28 March, 2024

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“Tamils Ready To Take Ten Steps If Sinhalese Take One”

By Ranga Kalansooriya

Dr Ranga Kalansooriya

Dr Ranga Kalansooriya

The singing of National Anthem in Tamil language not only brought tears into the eyes of many Sri Lankans – irrespective of their ethnicities – but redrafted the history of Sri Lanka and turned a new chapter in its future discourse.

The brave step of President Maithri and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe did not spark anticipated backfires from the ultra-nationalistic movements, as I read it, except for some petty remarks by the Rajapaksa camp entirely driven by the political agendas. There were a significant number of references in the social media but the discourse by and large was healthy and constructive. According to a rough survey conducted by the Presidential Secretariat Media Unit almost half the respondents have liked the move. Thanks should go to JVP and other political forces who had a good vision and explanation on the issue.

However, the traditional media again was not picking it up in a pragmatic manner despite its usual stereotype reporting of political statements while some media houses adopting to its usual rhetoric and ultra-nationalistic angle.

WigneswaranTake for instance the unscheduled visit by the Northern Chief Minister Wigneswaran to Naga Vihara in Jaffna and his historic statement “If Sinhalese take one step forward – the Tamils are ready to ten steps.” How far the Colombo centric Sinhala media captured this thought and conveyed it to its readership? On the other hand did we manage to convince the international community through our communication channels that the government took an extra step in the gigantic path of reconciliation? I am not sure. Nonetheless, Rajapakse and his vociferous parrots were on many television screens criticizing the move. Media, too is driven by petty communal politics as it happened for over six decades since independence.

In fact this petty political agenda – whoever it could be – was the root cause behind the entire story of ethnic tension. The story of political maneuvering in fueling the ethnic conflict was a clear feature since independence.

The history tells us the story with a clear message. Sir Ivor Jennings who was the then Vice Chancellor of University of Ceylon was entrusted by his colonial masters with the duty of assisting the process of drafting two constitutions – one is for Pakistan and the other was for Ceylon. Look at the two paradoxes. One is a newly created country by dividing India and the other is a united country with ethno-religious diversity. Fortunately we did not have politicians who demanded a separate state for ethno-religious minorities, in contrast as famous cartoonist Colette illustrated in one of his masterpieces DS Senanayake, TB Jayah and the two Pannambalams embraced each other at the time of independence.

As Jane Russell explains in his book ‘Colonial Politics Under Donoughmore Constitution 1932-1947’ the southern Sinhala leadership offered federal system but the Tamil politicians opted otherwise. Thus, Ceylon gained independence as one country while Pakistan was born as a new nation based on ethno-religious factors.

What has happened since then? Lord Soulbery’s “Foreward” in BH Farmer’s book “Ceylon – A Divided Nation” quoted in the latest publication of Center of Policy Alternatives (CPA) ‘The Road to Temple Tress’ by Dr. Harshan Kumarasingham explains it well. Though bit long, it is worth capturing it here;

“But had Mr. DS Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon lived, I cannot believe that the shocking events of 1958 and the grave tension that now exists between the Tamils and Sinhalese would ever have occurred. Mr Senanayake would have scorned the spurious electoral advantages that a less far-sighted Sinhalese politician might expect to reap from exploiting the religious, linguistic, and cultural differences between the two communities, for it was high policy to make Ceylon a united nation and, as he told the State Council in November 1945 in his great speech recommending the proposal of the British Government, ‘the Tamils are essential to the welfare of this island.’ Unhappily… the death of Mr. DS Senanayake led to the eventual adoption of a different policy which he would never have countenanced. Needless to say the consequences have been a bitter disappointment to myself and my fellow commissioners… I now think it is a pity that the Commission did not also recommend the entrenchment in the constitution of guarantees of fundamental rights ….Nevertheless the reconciliation of Tamils and Sinhalese will depend not on constitutional guarantees but on the goodwill, common sense and humanity of the Government in power and the people who elect it.”

The last sentence tells million words. That is what exactly happening today. In 1956, it was UNP that went on to street along with nationalistic forces against Banda-Chelva pact. In 1965, SLFP was behind in sabotaging Dudley – Chelva pact. We saw the same dynamics playing its own political games when President Chandrika was attempting to bring devolution proposal through a new constitution drafted by Prof GL Peiris who proposed a union of councils – a de facto federal system. Then came the peace talks between Ranil Wickremesinghe government and LTTE and we know who pulled the carpet under him. Nationalistic and agenda driven media was a key player in this entire story since independence.

Things have changed now we are at crossroads. The two major political forces that were playing against each other for the past sixty years on the national issues have to a common platform. No more petty politics and no more personal political agendas. ‘This is the last opportunity and we are willing to go on that extra mile’ – was the message behind singing national anthem in Tamil language. We know how challenging it was for both President Maithreepala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to take this bold but collective decision at a meeting held at Temple Tress just before the Independence Day. But the message is clear – United we are strong and we are ready march on that tedious but historic path.

But this reconciliation should not limit to Sinhalese and Tamils. Muslims have started worrying about themselves following the military defeat of the LTTE as the then state sponsored junta groups turned their guns against Muslims. The new regime of cohabitation brought new hopes to these minority groups and the state responses have so far been firm on those groups. The judiciary and law enforcement agencies should be further strengthened to avoid unnecessary ethnic tensions at the hands of these junta groups. The bold decision by Badulla and Bandarawela courts last week against a planned Sinha Le protest campaign were commendable steps in this regard.

This is where the words of Lord Soulbery become true. Let me repeat them as they are so true: “The reconciliation of Tamils and Sinhalese will depend not on constitutional guarantees but on the goodwill, common sense and humanity of the Government in power and the people who elect it.”

Are we already there?

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Latest comments

  • 10
    43

    So, Tamils are ready to take steps back to Tamil Nadu! Good bye then!

    • 21
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      John

      “So, Tamils are ready to take steps back to Tamil Nadu! Good bye then!”

      It is a brilliant idea. Of course they should go, however when they go they should take their Sinhalese brethren with them.

      I will whole-heartedly support the relocation of both people.

      BTW, when are you going back to Palestine/Vatican?

      • 4
        1

        Tamils have to take ten steps forward to engage Sinhalese if Sinhalese take one step forward to engage Tamils, because at first Sinhalese will take one step forward and when there is a stiff challenge by extermists, they will take two steps back. The singing of National anthem in Tamil is indeed a step forward, but hope that in the near future the government will not do anything stupid to please extremist and spoil this good gesture.

      • 1
        0

        During my recent visit to the Northern Province I witnessed that Army camps are still existing in Govt. schools and Religious worship places. I saw Army personnel’s carrying automatic rifles in the village areas and in patrol duties. Accordingly Northern Province is an occupied area under Military rule and the recently appointed Sinhalese speaking Governor will be in charge of this Military Junta of the Sinhalese Army.
        De-Militarisation of the North & East will be a dream for the Tamils.

    • 11
      7

      The die hard racists will not easily die! But, there is some hope that yahapalanaya will prevail and ensure proper reconciliation and peace in the country not withstanding the drum beats of the ultra racists!
      Sengodan. M

      • 10
        1

        When Dudly Senanayake came up with a federal solution, a handful of racist Sinhala politicians said,

        ‘Dudlyge bade masaala vadai’

        Unfortunately the vast majority had to pay for the crimes/sins of a handful of people.

        At that time, they did not have the wisdom to realize that they were digging their own grave, unfortunately even now they do not realize.

        Again the situation is somewhat similar, like a handful of myopic politicians who disseminated discord at that time which was responsible for this mess, today the so called Joint opposition is trying to do the same without realizing the future consequences.

        It will only push the Tamil leaders to seek alternative measures like mobilizing large masses, if not all of the Tamil people, for a Non-violent campaign with Direct Action or even go further by calling for a UN sponsored referendum to be held for the North & East Tamils in Sri Lanka to establish a separate state like Kosovo.

        It is time that the enlightened Sinhalese leaders educate the Sinhalese masses to ignore this handful of myopic politicians who is digging the grave once again for the entire country.

    • 21
      6

      John

      Don’t worry, if the Tamils are taking steps backward, they will take the Sinhalese also along with them. More than half the Sinhala population is South Indian and the others are North-East Indians. Whatever happens to the Tamils, it will happen to the Sinhalese also. If the Tamils are made to suffer, the Sinhalese will also be made to suffer. When there is no peace for Tamils, there won’t be any peace for the Sinhalese either. The Sinhalese must understand this basic law.

      If you take a few steps backward and see what has happened to Sri Lanka, you will understand this basic law.

      For example, think why Sri Lanka lost its peace for the last several decades, think why the civilized world considers Sri Lanka as a Pariah state, think why hundreds of thousands of poor Sri Lankan women have to slave in the Arab countries to keep our economy going?

      • 0
        3

        “Civilized world” is the western world in your view? How sad, 68 years after independence still pandering to the whiteman who does not give a damn about the boot lickers in this forum and
        another thing,
        it is the economy stupid, improve the economy and no one will care who is what!

        • 6
          0

          Another imbecilic comment.

          InconvenientTruth, where are you residing?

          If not for the Whiteman who built the highways, railways, schools, universities, hospitals and so on, your great Sinhala-Buddhist nation will be wearing amude, eating Kavum and travelling in Gon Karatte (Bullock Carts), studying at the Pirivena (temple schools), and holding a Pandama.(Koppara Lamp) in the night.

          When the Whiteman gave the country to the Sinhala nation in 1948, Sri Lanka was the second highest GNP per capita in Asia and today we are one of the worst, SL has become a begging nation.

          How are you going to improve the economy stupid? Send more and more women to Arabia as slaves? That is the only thing you know to do. Today our economy depends on those women working in the Mid-east.

    • 10
      4

      God idea John.
      Then similarly Sinhalese could march forward to various parts like South India, North India and Indonesia, etc.. (Dutch historical records says that they bought lot of Malay families from Indonesian islands to maintain stability their). Have a close look at facial features of Sri Lankan around you and read basics of new science called Genetics, then you will realize how mixed ethnic group are we..(this mixing is a good thing)

    • 9
      4

      John
      You haven’t read a single sentence in this timely article. You haven’t looked at the picture at the top???
      Toooooooo SAD.

      After rejecting Federalism at the time of independence the Tamils went for federalism after the disenfranchisement of Indian estate Tamils by Citizenship Act of 1958/9.
      They rejected separatists even in 1970 elections fully supporting federalism. But 1972 constitution changed their minds leading to acceptance of (peaceful) separation by Vaddukoddai resolution of 1976.

      Can’t the hundreds of Buddha statues in the country ”rehabilitate” the Sinhala Buddhists?

      • 5
        1

        “Can’t the hundreds of Buddha statues in the country ”rehabilitate” the Sinhala Buddhists? ” should/could read
        as “few Mahanayakes” in place of statues?

        The efforts of Mangala, in the current set-up must be lauded. He
        and RW have the education and right touch with the world, compared
        to MS, to press on for a truly democratic Change, as a next
        opportunity does not exist.

    • 4
      4

      Sinhalese should take first step to go back to India because they came before Tamils.

    • 5
      1

      But DNA has proved that is the present day Sinhalese who are largely descended from immigrants from Tamil Nadu and not the indigenous Eelam Tamil from the north and east. Sinhalese share a 67& DNA with Indian Tamils, whereas the Eelam Tamils only 17%. You can lies your Mahavamse fable can lie but DNA never lies. It is a well known and recorded historical fact that around 50% of the present day Sinhalese are purely descended from largely low caste/slave indentured labour that was imported into the island from South India largely from then Tamil Kerala and modern Tamil Nadu, first by the Portuguese and then by Dutch colonials who settled them along the western and southern littorals and their present day Sinhalised descendants are the Sinhalese Karawa, Salagma, Durawa, Hali. Hunu ETC. Even the so called Sinhalese aristocracy and upper Govigamma both Kandyan and low country are all Sinhalised South Indian upper caste immigrants. Largely again Tamil and some Telugu. Just look at their surnames like a Tamil who is who. Even the so called North Indian DNA amongst the Sinhalese is lower than the Eelam Tamils. Sinhalese 25% Eelam Tamil 28%. So if anyone who has to return to Tamil Nadu it will be the vast majority of the present day Sinhalese, including you and all those jokers who post and contribute to Sinhalese extremist sites like Lankaweb

      • 2
        3

        Cool story, bro :D

        • 5
          0

          Moda SSS, what the above posts say is confirmed truth. Move you ass little to find the truth and outseide world frog! I went through this DNA study and what quaoted here is truth. Those of you who had migarted from here (TN) through Kalllothony there call themselves with low malay breeds as “sinhalese” pitted with mystic Aryan mentality.

          • 4
            0

            manisekaran

            So you are happy with what is happening at Jawaharlal Nehru University?

            What are you doing to stop RSS, BJP, VHS, … and other fascists from destroying freedom of speech?

            Have you sorted out your problems in Arunachala Pradesh forming and holding a state government? Chinese must be laughing all the way to Chaglagam area.

            When are you going to stop your fisherman from bottom trawling and trespassing into Sri Lankan waters?

            We will send Gota with his boys to deal with your fishermen. If necessary Gota will bomb your country to stone age.

          • 9
            0

            Why should Sri Lankan Tamils go to some other place when they already have a separate traditional home land in Sri Lanka (NE) in which they have lived for thousands of years?

            The word kallathoni has no meaning in the Sinhala language. It is a Tamil word our forefathers used to call those boat people who came to the island in boats from India illegally and settled in the South. Today they have become Sinhalese.

            However much a Sri Lankan Tamil may suffer, he/she will never get converted to Sinhala. Those Tamils/Malayalees who got converted to Sinhala long time ago were actually low castes. The high caste SL Tamils of NE will never ever get converted to Sinhala.

            Only the low caste South Indians from Malabar Coast (Malayalees) and Coramandal coast (Tamils) came and settled in the South and got converted to Sinhala.

          • 1
            6

            Poor manisegaran is still fuming because the colonial masters never rounded up his ancestors and shipped them off to Sri Lanka as coolie slave labour :D So he’s stuck in the land of open defecation instead of being a 100% totally native Eezhamish high caste We Thamizh like “Bol” up there :D

            • 5
              0

              Wee Thamihz Siva Sankaran Sarma Menon

              “Poor manisegaran is still fuming because the colonial masters never rounded up his ancestors and shipped them off to Sri Lanka as coolie slave labour”

              But you seem happy the colonial masters rounded up you ancestors.

              Cool Le.

            • 6
              0

              Siva Sankaran Sarma is happy because the colonial masters rounded up his low caste ancestors and shipped them off to Sri Lanka as coolie slave labour to grow and peel cinnamon in the Southern part of Sri Lanka.

              Check your DNA, your gene will tell from which Dalit village in TN your ancestors were shipped to the Southern SL cinnamon gardens as coolie slave labour who later got converted to Sinhala-Buddhist.

              When 67% Sinhalese have South Indian TN genes, you definitely must be one of them. You deserve a Dalit name, not a Bramin one.

              • 0
                1

                Cool story bro – hopefully there will be enough material soon for a new “Original We Thamizh fairytales” category on Kindle so I can find all these cool stories easily :D

                • 1
                  1

                  Cool story/comment bro :D

            • 6
              0

              Siva Sankaran Sarma and others with selective amnesia,

              When you fellows criticize others you pretend to have (conveniently) forgotten from where you come from, a syndrome known as selective amnesia.

              When you get down from Airport and as you enter Colombo (Paliyagoda Bridge) that area is full of stinking shanties. Is not this place the one and only one metropolitan city in Sri Lanka known as Colombo?

              If you go to places like Dematagoda, Wanathamulla, Maradana, Slave Island, Panchikawatte, Pamankade, and so many other places in this one and only one metropolitan city in Sri Lanka known as Colombo you find plenty of shanties with stinking canals.

              This one and only one metropolitan city in Sri Lanka known as Colombo is full of dirty stinking places, polluted canals, shanties, and full of beggars, pickpockets, prostitutes, pimps, drug addicts, and what not. Colombo is FULL of beggars and there is hardly any public toilet in the city?

              When you fellows criticize India, you pretend to have forgotten that your women wear Indian Saris, most of the vehicles running in Sri Lanka are from India, most of the drugs sold in pharmacies in Sri Lanka are from India, and most of all the man you worship (Buddha, you find a stature at every nook and corner) is also from India.

              The only flourishing business/trade in Sri Lanka is slave trade, exporting women (90% Sinhalese) to Mid-East, Singapore, Maldives, etc for a monthly salary of U$ 200 only, as house maids and cleaners. The Sinhalese women are known as the best toilet cleaners in the Mid-East. The Arabs have employed them in Airports and Hospitals to clean toilets used by multi-nationals from the entire world.

              The way India and specially Tamil Nadu is developing and turning into an economic boom, I am sure very soon India/Tamil Nadu will start recruiting Sinhala women as House maids and cleaners and pay a better salary than U$ 200. Don’t you think it is better for your women to work as cleaners in Buddha’s land for a better wage than in Arab land?

              • 0
                1

                Poor thing has blown a gasket :D Stop howling like a rabid dog and educate yourself by looking up a few economic and development indicators – then come back and tell us another cool story about how your land of open defecation is superior, LOL :D

                • 1
                  1

                  Cool story/comment bro :D

                  • 2
                    0

                    Siva Sankaran Ponsy

                    “Cool story/comment bro :D”

                    Must be Cool le then.

      • 1
        1

        Can you back up your statistics by giving us the sources.Never heard any one has done a so comprehensive genetic analysis in Sri Lankan population.

  • 3
    10

    This guy has woken up after a deep slumber. You need a reality jolt mate. Appa Sira do not represent the UPFA. If you walk around and talk to people you will realise the amount of social unease the Yahapalanaya has created. They simply don’t have the maturity to look beyond anything other than Rajapaksa. That says it all he is the real worry because Yahaplanaya is on borrowed time. John Kerry’s USD 31m is all Ranil has to show for going on all fours to Western powers. He is a worried man and it shows. The fact that he has picked on the Airbus Deal shows his real frustration.

  • 5
    1

    My. Rangs. Agree with you medias and playing the major role !! But it is wrong to say Pakistan was divided from India !! There were many big and small kingdoms in subcontinent !! The British unite all for their Benefits !! In 1947 they divided in to two Hindu India and Islamic Pakistan !! Here in that time Ceylon was too united by the British for their benefits !! But before them it was More than one king Dom including one Tamil !!

  • 14
    3

    The statement of Chief Minister Wigneswaran that the Tamils are ready to take ten steps,if the Sinhalese take one, reflects the attitude of most Tamils is probably the only meaningful one he has made during his tenure. This coupled with his visit to the Naga Vihara bodes well for this country. Both together, are a significant vote of appreciation and thanks on behalf of all linguistic minorities in this country. The fact that many Sinhalese also shed tears on hearing the national anthem being sung in Tamil, proves also that a significant proportion of Sinhalese are ready to bridge the divide between the majority and minorities created by low grade politicians in this country. History will accord a respectful place for both Ranil and Maithri for making a very significant gesture towards national reconciliation.it is historical milestone in our journey to sanity.

    The Tamils are a mismanaged minority in this country, who were forced to be on the side of separatism by forces- both without and within – of history, much against their natural natural inclinations. If they are treated as equals and accorded the respect and the rights that are their’s to expect, the Tamils will give their lives to keep this country united. They will help this country prosper and will prosper themselves.

    Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

    • 9
      2

      My neighbours are Tamils and they tell me that till Mrs Bandaranaike brought the new constitution in 1972, Tamils ridiculed Tamils who spoke of separation – 1970 election results can be checked, Dr RN.
      We know what happened in 1976 at Vaddukoddai.

    • 4
      2

      Doc:

      This is what you state thus:

      “The Tamils are a mismanaged minority in this country, who were forced to be on the side of separatism by forces- both without and within – of history, much against their natural natural inclinations.”

      Well, the answer to this is in your own statement:

      “If they are treated as equals and accorded the respect and the rights that are their’s to expect, the Tamils will give their lives to keep this country united. They will help this country prosper and will prosper themselves.”

      TREATED AS EQUALS, ACCORDED THE RESPECT AND RIGHTS THAT ARE THEIRS TO EXPECT.

      From 1948, has this been happening? The Tamils have been offering the olive branch only to be duped times and again by the Sinhalese. From the observation of Lord Soulbury, the Sinhalese, not only their leaders, it appears that they lack common sense, goodwill and humanity. From the gory accounts of the final days of the war, it will be silly to expect anything groundbreaking from the Sinhalese. The recent statement by “UNHRC Special Rapporteur” does not inspire any confidence that even this Sinhala regime will do it right.

      I know we all have the tendency to “give one more chance” for something to work. The LTTE has been branded a terrorist outfit and what it had done should not come as any surprise but what about the army which was supposed to protect its citizens. Despite the “human shield” allegation against the LTTE, what we understand was that the army massacred the civilians. Its aim was to capture territory and the devastation it caused can mean only one thing – the brutal, bloody and total disregard for human lives shows a very exalted contempt for the Tamils and you will be a fool to believe that they can change their spots.

      In a way, Prabhakaran was right – the Mahavamsa mindset of the Sinhalese has all the evil bearing of Tamils as their lapdogs. What baffles me is the contradiction of what Buddha was supposed to have been and how he had inculcated evil values to his followers. Shame isn’t it.

      You call it a historical milestone – something that has been denied to the Tamils all these years. The singing of national anthem in Tamil is not a milestone. If you are resigned even to this as a milestone, rolling back is an art that they have perfected, or more rightly denying the due rights.

  • 4
    2

    [Edited out]

  • 6
    4

    John:

    And you to Kerala??

    • 1
      1

      Jansee it was not Malayalam Kerala, at the time, when his and many of the ancestors of the present day Sinhalese migrated from but Tamil Cheralam. Stating that their ancestors migrated from modern day Kerala is like someone stating Moses delivered the ancient Jews from the Arab Republic of Egypt.

  • 4
    1

    I read somewhere that Vasudeva Nanayakara abused the Speaker in ‘bad language’ in the parliament for not allowing them to work as a united opposition.

    One of the abusive words he used was ‘Demela’.

    Now, can someone please tell me how Demela or Tamil is considered a derogatory term? And, we are expecting ‘reconciliation’? And, from these leaders??

    • 1
      3

      Rohan,

      If Vasudeva Nanayakara called the Speaker a ‘Demela’, why are you surprised!

      This description is in their language, particularly when rebuking children.

      Any good Sinhalese friend of yours should be able to confirm this to you.

    • 3
      1

      In 1963, one Sinhala classmate of mine at Royal College, called a Sinhala master “Para Demala”. I asked why are you scolding him like that when he is not a Tamil. He told me that “Demala” is a derogatory term used to insult anyone whom the Sinhalese hate whichever ethnicity the victim belongs to. I am not suprised it was used in parliament.

      • 1
        3

        Cool story bro :D
        Do you have any more – perhaps another one of your oh so hilarious and classy jokes about lubricants and intercourse :D

        • 1
          3

          Imposter Sarma,

          :D there are plenty of stories like that mate, you will need weeks and months to learn about them :D

          It is time you seek medical help to cure your condition that you find everything hilarious :D This can be serious if left untreated. :D

  • 3
    4

    CV is good in making statements and let us see how he is going to take the ten additional steps for the one step SL has taken to sing the National Anthem in Tamil.

    He must go in the reversal and do what he should do as an elected CM. The NCP is in a chaotic state because of his incompetence and his political path too is very scatterbrain approach.

    Tell me of one good thing he has done as CM for the Norther Province?

    He should resign as CM and allow the other elected donkeys to run the NCP. Let us see whether they are better than the CM. CM should be facilitated an achiramam (saint house) in Chella Sannithy Murugan Temple. He will possibly perform better there.

  • 3
    1

    [Edited out]

  • 4
    0

    Thank you Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya. Laudable sentiments and lofty ideas. But, sadly Sir, discerning people of your kind are not only a negligible minority among the majority community, but an anachronism nowadays So were, eminent, enlightened souls like Edmund Samarakody, Meryl Fernando, Wilmot Perera et al and,presently, noble souls like Dr.Wickremabahu Karunaratne, Dr.Brian Seneviratne et al. They have since progressively become an endangered species. Medieval men of Letters such as HLD Mahindapala, Dayan Jayatilleka, Malinda Seneviratne (Editor, ‘Nation’, almost a Nobel-laureate upon receiving a Free Computer from a Panel headed by Rajapakse) are much in vogue, propagating “Mahinda Chinthana” (one step, above Mao’s Thoughts”). No let-up until they taste another blood bath.

  • 5
    2

    I am not so optimistic. Our politicians are selfish enough to use ‘Tamil’ issue to gain power. Sri Lanka is the loser. We need a smart leader who is willing to suspend the constitution and take ALL necessary steps to put things right by all in Sri Lanka but minorities in particular. They really had a bad deal over the last 68 years.

  • 3
    0

    wijayaka aunty took a giant step refusing to hoist the lion flag….that step is towards nandikadal

  • 1
    0

    Thanksss, Kalana.
    Thanksssssss, CT

    • 1
      0

      Independence Day was ”celebrated” in the Vanni by the Civil Security Force(made of ex-LTTE cadres) by making the cadres sing the anthem in Sinhala which was NOT reported in govt websites such as news.lk, army.lk and cimicjaffna.lk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ3O9GhTSjA (CT, pl allow for readers’ benefit)

  • 3
    0

    Well said Ranga. We are still not there but we should get there very soon. Bensen

  • 5
    0

    Ranga K.
    Many people have forgotten. DS and UNP through the first stone by disenfranchising citizens of Ceylon from the Hill country. SWRD wanted to do one better when he left UNP and started the ethnic divide.
    Once he got to power on the tails of robbed people he could not put the genie back in the bottle. The Genie now pervades the whole country. We will get there when we put that Genie back in the bottle. But no one will dare try it.

    All Sinhala Leaders bow to the wishes of the Genie.Some Tamil leaders are trying to cohabit with the Genie.Civil society is trying to come to terms with the Genie.

    • 1
      0

      Ethir
      Thanks for reminding Kalana and the readers how Lord Soulbury ”forgot”that on 20 August 1948 the Ceylon Citizenship Bill was passed (and a very large proportion of Indian estate Tamils bacame stateless) because he was made the Governor General in July 1949 by D.S.Senanayake and served the position till 1954. So Lord Soulbury ”remembered” only what SWRD Banadaranaike did when he wrote the Forward for BH Farmer’s book published in 1961.

    • 1
      0

      Ethir and Ranga
      I’ve just gone back to the book and found:
      CEYLON : A DIVIDED NATION, B H Farmer(1963): ”…… The truth, unpalatable though it may be to some, is simply that nobody unacceptable to the present second wave of resurgent, Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism has any chance of constitutional power in contemporary Ceylon. ……… Ceylon is indeed a divided nation. …… But need it have been as violent as it was? *Constitutional safeguards might conceivably have done something to control the violence of the communal dispute; though, since the Senanayake Government found a way of disenfranchising the Indian Tamils, one is left to wonder what value other safeguards might have had in the event and in the Ceylon setting. ……… Ceylon, possibly, was less fortunate than India where the alliance between Nehru and Gandhi contrived to subsume in one powerful movement the traditional and forward-looking nationalism. But if there is a moral here, it is too late for Ceylon to profit from it; …… But, maybe, it is not too late for the lesson to be learnt elsewhere.”

      • 1
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        Ranga
        Please research what went on between Viscount Soulbury and DS Senanayake before 4 Feb 1948.
        The book, , ie the author, says:
        ”…… The truth, unpalatable though it may be to some, is simply that nobody unacceptable to the present second wave of resurgent, Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism has any chance of constitutional power in contemporary Ceylon. ……… Ceylon is indeed a divided nation. …… But need it have been as violent as it was? *Constitutional safeguards might conceivably have done something to control the violence of the communal dispute; though, since the Senanayake Government found a way of disenfranchising the Indian Tamils, one is left to wonder what value other safeguards might have had in the event and in the Ceylon setting. ……… Ceylon, possibly, was less fortunate than India where the alliance between Nehru and Gandhi contrived to subsume in one powerful movement the traditional and forward-looking nationalism. But if there is a moral here, it is too late for Ceylon to profit from it; …… But, maybe, it is not too late for the lesson to be learnt elsewhere.”

        The Forwrd says:
        ”….Nevertheless in the light of later happenings I now think it is a pity that the Commission did not also recommend the entrenchment in the constitution of guarantees of fundamental rights, on the lines enacted in the constitutions of India, Pakistan, Malaya , Nigeria and elsewhere….Nevertheless the reconciliation of Tamils and Sinhalese will depend not on constitutional guarantees but on the goodwill, common sense and humanity of the Government in power and the people who elect it.”

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          Ranga
          Please help: I’m unable to get helpful results on googling for ‘The Road to Temple Tress’ by Dr. Harshan Kumarasingham.

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            Title The Road to Temple Trees : Sir Ivor Jennings and the Constitutional Development of Ceylon : Selected Writings
            Author H Kumarasingham
            Publisher Centre for Policy Alternatives [CPA], Colombo
            Country Published Sri Lanka
            Publication Year 2015
            ISBN 9789554746503
            Bib.Info xxxvi, 234p.
            Price USD 60.00 (45 to 60 days)

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    “The singing of National Anthem in Tamil language not only brought tears into the eyes of many Sri Lankans – irrespective of their ethnicities – but redrafted the history of Sri Lanka and turned a new chapter in its future discourse.”

    Certainly it brought unity and a feel of oneness. Thanks to the Colombo telegraph I could read many Sinhalese through their comments had displayed avulsion against majoritarian racism and expressed sympathy to the Tamils who suffered due to such racism.

    We have a silent decent majority feared vociferous racist minority. It is the action of a minority that brought disrepute to our country.

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    “My neighbours are Tamils and they tell me that till Mrs Bandaranaike brought the new constitution in 1972, Tamils ridiculed Tamils who spoke of separation “

    I as a Tamil in my fifties agree with your neighbours statement – Luxmy Silva.

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    why you asking these things only in Sri Lanka, you are adopting the languages and the culture of the countries that you are migrated , UK, Canada, France , Germany etc. just learn Sinhala in sri lanka and don’t ask for the thins we cant provide, you Tamils last 200 years ruined sri lanka, tell me one thing that you have built , other than the slvae labor work that you provided in plantation sector??

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      We Thamizh have a massive inferiority/coolie complex when it comes to the “white masters” :D It’s theorized this was bred into We Thamizh over the centuries spent performing slave labour for the colonials.

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        Cool story bro :D

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        Imposter Sarma,

        You are confused as usual :D

        You are a Sinhala Buddhist bigot and you forget this all the time :D

        You and your ilk suffer from chronic inferiority complex and insecurity. This is why we are in this mess!

        It is about time you learn the fact :D the Sinhala Buddhists took charge of the country in 1948 and ever since they have put the country on a precipice! You on the other hand find everything hilarious :D the screw is tightening mate and this is why you find yourself in ever shrinking minority :D

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        That’s why they have been enslaved by the Sinhalese for 68yrs?

        Researchers say External Colonialism was replaced by Internal Colonialism.

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        People like Siva Sankaran Sarma send their women as slaves to the Arab countries and with the money they receive, go to the thosay kadae in Colombo, gobble up a few thosays and vadais and then go to the nearest cyber cafe and bash the Tamils in this forum.

        If you go to a Saiva/Thosey kade or a Jaffna hotel in Colombo, more than 50% who eat there are Sinhalese.

        If you go to watch a Tamil movie in a cinema in Colombo, around 50% of the viewers are Sinhalese.

        If you go to a Hindu Kovil/Devale, you find more than 50% who worship the Hindu Gods and dash coconuts are the Sinhalese.

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    My eyes too welled with tears when I heard the Anthem beautifully sung in Tamil. Although the decision by Maithri and Ranil is to be admired, different anthems only enhances the division that was so detrimental for 30 years. We should emulate the Canadians and New Zealanders etc. where there are more than one spoken languages. The Canadian anthem has stanzas in French besides English and New Zealand has stanzas in Maori. Then one anthem to be sung by all communities.

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      Why do some people talk about detrimental 30yrs – implying LTTE yrs? What happened in 50s and 60s mangled the Tamils and gave rise to the LTTE. What about the last 6yrs? Army rule for the North and the President’s rule for the South.
      Separate states !!!!!

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