Wigneswaran
Betrayal manifests itself in many forms among which are that of an urbane, pious, and on the face of it, a pacifist. These are the sentiments expressed about Wigneswaran by a lot of those who toiled expending blood and treasure to mobilize the political establishments in Tamil Nadu and the West in the fight for the right of Tamils to forge their own destiny.
Educated at Royal College, Wigneswaran’s peers included cricket captain Wile, ruggerite ‘Roti’ Sivaratnam, and Karthigesu Dharmachandran. Many believe that this is a man who sees himself as being a Sri Lankan rather than a Tamil, and, yet seeks to lead the Tamil nation in that island. Some argue that he has no option but to embrace this identity because conservative Tamil society brand his progeny as being “half-caste”.
The Vedic chants, which he is fond of reciting at the beginning and end of speeches, and, the holy ash he smears on his forehead are seen as a mask he wears to hide his true intent. That is, to sell Tamils in Sri Lanka short, very very short!
People say he has “no dog in the fight” in the Tamils struggle for freedom while others ponder its pedigree.
The most shocking omission of all is Wigneswaran’s failure to robustly tackle the issue of war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated Sri Lanka’s forces on the constituency he seeks to represent –the most heinous atrocity of the twenty-first century. Forty thousand innocent Tamil civilians were slaughtered in the final stages of the civil war and over a hundred thousand remain unaccounted for in the Wanni region of the Northern Province.
Contrast this with him loudly protesting “illegal” impeachment of a Sinhala chief justice – his relative silence on the former is deafening!
Of note are his familial links to a serving cabinet minister in the Rajapaksa regime at the time it unleashed this holocaust.
His elevation by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to be their chief ministerial candidate is reflective of a malign trend within itself. That is, to promote an out of touch cabal of Colombo based lawyers at the expense of sons of the soil. Many look at this with dismay as history repeating itself. After all, it was the myopic, self-serving acts of a similar cabal of Colombo based lawyers at the helm of the predecessor to the TNA, the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi, that brought about the structural debilitation of Tamil society in Sri Lanka.
Wigneswaran is a septuagenarian. Many in the diaspora and Tamil Nadu will continence the brickbats he hurls at them, because they see him as a means to an end. That is, to show the rest of the world the intransigence of the Sinhala supremacist state. There exists a view that his time has come but it will also go soon; very soon! And, he fails to appreciate that without the enormous pressure brought to bear by Tamil Nadu and the diaspora, both the Tamils in Sri Lanka and the TNA will now have been reduced to naught, with his Vedic chants or not!
If Wigneswaran genuinely wishes to retain any semblance of credibility among those whom he seeks to represent, or pay heed to the Hindu philosophy that he so publically touts, he needs to bring to the fore the genocide that they had to endure and seek redress for them in multilateral fora.
More so because he is supposed to be an eminent jurist!
Else, by deliberate act or omission he will be seen as being complicit in whitewashing of these crimes, and, his name will become synonymous with that name in Tamil which singularly describes the act of most heinous treachery –Ettappan!
AKP / July 24, 2013
One would expect someone who has chosen to write in a combative tone using inflammatory language to have the courage to write in their own name.
/
Saroja / July 24, 2013
In the same name exercise so many Tamil were killed as traitors. Finally the demarcation between these group blurred when all the organisation started violating human rights. Now let us take human rights forward.
/
Sengodan. M / July 24, 2013
Honestly I ask you Tamil Activist, did you refer to Thanthai Chelva as the ‘predecessor to the (leadership) of the TNA, namely the ‘Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi’? Your answer will help to place you!
/
Agnos / July 24, 2013
“…a lot of those who toiled expending blood and treasure to mobilize the political establishments in Tamil Nadu and the West in the fight for the right of Tamils to forge their own destiny.”
Where did they spend blood for that? It is nonsense.
People like you forget one thing–if you think Tamil society in SL is on your side, or if you think you speak for them, how come they elected the TNA, whose leader in turn deemed it best to have Justice W as the CM?
This is the politics of slander and personal destruction, based on your own assumptions about yourself, just as VP thought about himself, that started the slide in Tamil politics and contributed to all the tragedies of SL Tamils. It has to stop. Even in the Diaspora, only a small group of people think like you. Wait and see whether the people elect Justice W. or not.
I have been consistent about demanding action on the war crimes issue myself. The TNA itself ( Sumanthiran and Sampanthan) has articulated its views on war crimes clearly, that they have no intention of letting the issue go. But unlike those of us in the Diaspora, they cannot be talking about it all the time. Justice W. is barely getting started. He was born and raised in Colombo, and you should appreciate the fact that rather than becoming a sycophant of the parties in power, he has consistently spoken out for Tamil rights, starting with his inaugural address at the Supreme Court. You don’t get to define how a Tamil man should live in SL.
/
mohamed fazly ilyas / July 24, 2013
Looks like a ‘sleepwalker’ has woken up and come up with a ‘final Annalysis’.Come on, when will you tamils take a united stand and and start building a new era with what you have and show your fellow citizenry that you are determined to give them a better life rather than squabble over caste and creed and consolidating your own personal views and greeds.
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 24, 2013
A bright future also involves providing hundreds of thousands of victims justice!
A failure to hold war criminals accountable is to simply put a lid on a simmering pot, hoping it will not boil over!
/
David Blacker / July 24, 2013
The SL Tamils will decide what their future will be, not you. Don’t worry about the pot in our home; go back to your own kitchen.
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 24, 2013
How convenient and excuse: first brutalise them, then slaughter and now seek to whitewash these crimes!
/
David Blacker / July 25, 2013
Is the TNA whitewashing any crimes? You seem confused, TDA. Just because Mr Wigneswaran hasn’t run around waving Tiger flags and posters of Prabkharan, doesn’t mean he is whitewashing anything. You seem keen to be the only voice of the Tamils (familiar, no?) as well as ensure that every Tamil who doesn’t join you in communications suicide must be labeled a traitor :D
/
Maamanithar / July 25, 2013
David, if they give up the SL Tamil issue, their kitchen is empty.
/
David Blacker / July 25, 2013
Quite so.
/
David Blacker / July 24, 2013
And big demands from a brave man going into public office from a coward unwilling even to put his/her name behind the slander.
/
JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / July 24, 2013
Tamil Diaspora B S;
Few war criminals died at the Nandhikadal and Mullaivaaikal,
and few got escaped from srilanka,
Some have West passports and some got diplomatic postings and avoid the long arm of law.
Still you B S s wants to walk on dead bodies???????.
You are well off there,
And why looking for some cats paws to do your shit work???????.
Why shed crocodile tears for innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka???????,
/
Don Quixote / July 24, 2013
Let’s take at it’s face value and assume that this is the stand of the “diaspora” and it’s activists’.
Does it not prove in VERY CLEAR terms that all they are interested in is creating chaos in Sri Lanka ?
They are not willing or SCARED that politics will work and their “cause” and it’s related benefits will be denied them !
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 24, 2013
Not chaos…justice and holding war criminals accountable!
/
David Blacker / July 26, 2013
The best way to pursue war criminals is with evidence, not by attacking the men who are attempting to represent the SL Tamils.
/
CHANAKYAN / July 24, 2013
TDA
If you are so childish as to have the jitters, What is the need for Justice W to allay your fears. You are free to disabuse your mind of the phantoms that bother you. He has very many things on heaven and earth.
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 24, 2013
LET US HOPE THAT JUSTICE WIGNESWARAN, DOES SEEK JUSTICE!
JUSTICE FOR THE LIVING VICTING WHO HAVE SUFFERED AND JUSTICE FOR THE FOR THE TENS OF THOUSANDS WHO HAVE DIED!
/
David Blacker / July 25, 2013
Let us hope that instead of screaming rhetoric, like you, he will work effectively for the future of the SL Tamils who are being ignored and endangered by the blinkered leadership of the foreign Tamils.
/
Mahen / July 24, 2013
Diasporo activist , who do not have the courage to identify yourself with your sewed analysis. Here is a man who is open and willing to take on a difficult task laying out his cards on the table. He is quite pragmatic and spells out the options and the limitations that the scant minority of Tamis who are left behind in Sri Lanka face, preparing them to a journey of survival with dignity.
You who is so critical of that , what choices do you offer? Sweet nothing except years of exploitation, fear and intolerable violence in the hand of growing nationalists. All what every tamil in Sri Lanka wish now is to get their progeny out of the country. With your ilk there will be no one left as Tamils in that land soon before your dream utopia arrive.
Strange I do not see this condemnation by you of the likes of KP who played such a double dealing for years, on one hand leading the LTTE, diaspora and VP up the garden path and on the other hand dealing with SLG for his personal safety and fortune?
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 24, 2013
“survival with dignity” sounds capitulation and collaboration.
The reality is that over 40,000 innocent Tamils did not survive and another 100,000 as well if study the census between 2007 and 2009 for the Wanni area!
This is where my respect for West increases manifold because of their relentless quest of liberty and social justice -VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE RENT SEEKING ENGLISH SPEAKING CABAL OF TAMIL LAWYERS WHO SEEK TO AQUIRE POWER ON THE DEMISE OF THOUSANDS OF DEAD TAMILS
/
David Blacker / July 24, 2013
Why don’t you answer Mahen’s question about your cowardly hiding of your name while slandering this candidate? Why not answer the questions instead of repeating your rhetoric? You sound a bit like Usha Sri Skandaraja, who simply typed nonsense in caps whenever questioned. What’s up, envious that your government in exile appointed itself and that no one wants to vote for you?
/
Mahen / July 24, 2013
“The reality is that over 40,000 innocent Tamils did not survive and another 100,000 as well if study the census between 2007 and 2009 for the Wanni area!”
You know who the cause for it!
1)KP who kept promising his people and the LTTE the impossible while with his valuable inside information, the tables were being turned by the SLG armed forces.
2) Your former hero Karuna who betrayed his erstwhile leadership and his so called ideals.
3) VP for not trusting those who told him the truth, as he felt, they were the Tamil bourgeoise intellectuals who should be kept at arms length and never listened to. Never cared to understand the Geopolitics.
Now you should know who your Ettappans are?
Not people like Wigneswaran, who is trying to salvage a life for those Tamils who had no where to go and sacrificed their near and dear at the alter of Tamil liberation. Now standing naked at the mercy of Sinhala nationalists.
Your admiration for the west is fine. But remember when your brethren were crying for help they were weighing out their Geopolitical advantages!
/
manisekaran / July 24, 2013
All the three points do not count for a state to incite war crimes. How stupid justification.
/
David Blacker / July 25, 2013
But there is no evidence of the state inciting war crimes in the final stages of the war. But it is a nice attempt to shift the goalposts, Manisekaran. Let me move them back. I believe Mahen’s point is on who are the actual traitors, not whether war crimes are justified.
/
manisekaran / July 26, 2013
DB,
Can you read the post agin please;
“The reality is that over 40,000 innocent Tamils did not survive and another 100,000 as well if study the census between 2007 and 2009 for the Wanni area!”
You know who the cause for it!”
Is those three factors alone responsible for civilian death, not GOSL?
“But there is no evidence of the state inciting war crimes in the final stages of the war. But it is a nice attempt to shift the goalposts, Manisekaran.”
How would you know taht without proper investigation? Do you believe that there was zero civilian casualty as government reported from its investigation?
Evidences will be unearthed in due course of time provided the right panel of people investigate the war events . Thats why people are determined to seek investigation through independent international body.If I summarize;
A karuna traitor, a brain lost VP, unrealistic KP gave the chances for India aided Srilankan forces to carry out civilian massacre. I hold GOI is also responsible for civilian death, no deviation from that, just because it is my country.
/
David Blacker / July 29, 2013
You can read the post as many times as you like but it will not provide any evidence of either 40,000 or 100,000 civilians being killed. The IDAG-S Report points out the flaw in the so-called “census”. Have you read the IDAG-S Report which is the most recent one? If you haven’tI can furnish you with a link to it.
The three factors cited are not with regard to culpability in civilian deaths (are you unfamiliar with reading English?); it is in reference to the accusation of Wigneswaran being a traitor.
The evidence needed to convict requires an investigation; but the evidence required to launch an investigation (proof of a crime) must already be clear; ie it must be clear that there is evidence of a crime that necessitates an investigation. This is the very basics of the law. When a man dies unnaturally, a post-moretem will reveal if he has been murdered. Only if murder is clear will there be investigation by the police. The Darusman Report was the post-mortem, but it failed to provide clear evidence of the crimes that would warrant an external investigation. If you need a link to the Marga Institute’s dismissal of the Darusman Report, I can provide that to you as well.
/
Sengodan. M / July 25, 2013
Let the TNA with its chosen leader for the NPC think,plan and act in the interests of those LIVING NOW. Those of you who are powerful enough amongst the diaspora can relentlessly pursue seeking justice for the dead! That way a win -win situation can be created for all concerned.
/
Dr Raja Chandran / July 24, 2013
I am a former Commissioner for racial equality for United Kingdom, who was trained to treat all races living in UK as equal citizens.. Having lived in UK for most of my working life I had not delved in the politics of the Tamils in SL. I only concentrated in UK politics. I stood for Parliament for the Conservative Party and later was even elected as a Conservative Mayor.
Now as an observer only, I would like to say that the TNA has made a good choice by selecting CV as a Chief Minister Candidate. I believe that the informed Tamil Diaspora, if they follow my example, can only contribute to the cause by giving financial support to the election expenses of the TNA. At this moment in time the Tamils in SL do not need rhetoric from the Tamil Diaspora.
In return for my “investment”, can I request Mr Vigneswaran, when elected, to treat all Tamils equally. I am concerned particularly about the Tamil Muslims (does everyone know that there are no Sinhalese Muslims) and the Tamil Christians. CV can do this by discarding his external attire of wearing the “Pottu” exept for Hindu occasions. I used to wear one when I studied at Kokuvil Hindu College and at the Colombo Medical college when I was elected President of the Hindu Society. I do not wear one now, exept when my wife (who, incidentally is a Muslim born in Pakistan) and I,
attend wedding ceremonies and visit temples.
Mr Vigneswaran when elected, should not only be the Chief Minister of all Tamils, but also appear to be one, and for this I would humbly request him to discard the Pottu when he appears in Public. This will give all Tamils the confidence that he is a person without prejudice
I have started an Election Campaign Fund for the TNA in UK with an initial contribution of Rs 100,000. Would other members of the Diaspora be willing to join me?
Dr Raja Chandran, 53 Sheepwalk Lane Ravenshead, Nottingham, UK. tel 01624 792531.
/
JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / July 24, 2013
Dear Dr Raja Chandran;
Many thanks for Your comments and willingness to help your community.
As a Buddhist Sinhalese,
I respect your forwardness and
like to inform you that,
you should not have given your contact nos and address in this forum. [ for your safety].
you should have given your E Mail Address only.
thanking you.
JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA.
/
Native Vedda / July 24, 2013
Dr Raja Chandran
” I would humbly request him to discard the Pottu when he appears in Public.”
No need for him to discard any of his exterior cultural or religious symbols as long as his thoughts, words and deeds are not tainted by communal or criminal intent.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 24, 2013
A befitting reply to a very patronising comment.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
/
Native Vedda / July 24, 2013
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
Definitely Dr Raja Chandran is going to insist that none of my people could ever stand for office because he thinks their attire is offensive to the Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese.
Axe,bow, arrow and our amude are part of our identity without which we feel we are naked.
If one is expected to discard one’s identity for the sake of seeking office, one is better off without it.
/
Emil van der Poorten / July 24, 2013
Dr Raja Chandran:
I was fascinated by what came across as about the most patronising post I’ve ever seen on Colombo Telegraph!
The aboriginal community in North America used to have an interesting term to describe people expressing the kind of viewpoint that you have, “Apples: red on the outside but white on the inside.” That term is obviously transferable.
/
Native Vedda / July 24, 2013
Emil van der Poorten
More appropriate for the geography, coconut.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 25, 2013
Native Veddah,
You are right. The Tamil identity is not for sale. Someone wise had described the Christians among the Tamils as Christian Hindus. Hinduism , as a a cultural reality, is a common thread that binds all Tamils. It is also a common thread that runs through Buddhism and unites us in many ways.
The moment we shed our identity , whether we are Veddahs, Tamils , Sinhalese, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians or Muslims, we will be no longer Sri Lankans! We need not be neutered or castrated to be acceptable to others who are also equally proud of their identities and the symbolism that represent their identities.
Is being a Hindu and wearing its symbolism a disqualification to be a Tamil politician ? The stripes of the Holy Ash represents the destruction of the three impurities: Annavam , kanmmam and Maayai.. The Pottu represents the third eye: Gnanakkan. What is wrong with these symbols, when the meaning is understood? All mankind will wear the holy ash and the Pottu, if they understand what the represent!
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran.
/
Sengodan. M / July 25, 2013
Dear Dr. Raja ,
Surely the ‘pottu’ is not going to create any imbalance in the well balanced ex- Justce! Do not unnecessarily panic!
/
Raja / July 25, 2013
There is no harm in wearing the pottu! Tamil Hindus wear it. Even Tamil Christians wear it as part of asserting their Tamil identity. The Mass at Kachativu had the bishop and priests with chandana pottu on! Lets not harp on trivia!
We would next hear people mention that Tamil women politicians should discard the pottu as well!!
The Hindus are the 85% majority of the Tamils. The Christians are already well represented in the Tamil polity. The Muslims view themselves as a separate political dispensation and are enumerated as distinct in the census. Their politics is overtly religious anyway.
Wigneswaran has done nothing wrong. He is just being attacked as he has never been involved in the chauvanism of post independence Tamil politics unlike the diaspora activists who have done nothing in terms of the real livelihood of the Sri Lankan Tamils. If the US and India have engaged in Tamil human rights issues, it has more to do with issues of geopolitics rather than the lobbying of the Tamil diaspora!
/
Dr. N. Satchi / July 26, 2013
Dear Rajachandran,
Have you told other Tamil Activist to hide their religious garb.
Dr. N. Satchi UK
/
ahmad / July 24, 2013
“Many believe that this is a man who sees himself as being a Sri Lankan rather than a Tamil, and, yet seeks to lead the Tamil nation in that island.”
Tamil Diaspora Activist
What is wrong with being Sri Lankan and not Tamil? Are you trying to say that you don’t belong in Sri Lanka? You sound like you are labeling yourself as an outsider within this country?
And what Tamil ‘nation’ are you talking about in ‘this island’? Still talking about Ealam?
I understand and sympathise that you are still hurting (and very justifiably so), but this is just stupidity. I respect the TNA for their political maturity and probably there is hope for peace in this country – atleast someone has to rise above and be the bigger person. I think TNA is raising where MR is failing.
/
Native Vedda / July 24, 2013
ahmad
“What is wrong with being Sri Lankan and not Tamil?”
Everything is wrong with Sri Lankan identity.
The Sri Lankan identity which was manufactured in 1972 by the majoritarian Sinhala/Buddhists does not represent the diverse nature of this island nor does it recognise minorities, including my people.
When in 1972 new constitution was drafted and adapted it was the Sinhala/Buddhist who voted for it in the parliament and not by ordinary people of this island.
The constitution should have been put to a referendum. It was not the case hence the Sri Lankan identity is not based on consensus but a fraudulent act which should be treated as such.
/
manisekaran / July 24, 2013
good reply NV
/
David Blacker / July 25, 2013
As usual, NV, living in the jungle has not prevented you from missing the woods for the trees. The point isn’t whether the SL identity is correct or not, but rather whether it is preferable to identify oneself by one’s nationality as opposed to one’s ethnicity. Or rather, if there is something wrong with doing so. Try to understand the context of a comment, what has been discussed already, and the comment’s relation to the article before jumping on the keyboard with both feet.
Given that TDA himself identifies himself as a diaspora Tamil, differentiating himself from the SL Tamils and other Sri Lankans, it is a fair question.
The problem with the SL identity is clear. The point is, how do we change that identity? Do we do it by refusing to be part of it and clinging to our ethnic identities, or by becoming a part of it and thereby changing the whole? The Sinhalese themselves worry that this created SL identity will be changed by the minorities and they therefore attempt exclude the minorities or reshape them, so by excluding ourselves we are in fact supporting that exclusivist ideology.
/
Native Vedda / July 25, 2013
David Blacker
Now you are talking.
We can explore this important issue further in a calm and collected manner.
I will respond to your comment later.
/
David Blacker / July 26, 2013
You mean now you’re understanding. It is a pity that you don’t take the time to understand before responding.
/
Native Vedda / July 26, 2013
David Blacker
Man, don’t hit the fan
/
David Blacker / July 29, 2013
Don’t worry, you can hide under your amude.
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 24, 2013
Read history…Tamils were and are a nation with distinct physical boundaries!
If they choose to be part of the Sri Lankan state, it must be with their consent!
/
Native Vedda / July 24, 2013
Tamil Diaspora Activist
“Read history…Tamils were and are a nation with distinct physical boundaries!”
Here we go again.
This is another version of Vijaya myth.
Nation is a 19 Century invention.
Tamil nation is a very good idea but the physicality, mind or spirit of this idea do not exist.
Please send it back to drawing board, brain storm among your Tamil stupid Diaspora, come back and tell us as to what constitutes your idea of stupid Tamil Nation.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 25, 2013
Native Veddah,
I hope your strong words knock some sense into some Tamil Diaspora heads. This is among the best of your many comments. Thanks.
Dr.RN
/
Pathy / July 24, 2013
I salute you Dr Raja Chandran, for your generosity.
I wish many, but not all will follow Dr Raja Chandran’s idea.
This is an action of a matured and experience politician and a social worker.
Dr Raja Chandran, in case of unwanted telephone calls, does take preventive measures.
Well done.
/
Sri / July 24, 2013
US based Donald Gnanakone, brother of late Charles Gnanekone of Australia is the one who has written various comments here, [Edited out]
It doubt me whether he is the originator of this article.
Since the aviation authority has rejected the extension of his Pilot license on a disciplinary ground, he is introspective and agitating others.
/
Fernando / July 25, 2013
Bloody hell
I suspected this.
I said in my comment that this person is a Christian.
Donald Gnanakone looks like a Christian name!
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 25, 2013
No! Actually a thoroughbred Hindu Tamil Vellala!
But unlike the cabal millionaire Tamil lawyers in the TNA and their “half-caste” progeny who seek to profit from the sacrifices of the sons of the soil, I do not!
This cabal of Tamil lawyers have married among the Sinhalese, educate their children in Sinhalese, their children marry among the Sinhalese, and take up Tamil politics to bump up their fee by another 5,000 guineas a day!
Nothing wrong with any of the above or earning 5,000 guineas more a day as it is “monkeys nuts” in the West, but it is when they seek to do it over the dead bodies of tens of thousands of innocent Tamils by not acknowledging their existence! Yet they defend the impeachment of a Sinhala chief justice by parliament.
/
Correct-the-Record / July 25, 2013
Can we stick to facts relevant to the article please and not Gnanakone’s caste and religion. It is well known that Gnanakone is neither Hindu nor Vellala. Is Gnanakone to come forward and say “No I am such and such”?
It seems a deliberate ploy by “Tamil Diaspora Activist” to label him a Hindu Vellala. I hope Gnanakone will maintain a dignified silence on this aspect of matters.
/
Francis / July 25, 2013
Donald Gnanakone was the one who engross this article.
This urged him to be calm.
He is non velalla 3rd grade awful peer.
/
Che / July 25, 2013
This comment shows you for who you are “a Sinhala Supremacist who is hell bent on destroying Tamil and Sri Lankan unity”. You are like Champika and Wimal but don’t have the courage to put your name to your sayings.
War crimes investigation even if successfully will only hold Rajapakses to account and punish them. It wont give the Tamils any solution.
Tamils want a respectable solution not revenge taking. That is TNA’s and CVW’s first priority.
/
manisekaran / July 26, 2013
Che,
It should be a parellal wings of reconciallation. Punishment to the guilty and polity for prosperity.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 24, 2013
Hagar the Horrible ( HH):
Vikings are FREE!!
HH: Vikings are INDEPENDENT !!
HHS: Vikings don’t take orders from ANYONE !!
Lucky Eddie: Vikings have to ALSO EAT!
Lucky Eddie’s reply applies to the Tamils who have to live in the north and east, and should make sections of the Tamil Diaspora to think wisely.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
/
Sivathasan / July 24, 2013
TDA is neither a character assassin nor a charlatan. He knows what he is about. Only his sight is poor. He couldn’t see an Ettappan in others for 10 years and more. Real reason is that he is a dead tree, a spent force. So ignore him. Justice Wigneswaran has attracted extensive attention within a week of sprouting. This plant if allowed to grow will provide a safe arbour to Tamils. Nip it in the bud before people seek shelter. This is the aberrated strategy.
Justice Wigneswaran with his sight on a settlement has darted through a minefield. With circumspection he has avoided harping on War Crimes, Tamil Nadu and the Diaspora. He sees wisdom in Frederick the Great’s observation “Politics is the art of the possible”. TDA sees the eclipse of these three and the resident Tamils coming into their own. Sovereignty resides with them is the judgement of Justice W.
By saying in the Hindustan Times interview that “SL issue is being used in TN for political gains”, he has set his face against insincere professions. When he said “Pl. allow us to to work out our own solution” he has declared to the Tamils who are resident, that the mandate he seeks is for the indigenous through a home grown formula in consultation with them, who have gone through thick and thin. “Within a united Sri Lanka” is an open declaration of pragmatism. Those who think differently can contest and seek a different mandate.
Forthrightness has irked TDA and his ilk.
/
Tamil Diaspora Activist / July 25, 2013
“Tamils who are resident” ?
“Home Grown Solution” ?
What about Tamils who were mad non-resident on this earth at Mullaivaikal by the genocidal Sri Lankan army?
As for the “Home Grown Solution” does it mean not deal with the slaughter of a 140,000 Tamils in Wanni?
Are these are the citizenry that Wigneswaran will represent!
/
David Blacker / July 29, 2013
The Tamils of SL will decide what is important to them and beneficial to their future. If you want to be a part of that, TDA, please join in. You can’t stand on the road and shout to the players what and what not they should do. You just look silly and impotent.
/
Sengodan. M / July 25, 2013
Well said, Mr. Sivathasan!
/
Dr. N. Satchi / July 25, 2013
25 – 07 – 2013
” I am not worried about the opinion of the Jaffna people… now we cannot think of them, not about their lives or their opinion… the more you put pressure in the north, the happier the Sinhala people will be here… Really if I starve the Tamils out, the Sinhala people will be happy.” - President J.R.Jayawardene, Daily Telegraph, July 1983
Out of 149 comments 14 are from the same Tamil Activist. Angry he must be and possibly rightly so. It is July a month so significant to Sri Lankans in general and Tamils of Sri Lanka in particular. Anger is very much in the air as almost every Tamil was affected in many ways than one. Some were affected more than others. This horrendous event is the handy work of a Machiavellian President who destroyed the nation in many ways than one.
We as communities need to understand how the Minorities feel about their security and any sensible solution has to address this issue ‘ of the security concerns of all minorities ‘ if we are interested in Nation Building.
Justice Wigneswarran I am sure will have sympathy for the hurt felt. Sri Lankan Government owes it to this person to frame laws and other measures that make him feel equal and secure.
Justice Wigneswarran has the best skill and tools to achieve this. Let us not be distracted
Dr. N. Satchi UK
/
Dr. N. Satchi / July 25, 2013
CORRECTION-
” the security concerns of all minorities ‘
/
Sivathasan / July 25, 2013
A story related by Sathya Sai Baba may be cited.
We regularly visit the ant hill, home to the cobra, shower flowers, pour milk, burn camphor and worship it. When we see a cobra we beat it to death.
All the mellifluous music under the sun had to be played to draw a reluctant C V W out from his spiritual abode. When he responds to the pleas, we pelt stones at him. Is this what we call Tamil Culture which we prate about and seek to foster?
/
Che / July 25, 2013
Dear Mr. Sivathasan,
This attack on a noble man by this faceless agent provocateur is not the Tamil culture. The Tamil culture and unity will be plain for all to see, when the election results (if they are held fairly)get declared.
/
Native Vedda / July 26, 2013
Che
“is not the Tamil culture. The Tamil culture and unity will be plain for all to see,”
Please bear with me. What is Tamil culture?
/
Che / July 26, 2013
Native Vedda,
Sorry mate I am here for mature discussion. Not to give you replies, which you will turn in to ugly and distasteful racist attacks. a If you are genuinely interested, going to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_culture will be a good start.
/
Native Vedda / July 27, 2013
Che
“which you will turn in to ugly and distasteful racist attacks”
No I promise I won’t.
By the way I am not a racist.
The Sinhalese and Tamils are proud of their respective cultures but haven’t got a clue when asked to explain.
/
Jey / July 25, 2013
Tamil Diaspora Activist
Julampitiye Amaraya
Native Vedda
David Blacker
Raja
Correct-the-Record
Jim softy
Maamanithar
Che
Sengodan
Mahen –
Are all respectively one individual, [Edited out]
You are wrong – CT
/
JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / July 27, 2013
JEY,
very sorry for your utter wrong prediction.
I am not angry, but I personally sympathize for your stupidity,
I suspect;
What connection you have with Tamil Diasporas Activist????.
To me, You both are Mentally re-treaded like.
/
Thanga / July 27, 2013
Kali, Shankar and few other names to be added to the list of DJG.
Well written : He knows everything about everyone but not about himself.Writing insulting comments is his full time job and life time achievement.
/
Native Vedda / July 25, 2013
Jey
“Are all respectively one individual,”
I take exception to your comment.
Don’t lump me with other commentators which is the ultimate insult one can shower on me.
I have not broken the record for fastest typing and I assure you that I have not fixed robotic arms to be everywhere.
/
R. Varathan / July 26, 2013
Although some well informed and regular commentators wrote in these threads the date of the Northern Province PC Election has been announced, I notice even today the Election Commissioner speaking to the media says the date has not been decided upon by the Govt (read President) ???
Varathan
/
Sengodan. M / July 26, 2013
Even whether the election would be held is doubtful. We, the Tamils are quarrelling about the selection of candidates. Even the students of the Jaffna University want to give up studies and enter the political fray. Where are we all heading?
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 26, 2013
There was a report that 28th September would be date of elections when the nomination dates were announced. Unfortunately I am unable to trace it now. The Elections Commissioner has to make a statement clarifying matters.
Dr. Rajasingham Narendran
/
Concerned Citizen / July 26, 2013
Any article that quotes the Gordon Weiss fabrication of 40,000 deaths, has absolutely no credibility and all else appearing in such articles could also be a collection of lies, half truths and delusions. This article falls into that category and I stopped reading it the moment I saw reference to ‘Gordon Weiss 40000 figure. Gordon Weiss himself must be having a good laugh at these jokers, relying so heavily on his lie.
/
kali / July 26, 2013
I have a message for the Tamil Diaspora Activist of which I am one and the message is this.
I understand how you feel but don’t jump to conclusions and pass judgement on a man who I see as a beacon of light for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. For me he has all the right credentials the INTELLECT, , APPEAL I mean to me he comes across as some one who passionately believes in the Tamil suffering and a devout Hindu ,and most importantly has the SUPPORT and ENDORSEMENT of the power players as we are told that he was the choice of India, USA and Britain.
You have to read the answers he has given in his interview to understand and appreciate his sincerity and I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt and entrust the direction and the future of the long suffering Tamils of Eelam in his hands.
You have to look at his ACTS and OMISSIONS in a Sri Lankan context and the constraints under which he has to tread a path which is full HURDLES and HAZARDS and DANGERS . Don’t forget he is dealing with Thugs who will not hesitate to kill you to stay in power and if you want proof look at what happened to the decorated Four Star General SF , Kumar Ponnampalam, Dr.Shirani Bandaranaike and the list is endless. These thugs who are ruling the country will not hesitate to bump him off if they feel they are cornered.
First of all he has to gain power limited though it may be in terms scope and extent. Once in power he then has to prioritise his task for the future in the following order.
1) Stop the Army from roaming the street by confining them to barracks.
2) Initiate a Tamil Police force to take charge of Security along the lines of Tamil Nadu so that we can walk the streets in safety and our Mothers and Sisters can live with dignity and prevent the horrors of what happened to our poor sister Krishanthy, which is still happening.
3) Develop the North and this will happen once we have an elected assembly as investment will flow in not just from the Diaspora ( there are thousands waiting to return)but also from the International community as we have proved out entrepreneurship in the west.
Finally the question of accountability as the Pre Requisite to Reconciliation is Accountability but that is a matter for the International Community and the Diaspora have a vital role. Accountability cannot be achieved from within and for this to happen we need a change of Government in India as the hands of the current rulers are tainted with Tamil Blood and hence the reluctance by them to push a War Crimes Tribunal as Gotha has evidence of Indias involvement in the Genocide and many of the current politicians were paid handsomely by MR. They are not going to betray the Paymaster
So my appeal to the Diaspora is don’t rock the boat and be patient and who would have thought few months ago that we will be discussing an election for CM in the North.
This has been made possible for two reasons one is the pressure from India , USA and Britain and the other the forthcoming CHOGM offering no escape route for MR to postpone the election.For me this is the beginning and the best is yet to come and if you want to serve your people you need power and that means getting Vigneswaran elected as CM and I have every trust in him.
I like to finish with the following.
Entru Thaniyum Intha Suthanthira Thagam Entru Thanium Intha Adimyin Mogam
/
Native Vedda / July 27, 2013
kali
“For me he has all the right credentials the INTELLECT, , APPEAL”
In the past thirty years or so one can see a growing anti intellectual tendency among the people. Through out this island people respect respect and worship corrupt politicians, their cronies and criminals. Now the whole of this island is driven by greed and greed alone.
Whether CM candidate’s intellect could spring any miracles, I am not sure.
“1) Stop the Army from roaming the street by confining them to barracks.”
I would go further than what you propose. Abolish the armed forces.
“2) Initiate a Tamil Police force to take charge of Security along the lines of Tamil Nadu so that we can walk the streets in safety and our Mothers and Sisters can live with dignity and prevent the horrors of what happened to our poor sister Krishanthy, which is still happening.”
No need for a branded police force. What you need is a police force which reflects people’s concern and enforces law and order vigorously through out the island. As with any state institution police force too is bound to be corrupt. Being Tamil alone would not make it a clean and people centered force.
“3) Develop the North and this will happen once we have an elected assembly as investment will flow”
Development should be bottom up process, should not be driven by investment alone nor by greed.
All investments are subject to licensing. The state controls all decisions. If I were you I would not bet on their goodwill.
All investments unofficially require a local partner. Basically a person very close to the ruling clan would be the ideal partner. Investors pay the bills, spend time building the business, whereas the local partner comes with just goodwill and demands half the share of the business. Few years later the partner increases his stake in the business.
Remember there are man made political barriers to entry.
/
kali / July 27, 2013
Native,
Your civilised comment is noted and let me answer some your concerns and doubts.
1)One has to be realistic and we are not asking for the army to be disbanded. But our request to confine the army to barracks is a reasonable and justifiable one. But like day follows night the army”s role will be curtailed for the following reasons once the CM takes office.
a) The reason MR wanted to retain Police and Land powers was to control the north using a Sihalese army and no doubt retaining the Land powers will help with acquisition of Tamil Land for colonisation. As you know they have already waved the white flag following pressure from India.
b) The reaason why the army are roaming the streets of the Tamil heartland is because North is ruled directly from the centre.
c) When the Northern assemblly is in place the only way the army can run the affiars is under a State of Emergency but that has gone so it is the Police who will be responsible for the security and they will be under the control of the elected assembly and I hope that anaswers the question
2) As for the flow of investement I dont anticipate any problem with that as once we have an elected assembly the CM will meet the leaders at the centre to divide the cake. These are early days but I am sure things will slot into place.
Finally for me the question of accountabilty will take the centre stage with international help and that will become a reality once the courrupt government in India is repalced with a Mr.Clean and hopefully an Iron Lady.
/
Sivathasan / July 26, 2013
What causes unease among some Tamils when Wigneswaran emerges? A poem from Kamban, reputed as the emperor among poets would throw some light. His forte was the use of simile and metaphor.
Describing the sunset scene the poet says, the fading of the Lotus by nightfall and the blooming of water lilies by then was like petty chieftains appearing after the demise of an emperor.
A simile does not stand on all fours. The converse of the above would describe the morning scene. When the Lotus blooms in the morning, the water lilies fade away and die off. Jagadish Chandra Bose if living then would have observed the shudders of the lilies.
When Wigneswaran towers with a mandate from the Tamils, others loose their voice. Those placing the community above themselves are more than happy at the prospect.
/
Spring Koha / July 27, 2013
Whoa! what a gushing and all from an article by a ‘Tamil Diaspora Activist’ for which read ‘a pissing in the wind artist’. Tamil Diaspora Activists are scattered far and wide; when they abandoned ship, most took care to be selective about their preferred choice of destination – ‘we maybe refugees but we are not fools’ as one told me. These ardent tamils now want to decide the future of the community they left behind – the cheek! Oh nothing too inconvenient,like returning to SL, mind you. A bit of Sri Lanka knocking from afar with a tamasha or two thrown in, and don’t mind the bemused locals who are now getting bloody fed up at their disruptive shenanigans. Those of the tamil community at the front in SL working to repair the damage deserve to be allowed to get on without this obstreperous rabble who would do well to think of what might have been if they had not run away and left the future of their community in the hands of a half-educated megalomaniac.
/
kali / July 27, 2013
You Spring Koha Chicken,
Let me tell you something. Yorus is a typical Sinhalese reaction and if you come back and say no I am Tamil and have satyed behind to help the Tamils no one would believe you as you will be telling porkies man.
Let me correct your misconception and for your information the Tamil Diaspora have a vital role to play in shaping the future and course of events in Tamil Eelam just like the JEWISH DIASPORA without whom the State of Israel would not exist. The Tamil Diaspora also have vital input into the Tamil Economy as we have proved our skills and whether you like it or not we are here to stay for ever and will help determine the destiny of our mother land. By the way why dont you ask Wimal to resign as he has failed to remove the Police and Land powers from the Nothersn Assembly and have you noticed all your masters have waved the white flag and gone quite . Even Callum McCrae is coming to town. So put up or shut up you chicken.
/
shankar / July 27, 2013
If Wignesvaran is an ettapan,what about the man who made a deal for hundreds of million rupees with mahinda to stop the tamils from voting for ranil in the 2005 election?What shall we call him?
/