TNA leader Sampanthan has shown his political will towards the goal of undivided Sri Lanka by holding the national flag in Jaffna, the cultural capitol of Tamils. He has qualified his gesture by speaking about his Srilankan identity and dream. He is not the first Tamil democratic leader to do so. We only hope that he does not go in the history as another Tamil democratic leader failed to reach the Sinhala south by his political gestures. We now look for government’s reciprocate action says DPF leader Mano Ganesan
Ganesan
Ganesan said further that, Mr. Sampanthan’s action has already displeased certain Tamil forces. The lion symbol is being considered as the symbol of aggression by them due to the history. In this context TNA leader has taken a courageous step. It should not go in the drain. He should not go in the history as another Tamil democratic leader who failed to reach the Sinhala south by his goodwill gesticulations. It is the responsibility of the government of the day.
Tamil democratic leaders in the past were seeking political solution within the radius of the united Sri Lanka. They respected the territorial integrity of the country. They demanded political power. Yet they distinguished between the separation of the country and separation political powers. But their political gestures and goodwill messages were discarded by the successive governments of Sri Lanka led by both SLFP and UNP.
Mr. Sampanthan as the leader of TNA has again taken the bold step in this post war era. The whole world is demanding reconciliation with political solution. The government should take the lead from Sampanthan’s signal. It is not only the reasonable step but also intelligent.
Donald J Gnanakone / May 6, 2012
Mano,
Yours is a responsible statement.
However please note that I have verified that this holding the flag pole by the 79 year old leader of the TNA was neither preplanned or premeditated by either leaders. It was more like the “heat of the moment”. (More like a Royal/Thomian match moment).
Sampanthan had held the flag pole for less than 30 or 60 seconds and you should no better as you were just 2 or 3 feet away.
Furthermore, the deputy leader Mavai Senathirajah has tendered an apology to Tamils whose feelings and sentiments have been hurt.
Anyway, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. That applies to the entire Singhala nation. GOSL, Opposition and other parties. It is not the accidental holding of the flag pole by Sampanthan the TNA leader for less than 60 seconds in public, but what the Tamil leadership stand for in their negotiation with the Rajapakses now and in the future.
Their position or their minimum demands will not change even when the UNP forms the government if and when they win the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. At least we can sit with the UNP leadership and reason it out. There will be dialog with the UNP as you are aware.
So there is no need for the Tamils to get unduly upset about this unplanned incident/event. Nor there is no need for the Sinhalese or the international community to read some unexplained message. It is 3 years after the massacres and there is no LTTE to blame for excuses any more. The GOSL needs to act and arrive at agreements with the TNA soon without another delay tactics via the PSC.
The issue of “Independent Investigations” will always remain with the international community and the Tamil diaspora. Tamil politicians who live and work in Sri Lanka, ruled under State Terrorism cannot talk about that matter, unless they risk their lives and be murdered like the other 5 Tamil MP’s under Rajapakse’s first term.
With Best Wishes,
Donald Gnanakone
Tamils For Justice.
Copy : UNP Leadership.
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Vasu / May 6, 2012
This conflict could be solved only after escalation and under international mediation
SLFP,UNP and all other parties from south are not serios about their offer. This is what we learned from history. They are all scared about their right wing party members.
Tamil ethnic issue is not a cigar business to offer different prices for different brokers
We have waited so many years, 3 years more or less it is not going to play a major role
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kamal nissanka / May 6, 2012
Time has come to change our national flag.
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gamini / May 6, 2012
Mr. Sambanthan holding the Sri Lankan flag is what matters and not the time duration. This is the process we have to look forward to, for genuine RECONCILIATION. The Tamils too should move from their anti stand on the lion depicted flag as Sinhalese arrogance which the lion is not responsible. The lion does not only belong to one, but for both the Tamils and the Sinhalese. Let us not fret on trivial issues. Let us take this epoch making event of the Jaffna stand, to build a lasting friendship between the two communities. There will be many who will try to belittle the sagacious decision to hold the May Day rally in Jaffna to bring reconciliation. That is why there were many in the MR govt. trying to scuttle the venue of Jaffna, even going to the extent of promoting immature politics of Sajith Premadasa clan giving wide publicity to the event in Colombo. All anti Ranil, have been caught with their pants down.
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Ralf Sheldrake / May 7, 2012
…Lions, Tigers and ferocious animals need to be deleted from Flags reflecting human culture… [they are not only old fashioned & aggressive (lion with a sword) but depicts the inappropriate symbol of the people – since both Lions & Tigers eat its own cubs, which we humans cannot align with]… Yes I vote for: A Change in Sri Lanka’s National Flag, to reflect our land, people & culture in a more modern & appropriate manner taking into account that we are First Sri Lankan before we claim Race, Religion or Ethnicity and prevent anyone dishing in any other Animal (Crocodile, Snake, Elephant etc.) into our Flag….Let’s pray for a Safe & secure future for our next generation…. keeping the animals out in the gardens, cages, roads, sanctuaries and …. …..
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gamini / May 7, 2012
@ Ralf, yes agreed, the Lion is a jungle animal and carrying a sword is not for peaceful purposes. The emblem ably depicts the status of the country, where the law of the jungle prevail and the sword depicting the violence the country was subject to. It is not only the Tamils that have to make amends but the Sinhalese too. Let us redesign a decent Flag for the country as a first step.
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