK, there are hardly any Chinese politicians. Even though Chinese immigrated to the US as early as the 1800’s to work on the railroads. Meanwhile, Ponnambalam was asking for 50-50 and SJV/TULF sponsored armed separatism front and center. Chinese were so successful in Australia that at one point they were banned.

    • 3
      4

      Lester the senile,
      “Even though Chinese immigrated to the US as early as the 1800’s”
      “Chinese never ask for special rights, wherever they live. “
      “Meanwhile, Ponnambalam was asking for 50-50”
      Was Ponnambalam an immigrant? From where?
      Just asking for another three wheeler driver.

    • 2
      3

      Chinese are primarily interested in Business to make money. They know that money can buy many things in the world. They are also concerned about their culture and religion. When discriminated in education, they did not bother about it. With their money they educated their children abroad in top professions. When discriminated in housing, they bought properties given to Malays with their wealth. While Malaysia allowed Chinese to prosper economically and culturally, Indonesia under late Suharto suppressed them. Chinese letters were banned in public posters and Chinese were not allowed to build temples. There was an anti-Chinese riots in which 800 Chinese were killed and their properties destroyed. This resulted in world outcry and Indonesia lost East Timor. Chinese are successful not only due to business acumen, but also their use of mafia technique to put down others.

      • 3
        3

        “Chinese are primarily interested in Business to make money.”

        One could argue, money is more powerful than political power (excluding a dictatorship). In the Western countries, it is the Central Banks that print money and set the interest rate. By doing so, they control purchasing power and limit people’s ability to borrow. So every economic decision (buy house, car, retire, etc) can be traced back to the CB. In a democracy, politicians usually influence the short-term, but not the long-term (different from the CB). The $36T USD debt of the USA comes from policies started by Alan Greenspan in 2001. At some point, this debt will decide the fate of the USA.
        Now the interesting point: those who benefit most from the policies of the CB are the wealthy. Unlike the government, the CB does not engage in social welfare. So if you are a minority, your primary goal should be to acquire wealth, not political power. This is why Muslims are more successful than Tamils in S Lanka. The day that Muslims demand 50-50 or separatism, the dynamics will quickly change.

        • 2
          1

          Lester now that you have been exposed as alter ego of Rev. Fernando, why not follow HLD Mahindapala aka Eagle Eye and commit suicide.

        • 0
          0

          lester

          “One could argue, money is more powerful than political power (excluding a dictatorship)”
          money can be used to get political power too.Trump did it and now elon musk is doing it and has some political power through trump and next election will be the republican candidate endorsed by trump.Money makes the world go around.

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