By Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe –
Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe
This tribute is written on Good Friday of 2021, a day that is significant for all Christians and especially for us who have been bereaved by the passing on of our dear friend and colleague Rayappu Joseph, the true and undoubtedly the genuine disciple of Jesus Christ. As we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, my mind goes back to what Jesus quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures, before he began his public ministry. From the book of the prophet Isaiah he read, which is well known as the Nazareth Manifesto of Jesus Christ,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Luke 4:18-19
Bishop Rayappu understood this portion of scripture well and correctly, in the depth of its meaning. He was aware that he had been anointed for a special calling. His calling to be a Bishop of the Church is explained as an ‘Overseer’. I have no doubt that he, in his formation prior to becoming a Bishop, had the authentic understanding of the scriptures. He would have had a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and God’s expectations of his calling. His obedience to God’s calling, first and foremost made him a disciple of Jesus Christ. He was aware that the discipline of the disciple is to continue to be obedient, to keep God’s guidance and the vision of God, uppermost in his mind. That is why he was never a wavering person. His mind and his work could never be influenced by any of the powers that be. His deep commitment to the truth and to the suffering of God’s people, irrespective of where they belonged to, was evident in the firmness with which he was willing to put his body on the line.
A Leader called by God
It was at God’s chosen time, and was the Kairos moment that Bishop Rayappu was called to the leadership of the Church. As his Master taught him he had the preferential option for the poor. In the Nazareth Manifesto, it is said that ‘he had anointed me to bring good news to the poor’. The ‘poor’ here does not mean only the economically poor, but all those who have been discriminated against. What is this ‘good news’ that is spoken here? It is the Good News of Jesus Christ, the good news of freedom and the year of the Lord’s favour. Jesus also quotes about proclaiming the release to the captives and the recovery of sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free. Why was the release to the captives, uppermost in the mind of Jesus?
During the time of His ministry as well as today, there were and are many captives to whom justice and freedom are denied. Suppression continues for the benefit of the authoritative administrators of God’s people. Injustice prevails all around us. Injustice prevails even against God’s creation and we are only silent observers, because we don’t want to rub people on the wrong (or the correct) side. Our survival, existence and the greed for favours have taken precedence over truth and justice and above all our obedience to the Holy Scriptures. There is also the recovery of sight to the blind. Who are the blind in our societies? In addition to those who are physically blind, there are the people who do not want to see, who are indifferent to seeing the truth, whose intelligence is such that they do not have the capacity to grasp the truth. Some people are seeing with blinkers of all colours whose sights have been blurred by their affiliations. It is in such a historical background that this ‘one of a kind’ person, is called by God to be God’s representative in the midst of God’s people.
A Leader who reached out and was outspoken
Rayappu Joseph became the only leader who could understand the human suffering without any biases. In the Anglican prayer book, reference is made regarding a clergyperson who will be assigned a parish and a congregation. The congregation is referred to as the God’s people who have been committed to his or her care by God. It is true that he spoke on behalf of his people who have been committed to his care by God. That was his immediate concern. But it went beyond the limitations of race, religion and colour. We are aware of the number of times he appealed to the majority community, to take the initiative in solving the conflict, for the sake of our beloved nation. His struggle was both within the church and the nation. He was termed a traitor of Sri Lanka, an unpatriotic religious leader and a rebel against the powers that be. However, his prime concern was the people of Sri Lanka, without any differences. His utmost commitment was for the undivided land of Sri Lanka, as well as for the one nation and an undivided people. I believe it is now time to say that he has been the most misunderstood leader in the recent history of our nation. The result was the sad suffering of a paradise nation.
Ecumenical Commitment
An ecumenical leader par excellence Rayappu Joseph, had the ability to see and act beyond his own Christian tradition. He received the leaders from sister denominations with much love and affection and was genuinely willing to work and stay in solidarity with them, for the common good of his people. His understanding of ecumenism went even beyond all Christian denominations. Many a time, we have seen him voicing his concerns for those who had been committed to his care by God, together with leaders of all faiths. Such engagement was never meant to display any popular intentions. He was genuinely a person who accepted everyone and rejected none. His ability and willingness to work with all those who were even different from him, were qualities bestowed upon him by God. They were also marks of his humble obedience to God’s calling.
Meaningful Ministry beyond Self
In his last major interview in January 2014 Bishop Rayappu said, “I have given priority to embrace, speak about and address the aspirations and struggles of people living in my diocese and more broadly in Sri Lanka. It is in this line, and in line with Jesus’ mission to bring good news to the poor, that I talk about people who disappeared, who are tortured and killed in custody, those whose lands are occupied illegally etc. If you or anyone else calls this as doing politics, so be it. For me it is my spiritual, religious, humane mission”. These words of Bishop Rayappu, speaks volumes for the man of deep spirituality.
On another occasion he said, “What can I do, when I am referred to as a tiger and a separatist against Sri Lanka, when I care for the poor and fight for justice?” I do not care too much for that, but will raise my voice against injustice and fight against violation of Human Rights. There was no other person who was able to speak and challenge with equal vigour, to the people of the region who were looking forward to his help and assistance, as well as to those who have exhausted all aspects of peaceful interventions and resorted to violence. He was never a person who endorsed violence.
Forgiveness, a necessity for Reconciliation and Healing
Jesus spoke from the cross and said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. That was the way he showed all his followers, that they should not have any anger, animosity or bitterness against those who persecuted them. This also meant that Jesus was ready to forgive those who persecuted him. The words of Bishop Rayappu above, speak in the same tone of forgiveness. He did not speak about taking revenge. But he admitted that there was nothing that he could do about it. His sense of forgiveness was amply displayed, even though he did not speak it in words that you and I will understand.
A Personal Gratitude
He was a much loved and a disciplined leader. Loved and cared for by ‘one and all’, who awaited his leadership on their behalf. I have personally experienced that in my visits to his home, the Bishop’s House in Mannar. I have had the privilege of staying in his home and enjoying his generous hospitality. Long conversations round the dining table, were most productive and educative. My response to him has always been to a respectful, appreciative and a grateful one, to a senior colleague. How much have I learnt from his humility and the determination to follow his Master, in the mission that the Master had called him to. His hospitality went beyond personal gains. The Bishop’s House was always open to people of all shades and diversities.
It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that we take this opportunity to thank God for his life and ministry, amidst God’s people. Thank you my brother, for all what you have been to us, and to God’s people. Do continue your journey of Life, in the nearer presence of your Creator. May your soul Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
Karikalan S. Navaratnam / April 3, 2021
Indeed, the most moving and profound tribute from his dear friend and colleague
Rev. Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe.
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Burt / April 4, 2021
An excellent tribute from a colleague who understands the trials and tribulations trying to serve the Sick, oppressed, discriminated and falsely accused, which Rev. dr. Rayappu had to face. He did the best to serve God and Man with honesty and integrity.
Eternal rest grant unto Rev. dr. Rayappu Joseph, May his soul Rest In Peace.
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old codger / April 4, 2021
“An ecumenical leader par excellence Rayappu Joseph, had the ability to see and act beyond his own Christian tradition. He received the leaders from sister denominations with much love and affection “
Yes, a great contrast with a current leader who took his own cool time to visit a bomb- damaged church which was of a different denomination.
I am not religious, but I appreciate people who practice what they preach.
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SarathP / April 4, 2021
Thank you, Bishop Kumara, for this heartfelt tribute to Bishop Rayappu.
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Lester / April 4, 2021
Is this Bishop be a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Jesus was a pacifist. Some say he belonged to a mystical cult called the Essenes who were influenced by Buddhism. This Bishop tried to deny he was involved with the fascist LTTE, but the evidence says otherwise. When the Defense Forces wanted to protect Madhu statue, Bishop took the statue to LTTE for safekeeping rather than the Forces. Bishop says he was against LTTE using violence, that is his only complaint against them. He never spoke out against children being forcibly recruited to LTTE or Aunty Adele handing them cyanide capsules. He never publicly condemned Prabhakaran, who created a culture of suicide terrorism and hero-worship. Maybe the Bishop did not want a bullet to his head, if that is the case, fair enough. But he is featured prominently on TamilNet and other Eelamist propaganda materials numerous times.
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old codger / April 4, 2021
Lester,
Did you publicly condemn Rohan Wijeweera in 1989? Did you resist his ID collectors? Did you defy his curfews? Why are you asking silly questions like “Did Rayappu Joseph publicly condemn Prabhakaran?”
At least he had the courage to live with his people in Mannar.
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Lester / April 5, 2021
Old Codger,
What about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who publicly condemned the Nazis on the radio two days after Hitler became Chancellor? Bonhoeffer never backed down; he was eventually hung. What about Rayappu Joseph? Read his own words to get an idea:
“There is nothing wrong in the Tamil nation raising its national flag. The Tamil national flag is not the Tigers’ flag but it is the Tamil people’s flag. Hoisting it is not against peace`”
“I praise the Tigers for being patient despite such provocations. Tamil civilians hoist the Tiger flag in Tamil areas on Great Heroes Day. But the military responds to this peaceful act by sending troops with heavy weapons to assault unarmed civilians who are peacefully hoisting the flag” [TamilNet 15.2.05]
Joseph was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He lacked the conviction to stand up to a brutal dictatorship.
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old codger / April 5, 2021
Lester,
“He lacked the conviction to stand up to a brutal dictatorship”
Do you have the conviction to stand up to a brutal dictatorship? I think not.
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Lester / April 5, 2021
Old Codger,
There is no brutal dictatorship in Sri Lanka As I said elsewhere, the Tamils created their own problems. Any government anywhere will use all means necessary – including military force – to prevent anarchy and separatism. That is the gamble taken by the Tamils. Of course, they lost. Now they expect the international commission to come to their rescue? Maybe a few “sudda’s” will listen if you pay them. But end of day, a lost cause.
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old codger / April 5, 2021
Lester,
“Old Codger,
There is no brutal dictatorship in Sri Lanka”
Yes, and pigs fly too.
I suppose you are one of those foreigners who would like to tell us what to think of our own government.
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old codger / April 5, 2021
Lester,
Maybe you haven’t seen this “Admiral Professor” clown, aka Foreign Secretary, being roasted on German TV :
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://amp.dw.com/en/sri-lankan-foreign-secretary-no-one-cares-more-about-human-rights-than-us/av-57068613&ved=2ahUKEwi4pPfUoufvAhUUQH0KHQ7uC-QQFjAAegQIAxAC&usg=AOvVaw3o3s0NkXT7X6G3-ZQFbhY4&cf=1
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Lester / April 5, 2021
Old Codger,
To the best of my knowledge, you are a supporter of the “Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam” under “Prime Minister” Rudrakumaran. The difficulty for you is that this “Tamil Eelam” does not seem to exist on any real maps. How does one validate the existence of a non-existent entity?
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old codger / April 5, 2021
Lester,
“To the best of my knowledge, you are a supporter of the “Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam””
In that case, your knowledge is faulty. The rest of your premise is therefore irrelevant.
Is this your version of the GR dictum that only people who agree with him are patriots? Even Rudrakumaran is more plausible than the clown I linked to above. Who needs enemies when such ” friends” are available?
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Sinhala_Man / April 5, 2021
Lester,
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You don’t have the courage to even tell us who you are, or what values you stand for. You’re a coward even when there is no threat to you. Dear old codger, do you think that Lester is living abroad, and still afraid to say who he is?
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Now it may be retorted by you that even oc is “anonymous”. However, he is a real rounded personality to me, living somewhere in the South of Sri Lanka, not in Colombo, but in some Provincial place, like me.
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It may be that I have proclaimed my name and residence more clearly than oc has, but I’m sure that most readers regard him as caring, educated, intelligent and witty.
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So, do you want him also to court death, the way some people feel that I am? I have no desire to know what oc’s identity or location are.
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I greatly admire Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but we don’t want all humans to emulate him. I don’t really know much about Bishop Rayappu Joseph; I’ve merely been reading the predictable comments of many. However, a couple of days ago, I made a kindly remark about you; I don’t regret it. You deserved it that day.
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I must now read what Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe has written!
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Panini Edirisinhe
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Lester / April 6, 2021
Dear Sinhala_Man,
The title of this article, “true disciple of Jesus Christ” is highly misleading. I have quoted directly from the Bishop (see above) where he acknowledges the mythical nation of “Tamil Eelam.” This acknowledgement suggests a strong personal bias towards the LTTE. It would seem the Bishop lent “moral” support to the LTTE’s ideology. He is not the only one; there was another bugger “Father S.J. Emmanuel”. So-called “eye-witness” testimony was collected from these individuals and used in LTTE propaganda to convince Westerners that “Sinhala-Buddhists” were deliberately attacking Christian sites aka Madhu Church. Or that the airforce was bombing refugees leaving Jaffna. Rayappu Joseph was definitely part of the LTTE propaganda machine (check TamilNet). Whether that was his actual intention may not be as clear.
Regarding Father Emmanuel, “Father Emmanuel created the Global Tamil Forum, the premier LTTE international organisation to project Sri Lanka as a human rights violator and white wash the LTTE. To promote the LTTE message in Geneva, Father Emmanuel worked with Gary Anandasangari of the Canadian Tamil Congress that came up with the idea that there was ‘genocide’ in Sri Lanka.”
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Sinhala_Man / April 6, 2021
Lester,
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Hitler was a vegetarian, while I am not. That is the only respect in which he was “good”. He spewed hatred of all Jews although well nigh all of them were innocent.
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Many of the strategies used by Prabhakaran were horrible and inexcusable, but the behaviour of our current government proves that there still are issues that Tamil speakers have to challenge. People like oc and me are trying to ensure that another monster like Prabhakaran is not created.
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I sometimes wonder whether there could have been a nicer side to Prabha. I know that many Tamils loved him; that became my business in the year 2000 when I had to re-mark an A. Level General English Paper. The marks went up from 16 to 67, and the results must have gone from Failure to at least B. Since the discrepancy was so great I showed it to all others on the Panel – mostly Sinhalese.
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One lady remarked that his essay on a person whom the guy (there was evidence enough regarding his gender) admired may have had something to do with the low mark. That marking had been checked by four others.
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Sinhala_Man / April 6, 2021
PART TWO
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I’m not so naive that the thought hadn’t struck me. We got every re-marker to check my own objective marking. All confirmed, although some must have known that they would not have overturned the result. One Muslim scrutiniser told me privately that I had “guts” that he didn’t – but remember that it was a different government then.
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Now will somebody tell me that I’ve just violated an oath to secrecy that we all had to sign? Lester, will you not question the ethics of the five who originally under-marked? Or, perhaps, as some have done, on occasion, you may choose to question my proficiency in English.
I can’t be sure that my re-assessment would have stood. I’m almost certain that it would have, but if something similar happened today, I wouldn’t know. How would the outcome of the re-scrutiny request have affected the candidate?
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No idea. Ships that pass in the night.
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Had that re-scrutiny script got to a Tamil examiner would he have changed the result? I doubt it. I know that it is easier for a Sinhalese like me to write as I do.
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Tamil from the north / April 5, 2021
Uncle Lester, there is clear evidence that the LTTE is aligned with Ali Baba and 40 thieves in Colombo. Also Ali Baba gave the LTTE Rs. 180 million in the Vanni jungles. Go and check your facts before spewing your stupidity here. Do you know that fellow Tiran Alles and Basil Rajapaksa, these are the two clowns who took the Rs. 180 mm to that tooth paste advertisement idiot in the LTTE called Thamil Chelvan and gave the money to him in the jungles.
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Lester / April 5, 2021
Tamil from the north,
Politicians are all crooked, what is your logic? I am talking about the Bishop. This guy telling people they’ll go to the heaven while LTTE was abducting their children.
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Tamil from the north / April 5, 2021
Lester, if politicians are all crooked, then do you accept majority of the Tamils and Sinhalese are a good people unfortunately they are all trapped in this country? I am a Jaffna Tamil, the LTTE is no better than the sucessive GOSL. Can you clarify what you meant by the Bishop telling people they are going to heaven while the LTTE was abducting their kids? Your statement is not clear.
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Lester / April 5, 2021
Tamil from the north,
Elsewhere I mentioned that for Tamils, the issue is not Sinhala nationalism, but a narrow-minded focus on exclusivity. On this website, you can see there are many Sinhalese opposed to Gothabaya, while some support him. Even this particular website has an anti-Gotha bias, going by the tone of the articles. However, 99% of the Tamil commentators here will not condemn the LTTE as terrorists. The exceptions are Hoole and Kumar David. The reason is, many of the Tamils, even if they reject violence, agree with certain ideological elements of LTTE- history, colonization, state-sponsored “genocide”, etc. So you see, the spectrum of opinion is much more balanced on the Sinhalese side. If Tamils can replicate this process, they will have a much easier time. Unfortunately, they are still obsessed with human rights, Maaveerar Naal , TamilNet, and recreating a fake history.
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Tamil from the north / April 5, 2021
Lester, I am a Tamil and despise the LTTE. Until the day you have Sinhala nationalists spewing hatred, you will see Tamil nationalists who will be doing the same. Who started all this nonsense? Did the Tamils attack the Sinhalese back in the 50s, 60s, 70s? While the state sat back and encouraged the slaughter of innocent Tamils, they fed Tamil nationalism and paved way for the creation of all these underground movements in the north. Premadasa gave weapons to the LTTE to fight the IPKF in the 80s, Ali Baba gave Rs. 180,000,000 to the LTTE in the Vanni jungles, then Ali Baba recruited mass murderers of the LTTE and gave them STF protection in Colombo. Even KP Pathmanathan who procured illegal weapons for 30 odd years for the LTTE is a bosom buddy of Ali Baba. Where is your criticism of all these atrocious behaviour of Ali Baba? Stop blaming people who did not have a lot of clout in what went on there and start looking at Ali Baba and his 40 thieves who are killing innocent people and pillaging this nation everyday. Start talking about an elected government and stop talking about a terror group that does not even exist anymore.
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Lester / April 5, 2021
Tamil from the north,
Cholas have been attacking this island since 2500 years. Even though Cholas burned Sinhalese cities to the ground, ancient Sinhalese did not have a “hatred” of Tamils. Some of the kings took Pandyans as wives. Regardless of the invader (Chola, British, Dutch, etc), there is a mentality among the Sinhalese to preserve the Buddhist heritage of the island. Before calling this racist, one should consider that Islamic invaders completely wiped out Buddhism in India, Afghanistan, and Indonesia. Also, this form of Buddhism, Theravada, is very unique.
Regarding Tamil nationalism, it began in India and spread to Sri Lanka. Just as DMK party in India opposed Brahmins, Prabhakaran (Karaiyar caste) opposed Vellalar caste domination of Jaffna. All he had to do to take control was assassinate the top leaders of the TULF and rival militant groups. 1983 was good for LTTE, as the Vellalar refugees who went overseas now began funding armed struggle. LTTE even had Indian support for a while. Because of CBK, LTTE was able to capture large areas of land with minimal resistance. Some of the Tamils began believing in fake homeland (Eelam) theory. Everything is simple in retrospect. LTTE should have been finished in 1989 before India interfered. Until 2005, Sinhalese never elected a nationalist government into power. But in 2005, Traitor Ranil was ready to divide the country. Rest is history.
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old codger / April 6, 2021
Lester,
“Cholas have been attacking this island since 2500 years. Even though Cholas burned Sinhalese cities to the ground”
Ah, so now your fake mask of reasonableness has fallen off, and you are revealed in all your nakedness as one of those Mahavamsa faithful. Naturally, you don’t believe anyone but Sinhalayo Buddhists have any rights.
Of course you have every right to believe in a feudal ideology that leaves you a slave to a parasitic set of robed hypocrites.
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Lester / April 6, 2021
Old Codger,
Thanks for proving that you are a supporter of the “Transational Government” of “Tamil Eelam.” Only those reject Mahavamsa can be LTTE supporters.
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Sinhala_Man / April 10, 2021
Oh, no, many of us reject the simplistic Mahavamsa account.
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I’ve given enough links; I have other things to do.
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Please find for yourself the more sophisticated views of Professors Leslie Gunewardena and Karthigesu Indrapala.
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I have read so many of oc’s intelligent comments that although none of us know who he is, you can be quite sure that neither of us would ever have ruck with them.
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Of course, speaking for myself, I will never imagine that any member of the LTTE stopped being a human being from birth to their death.
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BTW, some ex-LTTE guys like Colonel Karuna are now given honoured positions by this government. Of course, I do understand why that has happened – guys likeus try to avoid making rash statements.
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Panini Edirisinhe
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Native Vedda / April 5, 2021
Lester
–
“Elsewhere I mentioned that for Tamils, the issue is not Sinhala nationalism, but a narrow-minded focus on exclusivity. “
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Brilliant.
Isn’t it why Tamil speaking people brought in Citizenship ACT 1948, Sinhala only Act 1956, Status of Buddhism in the constitution, frequent riots against themselves, land grab, Higher University entrance requirement, … ….. ?
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Thanks for reminding Tamil Speaking people.
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Nathan / April 6, 2021
Lester,
Having had a stress-free life, it would be easy for you to say that 99% of the Tamil commentators will not condemn LTTE. Our lives were stressful. You took lives of Tamils for granted; that made some of our youth to take to arms.
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Native Vedda / April 5, 2021
Lester
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“I am talking about the Bishop. This guy telling people they’ll go to the heaven while LTTE was abducting their children.”
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Were you among the congregation when he told people they could go to heaven?
Following his advice did you try to go to heaven?
How do you know people haven’t gone to heaven despite following his preaching?
Are you disappointed?
Please let me know when you reach heaven.
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Lester / April 6, 2021
Vedda,
Unfortunately I could not attend the Good Bishop’s lectures, as your hero’s did not let Sinhalese enter their 100% pure Dravidian paradise. However, I heard that in 2009, entire family of Sun God was sent to the heaven in less than 1 hour. Young son Balachandran was given a biscut before the final departure, while full honors were provided to Sun God via an axe.
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old codger / April 6, 2021
Native,
You know quite well that Lester makes up his own facts, such as 5G cables.
Mark Twain : “Do not argue with a………”
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Sinhala_Man / April 6, 2021
Lester,
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This to me sounds correct: “Jesus was a pacifist.”
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Tolstoy emphasised that; and The Quakers.
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But who are those who say that “he belonged to a mystical cult called the Essenes who were influenced by Buddhism.”?
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The Madhu Statue? I’ve never been happy with idol worship. However, these statues seem to mean something to some people, so I guess it had to be safeguarded.
With hindsight – considering the uncalled for barbarism practised by our Sinhalese politicians (most recent displaying in cremating COVID victims; the present burials in just one place between the Valachennai Paper Mills and Pasikudah is not much better), it looks as though the Bishop made the correct decision.
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“He never He never publicly condemned Prabhakaran” suggests to me that he did so privately.
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I can’t study this subject for ever, but I have now read Bishop Illangasinghe’s article, and also this:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/i-am-called-a-controversial-bishop-because-there-are-controversial-issues-taking-place-dr-rayappu-joseph/
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Quite enough. I’ve not got enough time left in life to be reading more. To me it seems that Rayappu Joseph was as good a man as ever lived.
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RIP
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Lester / April 6, 2021
Sinhala Man,
“He never publicly condemned Prabhakaran” suggests to me that he did so privately.”
This is the most foolish comment I have read on CT. You talk about conviction and being an admirer of Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer went to a concentration camp and was executed for his beliefs. That is real conviction. Similarly, monks in Tibet set themselves on fire to protest against China. The real cowards are this Bishop who refused to condemn Prabharakan, and Prabhakaran. When cornered at Nanthikadal, VP begged for his life. After telling others (including small children) for 30 years to take a cyanide capsule rather than surrender, he could not do it.
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Sinhala_Man / April 8, 2021
Lester,
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It is you who make foolish statements! I’ve not made any deep study of Bonhoeffer. I admit that I have written this: “I greatly admire Dietrich Bonhoeffer” but that doesn’t mean that I’m an authority on the subject! I have rather a shrewd idea that you read just enough about him to know that he was executed in a concentration camp.
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On the other hand, I’m not going to contest somebody who tells me after studying his life that his heroism was amazing. Our lives are too short for us to read everything that we’d like to. Also, there’d be something wrong with me if I spent all my life reading about excruciating suffering.
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Why not read this article that Professor Sarvan has just written?
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/power-its-corruptions/
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Sarvan, like me, has ended up so disgusted with the likes of you that he’s become agnostic, I think.
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A bit of digression, I admit, and CT has been rather strict with me on that score!
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This is more relevant. Make a proper study of this play (I have).
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_in_the_Cathedral
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Tell me, Lester, what have you done yourself, for anybody?
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Tamil from the north / April 5, 2021
Lester, why are you concerned about non-existent entities around the world. They are non-existent!!!! Majority of Tamils have been affected by both parties. I am a Jaffna Tamil and have despised the LTTE and all other rebels just the same way I hate the Rajapaksas. I have lost at least about 20 close family friends and relatives to LTTE assassinations. I have equally lost that many people in the hands of the military. I hate them both equally.
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Tamil from the north / April 5, 2021
Lester, I as a Tamil feel for that Sinhala mother who lost her son who was a soldier. I cry for her not as a Tamil but as a parent. It does not matter which side your son fought. A son is a son!!!! Maveerar day must be remembered as a mother lost her son. Why are you being so cruel in destroying the day that a mother who gave birth to a son who fought and died for the LTTE? Just the same as a mother who lost her son on the Sinhala side, these Tamil mothers also lost their loved ones. Many of the Tamil boys and girls who died were either recruited forcibly or joined voluntarily because there was no way out for them. I do agree some may have joined because they wanted to fight back. Do you know what the police did to Jaffna and the people of Jaffna back in the 70s and early 80s? Do you know the government supressed the flow of information to the south extremely well. Hence the south was kept in the dark and fed them information what showed the northerners in a bad light. The Tamil TULF politicians capitalized on this and fed a poison called nationalism into the hearts and minds of Tamils back in the 70s and 80s. So think before you write. People are not inherently racist, lot of this nonsense is fed to them!!!!!
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