By Harsha Gunasena –
Harsha Gunasena
Government announced recently that in the next Independence Day celebrations, the national anthem would be sung only in Sinhala.
This is a reversal of the practice introduced by the previous government from 2016 that the national anthem should be sung in Sinhala and Tamil at the Independence Day celebrations.
Legal perspective
Legal perspective is clear in this respect.
In the first constitution of independent Sri Lanka referred as Soulbury Constitution, there was no reference to the national anthem. However, at the Independence Day celebrations held on 4th February 1949 present national anthem was sung in both Sinhala and Tamil as national songs. At that time, it was slightly different. It was officially accepted by the Government in 1951 as the national anthem and was sung at the Independence Day celebrations in 1952. The Tamil version was widely used in the Tamil speaking areas.
In the constitution adopted in 1972 also there was no reference to the national anthem. It was incorporated into the constitution first time in 1978.
The Article 7 of the present constitution is as follows :“The National Anthem of the Republic of Sri Lanka shall be “Sri Lanka Matha”, the words and music of which are set out in the Third Schedule.”
The English translation of the Article 7 of the Tamil version of the constitution is as follows: “The National Anthem of the Republic of Ilangai shall be “Sri Lanka Thaaye”, the words and music of which are set out in the Third Schedule.”
Sri Lanka is referred as Ilangai in Tamil. The national anthem referred in the constitution in Tamil was Sri Lanka Thaaye, the Tamil translation of the Sinhala version Sri Lanka Matha.
In Third Schedule the national anthem begins as “Sri Lanka Thaaye”. This was intentional and reflected the thinking prevailed from the time of the independence.
The Constitution of Sri Lanka, unlike Acts of Parliament, contains no provision which stipulates that the Sinhala text shall prevail over the Tamil text.
In 2016 there was a Fundamental Rights application challenging the decision to sing Tamil version of the national Anthem at the Independence Day celebrations. (SC FR 67/2016) It was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
The government invitation card to mark the first anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence in 1949
Political perspective
During the time of the war National Anthem was not sung in the LTTE controlled areas. It was banned by the LTTE. Soon after the end of the war, Tamils started singling National Anthem in Tamil. The Rajapaksa regime in 2010 decided that National Anthem can be sung only in Sinhala.
National Anthem was sung in Tamil at the 68th Independence Day celebrations on 4th February 2016. On the same day then Chief Minister of Northern Province, C.V. Wignasvaran, went to Naga Viharaya and participated religious ceremonies as a mark of reciprocal respect. This shows that to what extent the Tamils appreciated the symbolic act of the Government.
In 1950’s the Government introduced the word ‘Sri’ to the vehicle number plates and the Tamils rejected it and continued to use old vehicles bearing English letters in the number plates. Now we have discontinued the use of Sri in the number plates. In 1956 we made Sinhala the only official language of Sri Lanka. Subsequently in 1958 Tamil Special Provisions Act was passed. Tamil was not recognized as an official language even in the constitution of 1972 which was one of the reasons to the birth of Tamil militancy. However, in 1978 constitution Tamil also recognized as an official language.
This shows how stupid the successive Governments and their followers thought. They allowed things to aggravate facilitating lot of damages in the process rather than nipping the bud at the initial stages. We as a country have always paid a very high price for simple and basic things.
In India, national anthem is sung in Bengali not in Hindi which is spoken by the majority. In Singapore where the majority is Chinese, national anthem is sung in Malay. The Canadian national Anthem is sung in English and French. In New Zealand national anthem is sung in English and Maori. The usual practice when performed in public is to perform the first verse of the national anthem twice, first in Māori which is an indigenous language and then in English. In South Africa it is sung in five different languages. There are many other countries where the national anthems are sung in two or three languages.
Historical perspective
Sri Lanka at present is a divided country by the ethnicity and religion. The history of the country was not the same.
In the introduction of his great book, Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples, published in 1964, Hajime Nakamura stated as follows about Eastern thought vis-a-vis Western thought.
“Accordingly, when various thoughts are found opposed to one another, they are likely to recognize their rational force, and to compromise and synthesize, rather than to adopt one of them alternatively to the exclusion of others. Therefore, it is often contended that in contrast to Western thought the spirit of tolerance and mutual concession is a salient feature of Eastern thought. The religion of the West at times is harsh and even emphasizes struggle for the sake of keeping the faith and condemning unbelievers.”
Easterners are basically collectivists in contrast to western individualists. In Sri Lanka for millennia different ethnicities and different religions lived in harmony. Their collective included all the people living in the kingdom irrespective of their ethnicity or religion.
Over millennia, in Sri Lanka there were no clashes between Sinhalese and Tamils as ethnic groups. The clashes were among the kings and princes. They were concerned about their power and not the ethnicity. General perception is that Elara has done more damage to us in comparison to Magha, who ruined our civilization in 13th century. Magha was not a Tamil and Elara was respected even by Mahavamsa. Sinhala kings got support from the Pandyans to attack Chola invaders, both were South Indians.
In the 12th century on the orders of Vijayabahu the Great, the commander of the army erected a slab inscription written in Tamil ordering Velaikkara regiment who were of Tamil origin to protect the Tooth Relic, control of which was considered essential to claim the authority to rule the kingdom.
This act shows that the State had given a very important task to the soldiers of Tamil origin and the State did not hesitate to communicate with them in their language. This was neglected by the post-independence rulers of Sri Lanka till 1978.
In the introduction of the landmark book, The Muslims of Sri Lanka- one thousand years of ethnic harmony 900-1915, Lorna Dewaraja stated as follows.
“It is clear from our evidence at our disposal that right through out from the Anuradhapura period to Kandyan times there was a Muslim lobby operating in the Sri Lanka court.”
In the body of the book she said,
“For instance, Muslims served as officials in the administration of the state as well as of the Buddhist monasteries. It is noteworthy that the Muslims were functionaries in the Temple of the Tooth and participated in the ritual of the Asala Maha Perahera, the greatest pageant of the Buddhist world. This process of structural assimilation which took place without any erosion of the cultural distinctiveness of the Muslims is perhaps unique in minority-majority relations.”
Referring to the Kandyan kingdom she said,
“…This is striking example of the policy of live and let live characteristic of Sinhala society at that time. Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists were voluntary participants in the festivities of the Embekke devala and none of those groups lost their cultural identity in the process”
This situation was changed during the British rule in late 19th century with the initiation Buddhist revival movement which was directed against the ruling British and their religion. However, it was taken a turn against the other ethnicities. Thus, the common collective of the country started cracking down and collective of different ethnicities and religions were established. Situation was gradually deteriorated by using different collective identities against one another in order to get political gains.
Conclusion
Singing the national anthem in Tamil is not unconstitutional and not against the common traditions followed by other countries. It is not against the historical traditions followed in Sri Lanka over millennia. It is in line with the initial actions taken by the State at the time of the country got independence. However, it is against the divisive political traditions introduced by the Sri Lankan political leaders subsequently. The Previous government, although coming to power with the political support of the Tamils and initiated processes such as creating a new constitution, has done very little to the Tamils. Singing the national anthem in Tamil was one of the symbolic acts they have initiated. It is a joyful act to sing it in both languages and it harmonizes the different ethnicities in Sri Lanka. President said that he will be the President of all including of those who did not vote for him. He can now turn his words to deeds. Therefore, it is the duty of the government to decide to sing the national anthem in both languages at the Independence Day celebrations if they place the objectives of the country ahead of their own political objectives.
Amarasiri / December 28, 2019
Haraha Gunasena,
The mean IQ of the Para-Sinhala is 79, and this pervades the voters and their Para-leaders.
The Para-leaders think that they can keep the support of the Para-Sinhala by singing the National Anthem in Para-Sinhala only.
However, they cannot hide the fact that they , Para-Sinhala, are Paras from Southern and Eastern India, confirmed by mitochondrial DNA studies.
This is pure Para rivalry.
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Anonymous / December 28, 2019
If you can’t have it in both languages Throw both out and sing it in English…
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Eagle Eye / December 28, 2019
Anonymous,
This is the typical nasty attitude of ‘Para’ Dravidians. They do not mind English but not Sinhala.
‘Para’ Dravidians had no problem when Union Jack was the National flag, ‘God Save the Queen’ was the National Anthem, English was the official language, English letters in car number plates.
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Jayasuriya / December 29, 2019
Eagle Eye
Exactly, when they go to england they don’t have a problem doing everything in english but, when it’s Sri Lanka then Sinhalese language is apparently violating their human rights. Plus, it’s mutli ethnic card regarding Sri Lanka but, when it’s tamil nadu then no multi ethnicity only tamil.
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Anonymous / December 29, 2019
Eagle eye & Jayasuriya, Typical modaya missed the first part and read the last part… so no care for Tamil!!?
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Native Vedda / December 30, 2019
Jayasuriya
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“when they go to england they don’t have a problem doing everything in english but, “
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When your ancestors came to this island there wasn’t a language called Sinhala. The Buddhist monks not only brought a religion but languages as well. Now your modaya’s seems numerically more than the other modaya’s you expect everyone to learn your version of your so called language (a fine blend of Prakrit, Sanskrit, Tamil, Portuguese, Dutch, …. may be a few perverted words from Elu) and follow your religion of Sinhala/Buddhism. A false/bogus identity was created by the public the racist Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala has been popularised by bigoted politicians in order to dominate all other people, including Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, ….Malays, Burghers, …..
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Has it got anything to do with Buddha’s teaching?
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Are you trying to build a Sinhala/Buddhist Pakistan in this island?
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Jayasuriya / December 30, 2019
Native Vedda
“When your ancestors came to this island there wasn’t a language called Sinhala.”
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Exactly, Sinhala was developed in Sri Lanka making it native to Sri Lanka while your people were just a bunch of filthy slaves infected with parangi reeriya (syphillis) came from tamil nadu and isn’t native at all, but, you people still run around with a banana up your bum and excessive amounts of thaala thel on your head while screaming that you are native to this country even though you guys are just a bunch of foreign slaves.
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Harsha Gunasena / December 28, 2019
Amarasiri
Tank you for your time. You have written a Para comment.
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Amarasiri / December 30, 2019
Harsha Gunesena,
Yes, this is a Para-dispute between the Para-Sinhala and Para-Tamils. If the national anthem is sung only in Para- Sinhala, only the Para-Sinhala will understand.If both in Para-Sinhala and Para-Tamil, both sets of Paras will understand.
Now the Para-Sinhala imbeciles, mean IQ 79, do not understand that language Is a medium of communication.
No wonder, the Para-Sinhala are also called Sinhalayo Modayo.
In fact, the monks did a coup, replaced the Bodisatvas , the third Gem with them, and got the imbeciles to prostate to them, while distorting Buddhism and Insulting the Buddha.Their imbellicity increased.
A Land like no other.
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S. C. Pasqual / December 28, 2019
Mr. Amarasiri aka mean IQ 12,
/
So what…??
Its already being done..
What can you do..??
\
Of course you can go and ask Swiss ambassador.
If you can find him.
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babalawathie mudunkotuwa / December 28, 2019
Bro Amarasiri@
I think we should agree the anthem being sung by both tamil and sinhala even if RAJAKASHES supporters would see it supporting to their racials groups
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I think our sinhalaya should learn to tolerate the other, let alone today. They should be trained to use INTERNET for the improvement of awareness … most are lack of general awareness in that part of the world
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National anthems are usually written in the most common language of the state, whether de facto or official. States with multiple national languages may offer several versions of their anthem. For instance, Switzerland’s national anthem has different lyrics for each of the country’s four official languages: French, German, Italian, and Romansh.[11] One of New Zealand’s two national anthems is commonly sung with the first verse in Māori (“Aotearoa”) and the second in English (“God Defend New Zealand”). The tune is the same but the lyrics have different meanings. South Africa’s national anthem is unique in that it is two different songs put together with five of the country’s eleven official languages being used, in which each language comprises a stanza.[
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Immediacy 19 / December 29, 2019
Where do you find one with soul so dead, lamenting that the anthem in Tamil is not there to deaden his nerves further?
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Eagle Eye / December 29, 2019
babalawathie mudunkotuwa,
“I think our sinhalaya should learn to tolerate the other”
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Let me remind that both Muslims and Dravidians live in Sinhale because of tolerance of Native Sinhalayo. But unfortunately extremists in these communities do not tolerate Native Sinhalayo and all out to wage war against them. So tell your friends in Dravida and Muslim communities to get their act right if they want to live with Native Sinhalayo peacefully. These two communities should not take tolerance of Sinhala Buddhists for granted.
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babalawathie mudunkotuwa / December 31, 2019
You Egle Evil, would never learn to tolerate anyone even if you are a refugee in DOWN UNDER ? Is that the not the saddest reality about you Mahinda pala ?
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We talk high about our race, but idiots of your nature, being in their later day today, not being able to tolerate the least is the REAL obstacle before us.
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You the kind of SINHALAYA should be bunrt raw if our race to be seen AS tolerant.
Just imagine, if AUSTRALIAN authorties put you in a cell not safeguaring your human rights, what would have been doing ? Just imagiine, you as minority in that part of the world, if they did not give you the basics, how would you feel.
:
Our HAMBANTOTA thugs abuse the state funds lavishly for their self glorification projects today, do any ballige puthas of your nature make a voice about it ? With over 4.8 billions of dollars to be paid in March or april, how would the state face it…..
Gone are the dayswe could hope a better srilanka, but the days ahead of us … the probablity to turn out to be AN ANOTHER somalia in INDIAN ozean is now making.
:
We the sinhalaya living out of the country will not suffer, but those poor, that live under poverty will have to. I dont mind any buggers that voted for RASCALS … being hurt by any means.
Wait and see, all threats will come on us, as heavy rains in the days to come. Habantota thugs will ruin this nation from where they stopped once.
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Eagle Eye / December 28, 2019
Amanasiri is repeating the same BS about origin of Native Sinhalayo and mitochondrial DNA studies. None of the mitochondrial DNA studies carried out by reputed academics have given concrete evidences to prove that Sinhalayo came from India. May be some bogus academics of ‘Koti Diaspora’ have produced such results.
On the other hand renowned archeologists P.E.P. Deraniyagala, S.U. Deraniyagala and Raj Somadeva have produced enough scientific evidences based on their research to prove that Sinhalayo evolved in this island.
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What we can do is to tell the truth to the don key but we cannot force the don key to accept it.
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Amarasiri / December 31, 2019
Eagle Confused Eye ,
“Amarasiri is repeating the same BS about origin of Native Sinhalayo and mitochondrial DNA studies.”
That is science, data and observations, on genetics. It is NOT based on myths, fables or beliefs, like the Sun going around the Earth. Even in the case of the Heliocentric model still a substantial fraction of the ignorant, believe that the the Sun goes around the Earth, even today.
Eagle Confused Eye, grow up and learn some science and critical thinking skills.
Mitochondrial DNA history of Sri Lankan ethnic people: their relations within the island and with the Indian subcontinental populations.
https://www.nature.com/articles/jhg2013112
MtDNA haplogroup analysis revealed that several West Eurasian haplogroups as well as Indian-specific mtDNA clades were found amongst the Sri Lankan populations. Through a comparison with the mtDNA HVS-1 and part of HVS-2 of Indian database, both Tamils and Sinhalese clusters were affiliated with Indian subcontinent populations than Vedda people who are believed to be the native population of the island of Sri Lanka.
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Nakeeb M Issadeen / December 28, 2019
Does everyone know that the national anthem of Singapore ‘Majullah Singapura’ is in Malay where as 90% of Singaporean are Chinese. Lee Quan Yew had the wisdom to keep the original Malay version since independence to preserve communal harmony. That is the secret of success for Singapore. He once mentioned in his national day speech that SWRD opened the Pandora’s box of racial hatred in Sri lanka when he opted for Sinhala only to capture power.
Sri Lankans need to learn a lesson from the success story of Singapore.
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S. C. Pasqual / December 28, 2019
Mr. Nakeeb M Issadeen,
/
Your logic is correct.
If Singaporean Chinese people can sing ‘Majullah Singapura’ in Malay as national anthem why we need our national anthem in two languages..??
Few racist Tamils who are crying should start respecting our national anthem “Sri Lanka Matha”,
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Richard / December 28, 2019
Dear S.C. Pasqual,
The information here is about a decision by the Government not to sing the National Anthem in Tamil. Am I right? The whole world knows how racism is taken up in Sri Lanka by cheap politicians to grab power. That is the difference between Singapore and Sri Lanka. It looks like Sri Lanka keeps going backwards for the sake of keeping racists as Leaders of the Country.
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shankar / December 29, 2019
thootukudy(as described by sivasankara sharma)pasqual
why should tamils even sing the anthem in tamil when they did not get independence?The sinhalese got independence so you can go ahead and sing it.
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pirabakaran / January 3, 2020
S.C Pasqual
I don’t respect Sinhala racist like you, but I respect decent people whether, Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim or any other. If You go by the Srilankan political history the Tamil Srilankans believe this country is theirs as this island is connected to Tamil
nadu by an umbilicus ( adam’s bridge). The Tamil’s claim for ownership ,of this Island is sustainable. More than 200000 Tamils ( many of them young and talented ) sacrificed their lives to protect their mother land from Sinhala invaders.
Sinhalese on the other hand argue that it is their only country and fought tooth and nail against the LTTE to establish their hegemony. If Bandaranaike has not introduced the Sinhala only bill the Tamils and Sinhalese would have lived together peacefully but his wrong language policy eventually destroyed Srilanka .
I will like to remind you the famous saying of N.M. Perera whilst speaking to oppose the Sinhala only bill in parliament ” One language two countries, Two languages one country”.
I will urge a rabid racist lunatic like you to think twice before you write. If you strat a language war it will lead to a civil war in the end.
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jayt / December 28, 2019
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.
For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2
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Lanka Nitizen / December 28, 2019
Better to sing it in Native Veda’s
Language .
Oi atho, may Atho, demala atho, singla atho , muslim atho.
Api okama modde atho, nathi nang 225 athoa rage kerai de??
Tamil people , SHINGLA PEOPLE Moslem people all one foolish people , if not will the 225 be in power ?
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Native Vedda / December 28, 2019
Lanka Nitizen
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Thanks for your creativity.
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Learn the following official Indian national anthem in Bengali in case if you needed them in the next few years:
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Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata
Punjaba-Sindhu-Gujarata-Maratha
Dravida-Utkala-Banga
Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga
uchchala-jaladhi-taranga
Tava shubha name jage, tava shubha asisa mage,
gahe tava jaya-gatha.
Jana-gana-mangala-dayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata.
Jaya he, Jaya he, Jaya he,
jaya jaya jaya, jaya he.
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Uthungan / December 31, 2019
Native
The Indian National Anthem unfailingly mentions all the various ethnicities of what constitutes an idea of a victorious Indian identity.
Whereas that essential is completely absent in SL’s anthem. It is a mere jingle consisting of trite words coined up.
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rohan anthony johnpillai / December 28, 2019
Only one full moon has passed by, there’s a true saying that the lunatics being the mad buggers go more crazy run wild and can be controlled by neither humans or beasts.
The present shit oozing from all their pores, ruling psychopath family well known to one as the RAJAPUKA’s who are soiling the royal commode have begun exhibiting their legality to be on this planet and their gameah boorishness.
they are of their senile opinion that if we the mighty Tamil’s along with their Muslim brothers and sisters will be affected by the unceremoniously taking away the singing of the national anthems in both the soken in Shitty Sorry Lanka.
I whilst speaking on behalf of my much-esteemed brothers and sisters do not care 2 hoots for this petty pavement like an act.
we will concentrate and propagate developing and promoting the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of TAMIL EELAM.
by us Tamils casting our scared votes against the 70-year-old KALLTHONI, who by being an American citizen is and not entitled to be a contender.
he illegally obtained dual citizenship in 2005 during the period where his mustache sporting GANNANKARA SAKILIYA of an elder brother, whose IRC antics ruled the roost.
we all are aware of the doldrums he caused when he was democratically thrown out of sitting and shitting on the royal kakusiya in January 2015 which was a golden day for the sad sorry citizens of shitty Lanka.
Now his younger petrol pumping shit cleaning coolie has openly shown us of his illegal breeding by banning the vocalizing of the internationally renowned Tamil Language all due to the minorities chose not to waste their precious holy vote.
there will never be any progressive steps that will be constructively taken implemented into real action due to the arrogance stupid buggers who are petty-minded Ku Klux bred who are the cheapest and the illegally made money in the family of the racists.
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Peacelover / December 28, 2019
To add to the fact that Tamil is an internationally recognized classical language m, It has also been scientifically proved again during Keeladi Excavation in Sivagangai District in Thamilnadu That Tamils lived during Indus Civilization, hence ThamilS introduced not alone the great language, civilization to the entire south east Asia and in fact to the world
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jayt / December 28, 2019
You don’t need to tell that. Colonialists provided bogus refugees status to robe India.
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Naman / December 28, 2019
By excluding the Minorities, SL is not going to progress/ DEVELOP.
Being RESPECTFUL to them will result in much FASTER progress.
I believe that the President and SLPP are of the OPINION that being not nice to Minorities they would GET the two third majority in the parliament
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Seyon Sithamparanthan / December 28, 2019
Why don’t TNA and Sumanthiran go to supreme court to challenge this decision? Sumanthiran come on man, during the constitutional coup done by Mithiripala, you guys have done a great job. This time also we want you to do so.
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Ajith / December 28, 2019
Seyon,
Today is not the same as yesterday. Even Supreme Court is now under the control of both brothers. Supreme Court judges have just follow the orders from both brothers. Even if Lord Buddha comes to the court he cannot get justice.
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Harsha Gunasena / December 28, 2019
I do not think that this can be challenged at the SC. It is optional to the Government to decide to sing it in Tamil as well. Up to 2016 Governments did not decide to sing the national anthem in Tamil at Independent Day celebrations. However, SC opined that it is not illegal to sing it in Tamil. Therefore, it is a political issue. We all should persuade the Government to do it and strengthen the Government if they lack courage. What we should do is to point out the correct thing, not criticizing and insulting as some are doing.
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Native Vedda / December 29, 2019
Harsha Gunasena
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“What we should do is to point out the correct thing, not criticizing and insulting as some are doing.”
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Time and again many wise people kept pointing out what was right and what was wrong. Those who make political decisions were not born yesterday. For example, parity of languages, was dragged on until Hindians caught JR by his ****s and got him amend the official language ACT which made Tamil also an official language and English the link language. If not for Hondians Tamil would not have been made an officials language.
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This silly fellow Gota cannot manage his own affairs leave alone other.
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paragon / December 28, 2019
what can sumanthiran do on this matter.singing national anthem in singala only any way srilanaka government accepting that tamils are not srilanakn and they belong to a separate home land called TAMIL EELAM.
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Uthungan / January 1, 2020
Sumanthiran has himself said if the government doesn’t want the National Anthem to be sung in Tamil then Tamils will gladly comply.
The Asgriya Buddhist monk, S.D. Dissanayake and most other Sinhalese politicians have all said that in India where there are several languages the National Anthem is sung only in one language.
They however are ignorant of the fact that the Indian Bengali version mentions all it’s ethnicities besides the beauty of it’s various rivers and mountains etc., and the lands that they all inhabit as one people, irrespective of their linguistic or religious differences.
What purpose is served by Tamils singing it in their language, what do they gain?
Nothing!
By not singing they at least will keep their dignity and self respect intact.
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D. P. / December 28, 2019
Seyon,
Going to SC is one option but I think that the better option is to defeat this silly attempts to win elections & then stay in power by manipulating easily ignitable emotional feeling of hate & anger by ignoring them completely. No matter what the Gvt do with the National Anthem, Gvt still cannot prohibit Tamil speaking community from singing the N A in Tamil. They can either chose to sing N A in Tamil or stop singing it at all. GoRa’s decision to sing N A only in one language is a calculated efforts to agitate minority & thereby trying to win over S/B votes.
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This is very poor decision taken based on wrong reading of the Prez election as well as the so-called Trumpism AKA global conservative trend. In the US Trump didn’t win; only democrats lost b’cos Sanders Democrats either didn’t vote at all or voted against Hilary. It didn’t happen in France at all. In England, Labor had good chance of winning had not for Corbyn’s extreme left-wing policies. However, there is different kind concern visible globally against the possible loss of identities of cultures due to very rapid globalization of economic activities & movement of ideas through the internet. But, in politics, both the left & the right is manipulating this natural concern, not just conservatives (JVP also ran a very nationalistic campaign).
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What happened in SL politics doesn’t not have the same flavor; rather, the voter’s unhappiness with Gvt was caused by multiple reasons which centered around the single factor of poor leadership! Therefore, my advice to the minorities & liberals is not to get carried away by GoRa’s miscalculations – a “softer version” of White Van Culture (harassment, revenge, racism, etc) that resulted in loss in 2015. As a matter of fact, it is unrealistic to expect anything different from GoRa regime. Voters will eventually understand the reality (voters usually react emotionally to their immediate experience; not to grand theories)!
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shankar / December 29, 2019
seyon
why should he?tamils never got independence of their jaffna kingdom.By singing the anthem in tamil don’t they accept we got everything back as it was before colonials.
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Lankan / December 28, 2019
A very poor decision indeed, if this is true..just paying lip service to reconciliation and inclusivity. Gotabaya can be classed as an idiot if this goes ahead..
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hatharabirikatharina / December 28, 2019
Gotabaya is not the very wrong person, as I see it today. People voted for him and we have to respect the people s mandate. Like or not, over 69 lacks of people, be them grass eaters or naive as any afro tribes, they voted for him.
Now the political teenager should see it right if he really really want this nation to be blessed with better systems. Yestreday GOTLER was seen visiting RMV and questioning ground staffs about their tasks being delayed – and I heard him questioning as to why the staff and authorities down there failed to introduce efficient systems so that the customers could save their time, not letting them waiting that longer, for their permission based documents in terms of own vehicles. There what revealed tothe the public was – even in the metro politan city areas, the systems remain as had been decades ago, not having subjected to any progresses. How come ? These public sector workers just enjoy their work, being state workers, but most of them, are not productive enough to serve nation, meeting with the expectations of the public. On and on, this has gone hand to hand, much of funds have being wasted. Billions that have gone wasted, are connected to the high corruption levels of state sector institutions.
I think ,… leaving part politics, people as individuals should get together to do good work…… experts and their expertise should be taken into consideration… if the systems to be changed drastically.
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N. Ethirveerasingam / December 29, 2019
Hitler was also elected by the German people.
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Native Vedda / December 30, 2019
hatharabirikatharina
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“Gotabaya is not the very wrong person, as I see it today. People voted for him and we have to respect the people s mandate.”
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You will do well to remember majority of the people also voted for free rice imported from moon and eight measures of free rice.
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shankar / December 29, 2019
lankan
Gotabaya can be classed as an idiot
what do you mean can be classed as an idiot?he was already classed as one in 2009.
ps.at that time fonseka vanished to china cos he did want to follow gota and be also classed as an idiot.The army commander who engineered the victory did not partake in the final honours because two idiots moved in to partake in the final honours.
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ajith / December 28, 2019
It is a very enlightening article. In Tamil there is a proverb. “Onrupaddaal Undu Vaalvu”(unity brings prosperity”). Buddha damma teaches to respect others. Unfortunately Mahinda @ Co teaches opposite to Lord Buddha’s teachings. Sinhala only brought unstoppable destruction to this country. It brought more suffering to Buddhist Sinhala and to true Buddhism. We have seen their true face during the regime particularly after then of war. Today both brothers are putting a drama show to us like they are the guardians of Buddhism and Sinhalese and rule of law. Gota is making unofficial visits to government offices and teaching how he is helpful to public(TV propaganda). Mahinda put cutouts during his presidency. Everything to get two third majority in parliament and bring back dictatorship as they did before. Unless Sinhala people realise the truth, the whole nation will be robbed to nothing.
/
shankar / December 29, 2019
ajith
“Everything to get two third majority in parliament and bring back dictatorship as they did before”
best joke is that idiot sirisena is also starting to howl for the two third majority.he does not have the IQ to realise the forces that will be unleashed after absolute power is given back to the rajapakshes,who will devour everyone including himself one day.
/
rbh / December 28, 2019
Exemption in singing the national anthem.One party differs from other Singing of national anthem bonding freedon of hearing to all the maintaining mark of reciprocal respect must be maitained
/
Tara / December 28, 2019
This is a strong sign, that the new president does not have the inclusion of minorities in mind, nor in his agenda. He will pander to the Sinhala Buddhists, and make it a more nationalistic country under him. Once again the minority will begin to feel discriminated, and have no input in this country. It is a shame that these politicians do not realize that to progress, any country must be united, and all citizens, from every ethnicity, feel they belong here, and are needed to contribute to the success of the nation. This is only the beginning Sri Lankans.
/
Noname / December 28, 2019
“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Sinhala only politics of 1950s resulted in 4 decades of war. Several generations lost their youth, loved ones, life and limbs. Yet these stupid Sinhala politicians are not ashamed to stir up racism again and again to gain cheap political mileage. When will people learn that they and their children not these politicians are the ones who will suffer should the country go down this road? Why cannot we simply toss a coin and pick either Sinhala or Tamil to sing the national anthem each year? Raise all flags Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, Catholic instead of just the Buddhist flag? Rather than talk about ancient kings and kingdoms that may or may not have existed, reflect on what we have achieved (if any) post independence, where we went wrong and most importantly where we should go in the years to come?
/
Nosey Parker / December 28, 2019
Has anyone heard the Gaelic version of ‘ God Save The Queen ‘ ? It’s quite beautiful actually.
/
Rajash / December 28, 2019
The Rajapakses don’t want racial harmony in Sri Lanka, they thrive on racial
hatred
Any how the Tamils didn’t vote for Goya so he is taking revenge
/
Sita / December 28, 2019
The Rajapaksas once again rejecting the minority in Sri Lanka, to keep their Sinhala Buddhist base happy. This is only the beginning of his term, and already he is unable to make a small gesture of reconciliation to unite the entire country.
Where there is rejection and discrimination, there will be anger, extremism, and a divided nation. Divided nations never, ever, prosper. But the roads will be clean.
/
Sandy / December 28, 2019
Singing National Anthem only in
Sinhala…
Why?
/
rohan anthony johnpillai / December 28, 2019
I, by an error on my part, seems to have accidentally exceeded the limitation of only 300 words can and will be allowed by the bigwigs who run this much-esteemed website where one all are allowed to express their two cents worth of opinion without any obstacles provided no vulgar un-parliamentary lingo will be used to state one’s choice of statement.
We must all unite join hands with our much respected valued leaders the TNA and ensure that during the upcoming general parliamentary elections to make the mighty UNP be the next legally chosen truly DEMOCRATIC government of this already sunk island to be governed in peace and bliss.
Cheers,
R. J, the one & only on this much-esteemed planet.
/
Adrian / December 28, 2019
What a great pity the Government is shooting itself in the foot.
/
K.Anaga / December 28, 2019
It has been rightly said that National Anthem should not be sung in Tamil, because Tamils have not got freedom, not even proper power-sharing. Just because the Anthem is sung in Tamil it does not mean that the Tamils have got what they wanted. It may be good for propaganda purposes, that Tamils have equal rights and nothing more. This will lead to a partial eclipse of the actual position.
/
Eagle Eye / December 28, 2019
K.Anaga,
Except some Kallathonis, Dravidians in Sri Lanka are descendants of slaves brought to Sinhale by colonial parasites. Colonial parasites brought them, used them to the maximum to exploit resources in this country and abandoned them in Sinhale making them Stateless. Native Sinhalayo gave citizenship with equal status to these Stateless guys. What more do you guys expect to say that Tamils have not got what they wanted. Be grateful to Native Sinhalayo for accommodating ‘Para’ Dravidians as equal citizens in Sinhale. If you guys are not happy with what you got please get lost. Do not expect Native Sinhalayo to budge into ridiculous demands such as Separate State, Federal System. Maximum Devolution etc.
/
K.Anaga / December 29, 2019
EAGLE!
Dogs bark but the caravan passes.
I quote from Winston Churchill:
“If I stop and throw stones at every dog that barks, I will never reach my destination”
The Tamils gave citizenship to Vijaya and his 700 followers who came to Eelam without the required 701 visas in good faith, who didn’t have any language but only sign language. Today we are suffering because” VERU ORUVAN NULAIYATHU VELI IDDU THAMIL NATAN VALTHATHILLAI”- Meaning Tamils never fenced their borders to prevent others from coming in.
/
Native Vedda / December 31, 2019
Adrian
–
“What a great pity the Government is shooting itself in the foot.”
–
Otherwise the government has to shoot the innocent civilians especially at a time the trigger happy Gota is mustering absolute power.
/
Champa / December 28, 2019
Tamils should first request the British Government to sing the British National Anthem in Tamil as the British government is under obligation to LTTE diaspora to the extent that they included separatism in their manifesto as one of the major election promises.
Sri Lanka’s National Anthem is in Sinhala and it should only sing as it is.
Sri Lanka should introduce strict National Anthem Laws making it illegal to modify its lyrics and penalize anyone for distorting and disrespecting the National Anthem.
In other countries, people were arrested even for not standing when the National Anthem was played.
Even Chennai Police has once arrested some people for taking selfies while the National Anthem was played in a theatre.
/
ajith / December 28, 2019
Racist Champa,
Why don’t you sing American National anthem in Sinhala since Srilanka is ruled by American? LTTE fought for their independence in their own land unlike Sinhala who run away from Srilanka to America. Tamils do not need to sing National anthem along with murderers, and abductors.
/
Jayasuriya / December 29, 2019
ajith
“Why don’t you sing American National anthem in Sinhala since Srilanka is ruled by American?”
–
How does that even make sense? how are we ruled by america, first it was china and now its america, it’s always something new with you people.
–
” LTTE fought for their independence in their own land”
–
What independence and what land? you call suicide bombing school buses fighting for independence? you call taking hostage a bunch of tamils in the nfz fighting for independence? and what land of their own are you talking about? every inch of Sri Lanka was fought for by Sinhalese since thousands of years ago, your people just came in recently and have only been less than useful demanding stuff left and right like little kids.
–
“unlike Sinhala who run away from Srilanka to America”
–
Last I remember it was Sinhalese special forces that shot your great leader pukabharan in the head while he was running away from the people he was supposed to protect.
–
“Tamils do not need to sing National anthem along with murderers, and abductors.”
–
tamils dont need to sing national anthem of Sri Lanka at all because they don’t belong there.
/
Native Vedda / December 30, 2019
Jayasuriya
–
There is stark contrast between acting like a dumbass and really a dumbass. In your case you are really dumb. It is abundantly clear you are not acting.
–
/
Jayasuriya / December 30, 2019
Native Vedda
I truly am surprised that you could come up with a word like contrast to type in your comment given how you have the mental capacity of a peanut, this probably was the biggest accomplishment in your life apart from the time you added 1 + 1 together to figure out it equals 2, your parents must be really proud.
/
Eagle Eye / December 28, 2019
Champa,
Tamils in Tamil Nadu should demand that Indian National Anthem should be sung in Tamil and see what kind of response they will get from New Delhi.
/
Kumari / December 29, 2019
Tamil Nadu has requested Sri Lankan Government to allow National Anthem to be sung in Tamil. These cowards who are scared to demand a Separate State for Tamils in India and as Eagle Eye has suggested sacred to demand Indian National Anthem to be sung in Tamil telling Sri Lanka should allow our National Anthem to be sung in Tamil is a big joke.
/
Siva Sankaran Sharma / December 29, 2019
They do not need a separate state in India , they have their own state , where they can do anything they want, even ban Hindi. and moreover they are treated with dignity and they benefit immensely from being part of the Indian Union,. Tamil Nadu may not have produced an Indian Prime Minister but has produced Indian President many important ministers and powerful Indian politicians. Even under the current BJP government two powerful ministers hail from Tamil Nadu. Nirmala Sitharaman and JaiShankar. Eevery Indian state has its own anthem that they sing on their own language for national evens and India’s national anthem is not in Hindi but in Bengali On the contrary look at the position of the Tamil in the island second rates or even worse third rates in their own land, Everything denied to them , language rights, education, employment, even their lands and places of worship are being stolen from them by the Sinhalese state and extremist Sinhalese and Islamists ( now). The Tamil language is just a national and official language just in paper , to fool the international community but not put into practice even in Tamil areas. Tamil peoples rights are not legislated, like you find in other democratic countries but according to this president depends on the whims and facies of their Sinhalese majority masters , who will decide what is good for their Tamil slaves and will slap abuse them and illtreat them , just like what the viral video showed.
/
Eagle Eye / December 29, 2019
Siva Sankaran Sharma,
“They do not need a separate state in India , they have their own state , where they can do anything they want, even ban Hindi.”
If Tamil Nadu is the State of Tamils, Sinhale (aka Sri Lanka) is the State of Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo. Dravidians who live in Sinhale were brought to Sinhale from Hindusthan or entered as ‘Kallathonis. Native Sinhalayo gave them citizenship in Sinhale by registration. They are not citizens by descent. So Sinhalayo should be able to do anything they want in their State. If it is good for Tamils in Tamil Nadu why not for Sinhalayo in Sinhale?
/
Siva Sankaran Sharma / December 29, 2019
Eagle Blind now living the good live in Melbourne Australia thanks to his Tamil wife and her relatives but constantly spewing anti Tamil hate on this forum and in the Sinhalese extremist site Lanka Lies, Listen this island is not the sole possession of the Sinhalese . The Vedda are the original people, who may have arrived here around 60000 years ago, then arrived the Dravidians , again more than 10000 years ago , as per modern archeological excavations, who would have spoken a semi Tamil or proto Tamil dialect, the proof of this in the Vedda religion , as they worship the Tamil Hindu god Lord Murugan , who is their god too, proving they were highly influenced by the Dravidians/Tamils . The Vedda language just like the native Dravidian language Elu, that was a simple semi Tamil Dravidian dialect , as well as old Sinhalese were all very close to their Tamil mother in pronunciation. Proving again the influence of Dravidian/Tamil in the island. The elite Naga tribe that ruled the island , had adopted proper Tamil as their mother tongue 3000 years ago .The Sri Lankan Tamils are largely descended from these native Dravidian Naga tribes. In the areas where the Naga predominated , the north the east and north west coast , the population retained their ancient Tamil identity and there was far less conversion to Buddhism, than in the rest of the island where the largely boorish peasant Yakka and other tribes predominated. Ruling established elite generally do not change religion and are not enamoured with new theories of love and equality, as they already enjoy it. It is the down trodden peasants who get enamoured by these philosophies.
/
Siva Sankaran Sharma / December 29, 2019
COntd: When the British declared these lands as the Tamil homeland and created the northern and eastern provinces ,these were the core Tamil homelands to which the Sinhalese had not even the remotest claim . These lands from ancient prehistoric times have been Tamil and ruled by Tamils. Even the Vedda living in these lands have taken on a Tamil identity. The British entertained even the most remotest and farfetched Sinhalese claims to Tamil areas , when they carved out the current nine provinces and gave away large chunks of historic Tamil and Vedda lands in the north central and north western areas to the Sinhalese . This how two new Sinhalese provinces North Central and North Western were created , largely out of historic Tamil and Vedda lands. The Sinhalese had no claim to any part of the north and east and only started to do this with fake history and state power , by ethnically cleansing Tamils and settling Sinhalese and then changing place names. Stop posting rubbish racist piece of sh-t living in Australia. The north and east is the home land of the Eelam Tamils and the rest can be called Sinhalese lands. The whole island is not yours.
/
Native Vedda / December 31, 2019
Kumari the clever dick
–
“Tamils in India and as Eagle Eye has suggested sacred to demand Indian National Anthem to be sung in Tamil telling Sri Lanka should allow our National Anthem to be sung in Tamil is a big joke.”
–
It is reassuring to know there is at least one fan who is willing to carry Eagle Blind Eye’s clanking b***s enthusiastically.
If it was a joke why aren’t you laughing instead you were raging from start to the finish?
–
Let me convey this to you what I have learned:
–
More than 19,500 languages spoken in India as mother tongues.
Indian National Anthem was written by Tagore.
It is in Bengali language, not in Hindi, and total Bengali population is about 100 million (about 8.4% of total population. ).
–
The Delhi Sultanate wisely came to a far reaching settlement with Southern states in the mid sixties which was happily accepted by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, ………………… West Bengal, etc. Madras became Tamil Nadu.
–
You stupid idiots type after checking the facts or just hang from HLD M’s clanking b***s.
/
Sam Fernando / December 31, 2019
Dear Native Vedda,
wie geht es Dir denn so ? Ich hoffe esg eht Di rgut.
.
I have heard with RICE mafia becoming not under control, the fodder prices too go up today. May well be over 69 lacks of people that voted for RAJAPAKHES rascals wll have to replace RICE with GRASS next days.
:
My saddness is that innocient COWS would not get enough of their FODDER.
/
Native Vedda / December 30, 2019
Eagle Dumbass Blind Eye
–
“Tamils in Tamil Nadu should demand that Indian National Anthem should be sung in Tamil “
–
Are you still emotionally bonded to Tamil Nadu even after so many years living apart?
Aren’t you confused, we are assuming you are living in this island and we are discussing about this island.
–
Indian National anthem is in Bengali and not in Hindi.
/
babalath appu / December 31, 2019
Mr Native,
you could explain on and on, but the senior bull dogs of EAGLE AKA Mahinda pala would not get the least.
:
Let him die and ended up in the hell ( in the worst faculty).
–
We dont need to create BIO LOGICAL weapons of high magnitude. These men of MAHINDA pala nature are even more powerful than all known bio weaons together.
:
So what more explanation do you need, to see as to why our systems stay stagnated permamently in our ISLAND ?
:
Nation dominated by SINHALA racisst also together with tamil racists, would never be able to see it beyond. THe situation would stay as a wound of beggars forever.
/
Leelagemalli / December 31, 2019
Champawathiyo@
–
You should be an idiot or you cant help any more.
:
If UK govt to allow tamils to sing the national anthem in tamil, then Germans should allow Turks to sing it in turkish and spain to morrocans in arabic…. etc. how stupid your arugment has been.
:
At least ove 4 mio of lankens are tamils. Meaning 25% of entire population. So, you compare it with that of 1 or below 1 % populations and their rights with that of lanken tamils ?
.
You can teach your bed partner WIMAL weerawanse with the kind of arguments, but for CT readership, you should have learnt bit more.
By the way, what happened to weerawanse these days ? Dont you think his MURDER case (dead body to have found in his den) few years ago, would also be brought back for investigation by Gotler led groups ?
.
How would W putha then face the world apart from his FORGE passport issues ?
–
There are very few comments coming from you can be fair… CHAMPAWTHIYE. is it because of your profession and background?
/
Raj-UK / December 28, 2019
I am wondering why the national anthem is such a big deal. The British national anthem glorifies its past (Rule Britannia) & pledges allegiance to the queen (god save the queen), therefore, the Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, true to his socialist ideology, refuses to sing the national anthem but stands to attention when it is sung.
When I received my British citizenship, I was contacted by my local mayoral office in advance of the ceremony & wanted to know if I swore my allegiance on the Bible or the Koran. I said neither as I am a Buddhist & I also objected to pledge my allegiance to a person (the queen), so they accommodated my wishes without any fuss & I just had to raise my left hand & pledged allegiance to the UK & not the queen. SL has a President who has, obviously, pledged allegiance to the US of A & happily sings the national anthem of SL as well, whether he means it or not. So what all this fuss about singing the national anthem in Sinhala only? If the Tamils are happy to sing the national anthem in Tamil, it shows they consider themselves included as part of SL. Does it matter if the national anthem is sung in any official language of the country? It’s only words & not a binding contract & isn’t Tamil an official language still in SL?
/
punchinilame / December 28, 2019
This is apparently a political trick and await Gota making an announcement at the
right time to earn all the credit that he wants peace & reconciliation as a priority.
Therefore the Anthem will continue to be sung in Tamil too.
/
JD / December 28, 2019
Harsha Gunasena: Where is the Logics when Tamils are asking National Anthem in Tamil and at the same time, erudite Tamils say, Sinhala people are converted Tamils and Sinhala is highly enriched with Tamils ? Is it Tamils are using the same Casteism and Tribalism they got used to in South India in Sinhale too ?. Where is reconciliation from Tamil side when they ask anthem in Tamil too. If Tamils are given prefernce where is Arabs, Malays, Malabaris, Lansies and porterhouse etc ?
/
Plato. / December 28, 2019
The Rajapakses [ Actually small people in Big places] could easily score a political point in having the National Anthem sung in Tamil also and then turn round and say, Look,we are not discriminatory! Also a substantial number of the Tamil population could be hoodwinked in the process!
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Abhaya Premawardena / December 28, 2019
Idiot . The US does not sing the national anthem in spanish to appease the latinos . nor does any other country.
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Siva Sankaran Sharma / December 29, 2019
Spanish is an alien language in the USA Tamil is not an alien language in the island. it is a national and official language in par with Sinhalese ( sic at least in paper) It has a older history in the island than Sinhalese that only appeared around 8 AD largely from the native Tamil dialect that got corrupted with the Pali of Buddhism . Sinhalese owes a lot to the Tamil language for its existence. Its vocabulary is still 35-40% Tamil based and its grammar , syntax, lexicon and alphabet is 100% Tamil based. The Sinhalese people are largely descended from Tamils and not from any other Indian people. Everything about them reeks of Tamil yet this hatred for Tamil language and Tamil people due to brainwashing , even the so called western educated ones , who should know better.
/
Eagle Eye / December 29, 2019
Siva Sankaran Sharma,
“Spanish is an alien language in the USA Tamil is not an alien language in the island.”
—-
Both English and Spanish are alien languages to the Land of Red Indians. Similarly Demala, the language spoken by Dravidians in Sinhale which is a hoch-poch of Dravidian languages is alien to the Land of Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo because Dravidians came from Hindusthan as invaders, Kallathonis and slaves.
—-
“The Sinhalese people are largely descended from Tamils and not from any other Indian people.”
If Sinhalayo descended from Tamils as you claim why the hell they speak Sinhala instead of Tamil. Man use your brain, if you have one.
/
Rohan / December 29, 2019
Only person who does not have a brain is you not Siva Sankaran. Many of the older , ancient classical languages have given birth to other languages due migration , invasions and influence from other people , and introduction of new religions . From Latin originated French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian . From old Germanic came English , German, Dutch, and many of the Nordic languages. Old Slavonic gave birth to all the modern Slavic languages spoken in Eastern Europe. Sanskrit gave birth to Indo Aryan languages . Similarly old or classical Tamil gave birth to Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and even Sinhalese which despite being classified as Indo Aryan language is in reality a daughter of Tamil. Its foundation and structure is pure Dravidian on which a Indo Aryan super structure has been built. It only started to evolve in the island from the native Tamil dialect due to the arrival of Buddhism and the Pali and Sanskrit language that came with it. The story of Vijaya is a myth and nothing else. Some North Indian immigrants/traders and the Prakrit language associated with them ( Pali is also a Prakrit) may have influenced in the evolution of the Sinhalese but the role is minor. It is the arrival of Buddhism and large scale conversion of the native Dravidian tribes in the southern parts of the island that triggered the birth of the Sinhalese language and identity, from the native Dravidian Tamil or semi Tamil speaking people. They gradually started to corrupt their local Tamil dialect with the Pali/Sanskrit of Buddhism and gradually a new language and identity started to form in the South the island. Just like the way Malayalam evolved from Tamil with the arrival of Namboothiri Brahmins and other people from North India and thousands of years ago Kannada and Telugu evolved from low Tamil again due to Indo Aryan settlers and influence.
/
Rohan / December 29, 2019
The only difference is all these old classical/root languages died off, after giving birth to all their daughter languages , but in the case of Tamil it is also still living m thriving and evolving , even after giving birth to all these other languages and influencing many other languages . This is the root cause for the hatred and antagonism against the Tamil language and Tamil people from the people who speak the languages and the ethnicities it gave birth too, for instead of dying off like all the other old root, or classical languages, Mummy is still living and competing with them for space and in many cases still surpassing them. It is an ancient root and classical language but still spoken by around 80 million as their first language and another 20 million as their second or third language and is a modern language too. Not gone to heaven like Sanskrit, Latin, Old Germanic, Coptic, Old Slavonic, and many other languages. So all the daughters hate mommy and badly want to kill her , as they think she is still not allowing them to thrive and killing their style.
/
Siva Sankaran Sharma / December 30, 2019
Yes Spanish is still considered an alien language in the USA ( however very soon it may become the second language of the USA , especially in Caloifornia, New Mexico. Florida and many other southern states) and English is considered an alien language in Latin America. Both the Spanish. Portuguese , British. Dutch and the French colonised the land of the Red Indians and Inuit people . This is another story. Rohan has already explained the rest , so I do not have to repeat it again unless you are braindead , which I suspect you really are.
/
Savi / December 30, 2019
It is lame to equate the US and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has had ethnic violence, politicians setting one religion against the others, and needs to unite a divided nation. In fact the international community has insisted on unification and reconciliation. A simple act like this would help show that the new president is doing something towards that.
The other countries who have different religions and treat them like they all belong, don’t have to make a point of singing their anthem in different languages. Clear now?
/
Native Vedda / December 30, 2019
Abhaya Premawardena
–
“The US does not sing the national anthem in spanish to appease the latinos . nor does any other country)
–
I take it that you follow everything American such as singing National Anthem, food, clothe, fashion, taking recreational drugs, committing record level of murder, electing morons as presidents, …………………….
–
Why don’t you follow American Institutional achievements in science, technology, medicine, manufacturing, ….. innovation, discoveries, …….. ?
/
babalawathie mudunkotuwa / December 31, 2019
Abhaya@ what do you know abou the US ?
Over 300 mio of people but spanish speaking communites are not even few millions. –
–
iS YOUR priciple food thanakola or rata thanakola? Or Rajapkshe asuchi ?
.
Why then SOUTH africa decided then to go for it. What happened if TAMILS are allowed to sing it in tamil ? We the sinhalayas should learn to tolerate. THat is the the begining.
:
Today, you guys just add your thoughts, no matter the content is far away from the topic.. that alone says, how your knowledge on the topic is… please come with constructive arguments idiots, and leave us the real sinhalaya in peace and harmony.
:
WE SHOULD ALL RALLY ROUND TO HATE RAJAPAKSHE BARBARIANS and GET THIS LAND FREE FROM RAJAPAKSHE RASCALS:
/
Eagle Eye / December 28, 2019
The 13 demands put forward by Wellala racist bigot politicians before the Presidential election did not show singing National Anthem in Demala changed their position a bit. Probably, in future they might use that in order to support separatism. Then only our dumb Sinhala guys will realize that they made a blunder.
/
JD / December 28, 2019
What Tamil Public asking is good living conditions and a life to their children. Tamil politicians need a Tamil anthem to sing while they hoist the Tamil eelam flag because the LTTE anthem is banned in Sri Lanka. Tamil EElamists are Protestants and church businesses who sell the Bible, Tourist packages and entertainment, plus bible classes.
/
Sandy / December 29, 2019
‘ Rumours are carried
by haters
Spread by fools
and accepted by idiots.’.
/
Sandy / December 29, 2019
J.D.
re ‘Tamil Eelamists are Protestants ‘ etc..please refrain from spreading false rumours. Very inflammatory remark.
/
Harsha Gunasena / December 29, 2019
Most of the commenters do not know how to respond to an article. What they do is insulting the others covering under pseudo names. This is nothing else but cowardness. They lack capacity to re-examine their pre-conceived notions or they simply refuse to do that. That is the tragedy faced by Sri Lanka today. Leaders are selected from this lot.
/
Sri-Krish / December 29, 2019
Harsha Gunasena,
Agred,but do not be disheartened and distracted from your noble aim.
Humanism is above racism, continue your good work
/
Native Vedda / December 30, 2019
Harsha Gunasena
–
“Most of the commenters do not know how to respond to an article. What they do is insulting the others covering under pseudo names.”
–
This is nothing when you compare this to the actual pattern of behaviour of the Fascists, leaders, …… in public and the history of voting pattern. Liberals’ inability to challenge the racists, fascists, bigots, ……….. should be defined as cowardness.
/
Sam Fernando / December 31, 2019
Great Harsha, they just respond with ” koheda yanne malle pol” answers. That is the level of education. I have not noticed the level of comments in INDIAN forums. THey think twice before leap.
:
We the sinhalayas are the most stupidiest nation on the planet. They but overestimate their knowledge. I wonder why we fell this much of depth by every means.
:
Rajapakshes are the main course for lanken problems. They and their politics abuse the nation to the core. If anyone would skin off them and take away from lanken politics, would be the best that the country could deserve.
/
ramona therese fernando / December 29, 2019
Last stanza in Tamil.
/
Eagle Eye / December 29, 2019
By taking the decision to sing National Anthem in Demala language, majority Native Sinhalayo made an injustice to our relatives Vedda Eththo who lived in this island for tens and thousands of years and fought along with Sinhalayo against ‘Para’ Dravida invaders and ‘Para’ British during freedom struggles. Therefore, we should take action to sing National Anthem in Vedda language instead of Demala language.
/
Real Revolutionist / December 29, 2019
As far as it’s with the greatest respect to the motherland; the national anthem is sung in Tamil, it won’t hurt the majority Sinhala community.
Instead they’ll come forward to sing it with Tamils in chorus, in both Tamil & Sinhala languages.
But the present context is that attempts are being made to sing it in Tamil on racial considerations.
Check whether national anthem is sung in many languages in other multi-lingual countries.
Many languages are uttered in India so according to this logic, its national anthem should be sung in all that languages.
As citizens we have to respect the constitution & personally I believe national anthem should be in Sinhala as the 75% of the population belongs to Sinhala community but let Tamils to sing it to the same tune in Tamil if they like.
/
Sandy / December 29, 2019
‘ Rumours are carried
by haters
Spread by fools
and accepted by idiots.’.
/