19 March, 2024

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Elucidation Wanted: On Tamil Issues & Solutions – Part II

By A. Sivapathasundaram

A. Sivapathasundaram

As Chief Minister of Northern Province  

Justice C.V. Wigneswaran, chosen by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), was the Chief Minister of Northern Province from 1 October 2013 to 24 October 2018 – for a full term of five years. In the said article in the ‘Colombo Telegraph’, he then laments that “in the North recently despite the 15 TNA Representatives in Parliament, workers appointed such as Electricity Meter Readers have all been Sinhalese from outside the Province”.

This is a direct swipe at the TNA and their representatives in Parliament in a transparent attempt at promoting his newly formed outfit to contest at the next elections. However, out of so many other serious lapses of the TNA Parliamentarians of which they can rightly be accused of, to accuse them of not acting at the appointment of “Electricity Meter Readers” is a bit too cheap a swipe. He then follows it up saying “if we were still in the Provincial Council we would have protested; but this was done after we relinquished office”.  No doubt, TNA parliamentarians — most of them the same faces elected repeatedly for many years — have miserably failed to achieve a political solution for the Tamils nor have they uplifted them from the morass of educational, social and economic degeneration. The Tamils will serve themselves good to note the wise words of Albert Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. 

However, one is also constrained to request CVW to provide a list of such aberrations, wrong-doings and injustice perpetuated by the Sri Lankan government which he was able to prevent during the tenure of his Chief ministership. 

Required from him is also a comprehensive list of his accomplishments as Chief Minister attained by the maximisation of the provisions already vested by the 13th Amendment (the very purpose for which he was elected), except making emotive speeches, passing ‘genocide resolutions’ and giving proclamations on national politics, which are, in any case, beyond the ambit of  duties  and responsibilities he was elected for in the first place.  By this, he can enlighten the sceptics to refrain from their conclusion that all what he did was to run an inefficient NP administration that was embroiled in inner squabbling, bickering and unfit for purpose.  

His constant cover was to blame the inadequacy of the 13th Amendment. — It is true that the 13th Amendment has ambiguities and deficiencies, part also due to lack of sincerity and political will on the part of the Central government in its implementation. However, casting blame solely on the inadequacies of the 13th Amendment for any failures is akin to a “person who cannot dance blaming that the stage is curved”. – One gets elected as Chief Minister under the 13th Amendment, holds the exalted office for five full years and blames its inadequacies for his non-performance and that of the ministers and officials of NP council – as if NP governance was formed after an electoral process and a mandate to TNA, only to proclaim that the 13th Amendment is “weak and is of no use”!  

It is to be noted that the Provincial councils are not just for the North & East; they are also for the other seven provinces of Sri Lanka. It is therefore in the interest of the other Provincial Chief Ministers to ensure powers that are not impeded by the Central government. CVW could have taken a lead role to have discussions with the Chief Ministers of the other Provinces, at least with that of the East, to collectively seek rectifications. 

Also, as a legal luminary amongst the Tamils, CVW could have initiated resorting to the Courts challenging the usurpation of the letter and spirit of the provision by the Central government and even the validity of the de-merger of North & East, instead of merely moaning and  complaining constantly. On the contrary, unfortunately, the only time he had been to Courts during the five years of his tenure was to defend himself when sued for wrong dismissal by a NP minister.  

On education, CVW points to “many Sinhala speaking Nurses and Doctors been posted to the North and East”. He himself attributes it to a shortage of such professions amongst the Tamils. However, ‘Education’ is a devolved subject of the Provincial governments with a minister appointed for it. The solution, therefore, is to raise the types and levels of education and technical skills of the student populace of the North. One would like CVW to elucidate the positive and concrete steps that have been taken towards this during the tenure of his Chief Ministership through his Education ministry.  

What one finds in the North is a rampant proliferation of private tutories reeking large profits and the falling standards in teaching in the schools in the North. One example is the deterioration of the two prominent schools in Jaffna — the Jaffna College & Uduvil Girls College. There have been accusations of misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency and maladministration by the Board of Directors to which a particular Bishop in Jaffna is the Chairman. The Board comprises mostly of relatives, cohorts, and accomplices of this Bishop. Mr. M. Sumathiran MP is said to be the legal advisor to him. The ‘Trustees of the Funds’ in America have suspended the release of the full funds until ‘good governance’ and ‘accountability’ are introduced and implemented. There is an on-going legal proceeding in the US courts filed by the Board, at a huge and unnecessary cost, against the Trustees This matter was brought to the attention of CVW as the Chief minister and to the Education minister of NP requesting their influence and exercise of their authority to set things right by calling the parties in the interest of the students and the community, but of no avail; they chose to keep quiet allowing the deterioration of situation further and further.  

It is regrettable that the Tamils could not administer even a Province properly for the betterment and the socio-economic upliftment of the people it was elected to perform. — It ended up with corruption and inefficiency blaming each other, and with even a vote of no-confidence on the Chief Minister himself!  

India & Thirteenth Amendment  

CVW says “Hope India which brought in the Provincial Councils under the Thirteenth Amendment, however powerless the institution may be today, is aware of the situation here.”

The establishment of the Provincial Councils under the Thirteenth Amendment brought by the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in 1987 is the only constitutional provision on devolution of powers in the statue books, however weak and ambiguous certain provisions and powers devolved are. Most importantly, it was that Agreement that made it possible for the merger of the Northern & Eastern Provinces as a single devolved unit. It had even the crucial support of the Muslims, led by their influential founder/leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, late M.H.M Ashraff. It was only because of that the security forces vacated from the Tamil areas and an administrative unit for a combined North-East was established with Mr. Varadaraja Perumal of the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Front ( EPRLF) as the Chief Minister and a cabinet of multi ethnic composition reflecting ethnic unity — and that too in Trincomalee. 

All in utter vain! — India changed its stance of active involvement to a by-stander. It degenerated into a situation  which is akin to what one Tamil poet described, which loosely translated in English means : “While he was dreaming of donning a silk garment, he was robbed of even the loin cloth he was wearing”. That the diplomacy of the Sinhalese leaders and the political short-sightedness and stupidity of the Tamil leaders turned the tide of India’s support against the Tamils is history.  

India would do no more; it had burnt its fingers. With Rajiv Gandhi’s killing, the support has been made more blunted. And, now India has to contend with the influence of China in Sri Lanka for which they have to ensure that the Sinhalese are not antagonised and the perceived fear of them of India is not fanned.  

Solution to the Ethnic Question

On the “solution the Ethnic Question”, CVW says, “We would like to have a full-fledged federal constitution  for the  merged  North and East which will ensure the integrity of the Island but give the Tamils and Muslims the elbow space ( his words) to look after their affairs themselves un-interfered by the South. The Muslims will have their area demarcated within the merged North and East and they would be entitled to self-government in their areas”.

This is an oft touted general verbosity as a solution to the “ethnic question” and for ethnic harmony. However, its exact connotations, implications, and practicalities in the context of the realties prevailing now is never fully elucidated.  

Full-fledged Federal Constitution 

True, ‘Federalism’ “is what most of the Tamil political parties have been repeatedly urging upon”. However, federal constitutions adopted by various countries in the world are many and varied, all not necessarily the same. Those who advocate it do not detail the exact structure of that “fully fledged constitution”, except only to use “self- determination”, “self-government” and “federalism” as constant but vague jargons as political solution. 

It is a paramount deficiency on the part of the Tamils not to have brought out a detailed and comprehensive “white paper” as to what it all actually entails and to allay the real or perceived fears of the majority Sinhalese that ‘federalism’ as envisaged by the Tamil leaders does not lead to ‘separation’ in any way; or bickering by any of the communities resulting in constant conflict between communities or with the Central government. Surely, being a patriarch of the legal profession holding high offices, CVW could spend his time and energy in organising the Tamil legal fraternity the drafting of such a ‘federal constitution’ with the necessary safeguards to other communities.   

Moreover, the introduction of such a ‘fully fledged constitution’ would mean getting the consensus of the majority of the Sinhalese and Muslim communities and passing in the Parliament with a two-thirds majority. As to how  any Tamil leader who advocates it, plans to achieve it or what they have done to lobby and enlist support from the other communities, except for raising it at meetings of the Tamils (which is a mere effort of “trying to convert the converted”) and “demanding” it, is never answered, elucidated or dealt with.  

Merged North and East

Be it by design or otherwise, Eastern Provincial council is now ruled by the Muslims. The Muslims in the East, let alone the Sinhalese, would not want the East merged with North, thereby reducing their sphere of political power and influence. How do those who, rightly, demand a merger of the North & East get the important consensus of the Muslims to get about, is never addressed. 

The one and the only chance of the merged North-East was as a result of the direct involvement of India in the 1980’s. That too, by political stupidity, lack of farsightedness, and emotional subjugation on the part of the Tamils has become just a historical event, thrown into the dustbin of history.

Tamils had, at least as a historical reminder, the name of Varadaraja Perumal as “Ex Chief Minister of North-East Province”; and now, by their blunders, had shortened and narrowed to C.V. Wigneswaran as “Ex Chief Minister of North” (only)! 

Genocide & International intervention  

CVW goes on to ascribe factors that constitute the definition of “genocide” under ‘Article 2 of the UN Genocide Convention’. He also goes on to warn that at the rate of “Sinhalese dictating terms” the possibility of a future “full-fledged genocide” taking place. He thereby implies a distinction between “genocide” and “full-fledged genocide”. 

Except passing emotionally charged resolution at the NP council to placate a certain Tamil constituency or as heroic stunt, and most populist Tamil leaders giving the false impression and deceptive hope to the gullible Tamils that the International community is out there ready and rearing to enforce the Tamils’ demands and ‘serve them on a plate’ and only thing for it is the Tamils have to get them elected, one is inclined to ask what further concrete and meaningful actions have been taken that would lead to convictions, remedies and attainment.  

CVW then goes on to warn that “successive governments have time and time again failed to take account of our demand for a federal solution and all our hopes have now faded” and that “has created a situation for our people to call upon the international community to conduct an internationally monitored referendum to determine the solution to the ethnic question”. 

Even the UNHRC resolution on “Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability & Human Rights in Sri Lanka” has been dragged on and diluted for the last 10 years without any concrete outcome. It is important that we take full cognisance of the fate of the Palestine movement and the Palestinian people: The question of Palestine was first brought before the General Assembly of UNO in 1947 and it still remains unresolved after 73 years. The international community is even unable to make Israel comply with the many UN Security Council Resolutions on Palestine. Despite the support of a powerful body as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member countries and an array of the international community, the Palestinian land is not free of occupation and oppression by Israel. Many thousands of Palestinians are languishing as refugees for years with the situation each year becoming worse. What chances then or why, the Tamils of Sri Lanka have? 

Which are the “International powers” he is referring to? 

India? – It has often clearly stated that its position is implementation of the 13th Amendment both in letter and spirit, in accordance with the Agreement signed by two countries: China? – In its unrelenting drive for international domination and supremacy, it is only interested in governments and leaders who will cooperate with the establishment and consolidation of its expansionism, commercial interests, and unhindered supply chains. It does not care nor is it concerned about the violation of human rights neither in its own country nor in other countries. It is on record that to ensure the continued support of the Sri Lankan government, the Chinese would even go to the extent of blocking any such intervention as an infringement on its sovereignty; US? — it will only do that much to rope in the subordination of Sri Lanka in its ambit or to counter the influence of China; Canada? — It has no international standing of its own and would merely toe the line of US, despite the presence of a large number of Tamils in the country. They may allow them just to vent their feelings and no more;  Britain? — Except for its local political compulsions because of the Sri Lankan Tamil votes in marginal constituencies, they would limit with mere voices and no concrete actions. It has been now reported that Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force, dreaded for its atrocities and torture on Tamils, was formed with the help of the British security forces; and when this accusation was levelled, documents related to it are said to be missing. 

Who else, then? 

The Future 

It is important that a clear and well-defined elucidation of the above is obtained. It is patently obvious that there is a serious lack of proper Tamil leadership that is capable of mobilising the masses, except to the election booths. 

The voting pattern in Sri Lanka when it comes to elections is the same as ever before —The extremists amongst the Tamils with anti- Sinhalese slogans and cheap rhetoric would be elected in majority on the Tamils side; and the chauvinists amongst the Sinhalese with anti-Tamils, and now also anti-Muslims, slogans and cheap rhetoric would be elected in majority on the Sinhalese side! 

And, so the tragedy that is Sri Lanka continues!!

Related posts

Elucidation Wanted: On Tamil Issues & Solutions – Part I

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Latest comments

  • 4
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    A. Sivapathasundaram,
    You have listed a load of accusations, mostly against Justice Wigneswaran.
    Poor CVW accepted the wrong job, at the wrong time. Got carried away with it. Granted.
    He will respond to your strongly worded critical attack, I hope.

    • 4
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      Nathan, the expectations from CVW were very high when he was elected by a large majority; and consequently, the disappointments are also very high. May be he was thrown into the water the depth of which was he did not know or cannot swim or just allowed himself carried by its tide, drunk with power and prestige. It could be also one of Samapanthan Iya’s many errors of judgement — not that unfortunately there are any others in the TNA who would have fitted that bill. However, the elucidations requested on matters CVW expressed in his recent article in ‘Colombo Telegraph’ were not just from him or should be construed narrowly as just confined to him. It is also from other Tamil political leaders and activists who subscribe to and express those very issues , views and solutions—not by way of attacking them, but , as I had mentioned in Part I of my article, “in the hope and expectation that such elucidations, debate and discussion would lead to an objective re-assessment of Tamil politics, in order to pave a meaningful and realistic path for the attainment of the social, economic and cultural progress and prosperity of the Tamils in Sri Lanka, in the context of the changed national and international realities”.

      • 2
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        A.Sivapathasundaram,
        It is very unkind of you to just spill words. Specifically, ‘May be he was …. drunk with power and prestige’.
        Does Justice Wigneswaran look a man seeking power. Didn’t he have a standing in life when he ‘accepted’ the offer.
        Let us be modest in our criticisms of men who come forward to help us politically.

        • 3
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          Nathan, I only said in my assessment of what the expectations from Justice Wigneswaran from the ordinary people and the disappointment from a man of high standing in terms of actual performance and responsibility he was elected for and entrusted with, and his straying into much trampled Tamil politics by formation of another party in cohort with those who are themselves tainted (including, as an example only, a former revolutionary who subordinated and sold his soul himself to the very forces that killed his revered leader and the like). That he is against TNA , the very party that brought him into power is beside the point, although he had never failed to look upon Sumanthiran as just his student and Sambanthan as a failed lawyer, both never risen to his standard profession-wise. .Don’t misunderstand me, I hold no handles for them either . Inexplicable as it is, I thought “maybe ( I didn’t say for sure– I can’t see how I could be more modest) he was drunk with power and prestige”, though accepting the “offer” reluctantly. “Political power & prestige” , Nathan, as I perceive, unlike the power and prestige one enjoys as a result of academic achievements or in profession or enterprise or entrepreneurship) is like a “drug”—you are given a little or start with a little, and have a little more and more of it , you inexorably gets hooked on to it and wants to have more and more of it, and the sense of rationality and reality gets strewn aside. If you think he is one of those “who come forward to help us politically” , and if you are sincerely and rationally convinced that he and his performance, words and methodologies would help the Tamils to attain their socio-economic upliftment & progress and achieve their political aspirations, who am I to argue or stop it!—Good luck !!

          • 1
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            A.Sivapathasundaram, I have said previously that CVW was wrong to have allied with political discards. The moment he found out that TNA was not what he thought of it, he should have bowed out. He is a failure from the very instant he founded that party.

            • 2
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              Nathan,

              When CVW was chosen to contest, I said on CT that as a justice, he had been used to being respected by default, but as a politician he would face criticism from every side-left, center, right – and he would have to develop a thick skin.

              I feel the issues raised by the author, AS, are valid. CVW himself, or others who support him, can provide a rebuttal.

              I will try to make a separate comment on the points made by AS.

              • 1
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                Agnos,
                Things are never clear and transparent in politics. Politics is not suited for rigid men. The pressures of politics has taken a toll on him.

          • 1
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            A.Sivapathasundaram, I have taken the trouble to always give my explanations on whatever you were questioning me about. Yet, I am still waiting your answer on what made you to accuse, ‘drunk with power and prestige’. You want throw mud at Justice Wigneswaran and yet skip responding when asked about it.

            • 0
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              A.Sivapathasundaram, You were there when writing the article. You were there when making the comment. You were there when insulting me with your, ‘if you are sincerely and rationally convinced that he and his performance, words and methodologies would help the Tamils to attain their socio-economic upliftment & progress and achieve their political aspirations, who am I to argue or stop it!—Good luck’. You vanish – the easy path – when asked for a reason for accusing Justice Wigneswaran.

              • 0
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                Nathan, I thought I answered you; I have given the reason. Please read the thread below– an answer. Why employ unnecessarily harsh words?. If I had in any way offended you, I am sorry. I only said if you think or conclude CVW or likes of him and their approaches and methodologies is what would be the panacea for the Tamils, so be it!– That is all what I said.You are not only concluding that I am in a different “world” — a theoretician, thank you for the undeserved accolade– and cannot be “helped” and asked other commentators ( for eg, addressing Agnos) advising them of your much laboured finding. Surely, we can discuss and debate collectively and objectively without being trampled or led by outburst of emotions, and that applies to me as well. Believe me, I am trying my best.

            • 0
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              Sorry, Nathan. I just saw this thread of yours. I thought I had dealt upon your ‘drunk with power and prestige” (of CVW) issue you had raised, by my reply on July, 7. Kindly go through that reply of mine, in case you had missed it. First of all, as I had said in that said reply to you, that , I didn’t assert “he is” ; I only said “May be”. It is also because I could not rationalise the actions of such a religious man ( that he was and is an ardent follower of one Ravi Swamy, later turned Premananda and convicted for nefarious and abhorrent deeds after trial by the Indian Supreme Court and died in prison there is another matter) of notable education and professional achievement , brought into politics so that he would bring out a positive and tangible change to the socio-economic and educational upliftment of the long-suffering people of the North. On the contrary, he ended up dabbling in ‘genocide ‘ resolutions, not running an effective administration, forming another party with some of the rejects and coming out with words and opinions in the name of “ Tamil Nationalism” , but that only increase the Sinhala- Tamil divide. And in that short period of non-achievement, to be visited personally by Modi , the Indian Prime minister, is something he would not have dreamt of. That sort of a situation naturally would have a tendency to bloat one’s ego and actions and as it is said “goes to head”. After all, he is also a human being. Hence, all taken in toto, the desire to be at the helm of Tamil politics by the formation of another Tamil political party, as if what we have already is not enough. Does this mean or speak of anything about him to you, Nathan?

              • 0
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                A.Sivapathasundaram, You have laboured a lot to wiggle out. You have gone in to ‘semantics’, – between ‘is’ and ‘may’.
                The start was the description, ‘drunk with power and prestige’.
                Even a ‘may be’ rationalization is not supported by any actions of CVW.
                Note: I have not attempted anywhere to excuse him for allying with political discards or forming a new party with those men. So, leave me out of your ‘good luck’ kindness.
                Don’t tell me that he is also a human. Are you not one.
                CVW has disappointed several, including me. But, that does not call for any immoderate hyperbole.

    • 2
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      Dear Friends,
      .
      please think twice before going to use your vote in the upcoming election. Your voting power should be your REAL POWER to make a tangible change in this country. Only a young leader could lead us to a good nation. Believe in your healthy conscience not being submissive anyone. It is your right as a srilanken citizen even if so called SINHALA supremicists would make every effort to mislead you.
      :
      :SJB, UNP, JVP, TNA; SLFP (goodies) and all are much better and human faces than the bunch of high criminals contest under SLPP led by ULTRAL racist Rajapakshes.

      Dont respect any one promote RAJAPAKSHE CHINTHANAYA which almost made us a CHINESE DEBT TRAP number one.
      .
      Let s hope a country free from RAJAPKSHE RASCALS, if we really want to ACHIEVE a better nation and country for our YOUTH in SL.

  • 2
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    A.Sivapathasudaran concludes his article with a pessimistic note- “the tragedy that is Sri Lanka continues”

    It is rather unfortunate.

    A little bit of history is essential at this stage

    We have 13 Amendment to the constitution and Provincial Council Act No 42 of 1987. Both was enacted and certified on 14 November 1987.

    The other of Course was the 16th Amendment certified on 17 December 1988. That made Sinhala and Tamil the Languages of administration throughout the country.
    This 16th amendment was almost passed unanimously and to this day accepted by all parties.

    The 13A was actually a carbon copy of similar provisions in the Indian constitution. However the Provincial council act No 42 of 1987 that deals with finance and administration is controversial and makes the entire process not devolution friendly.

    We need not reinvent the wheel.

    Now if we look at the Interim report of the Constitutional Assembly process during the Yahapanaya government, a lot was achieved, it had removed all negative features of 13A and the Provincial Council Act No 42.

    However, it has still not satisfied some sections of the Tamil and Sinhala communities and come to a standstill and could not be passed.

    Nevertheless, we need not throw the baby with the bathwater, but consider it as a working paper and renegotiate in good faith and the controversial sections ironed out.

  • 0
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    Nice word Elucidation.
    Nice words wont help the crude “para demala”

  • 3
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    Dear AS

    Thank you. We have to go back to FP/TULF political meetings after meetings and Suthenthiran writings for anyone to understand this folly/evil. Democracy was a vehicle for a bunch of invalid to make a living that was all.

    All we can say now was said by Poet Bharathy a very long time ago “Nenjuporukkuthilliaiye” (https://youtu.be/JgUOyi2TWyo) capturing the sick society needed change…..then again if the change comes in the form of FP/TULF hence we are doomed. Not the fault of Hon Judge indeed when you can not harp on about Sinhala this and that anymore??? no one in this grouping knows what else to do naturally?? because they never have ever thought about that in the first place correct?? Just like JVP did wanted to topple a government and do what exactly?? ended up killing the fellow countrymen as a consequence??

    When we asked the TULF supporters how the tamils suppose to economically survive after the separation one was given an answer if “Israel can do we can do too”…..that is exactly what we have done taken down everyone with us. Please note this answer was in mid 70’s too.

    That sums up all we need to know??.

  • 4
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    Dear Sir

    You have captured a lot of essence of what is wrong with our situation not just as Tamils but also as Sri Lankans. We took all of them down with us for what & why?

    The answer lie not in “Tamils and Tamil Leadership” bubble, “Muslim and Muslim leadership” bubble……..but finding Duriappas and Thiagarajah;s and all those who joined the government in 1970 to build a Nation with a Job Scope attached as to what an elected Member of Parliment suppose to do to their electorate under the leadership of the elected Head of State of Sri Lanka until the following elections. What happed in Jaffna is when the folly was found out and voters rejected them they resorted to guns nd killings for which they yet to be tried and put behind bars????.

  • 4
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    Dear Sir

    You have captured the most important elements when Hon MR given the NPC (be it not what was wanted by the TNA) and right to return I thought all the Tamils around the world were going to pack their bags and return home with all their wealth to see to her future? All the Singaporeans / Malaysian /Indian/South AfricanTamils will give up all they have and help her develop by being their and sacrifice what they have asked someone else child to die for them??

    yep they all came back to invest/holidays (very short) and through some money at some orphanages?? When Jaffna Tamils did not want to work?? Had money sent from overseas for a life style none of us ever had? drug is an issue?? When (my classmate too) our Jaffna Judge try to intervene someone wanted to kill him too???? and immoral society need a different discussion for uplifting not devolution and separation?? you may agree Sinhalese could not help us in this area.

  • 1
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    Thank you AS. Might be a good idea to put the link to your first article.

    • 1
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      Good idea Anpu. It would be good to have that correlation. But, I don’t know how to do it nor can I do it. I presume only ‘Colombo Telegraph ‘ moderator/editor can do it, which I presume/hope he will do if this has come to his attention and he too thinks it is good to do so.

  • 3
    0

    Mr. A. Sivapathasundaram,
    You have raised lots of questions from Tamil political leadership but I don’t think there is an answer for your questions from our Tamil political leadership and I don’t know whether you have any answers to these questions. Even Sinhalese and Muslims have lots of similar questions to answer but I don’t think whether they have an answer to those problems. Srilanka as a country was a failure because we have a very strong racism and fundamentalism but no peace, no economic development, no stability and every one is living under constant fear and no one trust each other for more than seven decades.
    This an election time. Politicians come up with lots of problems, lots of promises, lots of accusations, lots of fight, lots of arguments but once the election is over, they go. Thats it.
    Our people don’t bother about the country, politicians are not bothered about the country, religious leadership are not bothered about country or people.

  • 4
    3

    Dear Sir

    If we are looking for solutions then this means removing the problems. The problem here is the FP/TULD/TNA and they need to be removed from the scene.

    To do that we need a graph showing time vs death (just as we did for the corona virus) in our country ever since FP/TULD/TNA in the scene, foreign government interventions this includes the JVP blunder allowed India to save our government in the 70’s too . There are multiple 56’s in very many nations history but only in our Nation we talked about 56 forever and created 77 and 83 and then the 2009.

    Progressive politics does not create ghettos of any nature…because progressive means caring and sharing and one for all and all for one. The same applies to the Muslims too they need to come on board the same concept. Indians are ok because Indian government is capable of taking care of the matters now differently.

    • 4
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      Thiagarajah Venugopal,
      “The problem here is the FP/TULD/TNA and they need to be removed from the scene.”

      I told this in my comments several times as the solution. I do not know whether you read those comments. This bunch of racists took ordinary Tamil people for a ride for their political survival. They gave the impression to ordinary Tamil people that Sinhala Buddhists are their arch enemy in order to maintain their caste-based oppression of Dalits instead of encouraging them to learn Sinhala and live in harmony with them. With that kind of brainwashing, Vellala elite politicians managed to drag Dalits into terrorism. LTTE leadership looked at moderates in Tamil community as their enemies and eliminated them.
      I sincerely hope that your views will be taken seriously but I have doubts about that.

      • 4
        2

        Dear EE

        First and foremost I respect your views as much as anyones else views including JVP/FP/TULF/TNA/LTTE or any other forms extreme views as long as no one commit thuggery/intimidation/killings of the other period.

        When we set out to do something in a democracy and this as base for change/journey etc we can not change tactics is unfair on all others who also call the same place their Country/language/race/religion/heritage etc…..in my view it is a devils advocacy as much as any other injustices we set out to solve. The consequences are here for all to see.

        My believe and basis of Nation building as follows based on what we have inherited that is a very Multi cultural society needing solutions such as haves and have nots over and beyond race/religion/language lines. When I accept to be citizen of one democratic Nation I need to objectively look at issues and find solutions is my responsibility.

        • 4
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          The issues I found having born in 1963 are as follows……most of which I later learned as I grow up is what I mean and they were as follows…….there is party called federal party in Tamil areas discussing issues claim to Tamil issues vs Sinhalese……when I looked around in my community there were even bigger issues whilst everyone went about trying to survive in a developing Nation as best as we could….specially from my village we are all business people with well established businesses all around the country specially where Sinhalese are a majority, very many people employed in the civil services/Medical professionals/Accountants/Lawyers and others in Fisheries/Farming/Construction/Carpentry/Black smiths/general labourers attending all sorts of daily life etc.

          We had huge disparity between several communities based on what they do for living and specially most were affected by the caste system than any other. Please note by now we are all leaning in Tamil (I studied unto my A/L in Tamil) and no riots nor any killing fields in Jaffna at that time. Very peaceful village life without any pollution and electricity and people were .living within their means too.

          • 4
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            As I grew up I noticed all those young class mates grew up with me are from so called different castes and they were very much segregated according to their sub castes even in the classes,,,,,we had real violence when people of the low caste wanted to attend the Temples etc too.

            if you live in my electorate just as any other places in our country there are very many thins needed to be done such infrastructure work/road works/schools/colleges/laboratories/hoispitals/jobs for people/water treatment as people regularly used to dye from cholera, fishermen/farmers/job seekers needed to be connected to the respective departments etc.

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              This work normally done by Councillors/GA’s/Police to keep peace/Navy to assist the villagers/also some village head men play this part too.. however a huge gap existed based on basic need for more to be done where the a Member of Parliament active representation was needed a community needed at local dat to day level. The MP we had then was heavly involved in FP/Tamil causes not enough attention or none was ever paid to the day to day needs of the people then. This is how my father got involved as he is a life long teacher/principle of a college and respected by people……..they choose him in 1970 elections in vaddukottai as a Tamil Congress MP. He and several other MP’s from the North joined then the SLFP governments to deliver a lot to people.

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                However after the 1956/58 political events the FP continued their politics in North and the as part of the 1972 SL becoming a republic the government made the Buhddism as a National Religion with standardisation in education to help the needy was interpreted as language based bias too and the FP capitalised once more on this issue to regain what they have lost amongst Tamils.

                In fact they did resort to violence at a scale unheard of in Jaffna where the young were being urged to even to kill those working with the governments etc. Therefore I grew up in an environment where my house was full of people who comes to my Fathers surgery to get things done 24/7 whilst my Father and Several others including the Jaffna Mayor has to live on constant threat/stones/abuses/Fires/Bullets..I grew up in this environment. We never give uo as we were serving our people/Nation so she can become a better place for all of us to live etc.

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                  To cut the story short the path FP took to become TULF and then created all the armed groups where I have lost very many of my class mates who died in the process too………to sum it up we all need solutions but we need to ensure the path is a safe one is the point and then looking at the dilemma of loosing the dignity/respect because Tamil is not an Official language and we have Bhuddism as a principle religion is also a path to find solutions too….because we are not taught the real colonial history where in the post colonial SL rural Sinhalese/rural and oppressed Tamils needed equality first before we can all become equal. I also think the rest of the Nation understand the part Bhuddism played in the rural Sinhalese life (keeping them alive morally) during the difficult colonial period nor did they understand they also take equal pride in their Language which has lost its place where English dominated.

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                    The responsibilty lied with the elected in a Democracy where they work with all specially in a developing country would have given a better result….I think we SL are a great people trying to develop ourselves in a space very strategically located and surrounded by wrong crowd did. not help….geo politics played a great part in our downfall/lost time to develop ourselves as a Nation.

                    Now the important part iOS to keep us together such we can disuss our future in a productive way. Do not be pit off by the commenters as they can only comment unbiased on what they know…….they call my Father a corrupt man just says it all and odes not affect me…….but I can not let them down as awe are Brothers and Sisters too.

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                      I have always shared what I believe is right as I have never killed anyone but have seen enough death and misery……..I had very many of my neighbours came in bodybags duding 77 and 83 riots and I know what that meant to the respective family and us all too. However one has to stay focused on sharing things with all the great Sri Lankans from all the communities until we bring everyone on board for a common journey. We all have to sacrifice and we have all done that too consistently. We can not give up until we get the desired result that is to give this Nation to the next generation for a better beginning/new beginning with lessons learned. That is why it I believe it iOS. not so productive discussing “National Question” in the existing narrative as this can not yield anything in its own form is proven beyond reasonable doubt.

        • 3
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          Thiagarajah Venugopal
          I would like to humbly say, I respect your disappointment and the deep anguish to which the Tamil politics and the erstwhile leaders who propounded them at various times have led the Tamils into the current quandary, which is all too evident. However, although history is important in as much as for learning lessons from it, I am afraid engaging and raking into too much of the past would detract from the serious issues of solutions and the “way forward” which you are also trying to deal with.

          You have reasons for picking up intensely on the lack of political wisdom and deeds and misdeeds of our past leaders because they were and are your representatives; and you have a right to call them to account. However, one cannot blame the Tamil leadership only for all the ills—the Sinhalese leaders have to be blamed too extensively and called to account for their deeds, misdeeds and misdemeanours. I felt that there are many valid pints in your comments and views that are worthy of consideration, but they get mired into, what I would call, the venting of your feelings. I hope readers of your comments too, would filter for their consideration and evaluation the constructive ideas which you so take time and energy to write. The problem is sometimes we tend to carry some baggage and, rightly or wrongly, the attack or defence of it to protect it, only adds to the burden and become more divisive.

          And, persons of the ilk of Eagle Eye, who see no commissions or omissions , deeds or misdeeds on the part of the Sinhalese, pounces to pick up some of your disappointments and gleefully defend their utterly wrong position blaming Tamil politicians only and never ever any of the misdemeanours of the Sinhala politicians. They add to it their pretentious concern for the caste discrimination among, now only a small section of the Tamil and pour venomous racist slurs against the Tamils – in the process, never a word or introspection of the caste system prevailing in the Sinhalese community or the failures of their leadership.

          —That almost all the elections of the 72 years of history of post-independence are such that leaders and representatives on both sides of Sinhalese and Tamils have been elected in majority, not on the platform of many socio-economic issues that affects the country and progress & prosperity of the people as a whole, but purely on Sinhalese-Tamil ethnic issue—aggressively fanning the fear of one against the other, as the root cause of all the evils. And now, Muslims who were willingly a part of the “Tamil-speaking people’ at one time calling for identity distinction, have become another distinct factor of hate politics in the elections—all speak for itself the chronic and cancerous sate of polity and politics of Si Lanka, I think.

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            Dear Sir

            Thank you for the kind response. My writings are not a baggage I carry but critical informations and facts that requires serious revisit and sharing?? EE is another citizen just as you and several others are etc. There are few people in the comments section even said some evil things about my family……..all that shows is people do not really know and no offence taken?? This requires sharing knowledge only because it is our life facts only we know what really happened?? I can not speak for your journey ?.

            Just as you are analysing something you believe and looking for answers respect always.

            We all need to share more will help to shape a better world as we all have something very very special yet to be told to the world.

            In a nutshell we should not be discussing 13th amendments/separation/devolution/federal/self rule/provincial councils unless we want to be ruled by Mafias/Dictators etc. It is like jumping from frying pan into a fire?? as we already know who these folks are capable of etc?? Killers/Assassins correct? ++ there is no light at the other end of the tunnel even if you say we need to find answers now we here etc?? Very many others have answers and why GOSL holding onto this people??

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            AS
            1
            “However, although history is important in as much as for learning lessons from it, I am afraid engaging and raking into too much of the past would detract from the serious issues of solutions…..” If that argument applies to discussing any specific Tamil leadership, it should also apply even to the cruelties suffered by the Tamil community. Can Tamil nationalists of any description practice it?
            I respect the right of any to probe the past, if such probing is in context, not one-sided, and takes into account harm inflicted upon other people.
            *
            For instance, you say: ” And now, Muslims who were willingly a part of the “Tamil-speaking people’ at one time calling for identity distinction, have become another distinct factor of hate politics in the elections”.
            I doubt if the Muslims in the South (comprising their vast majority) considered themselves as one with the Tamil community. The Federal Party’s concept of “Tamil-speaking people” was a positive move to rectify the errors of the Ponnambalam Ramanathan tradition rejecting a distinct Muslim identity. However, political priorities in the east and north-west dictated otherwise. FP wanted numbers in parliament; the Muslim politician sought to secure his seat at the next election and after. Language was important to Muslims, but not as central as it was made to appear to the Tamils.

            • 1
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              2
              The Tamil Congress had no interest outside the Northern Province but for Trincomalee. The FP did not consider transcending that boundary in 1952.
              1956 changed things. The FP dared to contest in the then large Batticaloa District, but had (and the THAA still has) trouble in several seats. Deal was struck with prominent Muslims, but the FP programme for federalism did not give serious though to the Muslims. The claim that SJVC agreed with Kariappar to an ‘Islamistan’ was hollow and not pursued further.
              Without understanding events since the FP effectively demolished the ACTC as a serious rival in 1956 and subdued the left at the polls by 1960, one cannot understand what happened to the Tamils or the Muslims. Tamil nationalism unfortunately was for long been very much Jaffna-centric and caste-based. There are strong remnants of these features even today, as a result of which there is regionalism like Jaffna v. Kilinochchi (especially since the 1970).
              Some of the views expressed by TV are particularly relevant here, although I do not see eye-to-eye with his rather idealistic vision for Sri Lanka, which in my view comprises one majority nationality and three minority nationalities as well as other distinct ethnic groups with a long history in the island.

            • 1
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              3
              Tamil nationalism is still unable to come to terms with the Muslims rejecting a single Tamil-speaking identity. I like the idea of a ‘Tamil-speaking’ identity. But that has to be built by bringing the people together, like the way the ‘Dravidian’ political parties achieved it in Taminadu, to the envy of other states.

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                Dear SJ

                Thank you for the constructive points raised. My arguments are based on where we are today, the world around us and the knowledge we acquired regards to lessons learned in the world around us and our journey benched marked so look to do better not just for one community but for all of us as a Nation. The focus is not about the bad and the ugly but about the majority (irrespective of their color and creed etc)

                First and foremost we as Nation have failed in one important area when we practised democracy that is to learn to function as Members of Parliament representing constituents needs and how best to serve them after being elected without any politics. Some of it due to we were all leaning through mistakes/on the job others were due to how the political parties placed themselves in these spaces for their own agendas without any due considerations of the immediate needs of the people. Most of the problems would have been solved through economical empowerment of the masses.

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                  Dear SJ

                  Secondly when we try to impose ourselves on the public the signs are all too clear that we are having to commit thuggery/threads/killings/name callings/out right lies and propaganda. We did that and called it a Tamil cause. How miserably the the elected you make reference to played the part from the respective parties are all to evident for all to see as locals from, Jaffna but the outside world knows very little about it is one and the other they used these folly/morons to do the dirty work for them that is to have them facilitate and destabilise our Nation. The duplicity of those who supported blindly to the ground realities were conducting business as normal with all parties nor would they volunteer nor their children were on the front line is the other indicator of the duplicity. These are facts we did not discuss/analys and safe guard out children but continue to sacrifice them for a much larger geo political event to engulf our region.

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                    Dear SJ

                    Thirdly the same (FP/TULF/TNA/LTTE) wanted to find themselves in all spaces even when the GOSL try to navigate a very difficult situation. Namely Jaffna Development Council elections in 1981. The real fact of the matter is this space is not for party politics but for development work/economic empowerment of the masses what business do you have in these space when we know all too well they do not posses capability to discuss the economic subjects?? as the Author pointed out correctly even the NPC have failed miserably to discuss provincial Council job scope but all else is another proof……then you also have to evaluate the dedication of world Tamils how they performed assisting the public who suffered horrors for the 30+ year war???? more politics.

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                      Fourthly if you as a party spent time killing all the people for working with the GOSL and same children you used to kill your opponents comes and point a gun at you tells you something fundamentally wrong about the whole journey?

                      Fifthly when you have to be protected by the same GOSL Armed forces you have personally conducted war aganist using the Tamil Children as your mercenary to kill all tells you the duplicity of this cowards?? We yet to record and publish TELO/PLOTE arch elates tot he world who live off the state and it in our parliament with their parents in crime??

                      Sixthly you stand in the parliament and tell the Nation who lost all their loved ones you did not fight for separatism but only wanted a separate enclave for you to run your affairs one need to stop here and take stock of all that took place here and now??? tamils future will be doomed.

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                    Dear SJ

                    Sorry I am not following g your kind advice to break the sentences down to manageable sizes. I will try in the future and also will read again for the incorrect sentences grammatically too. It is my second language and please forgive me.

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        Dear Eagle Eye,
        Please do understand that Tamils and Sinhalese have always lived in harmony and there wasn’t a single conflict between these two peoples prior to independence. Inter marriages between our peoples were not uncommon. Universities then produced lasting friendships. There was always a mutual respect.

        However, farsightedness was not the forte of our then leaders. And it all changed almost overnight at independence commencing with flag conflagration, disenfranchisement of the estate population, introduction of Sinhala only and the series of riots against the Tamil community.

        Regretably, it is the Sinhalese leadership that sowed the seeds for ethnic politics that was unnecessary for a majority community, and it reflected in Tamil politics as a defensive mechanism and as the Chinese proverb say: one cannot lie down and enjoy it when being raped. SJV was organising only non-violent satyagrahas. Now we are living this continuing ethnic politics in a beautiful country.

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          Fairmindedone,
          True! Before Independence Sinhalayo and Demala people lived in harmony because Malabar Vellala Demala people were better off under the British rule than Sinhala Buddhists. Vellala Demala people dominated the Administrative Service. They got that privileged status because of the infamous ‘Divide and Rule’ policy of Brits. Sinhala Buddhists were oppressed by British rulers, Vellala Demala people, Sinhala Christian ‘Kalu Suddas’ and Burghers.
          The tension grew when Sinhalayo who lived under colonial rule for about 450 years wanted to regain their freedom taken away by colonial rulers. In this process, Vellala Demala people lost their privileged status and entered into a confrontation path with Sinhalayo.
          It was Demala people who started killing and harassing Sinhalayo after Independence when Sinhalayo made Sinhala the official language replacing English, when Sinhalayo changed the English letters in car number plates to ‘Sri’, when Sinhalayo introduced ‘Standardization’ for the benefit of Sinhala and Demala students who lived in areas where education facilities were poor, when the Government started settlement schemes for landless Sinhala people.

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            Eagle Eye Ultra BP,

            Get the facts right – we dont have real buddhists in SRILANKA, instead we have BUDDHAGAMA followers. Buddhagama is proved to an another version of buddhism but recognized by people in SL as their religion. None of the buddhgama followers would respect the ” basics of buddhism – which say how to the adherents should adhere to 5 precepts”: It has now become a life style in OUR rotten hell. This is very sad, as one went to DAHAM school those days, I feel buddhism I learned then are far from what is being practised in Rajakashe led srilanken circles. Even if they wear thick-bands of Pirith noole also around their wrists and penises, nothing give us the feeling they are hearted enough to respect – non-violence principles as buddhist teachings taught.

            BTW; If sinhalayo are said to be that knolwedgeable people, why they to rally round to support an ultra racist such as MAHINDA BP RAJAKSHE who made world record to be Champions in state funds, and his tribal polics ? Are these not public secret to at least 50% of this nation ?
            .
            Your role model would not pave the way for opening an any kind of peace and harmony to anyone on this earth. Why not you the kind of ultral stupid men, rotten with hatreds come to public forums ?

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            Dear Eagle,
            Can you provide a single evidence to your comment: ‘It was Demala people who started killing and harassing Sinhalayo.’ It patently untrue.

            There were no divide and rule by the British; Tamils and Sinhalese worked side by side (pl go back and read pre-independence period) and worked together for independence, and now only one community is enjoying the freedom, unfortunately at the expense of the other.

            Clearly, evidently as a Buddhist Sinhalese gentleman, you are now concerned about Sinhalese of Christian faith as well. We have a long way to go but we will and we should and we can.

            Imagine, in your next birth if born in Jaffna: I don’t want you to be suffering under any tyranny. Meanwhile, be committed that all faiths leads to the same mountain, peace.

            Regarding Malabar, in fact, both communities have the same connection, over two thousand years is a long time ago, nearly 80 generations back. We are quibbling in the last three generations.

            Remember: Sinhalese, who cultivated a good society and the ancient Tamil people are still brethren of the same soil. We didn’t chase Vijaya and his friends back to the sea but nurtured them. Yes facts hurt yet a useful tool.

            Regards.

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              Fairmindedone,
              Please use your common sense. Sinhalayo are not that stupid to kill Demala people when:
              • The Government started settlement schemes for landless Sinhala people.
              • Sinhala was made the Official Language replacing English.
              • English letters in car number plates were changed to Sinhala ‘Sri’.
              • ‘Standardization’ was introduced for the benefit of Sinhala and Demala students who lived in areas where education facilities were poor.

              In 1983, ‘The Boys’ ignited the fire by blasting off 13 Sri Lanka Army soldiers. Who provided the land mine is still a mystery.

              For your information, Demala people smuggled arms and ammunition from India while British ruled the country.

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                When a person or a society is totally inebriated with hatred against some or a group of people, that instigating person or that society looses a lot; real waste of resources.

                Good deed, good thinking will bring a lot of peace and good for the society. Trust and hope you will be there as a Lord Buddha’s follower, you must make sure , as stated earlier, what if I am born in Jaffna in Tamil family.

                Lord Buddha has been very clear of impermanence of everything.

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    Permanent Solutions are very simple

    (1) We should remove all language/race and religious parties from the Country. (currently we are going in the wrong direction is proven by the Mother Lankan Bleeding/Death/Misery specially since 1970’s).
    (2) Build a Memorial for all those who died since Independence (Armed forces, Sinhalese/Tamils/Muslims..JVP/PLOTE,TELO,LTTE….countless other). We should have National day of morning on the same day as the Independence Day…..brining an amazing meaning for the word Independence. Ensure all the visiting head of Staes/dignitaries all have to pay respect to our children on arrival broadcasted to the entire Nation. They know what this means for the SL they have come to visit and do business……..a united Nation of people who can not be played against each other ever.

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    (3) Compulsory military service for all.
    (4) No Ghettos and Ghetto makers allowed to undermine the law of the Nation that is for all to live wherever they choose.
    (5) Remove the Provincial Councils and make obsolete the 13th Amendments etc
    (6) eventually remove the Presidential position once the Nation is stabilised.
    (7) Minimise the Departments and ensure the public get some education on what is their eligibility to receive basic services from the respective departments.
    (8) Tighten up the security of the Nation with security service coverings the Nation from North to South and East to West/A VERY STRONG COAST GUARD. Indias responsibility to take care of their citizens in illegal poaching/sea pollution affecting SL life etc..not for SL to waste time on chasing after the thief’s.

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      Thiagarajah Venugopal

      “No Ghettos and Ghetto makers allowed to undermine the law of the Nation that is for all to live wherever they choose.”

      You will be surprised to hear that I agree with you on this point, however tell me how do you propose to stop this island being transformed into a racist Sinhala/Buddhist ghetto in the Indian ocean, ……………

      Will you be prepared to remove
      1. all immigration controls,
      2. all restrictions on foreigners buying lands,
      3. chapter II of the constitution completely,
      4. restrictions on foreign qualified academics to hold positions at universities,
      5. import controls
      6. exchange control
      7. all controls on licensing (investments)
      8. presence of saffron brigades in all state functions
      9. stop publicity when ministers visit homes of Saffron Brigades.
      …..
      …..
      ….

      There is no need to comment on rest of your typings as they reflect nothing but your usual paranoid mind.

      • 0
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        Thank you NV for your thoughts and sharing.

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          Thiagarajah Venugopal

          “Thank you NV for your thoughts and sharing.”

          Okay smarty-pants, please stop being too clever.

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        Dear NV

        I never thought much of what you write except someone had no clue about my countries history. I am happy to tolerate what you say as is others right to do. I would never go as far as to stay you are this and that is not my call would I say this platform is honoured to have my input etc??

        Only think ever asked you was very long Tim e ago with regard to riots and killings you make referencing in your writings seem to be every year since Independence?? you never came back……I really want to help you learn things from. people who grew up in Jaffna with a different view point. Say I do not support what you think right is not to say I support something else either……biut you also make this fundamental mistake?? of not making an argument to the [point by through out accusations I have nothing whatsoever to do with???

        With regard to FP/TULF as a party I know them well as we are the victims personally and collectively and if you are the victims of GOSL then be it so and is very unfortunate does not mean I committed that crime on you etc??

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    (9) Calling names/insulting people/threatening people/thuggery/drug issues need to be addressed.
    (10) Alcoholism need to be eradicated.
    (11) We do not need NGO’s in the country when we have so many SL well established around the world to assist Nation Build.
    (12) SL’s around the world to unit and from each countries they live to support the respective SL departments with technology/knowhow/special studies/engineering/dudligence…….a special department to be set up for this activity alone will become very productive.
    (13) The Task force set up by the President is good and they all need to be translated into action/education.
    (14) Build Mosques/Temples/Churches in one compound for all to celebrate God(s) and limit misuse of the prayer places by nosey speakers disturbing the neighbourhood. Limit the waste of resources on building religious needs and to bare minimum as we can deliver justice to god through our living every day.

  • 3
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    A very well written article. Thank you. But by necessity of the title, it addresses deficiency on the part of the Tamil community for a resolution to the national conflict. A corollary to same might be to see how the Sinhalese leadership conducted itself to the quagmire.

    Justice Wigneswaran is carrying the can being the last in the line. Everyone had high hope on him and he demolished with his own hands. He metered out a sense of betrayal to the hands that fed him, and from thereon, and without admin skills, his administration was plummeting. This learned person must acknowledge his judgmental error and convey same to Mr. Sampanthan.

  • 5
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    Calling for a white paper is good idea. However, it takes two to a tango. Destruction of the trust by the Sinhalese leadership just prior to and after independence have been the cause of continuing calamity in Sri Lanka.

    Tamil leadership took a sequence of actions merely as counter-balancing operations since independence; none successful. Militancy that was not organised by any of the established political parties but by youth movement and it continued for three decades. It is a noticeable chapter in annals of Ceylon Tamils history, and need a chapter.

    There are only two old well defined linguistic communities in Sri Lanka. If the British colonial did not merge the north and the south then we wouldn’t have this post-independence problem. They joined it and handed over power to one ethnic community on independence and hence this continuing problem.

    In the presence of Sinhala only act in 1956, federal proposal is there from SJV time in 1949. It is incumbent on the leaders of the Sinhalese community to come up with a sustainable tranquility for the linguistic conflict in Sri Lanka without re-writing history from different angles.

  • 4
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    AS,

    Your points are largely valid, but I wanted to make some observations.

    On external intervention, it is indeed a pipe dream to think the US, Canada and the UK will help; anything they can do will be only on the diplomatic front, and that will be only a little.
    But on India itself, even though the External Affairs Ministry may say they only support the full implementation of the 13th amendment, since the GoSL is not doing even that, there is room for India to do more. More so in the context of China’s more aggressive posture and India needing leverage in SL, much more than what appeasing GR would do for them.

    But it will require a lot of cultivation of ties at the leadership level and geographically. They are not going to simply do something out of the goodness of their hearts or on their own. Think back to the time MGR, IG and Amirhalingam had a good rapport. There will have to be a similar rapport with new leaders. Unfortunately there appears to be no one among the current crop of Tamil politicians who can accomplish it.

    [contd.]

    • 6
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      Tamils will need a period of renewal and need to come up with much better educated, younger, articulate and energetic leaders who can learn from the past misadventures by both the LTTE and India, and seek the latter’s support, while being wary about their intentions and not giving up too much in terms of the legitimate interests of the Tamil people.

      While recognizing the sacrifices made by the youth who joined the LTTE and their families, as well as the atrocities committed by India/IPKF and the GoSL/SL military, such leaders will articulate to the Tamil people why the struggle was fundamentally on the wrong path and the Tamil people at large have to acknowledge it more forcefully than they have been willing to do so far. It will earn the respect of not only SL Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims, but also India. The whole LTTE/RG assassination thing will have become a thing from a distant past for Indians, and they will have no antipathy toward Tamils. Then new pathways for a solution will open up.

      • 2
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        Agnos,
        You have expressed an optimism on India’s involvement/intervention saying “there is room for India to do more. More so in the context of China’s more aggressive posture and India needing leverage in SL”. I very much wish it was so—not because I want any foreign involvement and would rather the brothers settle their disputes among themselves, taking the valuable lesson on what they can end up, as exemplified in a wise parable. –The tale in which a monkey, called upon by two cats to arbiter on the equitable distribution of the bread over which both of them were fighting for, ended up the monkey eating it all up, leaving both the cats to go hungry with none. But , it is also history and a fact of life, when two parties fight incessantly, it is always the involvement /intervention of a third party who is stronger and more authoritative than the two warring parties and have interest in a peaceful solution , also for its own benefit as well, that can exert its influence and goad them for an amicable settlement; moreover, it is also that ‘stronger third party’ that would be capable of acting as an “underwriter” for the settlement so that no party of the dispute ever breaks the agreement. —India fits the bill. It was the case in the Indo- Sri Lankan Accord of 1987.
        However, as I assess, the situation in 1980s was different from now: — That India under Indra Gandhi, wanted to arrest the intransigence of JR’s slide to the West and affecting India’s goo-political interests was not the only reason; Additionally, she was dependent upon the representatives from Tamil Nadu for a majority in the Central government and had to appease the people in Tamil Nadu; immediately following the 1983 riots, there was an exodus of refuges ( now neglected) into India; there was a voluntary and unprecedented sympathy in Tamil Nadu for the beleaguered Sri Lankan Tamils beyond narrow party lines; MGR gave his political support to Indra Gandhi and MGR was one of influence and charisma to hold the support of Tamil Nadu; she had admiration and respect for the intellect, quality and commitment of some of the then Sri Lankan Tamil Leaders who assiduously sought the support of both the Tamil Nadu government and Indian Central and had built up a rapport. None of these factors, there are now. —And, worse we do not have that calibre of leaders of that category, whatever shortcomings they may have had; and now only left with worthless reside of no consequence; and so are those some of the dwindling few in Tamil Nadu (verily on the fringe, who were and are also responsible for the debacle) who claim voice for and that too for “Eelam”– an anathema to Indian Central Govt. . Despite this assessment, if your optimism proves right and results in an amicable and permanent solution , I would be happy—not only for the Tamils, but for the whole of Sri Lanka.

        • 2
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          AS,

          What will it take to bring up leaders of the caliber seen in the 1980’s? We can inspire some young people to rise to be such leaders, with the advice and assistance of people in the Diaspora who have a clear understanding of how realpolitik works, and have built ties with India. We may also encourage articulate people in the Diaspora to go back and cultivate their relationships within the SL political spectrum as well as India.

          Expatriate youth who arrived in the West at a very young age or were born here, nurtured in its pablum, may not have the intestinal fortitude required of such leaders in the North-East. But educated professionals in their 50’s and 60’s who have been exposed to both SL and the West, and an understanding of where the lacuna in leadership is, may be able to go back and work with the people to provide such leadership.

          • 4
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            Agnos

            The people irrespective of their race, religion, region, ….. have become professional lamenters, (grievers, mourners, sorrowers, ….). Every morning they wake up to lament, grieve, …. because they feel miserable, because they see no light at the end of the tunnel.

            They feel comfortable only by grieving, including the well to do, rich, and the well settled.

            With that kind of mindset and lifestyle nothing is going to change.
            The entire country seems to be in mourning since the mid 1950s.
            The important task in hand is how do we make people optimistic, motivate them to think positive, ……………… and transform them as achievers in their own little ways.

            There are countries which went through wars for many centuries have stabilised and moved on to become super powers, economic powers, ….. within a short period of time. The people of this island become so lazy even thinking positive seems a heavy burden.

    • 3
      7

      Agnos,
      Sri Lankan Government can give a very good explanation to India why they do not want to implement the 13th Amendment fully.
      When views were solicited on ‘Power Sharing’ to draft the new Constitution, Dalits in Yapanaya told not to give Police and Land Powers to the Provincial Council. It is in black and white in the Sub-Committee Report. Dalits are the majority in the North.

      It is Vellala elites who want Police and Land powers so that they can maintain their grip on land using ‘Thesawalamei’ and oppress Dalits with a Vellala Police Force.
      —-
      “…even though the External Affairs Ministry may say they only support the full implementation of the 13th amendment, since the GoSL is not doing even that, there is room for India to do more.”

      • 4
        1

        Just tell us as to why Tamils were identified as doctors, enginners and other higher officials last as of early 80ties. I knew senior tamil surgeons also in Galle and other rural areas in 80ties.
        :
        I think OUR sinhala destroyed anyone that were better qualified than them. If you would check the recent history, all these become facts to you. I have very good friends from Jaffna and also muslim friends from Aluthgama area then. That is why I add my thought as a neutral srilanken to this and other forums.

        We should all be treated equally. I hate sinhala supremacists and will do whatever I can within my capacities to stand against them. I dont care about their close ties to Medamulana Mlechcha high criminals. I have no doubt, Mahinda RAJAPAKSHE will explode and leave you guys soon in the future – there are whole set of reports the bugger is now suffering from various health problems – Ditta dammaneeya karama is mapping his end sooner than later. May all gods and divine forces be with the goodies and be protected them from MR, GR and NR – and their criminal gangs.

      • 1
        0

        Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye

        “Sri Lankan Government can give a very good explanation to India why they do not want to implement the 13th Amendment fully.”

        Can it explain?

        Why did Hindia enforce Indo Lanka accord on this island and push 13th Amendment in the first place, if it was going to renege at a later date.

        As far as Hindian are concerned Sri Lanka is the Sinhala state of Hindia and North East is part of Tamil Nadu. Indo Lanka accord is the first step towards their objective. You should pick yourself from your pathetic self and go to Sultanate of Delhi to beg an audience with Modi who is in a state of bliss after winning a battle with Chinaman. Please make sure you maintained Social Distancing.

  • 5
    5

    Thiagarajah Venugopal is the only gentleman I have come across on this column.
    .
    Leave aside elucidation, obfuscation is the art of Tamil politics.
    1)
    They never state unambiguously who the ‘Tamils’ are in respect a ‘political solution’ they aspire to. They use various permutations and combinations of ‘Tamils’, Tamil Nation, Ealam Tamils, Eazam Tamils etc. etc, several in the same breadth leaving us confused all the time, obviously with intent or probably they themselves unsure of. Readers must have noticed that whenever I use the word Tamils in the context of a political solution I never fail to add in parentheses ” All Tamil speaking people scattered across the island irrespective of their religion, caste or the date of arrival” in order to avoid any ambiguity. The reason is clear. They fear such a clear definition will expose the accurate numbers involved.
    2)
    They never talk about demographic distribution of Tamils, whatever the definition, across the island. Reason again is clear. Such a clear map of distribution will immediately show that a geographic ‘political solution’ is totally unviable.
    3)
    Greatest obfuscation of all is no one has so far produced a draft proposal for discussion which encompasses at least 90% of Tamil speaking people scattered across the island.

    • 1
      0

      somass

      “Thiagarajah Venugopal is the only gentleman I have come across on this column.”

      Thiagarajah Venugopal is a new avatar of the old racist.

      “Greatest obfuscation of all is no one has so far produced a draft proposal for discussion which encompasses at least 90% of Tamil speaking people scattered across the island.”

      Were you sucking your thumb while you are in your cradle?
      Numerous proposals have been put forward, including
      Vattukkottai (is it Battakotte) Resolution 1976.
      Kumar Ponnampalam’s proposals in the late 1990s,
      Annexure C Proposals, 1983,
      Banda Selva proposal,
      Mangala Moonesinghe’s draft constitutions,
      Indo Lanka pact,
      Vitharana Commission unpublished proposals,
      Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission report
      ….
      ….
      ….
      etc

      In addition you would not have heard about Thimbu Principles:
      Read this:
      recognition of the Tamils of Ceylon as a nation
      recognition of the existence of an identified homeland for the Tamils of Ceylon
      recognition of the right of self determination of the Tamil nation
      recognition of the right to citizenship and the fundamental rights of all Tamils of Ceylon

      However you would have heard only about SINHALA COMMISSION and Mahawamsa Law Book.

      • 3
        1

        Native
        I must bow my head to you over your knowledge on the subject.
        .
        What is TNA’s definition of ‘Tamils’ in respect of a ‘political solution’?
        My definition which I always attach, in order to avoid any ambiguity , is:
        “All Tamil speaking people scattered across the island irrespective of their religion, caste or the date of arrival.”
        I want to find out what percentage is covered and what percentage left out in the Vadukkodai proposals.
        .
        Thanking you in advance

        Soma

        • 1
          0

          somass

          You are like a broken record, on and on ….

          “I want to find out what percentage is covered and what percentage left out in the Vadukkodai proposals.”

          According to a Tamil observer of events in this island, Thimphu principles have superseded Vadukkodai resolution:

          Recognition of the existence of an identified homeland for the Tamils of Ceylon
          Recognition of the Tamils of Ceylon as a nation.

          My mate believes both can be achieved within a united island, two nation in one island.

          Go away think deep, …. then let me know if you could see beyond your nose. All you need is a free liberal mind, bit of creativity, imagination, bit of meditation for you to calm down and rid of your paranoia, …..

          • 1
            1

            NV
            Just as I expected. You are a master of obfuscation.
            All right , again what is TNA’s definition of ‘Tamil Nation’?
            My definition is: All Tamil speaking people scattered across the island irrespective of their religion, caste or the date of arrival”
            Of course there are two groups. Those who speak Sinhala and Those who speak Tamil. The problem in looking for a geographical solution is their distribution across the island. No one has so far presented a ‘solution’ which encompasses at least 90% of Tamil speaking people. What has been presented can be called ‘Hoilday Resort Model’

            Soma

            • 2
              0

              somass

              “All right , again what is TNA’s definition of ‘Tamil Nation’?”

              I am not sure of definition of ‘Tamil Nation’?” (in fact I don’t want to know about it) however I know the uncomplicated working definition of a Nation.

              Nation is a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory……………………..

          • 0
            0

            “My mate believes both can be achieved within a united island, two nation in one island.”

            Good. One can define a solution by any name.

  • 2
    0

    Srikrish,

    In your comment, you have quite rightly pointed to the various enactments that specifically addresses devolution of powers and ethnic harmony. There was also a proposal during Chandrika Kumaratunga’s time — first time ever a Sri Lankan President was elected whose canvassing among the majority Sinhalese voters included meetings where she said, for the country to progress there need to be a meaningful solution to the divisive ethnic problem. A proposal, comprised provisions that were a big improvement on all of the previous ones and for which Neelan Thriuchelvam was also one of the architects, was submitted to the Parliament. It was crudely torn at the premises of the Parliament itself by UNPers, and even stupidly and rhetorically rejected by the TULF/TNA. In that process, against all ‘dharma’, Neelan Thiruchelvam , a constitutional expert of no par amongst the Tamils, was mercilessly and cowardly killed –as if that would bring about a better ‘deliverance’ and the ‘promised land’, but only adding and widening the void of intellectual and political bankruptcy amongst the Tamils. Those of TULF/TNA at that time, who continued with their blunder at many a time subsequently too, shamelessly continue to be our representatives as the “messiahs”, who would take the Tamils to the ‘promised land’ .

    On the Sinhalese side, each time a meaningful solution is brought in at legislation levels, if brought by UNP, then SLFP opposes and vice versa. I sincerely was elated when UNP- SLFP formed a coalition and thought this conundrum has for once been overcome. But we know what happened to the much vaunted ‘Constitutional proposals”. In any case, whatever such provisions are brought, it has to have a two-third majority and it is said, even a referendum.

    Therefore, the question is what chance, on what and how now? – not certainly with the same slogans, rhetoric and chauvinism on both sides!.

    • 2
      0

      Thanks Mr A.Sivapathasundaram,

      We had too many missed opportunities! And blame our opponents for the result.

      Why we did not adopt self-criticism and looked internally for alternate strategies.

      After the 2015 Presidential and Parliamentary elections UNP and SLFP formed a government and TNA also supported the government from the opposition.

      Initially everything went well according to a well-designed plan.

      Of course a significant group within SLFP was unhappy.

      Constitutional reform Process commenced with the appointment of a constitutional assembly, steering committee, six sub committees.

      This process during the years continued with bipartisan consensus. Supporters of Mahinda Rajapakse were in most of these committees-, hardly there were any dissent.

      03 matters spoiled the atmosphere.

      1. Court proceedings against senior Mahinda loyalists including
      arrests and detention.
      2. Nature of State-Unitary vs federal or quasi-federal.
      3. Status of Buddhism-Foremost Status to Buddhism

      Item first we could have thought about pardoning and the last two are really labels what is inside is much more important.

      Now a famous saying from Lenin- “One Step Back To Make Two Steps Ahead”.

      What would have happened if the Tamil side were prepared to take two steps back accepting Pardon, Unitary state and foremost place to Buddhism,but concentrated on self-government with adequate powers, and negotiated?

  • 4
    0

    Agnos,

    Further, let me please share two incidents: —One was during the time when LTTE fought the IPKF with instigation and support from President Premadasa. A foreign official of importance in a ‘Think Tank’ of the Indian Establishment told me after a discourse on the then situation: “ If you have any influence on the LTTE or know anyone who has so, please convince them the LTTE that its intransigence and actions will sooner or later only end up, to use his words, with common names he used only examples, he said : “One Sinnathamby from Canada will send money to one of his kinsman Kandsamy living in Wellawatte, to purchase onions cultivated by one Appuhamy from the North”.

    The other, much later, also by a similar person of that capacity but from the Foreign Office of another country. That was the peak of the LTTE- Sri Lankan armed forces war, just before the days when LTTE was crushed. Thousands of Tamils– men and women of all ages has gathered in Westminster and other counties for days demanding a forthwith end to the war. There were LTTE flags with Prabhakaran, and anti- India slogans (as it was their impression that India is behind the war). Off the record and watching the scenes that was broadcast on the TV, not in exactly same words but in effect as I discerned , he said:
    • Nothing will happen to stop the war. Not just India, all the countries, including Britain, have decided that LTTE is eliminated.
    • British government could put an end to these demonstrations that have been going on for some days disrupting the traffic; but they would rather let it dissipate, lest in the event of dispersing them , if some emotionally charged women and children are badly wounded or even accidentally die in the process, which can happen, it would cause more difficulties.
    • These people are shouting slogans against India and some marching to the Indian Embassy in protest. They do not understand that the problem for them is not India but China, with its unconditional logistical, military and financial support to the Sri Lanka government. They will also defend Sri Lanka in the UN and the affiliated organisations. If at all, the slogans must be against China too and the march also to the Chinese embassy in protest. There is not a single sign of that. —

    –As the observed, subsequent events, knowledge and understanding have proved all of them right.
    .

    • 2
      0

      AS,

      You might want to add a brief biographical summary at the end of your articles so that readers can put more context to your writings.

      The LTTE eliminated marquee leaders like Amirthalingam and Thiruchelvam, but when they were down and out in the Vanni in 2009, the trapped people needed precisely such leaders as interlocutors with the GoSL and the West to find an outcome that was different from what happened, but there was none. Amir was the only one who could have talked directly to the Indian PM, and Neelan was the only one who could have talked to Hillary and Obama. Such is Karma, and such is the smallness of some Tamil minds that they still justify those murders.

      But it is time to look ahead and work on bringing up new leaders.

  • 6
    1

    Dear Sir

    There are many Tamils and Sri Lankans who never supported FP/TULF/TNA/LTTE, never accepted India training children from my nation that has led to the the current situation conniving with the leadership of FP/TULF in 70’s, Indian embassy in Jaffna, never accepted the world for watching this foreign sponsored terrorism in our Land, never supported separate state mandate that was obtained under bullying and slaying (systematically) of FP/TULF opponents who are also patriotic Tamils died trying to save the Sri Lankan blood spilling.

    We never have any ill feelings towards India or China in 70’s as their internal affair is their interest, foreign policies their choices. India and China want to fight they should do that in their boarders. We do not tell India how to live and whom to do business with……..if we have a relationship with China today as a Nation that was obtained under duress and does not serve SL interest it was due to Indian preemptive strike in a sovereign Nation by promoting terrorism in the first place.

    • 2
      0

      Thiagarajah Venugopal

      “There are many Tamils and Sri Lankans who never supported FP/TULF/TNA/LTTE,”

      It never stop them from voting TULF/TNA.

      “never accepted India training children from my nation that has led to the the current situation conniving with the leadership of FP/TULF in 70’s,”

      Where did you get the idea India trained children?
      Forget this island is your country, you are another descendant of Kallathonie convert from the south. You shouldn’t in this island anyway. Kamal and Shavendra are looking for you.

      “situation conniving with the leadership of FP/TULF in 70’s, Indian embassy in Jaffna, never accepted the world for watching this foreign sponsored terrorism in our Land,”

      Well you stupid man, this is not your land and there wasn’t an Indian Embassy in Jaffna until about 2010.

      As far as Hindians are concerned Sri Lanka is the Sinhala State of Hindia. Eventually Hindians will carve out and merge North East with Tamil Nadu.
      Hindians believe they know how exactly these little islanders think(?), behave, self destruct, …… etc hence in time to come they would consider imposing a programe of “social engineering” if not gene editing.

      Social Engineering
      The use of centralized planning in an attempt to manage social change and regulate the future development and behaviour of a society.

      Gene Editing
      Genome editing (also called gene editing) is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s DNA. These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the genome.

      • 3
        0

        NV,

        The guy is the son of A. Thiagarajah, who was initially with the Tamil Congress as MP for the Vaddukodai constituency, and then switched over to the SLFP. After he lost to the TULF in 1977, he contested another election ( DDC?) under the UNP in the early 1980’s. Tamil militants deemed him a traitor for his shifting allegiances, and one of the leftist groups ( PLOTE or EPRLF?) shot him dead.

        It is understandable that his son would be bitter about it all. But I ignore his ramblings because he seems to have focused obsessively on his own loss and is unhinged from the ground realities that the Tamil people as a whole continue to face.

        • 3
          0

          Agnos

          Thanks
          Judging from his typing I thought Thiagarajah Venugopal is a racist pretender.
          It was my mistake, as I didn’t know he is also a victim.
          Thank you again.

      • 1
        2

        Dear NV

        Did you write you stupid man?? is allowed by CT moderator????

        • 1
          0

          That is his technique of silencing people.

          Soma

  • 5
    4

    We are as Sri Lanka and have recoded India , Indians from around the world, Ceylonese Tamils from Singapore, Malaysia and other locations have happily done business with the Sinhalese down south through out the war whilst sponsoring child training camps for Tamil children to fight the same. The duplicity of the worst form….therefore Sinnathampy/ Kanthasamy and Appuhamy have no problem eating products from each other and supporting each other and living with each other thank you. I hope Indians are doing business amongst themselves correct?? the world/UN has watch this Indian crime to this extent tells us India being prepared nicely by the same against China as the existing world order. morons for very sick reasons things China being a successful nation is a threat to them?? we SL have to die for this sick thoughts where FP/TULF trashy politics were used to divide and conquer us??

  • 5
    3

    this land us where you are talking about who is the better of the two evils that is TNA vs TPA and how we can ensure an exclave that is Jaffna can be calved out for Indian ventures in the future……remember Korea/Vietnam, North and South Sudan….

    Therefore at the expense of the Tamil people life will go on and we will get so many interesting Amma Ammama Stories to come from India how we should keep this going. Do you think Western Colonialism is bad you have not seen nothing yet……to come from the population breeding ground/corona virus need to feed itself at any coast all that surrounds its borders.

  • 4
    0

    Thiagarajah Venugopal, the ideas that you list are excellent, but who is there to implement them? There is no honesty or sincerity in our politicians, most of them are self-serving thieves. The few upright ones are powerless.

    • 2
      0

      Stanley

      I am sorry Thiagarajah Venugopal is trying to be too smart.
      Read carefully, this man types nonsense, I have raised some questions about his “IDEAS” on ghettos, he is only worried about other Ghettos and not about Sinhala/Buddhist ones.

      All along he wants “OTHERS” fit his SINHALA/BUDDHIST agenda, dispossessing the others, assimilating them into what he considers mainstream, he wants everyone to give up their identity, ….

      If he is so against Ghettos why does not he learn, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tulu, …. and give up his Sovereignty (whatever that is) to Hindia and acquire a new Hindian identity ?

  • 0
    0

    AS,

    Further to what I said earlier, if you look back at the 70+ years since independence, the 13th amendment was the only substantive agreement that the Sinhalese polity was willing to provide as a solution to the Tamil question.

    That even something Tamils considered so paltry needed India’s intervention to secure, at the cost of so much blood and treasure, shows you how little chance there is for the Sinhalese polity to come to an agreement with the Tamil leaders without any external intervention. So people can’t blame the leaders for looking outside for help. When asked to suggest viable alternatives, the critics, especially Marxists, come up with outlandish claims that have even less probability of success. What we can do is to ask for some realism when the politicians tell the people about their hopes for external intervention.

    • 0
      0

      Agnos, AS is in his own world. You are not going to help him get out of it.
      (There are many such theoreticians on CT.)

      • 1
        0

        No Nathan– I am in the same world as you are; and I want to be so. If you think not, instead of arbitrary generalisation and branding. To be meaningful and helpful, please tell me exactly and specifically, how can I get out of the the “world” that you think I am in , and get into the “world ” you seem to be in, going by your words. But, please be specific where I am wrong and you are right and show me your enlightened path. I certainly will try with your help — Please don’t just give up like that. I am ready and willing.

        • 0
          0

          A.Sivapathasundaram,
          The answer you are looking for is already there in my comment.
          Read what was said within the brackets.

  • 1
    0

    Stanley

    I am sorry Thiagarajah Venugopal is trying to be too smart.
    Read carefully, this man types nonsense, I have raised some questions about his “IDEAS” on ghettos, he is only worried about other Ghettos and not about Sinhala/Buddhist ones.

    All along he wants “OTHERS” fit his SINHALA/BUDDHIST agenda, dispossessing the others, assimilating them into what he considers mainstream, he wants everyone to give up their identity, ….

    If he is so against Ghettos why does not he learn, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tulu, …. and give up his Sovereignty (whatever that is) to Hindia and acquire a new Hindian identity ?

  • 3
    0

    Native
    I must bow my head to you over your knowledge on the subject.
    .
    What is TNA’s definition of ‘Tamils’ in respect of a ‘political solution’?
    My definition which I always attach, in order to avoid any ambiguity , is:
    “All Tamil speaking people scattered across the island irrespective of their religion, caste or the date of arrival.”
    I want to find out what percentage is covered and what percentage left out in the Vadukkodai proposals.
    .
    Thanking you in advance

    Soma

  • 1
    0

    Oh! is that so Agnos, this Thiagarajah Venugopal? –That explains the how, wherefore and where- from his feelings and subjective, unrealistic and often unrelated, sometimes even surreal, views and expressions emanate. I thought first he is due some hearing and attention but his continued, incoherent rumblings, incessantly hogging and clogging substantial discussions and constructive debates, bordering on ‘paranoia’ —distracting and detracting, explains him: a baggage he is unable to unload and quite naturally angry about and burdened with. I really feel sorry for him. Naturally, he would be affected. And, psychologically, it is not unusual, unless it is arrested, that a certain tragic loss or affliction inflicted on a person or on someone close to him results in him in the generalisation and even a hatred of all others perceived by him as belonging to the perpetrator who caused the affliction, or to him that non -erasable suffering (or humiliation). Understandable. —Anyway, each and every unnatural death, in the way such his father, is abominable and — taking the self-appointed/ proclaimed position of” judge, jury and executioner” is certainly against all norms of ‘dharma’ and diminishes human beings and humanity.

    • 4
      3

      Dear AS

      You have to find out about me through Agnos??

      You could have read the wikipedia and the reference (6,8) in particular will tell you I am son of a turncoat/traitor correct the party you support assasinated (sorry we will use Agnos worlds “shot him dead”) during the 1981 elections?? because you did not want to face the Tamil voters???

      Please read the wikipedia few sentences and the way referencing is made to articles like yours to support the killings/assassinations??? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Thiagarajah reference 6 & 8 by Sachi Sri Hanth…do you know this guy??

      We are living in a bubble of misinformation and manufacturing consent traits……..

      I thought you are a man who called a spade a spade?????? (You did not like the Chinese premier objecting to wrong PR for his country when no investigation has been conclusive etc??

      • 3
        2

        Dear Sir

        you should take one other interesting twist of the facts regards PLOTE by Agnos that’s to carefully word them as Leftest?????????? too.

        Wonderful…….welcome to freedom of expression and free press.

        Any leftest leaning people who reads this please take note.

    • 3
      3

      Sivapathasundaram, What you call incoherent rumblings are the politics Mr. Thiagarajah is criticising. Its exactly his point too – those politics are incoherent rubbish, not only rubbish but dangerous and destructive rubbish. So you are actually proving his point and making a total idiot of yourself by your totally unfounded criticism of Mr. Thiagarajah and on top of that giving a semi-psychoanalysis as if he was some anonymous person in a clinical study. Really, this is the worst I have read here. It is unclear in your comment who has acted as “judge, jury and executioner ” – whether it is Mr. Thiagarajah or his father’s assassins.
       
      It looks like you have totally misunderstood what “constructive debates” are – FYI personal attacks of the kind you have made are not part of “constructive debates”. Discuss and debate the issues at hand without trying to pass off your personal attacks and totally idiotic half baked analyses of commentators as constructive debate. At least the trolls here have the decency not to talk of constructive debates but continue with their name-calling and personal attacks. Your comment is nothing but a deplorable head-on attack on Mr. Thiagarajah.

      • 2
        0

        Punchi Point, The fact that you are unable to distinguish whether the comment I made as to who has acted as “judge, jury and executioner –“whether it is Mr Thiagarajah or his father’s assassins” (your words) saying is not clear, despite me unambiguously condemning the assassination –and any killing of that nature– as abominable , is demonstrative of the “tint” of the glasses you are wearing when reading my comments and sweeping statements. That also explains your use of even more abrasive words and language you are alleging me of—all under the ostentatious pretext and pretension of you taking a very high moral ground.—I say no more!

        • 1
          2

          Sivapathasundaram, Refraining from personal attacks is a primary element in any constructive discussion. While you are entitled to your political ideas, attacking another person’s person is unacceptable and trying to pass off those personal attacks as constructive discussion is even more unacceptable. I had asked you a simple question, but without answering my question or countering my arguments you are attributing qualities to me and levelling personal attacks. The fact of the matter is that, you unambiguously condemning the assassination does not at all unambiguously identify who you are referring to. Your post consists of one question, six sentences, and one remark. The subject of your whole post is Mr.Thiagarajah. It is only reasonable to assume that you might be indirectly (i.e. hinting) referring to Mr. Thiagarajah, especially since the way you have formulated your last sentence, but I asked you to be sure. Instead of answering you resorted to personal attacks. What is most confusing is your reference to dharma, because it is totally out of place and abrupt. Besides, with or without a judge and a jury, being an executioner is against dharma. So actually your whole point is lost and the reader is left confused.

          Contd. ›

          • 2
            2

            Contd. ›
            So its actually you who have trouble writing a few coherent sentences. What you have done in that particular post of yours about Mr.Thiagarajah is a typical example of Ad Hominem Fallacy of the circumstantial type – i.e. instead of presenting your arguments in a straight forward way you are trying to negate his arguments by saying that his stand is motivated by personal circumstances, namely the loss of his father, so his arguments must be false and cannot be taken seriously. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Thiagarajah senior did a good job of giving a loving upbringing to his son and taught some good values like seeing the other side of a conflict, and having empathy for others before he passed away. So Mr. Thiagarajah junior’s ideas are influenced by his father’s ideas and are not ideas that has come up as a reaction to his father’s death. (BTW I don’t have more tinted glasses than you or anybody else here, and I am an anonymous commentator and have no need to put myself in a high moral ground). Before you seek constructive discussions you must stop attacking your opponents with personal attacks.

  • 3
    1

    Dar SJ

    Seventhly and most importently any malathion of any nature in the racial/language/religious lines can only begs for trouble on the long run………..remember what happened to Hon Late Colonel Gadaffi who orcheterated all Palestinians to be allowed back into the “one nation” concept as a solution once and for all bring justice to Palestinians and the Jews people together………it was not to be…….misery continues is not what we want in SL. Be futuristic and democratic when we want to discuss solutions that we seek for all is the point.

  • 1
    1

    correction……..any segregation not malathion..

    • 2
      0

      TV
      The Tamil middle class has a stronger bond with colonial masters than their Sinhalese counterparts, although there is less reason for them to be so.
      But for the time that the left had an impact in the North even into the 1970s, anti-imperialism resonated among a large number in the North.
      The surge of Tamil nationalism swept away anti-imperialistic thinking among the public and put in its place faith in the White masters of yesteryear.
      hat out problems are used by big powers to advance their interests does not register with many people.
      Anti-imperialism has stronger roots among the Sinhalese masses, regardless of the decline of the left.
      If you bring in the imperialist parameter, many things that you find hard to explain will fall into place.
      I however think that your thoughts have to be reviewed in the context of the post-war reality. which is harsher to the Tamils

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