By Rajeewa Jayaweera –
Rajeewa Jayaweera
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Taranjit Singh Sandhu recently delivered the 14th Annual Sujatha Jayawardena Memorial Oration at the invitation of the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo. His oration stressed on the current status of Indo-Sri Lankan relations based on India’s regional policy of ‘Sabika Sath Sabka Vikas’ or ‘Progressing and ‘Neighborhood First.’
Three areas as in relations between the two countries (3 Bs); the Buddhist connection (a pet theory of most visiting Indian dignitaries), Broad friendship between the two nations and Blend of Indian assistance in sync with Sri Lanka’s needs.
Buddhism was referred as the bedrock consolidating relations. Reference was also made to an Indian Buddhist identity. Buddhism in the sub-continent was systematically obliterated by Brahmins to protect their caste system. According to 2011 Indian census, the Buddhist community in India have dwindled to 0.7% of its population of 1.2 billion and are mostly neo-Buddhist converts from the marginalized Dalit community. There are hardly any known people to people contacts between Buddhists in the two countries, even though thousands of Buddhist pilgrims visit India regularly to worship at places such as Bodh Gaya and Varanasi.
The claim of ‘Broad’ relations with Sri Lanka due to “friendship without any conditions” may
be accepted by our leaders due to the lack of any other choice and a few who prefer to ignore historical facts. The friendship between the two countries has been anything but without conditions and continue to be so.
No narration is necessary of India aiding and abetting Tamil terrorists commencing late 1970s. The halting of the Vadamarachchi operation due to Indian insistence prolonged the conflict by another twenty-two years bringing untold misery and death to hundreds of thousands of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims alike. India’s food airdrop over Jaffna on June 4, 1987, by Air Force transporters accompanied by fighter aircraft, cannot be denominated as a purely humanitarian intervention. There were powerful political overtones coupled with intervention strategy inherent in the airdrop. It also led to the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, which legitimized the coerced invitation from the Sri Lankan government for India to intervene.
The airdrop amounted to a gross violation of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and airspace. It remains etched in the memories of those who lived through it.
The force-fed Indo-Sri Lanka Accord resulting in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, over time has come to be accepted by Sri Lankans for want of a better option. Not only was President Jayawardena pressured into signing a treaty primarily drafted by the Indian government. The Sri Lankan government was also required to give up some of its foreign policy and military decision-making.
The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 and its Annexure dealt with the creation of Provincial Councils in the North and East and power devolution. A lesser-known letter dated July 29, 1987, from Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, addressed to President JR Jayewardene and accepted in toto by the Sri Lankan President spelled out conditions GoSL was required to adhere on foreign policy and defense matters, entirely unrelated to the Tamil issue.
Para 2 i, ii, iii and iv refers to; (a) employment of foreign military and intelligence personnel will not be prejudicial to Indo-Sri Lanka relations (b) Trincomalee or any other port will not be made available for use by any other country in a manner prejudicial to India’s interests (c) restoration of Trincomalee oil tank farm will be undertaken by the two countries as a joint venture (d) Sri Lanka’s agreements with foreign broadcasting organizations to ensure they are not for military or intelligence purposes.
To the best of this writer’s knowledge, Sri Lanka has not reneged on these undertakings except when President Rajapaksa in 2014 foolishly permitted a Chinese submarine to dock in, in Colombo. Development of Hambantota Port was awarded to the Chinese after India declined the initial offer.
Para 3 i and ii relates to the deportation of all Sri Lankan citizens in India found to be engaging in terrorist activities or advocating separatism or secessionism and India would provide training facilities and military supplies for Sri Lankan security forces.
India reneged on its commitments from day one. LTTE and other terrorists continued to operate from Tamil Nadu for decades freely. Even though India did provide training facilities for Sri Lankan soldiers, she never supplied offensive military equipment to Sri Lanka during the conflict.
In 2007, India declined to provide radar with three-dimensional capabilities after the Indian supplied equipment with two-dimensional capabilities failed to detect LTTE aircraft involved in raiding the SLAF base in Katunayake. China and USA eventually filled the void despite Indian objections.
During the later stages of the conflict, India did provide naval intelligence on LTTE supply vessels which helped the Sri Lankan navy to hunt them down.
Despite India’s stated policy of not voting on country-specific issues, it voted in favor of the UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka in 2012 and 2013, not for any altruistic reasons as claimed, but due to the tail (Tamil Nadu state) wagging the dog (Union government).
“Our aid is not to raid and invade” does not sit well with the continued poaching by Tamil Nadu fisher raiders in northern Sri Lankan waters. The hapless Sri Lankan leaders, after making repeated requests to the Indian government have now fallen silent. They are constrained from raising the issue at international forums.
India is fast making regional grouping SAARC irrelevant due to a bilateral issue with Pakistan. The 19th SAARC summit due be held in Pakistan in 2016 was cancelled due to an India boycotted. She has hinted the possibility of another boycott of the 2018 summit in Pakistan. However, India insisted, Sri Lanka could not raise the issue of the violation of its airspace in 1987 on grounds, SAARC was a forum for multilateral and not bilateral matters between member states.
Self-interest has been India’s guiding light in its relations with Sri Lanka. In the backdrop of such a checkered relationship, to state “We have never believed in setting conditions for friendship” is a travesty. To dismiss such a track record as mere “hesitations of history” adds insult to injury.
The geographical proximity, much acclaimed as an advantage is in fact, the most significant disadvantage for small countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Pakistan alone, chiefly due to its nuclear capability, can stand its ground in its relations with India. Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy notwithstanding, it is this proximity which is cause for discomfort in neighboring countries and justification used by India for its big brotherly and high-handed conduct.
It also compels India to control foreign, defense, trade and internal affairs of neighboring countries it considers as her backyard. In the 1980s, ensconced in a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, it insisted Sri Lanka wind-down relations with USA and Israel. In the current context, having become America’s proxy in the Indian Ocean Region and with Israel as its single biggest arms supplier, India wishes for Sri Lanka and other neighboring states to minimize relations with China.
The ’Blend’ aspect refers to “India’s desire to share all it has with Sri Lanka.” Total Development Assistance by India amounts to USD 2.9 billion of which USD 545 million amounts to outright grants. As per Dept. of Commerce 2016 statistics, Sri Lanka’s Exports to India amounted to USD 551 million and Imports from India, USD 3.8 billion.
Bhutan is prevented from having its own foreign and defense policy. Nepal has suffered for decades due to Indian interventions in its internal affairs, the most recent being the constitutional crisis and the five-months long economic blockade that followed. It precipitated the fall of Prime Minister KP Oli’s government in 2016. The Maldives is being admonished for entering into a Free Trade Agreement with China without first consulting India and for its proposed Ocean Observation Station with China.
The need for neighboring states to respect India’s security concerns is a given. That and that alone is India’s entitlement. She should not tell neighbors with whom to interact besides how and what to trade unless they have security implications. Neighboring states amending and making Constitutions should be strictly internal affairs. India’s dealings with neighbors on a ‘Boss’ and ‘Subordinate’ standpoint must essentially change. They should not be expected genuflect and kowtow to Indian diktats. ‘Sabika Sath, Sabka Vikas’ should be all about equal partners and mutual respect.
This writer is neither a politician nor a foreign affairs analyst. However, I share the resentment many of my compatriots feel towards Indian policy on Sri Lanka, both present, and past. A litmus test to this statement would be the paucity of locals who would cheer for the Indian side during a cricket match in Colombo between India and Pakistan. A quiet chat with evening strollers around the monument for fallen Indian soldiers adjoining the parliament, who lived through the 1980s would be most enlightening.
Not all the handouts, trade, aid, FDIs, and platitudes will make that wariness go away. What needs to be addressed by the High Commissioner who claims “India will be there whenever you need us” is; can he and will he acknowledge past misdeeds (not hesitations) and assure people of this country of nonrecurrence in the future? It is such an assurance, for what it is worth, that would help ordinary citizens to change their “hostile mindset” as one local commentator recently described and move on.
Mano Ratwatte / April 15, 2018
Sir, it is the regional super power and seeks hegemony over all states except Pakistan. Reality; geo-political reality. You are right. Right now, US and Indian security, economic and strategic interests have blended into a fear of China. That is one of the reasons both are paying very close attention to Sri Lanka’s domestic politics. As Willy Brandt, the Chancellor of West Germany(long gone) used to say “real politik” of being right next to the iron curtain and communist bogeyman East Germany back then. Sad reality. Thank you for this. Perhaps RW can avoid catastrophe by becoming close to India and USA and offering them bases?
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ThanthaiChelva / April 15, 2018
US and Indian interests are better served by splitting Sri Lanka. One for Tamils and one for Singhalese. One part (Tamil part) will always (emphasized) and unreservedly be pro-Indian. The other part will always be pro-Chinese. Their goal achieved and both camps happy. Only Srilankan racist fools oppose this but they have no say. USA, India and China will agree to peacefully split the loot (Srilanka).
That will stop all wars and riots.
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Shenal / April 15, 2018
ThanthaiChelva,
What good does it do to the Tamil community of North and East?
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 15, 2018
Rajeewa, you have been told several times that sovereignty of Sri Lanka depends entirely on the security concerns of India. Then why are you repeatedly coming out with your blabber with your anti-Indian credentials. When you accuse India that their help is only if Sri Lanka does things according to Indian way, you must know that USA, China or Europeans are also on the same boat. India is in this sorry plight in Sri Lanka because of their foreign policy based on anti-Tamil stand. The day they change it, they will reign supreme, as was seen between 1983 to 1987. You are not grateful for India for bending down backwards to please Sri Lanka all these years. Srima-Shastri agreement to deport Indian Tamils who had been in the country for more than 150 years, Kacchativu agreement despite historical evidence of ownership belonging to Sethupathy of Ramanadapuram, watering down agreed devolution provisions in Indo-Lanka accord of 1987 after JR surrendered, are part and parcel of this capitulation. Mahinda had made a big mistake of bringing China into Sri Lanka to buffer Indian pressure on settling Tamil problem in a fair manner, and the country will have to pay dearly. China is not here to do wonders to Sri Lanka, but to destabilise India, and Sinhalese help in this matter is nil. If a third world war is to break out, India will certainly come in and occupy part or whole of Sri Lanka for strategic reason. Syrian war has ably demonstrated that intrusion into sovereign states could be done with impunity. With present government dilly-dallying with Tamil demands, it gives legitimacy for international community or India to intervene even militarily to settle it.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / April 15, 2018
Gnana
In return for all the big ‘favors’, you claim India did, Sri Lanka reciprocated by remaining non-aligned till around 1980. Since you claim you lived in Colombo during that tie, you seem to have forgotten that aspect as it suits your narrative. Furthermore, India should treat its own – the Kashmiris, in the same manner, it lectures to Sri Lanka on the Tamil issue. Had you married a Kashmiri, you might have agreed! Also remember, this is 2018 and not 1987. US adventure in Syria yesterday was not about regime change. Even though Mohd. Nasheed pleaded for Indian military intervention in the Maldives recently, India only made some noise. Military intervention is but a pipe dream of dreamers such as your good self living in exile.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 16, 2018
Rajeewa do not mix Kashmir and Tamil issues. Get the facts straight before rushing in. Kashmir was part of Indus valley civilisation belonging to Dravidians and not to North Indians or Pakistanis. Secondly Kashmir was a Hindu kingdom which was overrun by Moghuls which was handed back to Hindus by British. At the time of independence, Kashmir King who was allowed to choose like all other protectorates opted to be independent of both India and Pakistan similar to the decision taken by Hyderabad Nizam. It was Pakistan which refused to honour this decision and invaded Kashmir to annex it. It was only then the King of Kashmir signed the accession to India and Indian troops moved in. Had Pakistan not intruded, today Kashmir would have been an independent state ruled by Muslim majority parliament under a Hindu King. If you hold a referendum in Kashmir, Hindus and Ladakkis who are Buddhists will opt to join India, and majority of Muslims will opt to be an independent country. Pakistan does not like Kashmir to be independent and is creating problem. In contrast Neither Sinhalese or Tamils are the original people of Sri Lanka, and new archaeological evidence discovered show that Tamil language was in use in Sri Lanka before the emergence of Sinhala as a language less than 1500 years ago. Also Hinduism was the first religion to be practiced in Sri Lanka much before the advent of Buddhism. Therefore to deny Tamils their fair share of land and power amounts to racism. (Contd.)
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / April 16, 2018
Gnana
“If you hold a referendum in Kashmir, Hindus and Ladakkis who are Buddhists will opt to join India, and the majority of Muslims will opt to be an independent country”
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Despite your laborious efforts to distort facts, the reality is otherwise.
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Indian occupied Kashmir (Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh) population is 7,25 mil; 66% Muslim, 30% Muslim, 1% Buddhist and 2% Others. https://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir
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Why does India not hold the Plebiscite it promised at UN in 1947 and find out if Kashmiris want to break away from India or not?
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Why does India not heed the demand of 4.8 million (66%) Muslims in Kashmir but worry about 2.2 million (11.2%) Sri Lankan Tamils?
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FYI Pakistan occupied Kashmir (Azad K, Gilgit/Baltistan) population is 6 mil comprising of almost 100% Muslims
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 16, 2018
Rajeewa, you are hiding the truth. At present 15% of Kashmir is held by China which Pakistan has ratified as legitimate. Only 50% is held by India and 35% is held by Pakistan. To annex the entire Kashmir to Pakistan or India is not a fair solution. Ladakhis are of Tibetan origin and Buddhists, and as such forcing them to go under Islamic rule is unfair. Though they are only 1%, they too have the right to self determination, even if they wish to join an independent Tibet. Jammu is almost wholly Hindu and they too have the right to decide their future. That leaves Kashmir valley. You are hiding the fact that Kashmiri Hindus were subjected to ethnic cleansing by Muslim terrorists and are living in Delhi and other areas. Do they not have the right to return to their traditional lands from which they have been evicted in the recent pass. Kashmir valley is the site of several ancient Hindu temples and seat of Hindu kingdom. Do you want Hindu temples to fall to the hands of Muslims who are notorious of destroying Hindu and Buddhist temples in Pakistan. Not only India, but Pakistan and China too do not want to hold a referendum as the result will not be to their liking. If Muslims in Pakistan held Kashmir are allowed to vote free, I bet with you that they will vote for an independent state rather than be under Punjabi and Pathan controlled Pakistan. Even Sindh and Baluchistan will secede from Pakistan if they are allowed to decide. How do you justify occupation of part of Kashmir by China, which has done so in order to get a gateway to Indian ocean, which Pakistan has foolishly permitted, and will regret later.
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera
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“Why does India not heed the demand of 4.8 million (66%) Muslims in Kashmir but worry about 2.2 million (11.2%) Sri Lankan Tamils?”
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What on earth are you typing about?
When did Hindia heed Tamil demand.
By replacing moderate leadership with fat a**e psychopath VP Hindia made sure Tamil’s legitimate struggle to restore their democratic rights was perverted, tarnished, ……………………… and eventually finished off like what had happened to Kalistanists and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a total annihilation of almost every one in a small confined space.
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The strategy that was tried and tested in Amritsar was again successfully enforced in this island, undermining the moderate leadership of Akali Dal Bhindranwale was the start of the strategy. Rest is history.
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Please do your research before starting to type.
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Keynes! / April 17, 2018
Native Vedda,
“By replacing moderate leadership with fat a**e psychopath VP Hindia made sure Tamil’s legitimate struggle to restore their democratic rights was perverted, tarnished, ……………………… and eventually finished off”
This is an interesting argument.
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Meenachchi / April 17, 2018
Mr. Vedda,
You are catching the Shenal disease.
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Uthungan / April 17, 2018
Rajeewa
The Plebiscite of 1947 was not held by India because Pakistan did not abide by the condition to withdraw it’s troops to the same position it confined itself before invading Kashmir.
You know the reason.
Why are you distorting that fact.?
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam
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“Had Pakistan not intruded, today Kashmir would have been an independent state ruled by Muslim majority parliament under a Hindu King. “
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I am not sure whether India would have allowed an Independent in the most important region of Kashmir. India’s water security dependents on a secure and safe Kashmir region.
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Sikkim was an independent princely state before Hindians annexed it to the “Akhand Bharat or Akhand Hindusthan”.
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Well Hindians are working on the same strategy in Sri Lanka.
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“Tamil language was in use in Sri Lanka before the emergence of Sinhala as a language less than 1500 years ago. Also Hinduism was the first religion to be practiced in Sri Lanka much before the advent of Buddhism. “
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Could you cite evidence for both of your claim.
There was no Hinduism before the British named it so. There have been various religious practices, rituals, believes, …………. and over a time these were incorporated into Hinduism.
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Rajjeeva / April 16, 2018
Are you saying both India and Srilanka are treating their respective minorities bad and suggesting both countries make a pact to turn a blind eye to each other’s atrocities?
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oldcodger / April 16, 2018
Why does every discussion these days turn into a “who-came-first” one?
And, Mr. Jayaweera, are you accepting that India and SL BOTH committed atrocities?
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SJ / April 16, 2018
The anti-Indian attack by Jayaweera is not out of concern for any of the victims of the Indian state. It is like the anti-imperialism of Rajapasa.
Had India sided with the Sri Lankan state, which it would have if not for JRJ messing up the foreign policy, India will be praised by chauvinists like Jayaweera.
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Native Vedda / April 18, 2018
oldcodger
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Did you know three years ago Rajeewa Jayaweera started a petition to ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK calling it to stop funding the proposed bridge across Palk Strait project on the basis that “The long term social, cultural and security issues arising from such a bridge far outweigh the economic benefits”
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Campaigning slogan:
“Do not fund the proposed bridge across Palk Strait between Northern Sri Lanka and Southern India” and the petition had 1,550 supporters.
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I think it was his father Stanley who was attached to Ceylon consulate in Madras had very close relation with former Chief Minister Kamaraj:
“In 1960, Jayaweera was assigned to Madras, India as Deputy High Commissioner. During his time there he was closely associated with the then Chief Minister of Madras, Kamraj. “
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Stanley Jayaweera Quintessential Diplomat
DIMUTHU ATTANAYAKE
18 Feb 2017
http://nation.lk/online/2017/02/18
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 16, 2018
(Contd.) Unless Tamil demand for autonomy is settled equitably according to international norms, foreign countries are bound to interfere using that as an excuse. The prudent and pragmatic thing for Sri Lanka to do is to settle it, without giving lame excuses to deny Tamils their legitimate rights to land and power. At the time of Portuguese conquest, Tamils were a sovereign ethnic group, and this sovereignty is what Tamils want to be restored to them. Yes this is 2018 and not 1987, where only one country which faced similar demand gained independence (Bangladesh) and another de-facto (Northern Cyprus). Since then several countries have either become independent or received extensive autonomy by intervention of international community. As for Maldives, India (Modi) was told by USA (Trump) not to get involved, probably they have other plans to set Maldives burning like other Muslims countries. When the right moment comes, India will take correct action. Do you know that the mean height above sea level in the island chain is only five feet with highest elevation less than ten feet. USA can economically cripple Maldives if it issues sanctions to stop tourist visits, and people have to starve. US adventure in Syria is a blatant violation of international law and will be made as an example for other nations to follow. It is you who is detached from reality who is unable to fathom the situation. Yes I took voluntary exile, as I did not want to get caught in the middle of the trouble, where Sinhala racists when they get hammered by India, will take revenge on Tamils. If you think that presence of China in Sri Lanka is a sure deterrent for Indian intervention, I feel sorry for level of intelligence. If at any stage China feels that Indian pressure is too much for them to face, they will back out letting you down.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / April 17, 2018
Gnana
China will not go to war to defend any country. It will go to war only to defend its own security and safeguard its own interests.
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As for “China feeling Indian pressure too much for them to face, they will back out”, remember Doklam and more recently, Maldives? It was not China who backed out.
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For a change, do let your intelligence overcome your emotions.
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera
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“In return for all the big ‘favors’, you claim India did, Sri Lanka reciprocated by remaining non-aligned till around 1980. “
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I do not think I need to remind you of Sri Lanka’s neutrality in the 1970s or 1980s. Do you recall the war between India and Pakistan in 1971 during which the Weeping Widow opened Ceylon’s airspace facilitating Pakistan to refuel its air force in this island.
If you thought it was the essence of Siri Mao’s middle path then of course I will accept your definition.
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Please note I have nothing against you personally, however I get very frustrated when I read stupid stories which have nothing to do with past history/truth.
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Uthungan / April 17, 2018
Rajeewa
“SriLanka reciprocated by remaining non-aligned until around 1980”.
Oh yes.
The best example is PM Srimavo Bandaranaike’s gratitude permitting Pakistani airforce fighter to planes for repair,maintenance and refuelling facilities at Katunayake airport during the 1971 Indo/Pak war, and the Shastri-Srimavo pact to repatriate lakhs of Indian plantation who had slaved in tea and rubber estates for over hundred and fifty years under gruelling inhuman conditions for pitiable wages, and relinquishing control of the island of Katchativu to SL.
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Native Vedda / April 18, 2018
Uthungan
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Seriously it appears the so called analysts do not have to fact check their typing. When caught lying or oversight they do not seem to say sorry. But then by convention Sri Lankans do not have to accept their mistakes and never need to apologize.
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They type when they get typist’s itch.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
Tamils have deamnd only in Tamilnadu and in Sri lanka. In the case of Tamilnadu, they are so scred to go against Delhi. Our Srilankan are chicken littles and they always are crying out saying LAbour unions do not allw us to do, other parties do not alllow us to do, foreign countries – US, EU, India – are not allowing us to do. but there are leaders – CAstro, duterte, Putin, Now the North Korean LEader who did it. We do not have to go against India. but, we can do it if we want.
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John / April 16, 2018
Dr.Gnana,
Tamil demands are based on lies and myths. Tamil problem was already solved on the glorious day 18 May 2009 at the Nandikadal lagoon once and for all.
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India is struggling to save its northern and north-east borders from Chines and they have already lost huge part of territory to China.
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What’s wrong with deporting Indian Tamils to India (their mother land) in order to be reunited with their loved ones??? Sirimawo freed those Tamils from slaves before they were sent but most of them came back, desperate to live with Sinhalese.
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Raman / April 16, 2018
Dear John,
What’s wrong with deporting Indian Tamils to India (their mother land) in order to be reunited with their loved ones??
Why are your female relatives so desperate to live among evil Arabs? Why don’t you ask for them to be deported?
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ThanthaiChelva / April 15, 2018
Shenal,
Peace, prosperity, dignity, self-determination, a secular country (hello, are you still there?), freedom from Buddhist imposition, independence, justice.
It’s for the entire SL Tamil community.
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Shenal / April 16, 2018
ThanthaiChelva,
How can you have a self determination or independence when India have taken over you? Besides, on what right are you requesting to donate parts of Sri Lanka illegally to Indians?
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sach / April 15, 2018
LOL…..by agreeing to India yes we accepted Indian hegemony. Is it a loss of sovereignty? Yes it is! But still Sri Lankan policy makers treat it as a necessary evil. India and Sri Lanka came to an agreement on hegemony in the region at the loss of Tamil lives……
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
sachooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo the very stupid
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“LOL…..by agreeing to India yes we accepted Indian hegemony.”
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Its your mother India’s tough love.
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thrishu / April 15, 2018
That is your view and not the majority view in the country. The idea of splitting the country was quashed for good at Nadikadal, so don’t try to play your international card here to seek concessions. No way. Imagine all the borderwars between Sinhala and Tamil regions. We have already seen the massacres at border regions during the terrorist activities. All such atrocities do not take place now, and if anyone try it again, the Army will deal with it instantly. That is why they are there for, if you have not understood it by now. So before anyone gets upset, remember US, UK and France was in Germany with all their fire power for 50 or more years after the ending the WW II. There will be no separation of the country as long as patriots like MR/SF/Gota exist in the country. Traitors like RW might mess around with our sovereignity, but then he is a slave of americans and norwegians, but thank goodness he has palyed out his political role!
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Raman / April 15, 2018
Thrishu,
“We have already seen the massacres at border regions during the terrorist activities.”
Exactly how many Sinhala civilians were killed over 30 years? Look it up, please. The figure is 3000 plus. A massacre? By no means.
Compare that with the number of Tamil civilians killed.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
Raman: Tamils kill Tamils even in tamilnadu. that is their culture. That is dravidiean civilization.
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Tamil Selvan / April 16, 2018
Dear Jim softy : are in tamil nadu ? how to know what happen tamil nadu and dravidiean civilization?.
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Spring Koha / April 16, 2018
ThanthaiChelva
What you dream off nearly came to pass; India, in the early 90’s were a hairs-breadth away from taking the ‘Cyprus’ option and drawing a big line from just south of Mannar to Batticaloa. Our Tamil community would have had enough to create a real ‘Singapore’ and the Bauddha-Sinhala clergy would have turned on the Muslims earlier.
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Native Vedda / April 17, 2018
Spring Koha
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“drawing a big line from just south of Mannar to Batticaloa.”
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As I understand the line was from south of Mannar to Potuvil.
And the Hindian armed forces in Vavunia refused the then Army Commander I believe it was Lieutenant General H Wanasinghe VSV entry into Vanni area sort of de facto state existed until the Hindians left.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / April 15, 2018
Mr Ratwatte
I am glad you pointed it out, it is geopolitics, RealPolitik or whatever one wishes to call it. Therefore India should say so openly and its government, representative, and others should not utter meaningless platitudes such as “India will the there whenever you need us”.
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oldcodger / April 15, 2018
Mr. Alwis,
As Mano points out, it is “realpolitik”. States have interests, not friends. Even Sri Lanka does it, by not issuing a visa to the world’s best-known Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama.
Platitudes are the stuff of diplomacy. We are the junior partner and our leaders must have the brains to understand messages, whether disguised as platitudes or unsolicited advice.
India did help the Tamil rebels, but that was because JR failed to see the warning signs.
You have to remember that we wouldn’t be here to talk about it if India (and Pakistan) did not intervene in 1971.
India does provide assistance ACCORDING TO OUR NEEDS.
“USD 2.9 billion of which USD 545 million amounts to outright grants” It doesn’t provide overpriced loans for fancy highways, which we don’t need, and only cause traffic jams in Colombo.
It did build a modern Northern railway, which we do need.
India sees itself as the successor to British India, which ran territories from Basra to the Andamans. You have to put youself in their place before complaining about our loss of “sovereignty”, whatever that is.
No country bases its foreign policy on “ahimsa” even if it says so.
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
oldcodger
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Rajeewa Jayaweera tend to selectively bring issues out of context.
He types “Neighboring states amending and making Constitutions should be strictly internal affairs.”
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I agree with him.
However I have said this many times before and I will say this again, “If the family is not being treated well neighbors and strangers will grope the women folks”.
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The donkeys and racists glorified the introduction of Sinhala Only language policy which eventually lead to the intervention/invasion of Hindia. With 13th Amendment Sinhala Only was changed. Hindia caught JR by his b***s dragged him all the way to parliament and got it passed.
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I am not sure what Rajeewa Jayaweera was doing between 1956 and 1988 to change the unreasonable racist law. Was he still in the cradle sucking his thumb listening to mum’s or Aya’s “Lullaby” until Hindian invasion?
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By the way Rajeewa Jayaweera should demand the relevant ministries to provide information on Indian aid money as well as materials, support for the war between 1987 and 2009 hardware as well as other, all those disaster reliefs, support in 1971 and between 1987 and 1991, ……………………………. Training for the armed forces and bureaucrats (functionaries) , Scholarships, not to mention almost $2 billion loans towards war related expenses under the cover of export guarantee schemes,…………………………..
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Rajeewa Jayaweera should restrict his typing to Indo Sri Lankan relations and leave Indo Nepal, Indo Butan, Indo Pakistan, …………………… to those respective countries. Basically he should mind his own business.
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What “Ahimsa”?
Continued:
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
oldcodger
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Not only Rajeewa Jayaweera but also many Sri Lankan stupid nationalists believe Sri Lanka is some kind of great power and could run riot everywhere it sees fit and determine/define all kind of international relation. They just love to drag Tony Blair, Bush, Trump, Cameron to the international tribunal for war crimes. Cameron came told the clan off returned to his country unscathed. I am still puzzled by the smart ass patriotic’s inaction.
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And the little islander Navin (Dutta Gamani’s English educated son) wants to dictate how UK MPs should behave in their own country.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / April 15, 2018
Oldcodger
India and Pakistan did not ‘intervene’ in 1971. They assisted.
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To put matters in perspective; Indian assistance is USD 2.9 bil of which USD 545 are outright grants. Might I add, had India not ‘intervened’ and stopped the Vedamarachchi campaign in 1987, all this money would not have been necessary. Considering who destroyed the Northern railways, it is but right India should rebuild it. In view of its involvement in the conflict, USD 2.9 bil is but petty cash. Also, note the amount it is getting back from the massive trade imbalance
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Chines assistance is USD 14 bil ( 12 bil as Overseas Development Assistance and 2 bil as Foreign Direct Investment). Part of USD 12 bil ODA is on government concessionary loans and another part on commercial loans. Whereas concessionary loan interest is around LIBOR, commercial loans are on commercial rates.
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You may ridicule the Airport and Southern Highways for reasons best known to you. However, they were necessary investments for the Tourism industry. China cannot be faulted for the kickbacks taken by MR & Co.
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In 2016 (after the advent of Yahapalana regime), China has given USD 440 mil in loans whereas India USD 44 mil. You might want to consider why Sirisena-Wickramasinghe duo has borrowed from China instead of India. Either Indian loans must be more expensive, they have no money or M+S are up to same tricks as MR & Co. Check out for details;
http://economynext.com/US_biggest_donor,_China_biggest_lender_to_Sri_Lanka_in_2016-3-8140-1.html
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Richard / April 16, 2018
Dear Rajeeva,
In context of Sri Lankan thinking, you are comparing what you got from India with that of China like a monk comparing the alms he got from two different persons! Please learn to think like a person with integrity. First of all if Sri Lanka did not lose its pomp and flair it had before the race riots repeated on unarmed Tamils around Sri Lanka and politicians used racism freely and brought down the Country fast and face the international community for war crimes there wouldn’t have been any interference from other Countries! It is bad for your own Country to write bad about a neighbor trying to help you because another neighbor gave you more! what a shame!
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oldcodger / April 16, 2018
Mr. Jayaweera,
The reason China is our biggest lender is they give loans WITHOUT QUESTIONS. The loans we take are used to sustain an unsustainable lifestyle or prop up things until the next election.
Let’s talk about Highways. It was the ADB that refused to give us money, on the ground that we did not need expressways, and that improvement of existing roads would do. But MR did go ahead and build expressways not only to the airport, but to Mattala and Hambantota. Have you seen the empty highways in Hambantota?
“You may ridicule the Airport and Southern Highways for reasons best known to you. However, they were necessary investments for the Tourism industry.”
Well, I live on the Kandy road, which used to be relatively easy to use just 10 years ago. I could go to Colombo and even park . At morning and evening rush hours, the Police would simply move the median traffic cones in the preferred direction, creating an extra lane. Until the Airport Expressway caused traffic jams at Peliyagoda. Then some idiot decided to “improve” the Kandy Road by installing a concrete median on it, which totally screwed the traffic control. Now there are traffic jams both ways (cont’d)
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oldcodger / April 16, 2018
(con’t)
Then some idiot decided to “improve” the Kandy Road by installing a concrete median on it, which totally screwed the traffic control. Now there are traffic jams both ways .
I believe the same is true of High Level road after the Southern expressway came in.
More tourists did come here before 1983, when the roads were much worse.
“getting back from the massive trade imbalance”
It should be obvious that India is the most cost-effective source of the items we need. Maybe not of the best quality, but remember that all the bus owners running to but Leylands and Tatas are quite free to buy German Benz buses, but they don’t. There are Indian Benz buses, but even these can’t compete.
Remember too that the largest vehicle industry in SL is not the puny Micro Cars but Lanka Ashok Leyland.
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Shenal / April 15, 2018
Mano Ratwatte,
Do you think all will be correct after handing over bases to India and USA? For one they will never let go of the bases they have acquired for a long time. Second, they will start taking more interest in domestic politics and directly intervene in our affairs just like in Cuba. We will never have peace if they are able to base themselves in here. It will also directly lead to the break up of the North and East and probably they will join India as a protectorate just like Daman and Diu or Andaman Islands. It will just be matter of time before India engulf the rest of the island.
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oldcodger / April 15, 2018
Shenal,
“It will just be matter of time before India engulf the rest of the island.”
Why not?
Don’t you think that would be a very good idea?
Have you ever visited Goa?
“We will never have peace if they are able to base themselves in here”
We had peace until 1956 when the idiot SWRD closed the British bases.
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Shenal / April 15, 2018
oldcodger,
No that is not a very good idea. For one Sri Lankan people will lose their sovereignty which they have protected for the last 2500 years. Next they will lose their right to the livelihoods as hordes of Indians ranging from Business executives down to barbers will invade this island for jobs. Buddhism will lose it’s state patronage and simply die off. Sinhalese heritage will be destroyed by Hindu nationalism. Most of all Sri Lankans will lose their right for their own lands.
//We had peace until 1956 when the idiot SWRD closed the British bases.//
How does British bases protected the peace in this island?
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 15, 2018
Shenal, Sri Lanka did not have continued sovereignty for the entire 2500 years. There was 50 years of Chola rule and 450 years of European rule. Even at other times Sri Lanka was protected by Pandyan kingdom which the rulers ensured by marrying Pandyan princesses and sending expensive gifts to Pandyan kings. So the history can repeat it self. To say that Sinhalese heritage will be destroyed by Hindu nationalism is a blatant false accusation based on bigoted belief. Have you ever visited Buddha Gaya to find for yourself how well it is being maintained. Has Sri Lanka government ever maintained any ancient Hindu shrine in Sri Lanka. Look at the way Katargama an ancient Veddha temple for Murugan being transformed into a Sinhala one. Will the elusive fifth ancient Siva temple Thondeeswaram in Dondra, after demolition of which a Buddhist temple has been built, ever be resurrected. For your information the tallest standing Buddha statue in the world is at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra. Just imagine what would have happened if Buddha Gaya was in Pakistan and Nagarjunakonda was in Afghanistan. So be grateful to India and Hindus.
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Shenal / April 15, 2018
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam,
Not even Cholas could conquer the entire island. That was why King Vijayabahu the great could rally his forces and drive the Cholas out.
//Has Sri Lanka government ever maintained any ancient Hindu shrine in Sri Lanka. //
Why not go and see the Shiva Temples in Polonnaruwa. They are well protected as any other ancient monument in their. Sri Lankan government cannot do anything about mythical places Tamils have concocted out of their own imaginations.
//Katargama an ancient Veddha temple for Murugan being transformed into a Sinhala one. Will the elusive fifth ancient Siva temple Thondeeswaram in Dondra, after demolition of which a Buddhist temple has been built, ever be resurrected.//
Kataragama was a temple for the primitives gods of the Sinhalese people. That is why still Veddha’s are coming to pay the homage. Simply calling it a Murugan temple is not historically accurate. Besides, no one is barred from seeking the refuge in Kataragama Devale.
The Dondra devale was destroyed by the Portuguese. There was also a Buddhist Temple along side it. Both are resurrected with modern touches. I don’t think any one can complain about that.
//For your information the tallest standing Buddha statue in the world is at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra. Just imagine what would have happened if Buddha Gaya was in Pakistan and Nagarjunakonda was in Afghanistan. So be grateful to India and Hindus.//
That does not mean we have to accept Indians as our overloads and hand over our sovereignty. It is no wonder that people like you who don’t have a true history of this island is requesting for the Indians to come and occupy this land. That alone shows to the world that Tamils aren’t the true Bhoomi Putras in this island.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 16, 2018
Shenali, do not distort the truth. Cholas had complete suzerainty over entire island. Dutugemunu’s father paid obeisance to Cholas which Dutugemunu did not like and went to war. How can you say that Kataragama was a temple for the primitive gods of Sinhalese, when Sinhala race itself is not that old. Main deity in Kataragama is Murugan, called Kandan (Skanda), who is worshipped only by Tamils and not by any other Hindus in the world. How many Tamils are named after this God – Kathiresan, Kathirgamar, Kanthavel, Velauthan etc. About Dondra devale, what you are saying is true of the Vishnu temple. I am talking about a Siva temple called Thondeeswaram which predated both Vishnu temple and Buddhist vihare. When vihare premises was dug for extension, the remains of this ancient temple was accidentally discovered. Siva temple has not been resurrected because Buddhist vihare which was constructed after demolishing Siva temple is lying on top it. So please get your facts right before rushing to the defence of Sinhala racists. Sinhalese like Tamils are also not true Bhoomi Putras of the island which belongs to Veddhas. In fact Tamil language was in use in Sri Lanka before Sinhala language evolved from Tamil, Sanskrit, Maghadi etc. which has been proved by the stone inscriptions unearthed. Saivaism was the first religion to be practiced in Sri Lanka and not Buddhism. Scientific evidence emerging prove that it was the same people who lived on either side of the divide before Sri Lanka got separated from the ancient Tamil land of Kumarikandam by sea upheaval over 10,000 years ago
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real Siva Sankaran Sharma / April 16, 2018
Primitive Sinhalese people? Who were they and these primitive Sinhalese people were worshipping Tamil god Lord Murugan? Whom are you trying to fool you ? go and tell these fairy tales to your adoring Lankaweb fans
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Shenal / April 16, 2018
real Siva Sankaran Sharma,
What is your proof for proto Sinhalese worshiping Murugan?
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Real Siva Sankaran Sharma / April 17, 2018
It proves they were Tamils. Lord Murugan is a Tamil god
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Helix / April 17, 2018
Murugan was the tea boy at Mayfair on Galle Road in Bamba. Is that the guy? Very good service whether one was Sinhala-Tamil-Moor..
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oldcodger / April 16, 2018
Shenal,
” Next they will lose their right to the livelihoods as hordes of Indians ranging from Business executives down to barbers will invade this island for jobs.”
“Hordes of iIndians” have been coming here until 1948. That includes your ancestors. Do you not even know that there was no immigration control until the 1930’s ??
If these people did not come here, who would have manned the plantations (since Portuguese times) / built the roads and railways ,etc? The Sinhalese??
Surely you know that there are 200,000 Indian and Chinese workers on building sites in SL?
You must understand that this “sovereignty” is a new-fangled thing which we picked up only in 1948. In the time of Sinhala Kings, anybody (including the king’s wife and her relatives) could come and live here freely.
“No that is not a very good idea. “
Wouldn’t you like a Rupee that goes up instead of down?
A larger variety of food at half the cost?
A vehicle for Rs. 50,000?
A justice system that works?
A passport that is respected?
You are permitted to take your toilet there with you if, like many Sri Lankans, that is a problem to you.
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Shenal / April 16, 2018
oldcodger,
//“Hordes of iIndians” have been coming here until 1948. That includes your ancestors. Do you not even know that there was no immigration control until the 1930’s ??//
Do you expect to continue no immigration control further because it wasn’t being done until 1930? What kind of idiot are you?
//If these people did not come here, who would have manned the plantations (since Portuguese times) / built the roads and railways ,etc? The Sinhalese??
Surely you know that there are 200,000 Indian and Chinese workers on building sites in SL?//
Who wanted plantations or railways in Sri Lanka? Did Sinhalese requested them? Why should Sinhalese be punished for thing they didn’t even planned to do?
//You must understand that this “sovereignty” is a new-fangled thing which we picked up only in 1948. In the time of Sinhala Kings, anybody (including the king’s wife and her relatives) could come and live here freely.//
You should also understand that during the time of our Royals. King only wielded the supreme power.
//Wouldn’t you like a Rupee that goes up instead of down?
A larger variety of food at half the cost?
A vehicle for Rs. 50,000?
A justice system that works?
A passport that is respected?//
There is no monetary compensation for handing out our sovereignty and power of taxation to another country.
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oldcodger / April 16, 2018
Shenal,
“Do you expect to continue no immigration control further because it wasn’t being done until 1930? What kind of idiot are you?”
At least I am not the kind of idiot that doesn’t understand plain English. I was pointing out the fact, as a reason for immigration. Where did I call for it to continue?
“Who wanted plantations or railways in Sri Lanka? Did Sinhalese requested them? Why should Sinhalese be punished for thing they didn’t even planned to do?”
Don’t be utterly stupid. Tell me how you are being “punished” due to the plantations and railways? Do you think sending your females to be slaves to Arabs is better?
If you really want to live in a malaria-ridden chena what is stopping you?
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oldcodger / April 15, 2018
Dr. G.S,
“Just imagine what would have happened if Buddha Gaya was in Pakistan and Nagarjunakonda was in Afghanistan. So be grateful to India and Hindus.”
Have you ever got feathers from a tortoise? Gratitude is something Sri Lankans have never heard of.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
OLD CODGER: Just imagine if sinhala people were muslis and di dnit allow Tamils into sinhale. Gratitude is Tamil Dalits never aware of. think about Not allowing muslims, not allowing christians or Catholics.
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lal / April 16, 2018
True. Tamils are very grateful for free education, healthcare they have received in Sri Lanka! Are they? They’ll running around the streets to find a toilet if they lived in their squalid homeland of Tamil Nadu. Those better off diasporans are the least grateful for what they received in Sri Lanka. Never known a breed that bites the hand that fed them. GROBR!
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
lal loo
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Tamils, Muslims, … and others too paid taxes hence they are entitled to whatever is provided to people free of charge except 8 measures of free rice from moon. Free rice from moon was meant to please the lazy bums like you.
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By the way did you build toilets for the Tamil and Sinhala speaking people of this island. When did Sinhala People first start using modern toilets?
Why did the public Racist Aryan Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala write and publish “The Daily Code For the Sinhala Laity” (1898) which specifically deal with “How to Use the Lavatory”, sort of potty training for the Sinhala/Buddhist adults.
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Raman / April 16, 2018
Idiot Lal,
“True. Tamils are very grateful for free education, healthcare they have received in Sri Lanka!”
For your info, free education is funded from taxes. Tamils pay taxes too, much more per capita than Sinhala layabouts.
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Eagle Eye / April 16, 2018
Yeah, also think of Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya, UP and what happened in 1992!
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Rajjeeva / April 16, 2018
” Sri Lankan people will lose their sovereignty which they have protected for the last 2500 years”
But every time time a foreign power cared enough to invade they always succeeded and stayed long enough got out when they were bored lost interest :)
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oldcodger / April 16, 2018
Shenal,
“//We had peace until 1956 when the idiot SWRD closed the British bases.//
How does British bases protected the peace in this island?
It is so difficult to make the blind see.
There was not a single ethnic riot between 1917 and 1958.
Even the one in 1916 was put down by Indian soldiers.
Don’t you know that the years before 1956 were the most prosperous for this country? Apart from the bases employing thousands, the plantations boomed ( due to Indian labour) and we had budget surpluses.
If the bases were here in 1987, would the “parippu drop” have happened?
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oldcodger / April 17, 2018
Shenal,
It was the Indians who fought and died in thousands for their (and our ) freedom. That is the best reason to listen to their concerns. Did you think it was top-hat-sporting DS and crowd who got our precious “sovereignty”?
The best idea that JR ever had (in the 1930’s) was to join India after independence.
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Fathima / April 15, 2018
Shenal,
Poor you, I feel pity on you. How many communities, races and countries you have to safe-guard SL from and sleep one-eye open on a daily basis. Had you followed what Buddha said “Greed is one of the three poisons that lead to evil and that bind us to suffering”, you could have concentrated more on the development of the lagging nation you always talk about having it only for yourself.
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Shenal / April 15, 2018
Fathima,
Greed is necessary to safe guard others who have no greed what so ever. There should be some who are ready to safe guard the community even in the expense of their Nirvana. I don’t talk about having my country only for one community. You can also join only if you have the civic sense and civic duty.
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Fathima / April 17, 2018
Oh Shenal,
Your invitation to join which team, “The Greedy Safe Guards” or “Civic Centrics” ? May I join the one you’re not in?
Oh sorry, I am a Sri Lankan fortunately or unfortunately :-) And Civic Sense is all about having consideration for a fellow human being ;-) We both same page?
Good luck
Fathima
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ramona therese fernando / April 15, 2018
Mano Ratwatte,
Only US has blended the fear. India was never in it. It is not a fear, but a monetary potential to China. For if both Sri Lanka and India went the China way, the US dollar will surely topple. But with only Sri Lanka going the China way, US$$ will be nicely maintained with the healthy Chinese Yuan.
I Had A Dream
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I had a dream
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Of the blue eyed Indian
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Come down en force
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To whip and crucify the youth of Lanka
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To mock them; to chase them
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To tie them and to whip them
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And Burn them slow
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Howling and screaming in agony and in misery
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Till all were blackened.
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As it was 6 thousand and a year ago
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As it was done to the Buddhist civilized nation of the Mohendo Darans
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So it was. So it will be.
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oldcodger / April 15, 2018
Both your poetry and history are atrocious, dear Ramona.
Mohenjodaro was gone
Long before Buddha was born.
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ramona therese fernando / April 15, 2018
Belonged to the Buddha previous to Gautama, oldcodger……..not poetry, but a real dream of mien.
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Spring Koha / April 16, 2018
Our biggest problem is not having the quality of leaders (leave aside statesman) who can ensure that we remain strong and independent enough to maintain an arms-length relationship with India and our other Asian neighbours.
Every change of leader requires a calibration of alliances.
Even our historical relationships (where we also have the largest concentrations of diaspora) suffer from the vagaries of our political vacillations.
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SJ / April 16, 2018
BTW
Whose idea was the Iron Curtain?
Who has been the biggest threat to humanity since WWII?
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Mano Ratwatte / April 15, 2018
The parippu drop that violated Internatonal laws was not an altruistic humantarian misson.
Bombing Syria yesterday is most certainly not a humanitarian nor an imminent threat issue.
Sir, both are examples of big powers establishing their writ.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
bombing Syria is because the domestic politics need something to say I am doing something. He cannot handle economic, china or russia. so, he bombed very weak russia. they say early in the morning around $. Am, they sent 103 missiles and 33 had fallen and others had been inactivated.
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Mama Sinhalam / April 15, 2018
There has never been a humanitarian intervention undertaken for purely altruistic reasons. No one intervened in Rwanda massacres which took place at the same time as Kosovo. Interventions always promote big power interests. These canon be stopped. The best way to stop it is for small states not to provide an excuse by creating a humanitarian crisis. The message is : Be good to the Tamils and the Muslims. Do not kill them or discriminate against them.If you do, there is a humanitarian reason for intervention.
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Real Siva Sankaran Sharma / April 15, 2018
Do not blame India USA or anyone for interfering. The blame is with Sinhalese Buddhist fascists. However the Sinhalese will never admit this that they are the cause for all this interference, as they are busy marginalising the island’s Tamils and Tamil Muslims and treating them atrociously in the name of Sinhalese Buddhism and a Mahavamsa fairy tale. If you stop marginalising the island’s Tamils and Tamil Muslims, treat them with respect and give them their due rights and respect, their right to live in dignity in their lands then there will be no cause or excuse for India or anyone else to interfere. There is no need of blaming India, Tamil Nadu or anyone. Naturally the people of Tamil Nadu out of all the Indian states will be concerned when in the name of Sinhala and Buddhism genocide and war crimes are being committed on the island’s Tamils from the North and East, who have the same right to their land as the Sinhalese to the south. Do not forget that so called Sri Lankan Moors who make up 99% of the Sri Lankan Muslims are ethnic Tamil Muslims who migrated from Tamil Nadu and what is happening them to will be of concern to the Tamil Muslims from Tamil Nadu.. As usual trying to blame everyone for you inadequacies and racism. Of course neighbours will interfere if you start to mistreat your wife or children and they cry for help.
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Eagle Eye / April 15, 2018
Real Siva Sankaran Sharma,
“Do not blame India USA or anyone for interfering. The blame is with Sinhalese Buddhist fascists.”
Joseph Goebbles reborn as a Tamil is talking again. Sinhalayo in Sinhale did not invite Demalu (Hindu and Muslim) to this country. They came as invaders, slaves and Kallathonis. The claims of these two groups remind us the story about the camel who was allowed to put its head to the tent.
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romani / April 15, 2018
“They came as invaders, slaves and Kallathonis. “
Do tell us your real name, Blind Eagle. Then we could tell you which group your ancestors belong to.
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Real Siva Sankaran Sharma / April 16, 2018
Sinhalese did not invite Demalu . The Demalu were already there and the original Sinhalese are largely descended from the Demalu speaking Yakka who converted to Buddhism and gradually started to corrupt their form of Demalu( Elu from which the word Eelam comes) with the Pali and Sanskrit of Buddhism to gradually evolve as Sinhala. Old Sinhalese is called Hela and this is Elu(Tamil) + Prakrit and is very close to its Tamil mother in pronunciation. The elite Naga Demalu speakers who did not convert to Buddhism or converted and reconverted back to their original Hindu faith remained Demalu and they are the Demalu from the north east and the north west coast. Living here long before a people called Sinhalese even existed. Most of the modern Sinhalese are descended from Kallathoni South Indian immigrants ( 90% Demalu in your own words) who came to the island as invaders immigrants and indentured slave labour , like the Karawa ancestors of Shenal and may be yours. Your story is like the English in Britain telling the Celtic Scottish , who have a far older history in Britain , we never invited you. The Demalu and the Hindu religion are far older and were in the island long before the Sinhalese or Buddhism arrived. The King who converted to Buddhism was a Demalu . Thevanai Nambiya Theesan his father was a Demalu Saivite King Mootha Sivan. Even your so called Sinhalese hero Dutagamini was a Demalu Buddhist( Naga) his father was king Kaakai Vanna Theesan or Kaavan Theesan all pure Tamil names. Your so called greatest king Parakranbahu was also a Demalu. A Demalu of Pandian origin. Any so called Sinhalese king with the title Pandu or Bahu is of Tamil Pandian heritage. This is why he built a statue honouring the Tamil sage Agathiar, which the Sinhalese are falsely stating a statue of the king. Go to South India and see the Statue of Saint Agathiar. it is exactly the same.
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MBRL / April 16, 2018
Why do Tamil Nadu people in Srilanka speak the Tamil Nadu language?
Externally Displaced People.
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Pandi Kutti / April 17, 2018
Why do Chingkallams largely descended from low caste Tamil Nadu people speak a language that is a mixture of Tamizh, Pali and Sanskrit. Tamil or its native dialect Elu was the indigenous language of the island. This is why the island was called in ancient Tamil Eezham or its Pali version Hela
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Asoka / April 15, 2018
Sri Lanka teaches good lessons to India. Giving world’s best guard of honour to Rajiv Gandhi and LTTE terrorist killed him also. LTTE came to India and killed double tongue Indian Prime Minister. This lesson never ever erases mindsets of Indian Political Leaders and entire Indian Nation. Sri Lanka proved to the world how Sri Lanka as an Independent country and democratic country
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lal / April 15, 2018
Blaming others does not help one’s cause. Agree! Tamils should realise the bad situation they’re in because of fascist, racist, dimwits like Ponna, Sunda and Chelva who got them into a real mess. Embracing their ideology of genocidal, murderous deeds towards innocent Sinhalese women and children, even fairminded Tamils are now big losers. Geopolitics did not help to avoid the humiliating defeat at Nandikadal. Not even a parippu drop from the greatest of all backstabbing neighbors. Yes, the Tamil Muslims in the squalid state of Tamil Nadu were greatly concerned when the mad sun god chased away their innocent Muslim brothers from Jaffna. Thank you for the reminders.
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
lal loo
–
Its you again.
Have a good time in your cloud-cuckoo-land.
Alzheimer’s disease causes short term memory loss, however you seem to suffer from Dementia with Lewy bodies which can cause hallucinations and tremors. On the other hand Vascular dementia causes memory loss and difficulties with language or problem-solving. Frontotemporal dementia caused by the death of nerve cells in the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain which in turn causes difficulties in managing problem solving, speech and the control of emotions.
–
Ref:www.alzheimers-brace.org
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I am not sure whether the current state of medical science could reverse your Dementia (you seem to suffer from all four types). Your kith and kin should help you with your disease.
–
Take care.
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Mohamed / April 15, 2018
Real Siva Sankaran Sharma:
You idiot, be corrected: For you Vaiko and TN actors will stop supplying Tamil films to SL and stop all Sri Lankans watching Tamil movies. For Moors who make up 99% of the SL Muslims, Arabs will cancel Visas and send all those godayas home to do what they know better.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
Mohomad: If arbas do that that would be a blessing in disguise. It is the dumb SL politicians need money at what ever the cost, not the country. that is there vision. It is not my family. so screw them up and have a life long job for us.
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Real Siva Sankaran Sharma / April 16, 2018
Hello Ralli Ameen . aka Mohamed
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Rohan / April 16, 2018
You are no Arabs or Moors. , but low caste Tamil Hindu immigrants from India. Moors are from North Africa and none of you all look like Morrocans or Algerians or any other from North Africa. Even the Arabs have stated this and they will not cancel anyone’s visa for you converted South Asian low castes , because they need these labour for their economy. Many of these Gulf Arab nations trade with Israel and the west , despite what is happening in Paletsine, Syria, Iraq . Saudi Arabia is bombing Arab Yemen and killing thousands of fellow Muslim Arabs. If they do not care for their own Arab population, you thing they will care for you low caste Austaloid/Dravidian Hindu Tamil converts from South India.? Only person being delusional and idiotic is you. Go and get a life pathetic.
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sarath / April 15, 2018
There is a price to pay for living in the shadow of a big power. Instead of hanging onto a airdrop that happened 30 years ago, why not work with india to benefit from the economic power it is turning into in the world. It will become the 5 the largest economy this year overtaking France and the UK. It also provides a massive market to us. Sri Lankan tourism can do well servicing just the Indian market. Would you rather align yourself with the world’s largest democracy or Communist China? Do you want Sri Lanka to become a Chinese base? It is already controlling Sri Lanka with its market rate $7bn in loans which Sri Lanka has no way of paying back. Thanks to crooked Sri Lankan politicians, who keeps borrowing from whom they can to sustain their lifestyles become rich, Sri Lanka will be indebted to countries like China for generations to come.
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R Manoharan / April 16, 2018
Sarath,
Only sensible comment so far. Keep it up.
Thank you.
Mano
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nalmen / April 15, 2018
the indian high commissioner is a master conner
he is no differenr from other indians who say one thing and do another
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lal / April 15, 2018
We don’t need them. Let them build toilets for their dirt poor population. Big talk, no action Indians. Back stabbers!
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
lal loo
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“We don’t need them. Let them build toilets for their dirt poor population. Big talk, no action Indians. Back stabbers!”
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Good advice.
Could you tell us what sort of practical help are you providing the Indians to match your words.
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According to 2011 Census, there are 95,000 people in this island do not have access to toilets still s**t in the open.
What are you going to do about it.
According media report there are 150,000 Sri Lankan refugees living in various parts of India. If you bring them back Indian will need lesser number of toilets.
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Are the full time official watcher/analyst of Indian toilets?
Good job keep it up.
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Shenal / April 15, 2018
Native Vedda,
All most all of that 95,000 is from Tamil or Indian Tamil communities. Go and teach them how to defecate properly.
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
Shenali
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Well when they defecate please keep your distance and shut your mouth unless of course you are a Coprophilia/scatophilia.
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Shenal / April 16, 2018
Native Vedda,
Why the heck should I do that? Unless they learn our way or choose the highway to India.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
Jayaweera: Never expect from India. they are for themselves. Even the Indian people behave that way towards other indians. SOme where I read, All the foreign spy agencies are living in Tamil NAdu and operating. that means, Sri lanka doe snot have any escape. Sri lanka can escape escape only with selected things. A strogn political leader which we do not have, can not handle Tamilnadu and India. They are also smart. there are rivarlries and jealousies among all those who are ganged up.
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Jim softy / April 15, 2018
Ranil is good only as a minister but not certainly as the PM or president. HE is a weak leader.
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Mama Sinhalam / April 15, 2018
There is a simple way of stopping India from intervening. Stop persecuting the Tamils; Stop playing the China game which you will always lose because China is far away and you have a Tamil population in the North and the Centre which is always pro-India. The Sinhala people will never want to be pro-China. They will always have an affinity through religion and culture with India. Otherwise is a reality that India will keep the neighbourhood in check just like China which controls Tibet, North Korea, has conquered Tibet, annexed Xinjiang and now wants a One Belt One Road policy through which it can dominate the South China Sea, South East Asia and enter the Indian Ocean. China seeks to dominate Myanmar, enter Bangladesh and control Sri Lanka. Why blame India? Small states are grass that get trampled when elephants fight. But, they can astutely avoid getting trampled on by i. being fair to minorities ii not try to set one big boy against the other and iii scrupulously avoid a foreign policy which is not neutral. Jayaweera and his Sinhala fanatic cronies cannot simply do that. As time goes on, the international picture will change. Yesterday, the US bombed Syria on the flimsy ground of the use of chemical weapons which killed 75 persons. Wholesale killings of Tamils and Muslims through government linked pogroms will justify intervention. Unlike in Syria, a substantial number of the people of SL may welcome such intervention. So, let us not play with fire.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / April 15, 2018
Mama Sinhalam
“There is a simple way of stopping India from intervening. Stop persecuting the Tamils”
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Why dont you read the article properly? It states;
The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 and its Annexure dealt with the creation of Provincial Councils in the North and East and power devolution. A lesser-known letter dated July 29, 1987, from Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, addressed to President JR Jayewardene and accepted in toto by the Sri Lankan President spelled out conditions GoSL was required to adhere on foreign policy and defense matters, entirely unrelated to the Tamil issue.
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera
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“entirely unrelated to the Tamil issue.”
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In the increasingly globalised world it is nonsense to de-link Tamils or Muslims from Sri Lankan, internal or external affairs.
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If you haven’t learned anything in the past 70 years you are not going to learn anything in the future. You ought to see the world through as they are and not through your glorified exclusive Sinhala/Buddhist glasses.
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Mama Sinhalam / April 15, 2018
Thank you for your reply Native Vedda. It is the point I wished to make, stated more elegantly.
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Eagle Eye / April 16, 2018
In a globalised world, there is no provision for ‘Traditional Homeland and ‘Thesavalami’.
Decide what you want. Can’t have it both ways!
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
Eagle Blind Eye With a Huge Stupid Brain
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“In a globalised world, there is no provision for ‘Traditional Homeland and ‘Thesavalami’.”
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Please let me have a detailed study of Thesavalamai and the sections you object to. When was the last time did anyone filed case under Thesavalamai?
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Traditional homelands exists through out the world for example Áak’w Kwáan Tlingit, Navajo Homeland, At’oowu: Tlingit Homeland, ………………………. Sinhala/Buddhist Ghetto in this island, ………
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Ajith / April 15, 2018
Rajeeva
It may be unrelated to you Sinhalese but for India’s security is more important than any other things. You gave the opportunity India to find an excuse for teaching a lesson for your country’s politic of playing China and Pakistan game against India.Mama Singalam is right to point out that opportunity was provided by Srilanka by the Buddhist Fundamentalists violence against innocent tamils. Still Srilanka plays same politik, never learn its weaknesses.
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SJ / April 16, 2018
“Wholesale killings of Tamils and Muslims through government linked pogroms will justify intervention.”
“Bitter sweet dreams” MS.
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Ana Pararajasingham / April 15, 2018
The author’s paper is an accurate reflection of the Sinhala perception about India that cuts across party, political and social divides. And as such complements Dayan Jayatilleka’s observation in April 2015 that India ‘is not Lanka’s natural ally’. (Daily Mirror 25 April 2015).
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Ajith / April 15, 2018
Ana,
You are right that the Rajeeva’s mentality is nothing different from any Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentalists. These fundamentalists never understand what is meant by friendly and what are the weaknesses they have as a human beings. He expects that Sinhalese can do any crimes against non Sinhalese citizens and the whole world should help them to do those crimes to create a Sinhalese only nation. He always forget their politic backing Pakistan and China against India. He never talk about brutality of Sinhalese against Tamils. They never worried about rule of law & justice. Today Syrian people suffer because of their politik against USA. It may happen to Srilanka very soon.
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2018
Ana Pararajasingham
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“And as such complements Dayan Jayatilleka’s observation in April 2015 that India ‘is not Lanka’s natural ally’. (Daily Mirror 25 April 2015).”
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Is that why he went all the way to India in the 1980s?
He wrote he was in India doing clandestine work.
He never disclosed whom was he working for and what purpose. Perhaps he was working for the west, USA, his former colonial masters, …………… under the cover of a would be revolutionary, a liberal, a friend of the Tamil Separatists, …………
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Rajash / April 15, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera…”Three areas as in relations between the two countries (3 Bs)”
Then you go on define the thre Bs….”
“Buddhist connection (a pet theory of most visiting Indian dignitaries),”
“Broad friendship between the two nations” and
“Blend of Indian assistance in sync with Sri Lanka’s needs.”
There are may other stronger relations that you decided to conveniently and deliberately ignore
The Tamil Relation – 80 million Tamils across the Palk Strait
The Hindu Relationship – 800 million Hindus across the Palk Strait
The Cultural Relationship
so your Three Bs are in fact
Bull shit
Bull shit
Bull shit
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K.Pillai / April 15, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera is yet again showing his angst as to our present predicament – economic, political and our international reputation.
Rajeewa brings a horse called India – whip, whip, whip. Our problem remains as is where is.
Do not take “India Will Be There Whenever You Need Us” literally. In fact “XXX Will Be There Whenever You Need Us” is yet another patronising thingy. (XXX could be China, US, UK, Pakistan, Myanmar…)
The solution is in our hands. The malaise is the language/religion-divide. Started in 1948, and used in the recent LG elections.
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John / April 16, 2018
1991 Anti-Tamil violence of Karnataka-[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Anti-Tamil_violence_of_Karnataka ]
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Mama Sinhalam / April 16, 2018
History shows the strong interaction between Tamilnadu and the Sinhala kingdoms. This was inevitable because of proximity. There were frequent interventions, including those by Sinhala kings who intervened in wars among the Tamil kings and on occasion, invaded Tamilnadu. If this was the past, the present is that there is an Indian state that is a regional power. It is inevitable that SL is caught up in the vortex of that power. There were previous contests in the Indian Ocean by European invaders. The control of Sri Lanka was regarded as important in the outcome of these contests. Now there is a new presence, China. But, the Indian Ocean will remain an Indian lake and we are within that lake. MR has brought China into the game by pawning Hambantota. But, there is Andaman which is Indian and Port Blair is an Indian naval base commanding the Indian Ocean and access to the Straits of Malacca. SL is small fry. It had better not get involved in this struggle on the basis of some Sinhala megalomania. It will not be like the old Sinhala kings playing politics with the Pandyans and the Cholas. India is with its newly forged alliances a formidable force. China may have Pakistan on its side and there may be a string of pearls but the noose around China- South Korea, Japan, Australia, possible the South East Asian States all of which resent Chinese intrusion in the South China Sea, combined with Indiaand supported by the US is a far more formidable force. SL should not get involved in this tussle. The Indian Ambassador was kind to the gnat. Good thing he did not simply squash it with his little finger.
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Gune / April 16, 2018
An article with no purpose or relevance other than for the mind of an insecure nationalist.
Rajeewa, Please understand that when geopolitics is played whether it is by India, US, China or Russia its all about -what is in it for them. You cannot single out India. They are all the same and weaker nations will always have to abide by their rules once you are obliged to them. MR who is purportedly a proud Sri Lankan Buddhist has sold the country to China and today we are dancing to the tune of China. I cant blame China for it but I blame MR. Likewise the UNP id also responsible for siding with India/US. Your articles is utterly irrelevant as it comes from a racist mindset.
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Mallaiyuran / April 16, 2018
Pakistan is holding part of Kashmiri. Is that ok for Rajeewa TN holding North East and let go Up Country? From the very beginning, India is quasi Federal. Especially its Federal System is language based. India is devolved based on Language. Is Rajeewa ready to allow UP Country & North East fully Tamil based provinces? Kashmiri is a special status State. That is what we (Tamils) too have been asking. Will Rajeewa match India on that? India is secular country. Will Rajeewa remove the special status of Buddhism from Lankawe? The Sinhala Intellectuals always point out whatever the bad a country doing, then they has to match that country on them doing that bad to Tamils. Isn’t that Lankawe is now an International Pariah?
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K A Sumanasekera / April 16, 2018
Thank you Doctor.
You nailed it.
Hope our inhabitants who have children and grandchildren, but do not have money like the UNP supporters, come together in strength and stop Dr Ranil’s ETCA, which Mallika is hell bent on bringing in.
If Mallika pulls it off, our rural Sinhala people will become slaves of the Indian Enterprises ,Indian Business people and Rich Indians who will take residence in Colombo.
Rural and poor Urban Srilankans may even be forced to compete with the Low Caste Hindians who will be brought in to keep the wages low…
Professional employment will be shared by Hindians and the UNP supporters who have bought their Tertiary and University Education…..
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soma / April 16, 2018
There is no way India or any other power can punish the Sinhalese without Tamils(Tamil speaking people) absorbing a greater part of the suffering. Why? Because Sri Lanka is an island while +50% of Tamils live in Sinhala majority areas. Even if they drop an atom bomb on Colombo more Tamils will die than Sinhalese. In an economic embargo Sinhalese will see to that Tamils will go hungry before them.
What we have here is a classic mutual hostage situation.
Soma
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Native Vedda / April 16, 2018
somass
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“There is no way India or any other power can punish the Sinhalese without Tamils(Tamil speaking people) absorbing a greater part of the suffering.”
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Don’t worry about the Tamils or any others. They have nothing more to lose. Sinhalese too have been punished enough by the Sinhala/Buddhists fascists like you. So both Sinhala speaking and Tamil speaking people have nothing to lose.
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If punishment could be targeted where do you intent to run for cover, Hindia as did Udugampola, Somavansa, VP, Dayan and many others had done it before?
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Athacolla / April 16, 2018
Look at evidence. Oh my god no.
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Baba hukum / April 16, 2018
BTW ,what is the pooja people are talking that Hindus had in Kashmir Temple in The Past Hindu King’s honor ? Some Muslim Girl something , ,does anybody know the story ,??
Please relate .
Tks
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Nagamuthu / April 16, 2018
India will be there whenever Sri Lanka needs ,if you do things our way ,
Like we doing in Kashmir 8 age dirty muslim girl .
We know how to do and what to do , see how Burma doing same like us ,we now very saport burma
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K.Pillai / April 16, 2018
“XXXX is there if needed” – XXXX is India, China, US, UK, EU or combinations of.
This is a patronising slogan not to be taken seriously.
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Rajeewa: Why did you try hard as hell elsewhere to explain away the throat slitting gesticulation?
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FAHIM KNIGHT / April 17, 2018
There is reliable information that Indian Industrialists are manipulating officials in Government institutions to take over leased lands and factories that have been built with the blood and sweat of some Sinhalese owners who were forced to go into some business arrangements with Indian cos due to the last regimes blunders where the industry saw a complete collapse.
We demand the government to look into it and put a stop and a message to such industrialists on our Soil ,do not even think about it .
We will get on to the roads all of us Muslims ,Tamils ,Burghers along with Sinhalese
Just be honest and go about your business , if not be prepared to face the consequences.
And for the cheap government bandit servants, remember you work for us the people of Sri Lanka ,not any other Country and don’t ever try to take under the table to cheat our own people ,we won’t spare you.
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whywhy / April 18, 2018
Without doubt ! India is there even when we don’t want it ! ‘ Zee bumba’ we got
Parippu ! Nobody ordered .
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Thiagarajah Venugopal / April 19, 2018
Dear RJ You article indeed captured all the neighbourly issues. Anything you missed were all captured by the commenters.
The problem for Sri Lankans is the “Sri Lankans themselves” and their genetical deficiencies/advancement compare to the rest of the humanity depends on how you want to look at our fate/predicament to date………………we have been too busy trying to figure out what to do with “Independence” since 1948….then we went into “History lessons” with regards to how life was in Sri Lanka 2500 years ago for bench marking purposes I guess………..the entire world watched this “interesting drama unfold” initially with a bit of puzzle/admiration first then they have all figured out we are indeed a bunch of cowards wanting a Royal **** ……so it is not others fault….. we opened doors and said to “all” please come and help yourself……..the funny part is we still do not get it..
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