
By Imtiyaz Razak –
The Tamil Tigers unquestionably are the deadly elements of Sri Lankan society. However, the birth of the Tamil Tigers has roots in Sri Lanka’s history. They are the byproduct of decades-old failed politics and policies of the Sinhalese political class. There was not an overnight decision among the ordinary Tamils to approve the agendas of the Tamil Tigers. The failure of the Sri Lankan polity to meet the demands of the Tamil moderates was a key foundation for the origin of Tamil extremism in Sri Lanka.
One needs to realize that successive governments since 1956, controlled by the Sinhalese, failed to engage the Tamil moderates such as the Federal Party, which sought a comprehensive solution without jeopardizing the unity of Sri Lanka. However, Sinhalese collective, competitive chauvinism turned a blind eye to the Tamil moderates. Sadly, the choice of the Sinhala political class to use violence effectively damaged the Tamil trust in the political system and encouraged some Tamils to adopt violence.
Ranil Wickramasinghe, a former premier of Sri Lanka, echoed this truth during his visit to the United States. He rightly pointed out that “the Tamils tried peaceful protest, which soon degenerated into violence. With the underlying grievances being unattended, the stage was set for terrorist groups to emerge” (“Our Approach for a Better Tomorrow Free From Terrorism,” Daily News, July 25, 2002).
Separation may not be a desirable solution for the ethnic civil war that killed more than 75,000 people out of the island’s 19 million. It may trigger further instability. However, when a particular community is continuously denied its rights, there must be a solution to arrest an unhealthy political situation and give justice to the marginalized. The desire for partition could be challenged if the ruling elites show real willingness to act beyond the ethnic emotions and a commitment to sharing power with the minorities. This likely would undermine the agendas of the separatist movements, provided there is domestic and international political willingness to implement the agreement.
The demand of separation becomes strong when a power-sharing arrangement is not possible. The world recognizes that if the people do not want to cohabit in the same polity, partition should not be neglected automatically as a solution. This might be one way to manage the Tamils’ demands for political space since 1977. However, partition would not win the blessings of the global community. New Delhi and Washington, particularly, would refuse to go along with it for reasons best known to them.
If the global community thinks partition is not desirable, it needs to exert tough leverage on the Sri Lankan ruling elites to improve the human rights of the minorities by giving political space for a power-sharing democracy. Sri Lanka will continue to be home to deadly but motivated Tamil suicide bombers if there are no outside pressures.
*Dr. Imtiyaz, the Asian Studies and Department of Political Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, teaches courses on Modern India, Modern China and comparative politics such as nationalism and ethnic conflict and foreign governments and politics. His most recent research examines issues pertaining to Muslims in Sri Lanka and China. His scholarly pursuit has born fruit as publications in leading journals such as the Journal of Asian and African Studies (JAAS), the Journal of Third World Studies (JTWS), Journal of South Asia and Asian Affairs. This article appeared today (June 15, 2012 in The Washington Times
gamini / June 15, 2012
‘The Tamil Tigers unquestionably are the deadly elements of Sri Lankan society’, asserts the writer. So are the Rajapaksas.
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PresiDunce Bean / June 15, 2012
Prabahakaran and Rajapaksa are nothing more than two sides of the same coin. We have now gone from the Prabahakaran frying pan into the Rajapaksa frying pan.
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Native Vedda / June 15, 2012
PresiDunce Bean
The only difference is that he is an elected Prabaharan.
Remember the stupid people elected him whereas Prabaharan imposed himself as the absolute sovereign of the greater Tamil Eelam.
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Kodage / June 16, 2012
Native Vedda,
This “elected Prabkaran” bribed the unelected one for Tamil boycott of elections, and even then he managed to win by a narrow margin.
In the second election there were accusations that he rigged votes, kept Election Commissioner at Temple Trees
and forcing him to declare his “victory”
He then lured MPs from opposition resulting in sycophants who betrayed their voters and joined him to give him 2/3rd majority.
With his 2/3rd majority he passed Amndment 18 of the Constitution hurriedly without giving a chance for the people to study the Bill, and became all powerful Family Rule Dictator.
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Mark Webber / June 16, 2012
Hey self-claimed wise Native
You said “Remember the stupid people elected him whereas Prabaharan imposed himself as the absolute sovereign of the greater Tamil Eelam”.
What you are trying to tell us is 65% of Sri Lankans those voted for MR are stupid. Go and consult a nut specialist immediately I think you badly need some mental check-up.
Once again Black Decker is absolutely wrong and insulted that innocent animal by calling that name to you.
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gamini / June 16, 2012
Mr. Native with due respect, do not we all know how MR got himself elected as the President the first time, as well as the second time. Whom are you seriously trying to bluf, yourself or us?
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Native Vedda / June 15, 2012
gamini
“The Tamil Tigers unquestionably are the deadly elements of Sri Lankan society’, asserts the writer. So are the Rajapaksas.”
So were the Sinhala JVP.
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gamini / June 16, 2012
Yes I agree. It was MR who was carrying the brief for the JVP then in the late ’80s leading the Mother’s front of the JVP missing for their Human Rights, while the JVP was liquidating the Human Rights of many an innocent.
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DAS / June 15, 2012
Sri Lanka’s nightmare commenced soon after independence.
http://nesohr.org/hrr/?show=all
This led to tamils taking up arms.
Rest is history.
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SERUVILA SENARATH / June 16, 2012
Mark rubber,
65 % NOT VOTED FOR M R,
remember Computer Gilmart,
We think Your consultant, Nut Specialist is Bell Pottinger.or somebody like that,
Are you Writing on Behalf of Mad Max.Or Both are same?.
This Immitiyaz is Quoting “””” However, the birth of the Tamil Tigers has roots in Sri Lanka’s history. They are the byproduct of decades-old failed politics and policies of the Sinhalese political class.”””
{[[[Sorry friends I don’t have an university education, So i am not having any tags to follow me ]].
WE can understand, And every body, That So Loving, so kind so Humble Brotherly India Cultivated the First Plant of Separatism with Elite Tamil pollitikkas of Sri Lanka.DID HE FORGET THAT.?
Further HE says ::: Tamil moderates such as the Federal Party,
To my knowledge They are not a Tamil moderate party.
AND HE POINT OUT
Separation may not be a desirable solution for the ethnic civil war.
WHY HE CANT tell The separation is not the solution?.
AND AGAIN ;;; if the global community thinks partition is not desirable.
HOW CAN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY TAKE IMPLEMENTATION ON PARTITION, DESIRABLE OR NOT DESIRABLE.?
IT IS SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF SRI LANKAN PEOPLE TO SAFE GUARD THE SOVEREIGNTY OF SRI LANKA.,
NOT OF U S A PASSPORT HOLDERS.
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Mark Webber / June 16, 2012
Hey Seruwila Waduwa
I am no praising Politicos here. I am talking about only facts. I did not fabricate the election results.
Do not be like a “waduawa who breaks the attic to make a chair” It is one of the sinhalese sayings tht my sinhala teacher in the school used to tell. Do you have a saying like that in Tamil language? Because I know you are one of LTTE terra supporters because I have noted your comments but not bothered in reading them as there are like “Cutting logs to a flowing river”
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Native Vedda / June 16, 2012
Mad Max Mark Webber
” Go and consult a nut specialist immediately I think you badly need some mental check-up.”
Could you recommend your consultant?
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Mark Webber / June 16, 2012
Native
Yeah, consult none other than your war mongral terra Leader big monkey velu Praba.
But he has attained the Hell for the good work he has done over last thirty years. I suggest you get one way ticket you deserved that for the good work you have been doing for LTTE Die-Ass-Poo-ra to continue the terra war.
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Native Vedda / June 16, 2012
Mad Max Mark Webber says:
“Yeah, consult none other than your war mongral terra Leader big monkey velu Praba”.
Was Velu Praba your nut specialist?
I didn’t know how good he was making you from nut to nutter until you recommended him as your consultant.
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Mark Webber / June 16, 2012
Native (or Nut)
Good try. But I no Mr. Max Silva.
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Native Vedda / June 16, 2012
Mark Webber
” I am talking about only facts. I did not fabricate the election results.”
Whose facts are they?
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Mark Webber / June 16, 2012
Go and read papers if you are educated enough.
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Native Vedda / June 16, 2012
Mad Max Mark Webber
Which news paper?
There are plenty to chose from which one would you ignore out of the following list?
The Stupid Islanders
Daily Abuse
Daily Horror
Gota’s Rules Observer
Sunday Leader but Monday Follower
Bean Soup Times
Bigfib.com
Bongo News
Chortler
Cynic
Daily Grind
Daily Squib
Dead Brain.
Funny Times
Ha!
Humor Is Dead
Inconsequential
Ironic Times
Lord Bonkers’ Diary
Onion
Private Eye
Specious Report
Spoof
The Daily Satire
theLEEK.net
Wreckered
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Native Vedda / June 16, 2012
Mark Webber
I responded to you by supplying you with information that might help you through to becoming a normal human . I know it will take many moons however I would like you to be informed.
Please read my previous comment and then check the link below which I have copy pasted for your benefit.
Mark Webber asks:
“Please show us the evidence boorr not words. Did you do maths if you have been t o primary education?”
Lazy little silly fellow,
You will find part of the answer to your stupid question is in the a book you would have chosen not to read out of your own stupidity and ignorance and the details are as follows:
STILL SEEKING JUSTICE IN SRI LANKA
RULE OF LAW, THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
AND COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY SINCE 1977
KISHALI PINTO-JAYAWARDENA
JANUARY 2010
http://www.icj.org/dwn/database/Sri%20Lanka_final.pdf
Why cannot you do your own research? Why should I spoon feed you with information which is freely available on the net?
Even I am able to access information at my freewill with my limited wit, what seems to be the problem with you people?
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gamini / June 16, 2012
Look at the educated writing comments and the Queen is half way to the grave being virtually killed.
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srilal / June 16, 2012
Hey Native, Das, Seruvila senarath
Come on guys, why can’t you figure out who this “Mark webber ” geezer is ?
i’ll give you a clue , this guy is a frequent contributor to all these blogs!!!!!!!
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Mark Webber / June 16, 2012
Sri-A-Lal
You are pathtic as Black Decker casted. Are you runnning out of your thoughts?
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srilal / June 17, 2012
Hey Mark Webber (……)
Writing is on the wall ” You are pathetic as Black Decker ” do i need to say more !
p.s Seruvila Senarath , you are wrong my friend , he is not the mad max , max is Rupert ….
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SERUVILA SENARATH / June 16, 2012
Native, Das, Srilal
THIS guy is non other than Moda MAx MATTAYA.
EVAN DOES Not have Spine also TO TALK STRAIGHT,AND HIDING BEHIND LADIES CLOTHS.
SPINELESS VULTURES DEPENDING ON OTHER’S KILL.
And KADE YANAWA TO EVERY PARTY,
NO principals,NO PHILOSOPHY, nothing .
HEY MATTA RUBBER MAX.
WHAT YOU NOT UNDERSTAND IS, THAT THESE BLOGS ARE TO REPLY WITH FACTS TO POINT WITH CIVILIZED WAY..
NOT TO MUD SLING AT OTHERS
I AM A BUDDHIST SINHALESE,FROM THE JUNGLE OF SERUVILA MAAVIL AARU.
I AM VERY PROUD OF THAT.NOT INDEBTED TO MY MOTHER LAND LIKE YOUR MASTERS.
NOT AFRAID OF ANY BODY TO SHOW MY I D.
AND I AM A CARPENTER. EVERY BODY KNOWS THAT,SO WHY YOU WORRY ABOUT THAT.NOT A DOUBLE TONGUED KABARAYA LIKE YOU.
ANY BODY CAN THINK WHAT MENTALITY YOU HAVE.
HIRED HAND OF KUDU REGIME.
WE THE OPPRESSED OF YOUR MASTERS.
WE HAVE TO SEE IMPARTIALLY TO EVERY THING.WE HAVE A RIGHT TO ANSWER.
THAT IS WHY I ANSWER TO THESE BLOGS.
WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE PAID BY SOMEBODY. POTTINGER, KUDU POLITIKKAS TO NAME FEW.
YOU AND YOUR PARTIES ARE PURE LTTE ERS,REAL LTTERS
SINNERS AND CURSE TO SRI LANKAN SOCIETY.
because your MA RA,AND FAMILY GIVEN MILLIONS OF RS OF PUBLIC MONEY TO the LTTE KILLERS AND STILL SUPPORTING OTHER KILLERS LIKE DOUGLAS, K P ,KARUNA. PILLEYAN.
AND U N P KAEMDASA, RAANIL AND PUBLIC KILLERS/ HATERS JVP ALSO.
THEY ARE LIKE “”” DAVAL MIGEL RAE DANIEL.LIKE YOU.
ALL ARE CHEATING POOR MASSES.
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Mark Webber / June 17, 2012
Hey Wadda (Terra Supporter)
It appears that you nver been to a school even to avoid getting wet during a rain.
Your comments above reflects the level of education you acheived. Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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SERUVILA SENARATH / June 17, 2012
Mark rubber ,
as I mentioned earlier ,I am Not much educated,As per my singlish education I have a rights to reply. Doesn’t it?.
but not a duplicate like you.Not a terra Supporter either.
So much educated you don’t know how to give a factual reply?.
That is why, every body reject the way you reply.
Any way,I appreciate your comments on me, And I wanto get corrected and informed my self.
and I will try to go to an INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH SCHOOL IN COLOMBO.
Have a NICE DAY.
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Native Vedda / June 17, 2012
Mark Webber
I have made it easy for you.
Have you read the book on website that will tell you the story the people who are
STILL SEEKING JUSTICE IN SRI LANKA
RULE OF LAW, THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
AND COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY SINCE 1977
KISHALI PINTO-JAYAWARDENA
JANUARY 2010
http://www.icj.org/dwn/database/Sri%20Lanka_final.pdf
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Kapila Kahapola, UAE / June 16, 2012
Seruvila,
Where are U from Actually ??? Cause I am Also From Seruvila !!! Are U Oppressed or DEPRESSED ???
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srilal / June 17, 2012
why , do you want give him a free white van ride !
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SERUVILA SENARATH / June 17, 2012
MR sri lal.
much thanks,
Evan that ride I am ready, and not afraid to speak.
When LTTE was operating and attacking, many time i got escaped and saved my life. For me ,there is nothing to loose.
further more, I believe in KARMA.
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SERUVILA SENARATH / June 17, 2012
Mr Kapila,
Are YOu Serious,
I am from Seruvila Electorate Pachchanoor, Maliyathieve.
After terrorist attacks,at L B1,and Here and There.
But I think, that You Are not From Seruvila.
Any way You may/ should Understand the problems faced by people of eastern province.
Cheated by Government Bureaucrats, Politicos of all the parties, mostly so called Marxists.
Thanks for concern.
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Kapila Kahapola, UAE / June 16, 2012
Native, If Sinhalese & Tamils are Stupids, How About Westerners.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/campbell-diaries-murdoch-asked-blair-to-speed-up-iraq-war/comment-page-1/#comment-345728
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Native Vedda / June 17, 2012
Kapila Kahapola Says:
“Native, If Sinhalese & Tamils are Stupids, How About Westerners”.
Please ask your stupid Tamils and Sinhalese for they should know better as to who betrayed my ancestral land to the westerners. That will inform you who is more stupider the Lankys or the Yankees or the Yankee Dicks. But you too are a Sinhalese and also in denial, you may not get the point.
Even recently GL went to US and made deals. The sad thing is we are do not know what did GL sell and what did buy on behalf of the clan?
BY the way any chance you are a native of Kapilavastu?
If true, could you tell me what the hell are you doing in my ancestral land?
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Kapila Kahapola, UAE / June 18, 2012
Dear Seruvila,
Yes I am Serious… To Give U a Clue, My Uncle Who was the Deputy Chairman at that Time (Seruvila Pradeshiya Sabah) was shot at in 1997 or 1998 by pussy-tigers… Miraculously He Survived with 12 Gun Shots All Over His Body. Three of His Body Guards were Not So Lucky & Died on the Spot…
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Kapila Kahapola, UAE / June 18, 2012
Dear Senarath,
If U were from Pachchanoor, I Must Say U Appear Here Using a Bogus Name !!! As Far as I Know There were Hardly Any Sinhala Families in Pachchanoor… Correct Me if I am Wrong !!!
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SERUVILA SENARATH / June 18, 2012
Mr kapila
You are miss informed,
At pachchanoor There Were 4 Sinhalese Families that is close to the small
hill and few at maliyathive janction.After my uncle was killed by the LttE We left our land went out.He was a good friend of Mr Chandrasena.[Chandras Mudalaaly, And Neelpola Amarasingha Family.
Have you ever heard of Rev Dambagasaare Sumedhankara thera.
I am Student of this Honorable Monk.
After 1986 We were not there,
But later I used to visit and come.
SO DO YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT /about ANY BOGUS NAME.
If you are from seruvila, can you name at lesast 3 places between Somapura And Mahaveli bridge At Allai -Kantahalai Road.
And Little Advise to You at U A E. When You Travel In the Evenings At DHEERA, SATHUWA, OR BUR DUbai You Must Be Careful,
You May KNOW what I meant.
Any Way THANKS FOR CONCERNING ME.
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ana / August 11, 2012
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