9 December, 2024

Blog

The Police As Lords & The Tamils As Serfs – The Case For Provincial Powers As Devolved

By S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole

Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole

Background

I had 4 passports with me – my US and Sri Lankan passports, and my wife’s. I recall having them last in my office drawer at the Election Commission. They are lost, as are some critical research documents I had such as the President’s B-C (voter registration) forms. Well, police reports are required by the US and Sri Lankan authorities for replacements. I made that dreaded visit to the Jaffna police; dreaded because the Head Quarters Inspector (HQI) Mr. Prasad Fernando and I have had several run-ins. In the last of these I had to go to Colombo to drop off my son at the airport after a PC test. The van owner did all his routine paperwork. However, after Mr. Fernando agreed to give  passes, just before signing, he saw my name and refused. I made the trip letting the van driver deal with the police at the several checkpoints on the way showing copies of my son’s ticket. I feel locked-up inside Jaffna.

Day 1 at the Police

It was 21 June, the first day of free movement after 2 weeks. We the public were kept at the gates because of Corona. We were huddled together without privacy. I waited for over an hour. It was both unpleasant to have others hear our complaints but entertaining hearing the cross-talk from others. There was an older Sinhalese policeman who seemed to know no Tamil and a young Tamil girl constable who treated us decently. However, she would speak to members of the public in Sinhalese first and switch to Tamil only if the person did not understand. It was as if to teach us that the language of our Lords is Sinhalese. She would talk to us  in Tamil as necessary and interpret to the older policeman who was bordering on the psychiatric. When needing a decision, a member of the public would be told “Mahattayata Kiyanda” –  Tell the Lord; to relate the complaint to our Lord, Mahattaya.

My Mahattaya  asked me in Sinhalese why I am there. I replied in Tamil. He went berserk as though I were a criminal. Two passports for one person, he asked incredulously! He understood me. It took the Tamil policewoman to explain to him that nowadays multiple passports are possible. All this in front of members of the public.

There were two parties, a young good-looking mother and a dark-skinned couple from Poonahari. She had borrowed Rs. 250,000 from the couple as she admitted but now said she cannot pay because her husband went to Germany and deserted her. The policeman was absolutely nasty to the couple, making another Tamil man waiting to whisper to me, “Once they wear the uniform, they become monsters.”  The psychiatric policeman either wanted to ingratiate himself with the good looking mother or had taken a bribe from her. He launched a verbal tirade on the lender in Sinhalese as if he was at fault. I was quite upset after he had almost called me a crook. I asked him sternly in Tamil where he had been trained to speak to the public like that. He understood me perfectly. Pretending not to know Tamil was part of the act of intimidation. Later I saw him speaking in Tamil. After my interjection the man became subdued and walked off to the police station.

Now we had the lady constable to deal with. She was polite but not very intelligent. After I had waited another hour and asked her what the delay was, she said “Periyavar” (Fernando) was reading the complaints and the book would not be back till he is done. Yet awhile later she said it could take as late as 6 pm for the book to come. She also told me I cannot sign for my wife’s loss. She advised to come back in the morning. What time, I asked. In the morning she said again. I told her that morning is from 5 am to noon. She said 9 or 10. I asked whether she would be there and told her I do not want to tell my story all over again to a new person. She promised she would be there.

Day 2 at the Jaffna Police

On the 22nd morning, I was there at 9.00 am with my wife. No one was on duty. It was clear there was no discipline. Unlike in the Kachcheri or Election Commission where there was a time-machine, the police had their leisurely breakfast and drifted in at 10 am and later. The young woman was nowhere to be seen. The complaints book was still missing. Fernando must have been studying it like for an exam.

Fortunately, PC Jayanthan came. He was as different from the others as the day is from night. He got the complaints book. He recorded our complaints. As the HQI was still missing to sign our extracts we were asked to be back by 4 pm. I was not sure if Fernando would again refuse to sign our papers as he had done with the pass. When I went there, we Jayanthan gave us our signed copies to apply for new passports. Poignantly, PC Jayanthan was still working, taking down complaints. HQI Fernando must be made his understudy to learn about work and courtesy.

The Police our Guardians?

They are only in theory. As we know, as reported in the FT (03.06.2021) our IGP, Jayantha Wickramaratne, newly confirmed by the Police Commission, is not blemish free. At least two senior police officers have provided statements to the CID, claiming that Wickramaratne allegedly issued directives to confiscate and destroy the murdered journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge’s notebook. In March 2018, Wickramaratne obtained an interim order preventing his arrest in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case from the Supreme Court.  The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) also condemned Wickramaratne’s appointment at the Office of Missing Persons, saying it “completed” the militarisation of mechanisms established to deliver transitional justice in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s protracted civil war. Continuing to quote FT, Yasmin Sooka said that as IGP, Wickramaratne had been in charge of three police units named by the United Nations investigation as involved in mass enforced disappearances at the end of the war, and was now tasked with investigating the disappearances himself. I believe he was appointed because of these lapses under the Twentieth Amendment to have an obedient police chief.

I have myself written about Wickramaratne ignoring Election Commission warnings that the police in Mullaitivu were not serving the stay order on Gnanasara Thero’s gang not to conduct a monk’s funeral at a Hindu Temple in Chemmalai. On the eve of elections we were concerned about law and order.

This is a man at the apex of law enforcement. He can prevent any investigation including into possibly criminal acts by him. The Court of Appeal ruling on  Shani Abeysekera shows how untrustworthy and crooked our police are. In a particular incident where I had tangled with the police, the judicial officer sent me a private message through his relation and my friend: “Be careful. They can entrap you in anything.”

ASP S.P. Kankanamge

My friend Sarath Pushpakumara Kankanamge was a police officer who worked under me when the then IGP terminated him. He was a scientist who joined the police because he loved computer science and his father wanted his son to follow him in the police. When his father fell out with that IGP, Sarath was posted to unrelated work in the war zone. Sarath gave a medical certificate and was terminated. As the IGP could not fault the medical certificate, the Public Service Commission ordered Sarath’s reinstatement. The IGP locked up the order and ignored it. After the IGP retired, Kankanamge had to report to the North but was paid back-wages. He had doubled his pay – from the police and the Open University.

Kankanamge told me that as ASP he was asked to clear the personal belongings of an officer killed by the LTTE. He found tons of cash in the deceased officer’s mattress. That is how profitable postings in the North are to Sinhalese officers. His experience shows a long line of IGPs including the last one, Pujith Jayasundara, operating outside the law. How do they uphold the law?

HQI Jaffna

In Jaffna the HQI does not even obey the orders of the Human Rights Commission to show up for my case on his forcing me to remove my guests, refugees from Afghanistan who had fled their home near Negombo as Sinhalese mobs attacked them following 21 April. A measure of how scared Tamils are is that Ven. Sam Ponniah, Archdeacon of Jaffna who asked me to host the refugees, was too scared to be listed as  witness. The HRC itself seems toothless. In Jaffna at a petrol shed I was in line and the HQI’s car came and honked as the attendant shouted at me to allow the police car to come to the front. I refused. Realising who I was the car reversed and sped away. The lawless are asked to uphold the law.

Messages from friends close to the government asking me not to write as the police deny me permits, make me feel insecure.

72 years of being Yoked to the Sinhalese

We Tamils have been yoked to the Sinhalese for 72 years. We were tops in education. Today the Northern Province is ranked no. 9 of 9.

The latest statistics from the Finance Commission is shown in the Table here. We are the least populous of the 9 provinces, we contribute the least to the nation’s GDP and have the highest poverty level. This has implications for the power widelded by Tamils in Parliament. We have lost our voice in parliament. There are three reasons for this. First, thanks to government discrimination and Mr. V. Prabhakaran’s war against the state, Tamils, especilly Tamils of quality with the means and connexions to flee, have left in large numbers. Secondly Tamil quislings who crept into Parliament sometimes winning a seat with 9 votes. When Prabahakaran forbade Tamils from voting and made financial deals with the government to not let Tamils vote, these quislings were empowered with ministerial appoinments that they used to distribute jobs. This has eaten the vote of parties looking after Tamil interests.

If we remain yoked, we will be nobodies soon as the state continues to move Sinhalese into traditional Tamil homelands – Myliddy, Navatkuli, Mullaitivu,the Northern tip of the Eastern Province. It is not a kindly state nor are sinhalese settlers nice to us.

Lessons:

The two police people who were true guardians of Tamils are PC Jayanthan and the woman constable; both Tamils. Jayanthan I am sure is more qualified to be HQI than Fernando. He is sensitive to our needs and does not play God.

Parliament is the supreme body and embodies our sovereignty they say. Parliament through the Thirteenth Amendment has devolved police and land powers to the provinces. A bunch of lawless thugs are defying parliament and keeping those powers away from us, the province, powers that can vastly improve our lives with Tamil policemen enforcing our land powers.

The world must take note.

Latest comments

  • 20
    2

    Today I read the case of the person who was shot by personal bodyguard of Minister Viyalendran. I do not know what to make out of this case. Apparently Viyalendran is currently in Colombo. So what was his Bodyguard doing in Jaffna ?? Was he in duty when he shot this civilian. ?? The story is few days prior now deceased and the police who shot had some argument regarding a lorry parked which was obstructing their official duty vehicle.

    • 11
      1

      As I recall the killing was in Batticaloa.

      • 9
        1

        Thanks for corrcting. Vyalendran residence located in Batticaloa and not Jaffna.

    • 7
      0

      Dear Dr Hoole,
–
Wonderland srilanka :( by name a BUDDHISTS dominated country)
.
Srilanka’s sinhala racism is not comparable to even those living in East Germany (NPD sympathisers). How come your passports being stolen by someone in such a recognized office ? That may have been a premediated act instigated by MaCo himself.
:
At the time, you stood against LTTE terror attacks, our people compared yours with that of Late Mr Kadirgamar… then again you hd been the only member of EC to have disagreed with the decision made by MaCo, was interpreted as you are ” LTTE Diaspora supporter/ or a Tiger/Kotiya”. That is the nature of rascals dominated our society.
:
Today, those voted for them, themselves speak out and say ” that Rajapakshes are the most abusive politicians of entire south asian region”: They are identified as mlechcha politicians, heartless men born to Medamulana Cave.
:
Not just you, whenever I travelled back home, I happened to face some difficulties just because I cant bear the injustice being common in our motherland. Last time, when heading ot colombo by a van, a driver being not familiar to colombo traffic, was charged unncessarily, just because the driver drove not respecting a road block…

      • 7
        0

        Dear LLM: Please read my comment. (would probably appear last) I have raised some questions to Pro. Hoole as regards his functioning at the EC. The answers, (if he provides) would clarify the situation as regards the “Citizenship” qualification of the Presidential candidature of Nandasena Gotabahaya Rajapakse, now raised by Mr. Naganada Kodithuwakku. I am pursuing this matter “In-depth” and hopefully Pro. Hoole will respond. If he doesn’t respond, I will forward those questions by other means.

          • 3
            0

            My Dear LLM: Thank you for the link. I read it many times and the comments with tears. A wonderful feeling of joy to associate you all. I will try to set up my “Key-Pad” so that I could meet you there. Thanks again.

            • 3
              0

              Simon Bro@
              I do my best to reveal more also while being busy with my job related assignments round the clock. Please use Google translate and doublecheck it before being passed to CT. We have no other choice but to post more in colloquial sinhala which the language that could outreach our SB intoxicated mercy cows😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

  • 9
    32

    /* We Tamils have been yoked to the Sinhalese for 72 years. If we remain yoked, we will be nobodies soon as the state continues to move Sinhalese into traditional Tamil homelands */. So here is the thing. Muttiah Mularidaran has reached the ultimate heights of his profession. He became an asset to the nation using the resources afforded to him. You appeared to have done so too. Although there is clearly a dichotomy. The dichotomy is apparent in the statement you made above. You have this notion because the British have indoctrinated your ancestors in a way Muttiah’s ancestors weren’t. That is the only difference between yourself and Muttiah Mularidaran. Both of your ancestry is identical as far as the island is concerned. I’m quite certain you have heard of Gothama Buddha – the founder of a world religion. He lived his entire life in the areas you identify as “Traditional Tamil Homelands”. The British settled your ancestors in the NE and hidden its prior history. This become apparent when we looked into the Dutch records. The British have used your ancestors to hide authentic Buddhist history of the island. You should read the following and understand how you have been misled -> https://bit.ly/tamil-strugge

    • 23
      3

      Jambu,
      .
      If you want to do a re-writing of history, please identify yourself.
      .
      I identify as a Sinhalese; however, I wasn’t brought up as a Buddhist. Therefore, I cannot claim to know a great deal about Gauthama, his life and his Dharma. My family had been “Christian” for many generations, but obviously had been Buddhist earlier, and all from the Southern Province. I’m an old man now. I intend sticking to what used to be taught us, and which seemed to accord with common sense.
      .
      None of us can convincingly trace our ancestry back beyond a few generations. Going on colour and appearance, I’m convinced that we are mostly Dravidians. The Tamils of the North have been on this island as long as we, and we are one people.
      .
      The accepted belief is that Gauthama was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and lived in the North of India. A great intellect. Thank you for the link, but it isn’t opening. It is now in another “Tab”, still trying. Perhaps my computer is slow.
      .
      Please don’t sow discord. Jambu is anonymous, and comments in that name have impressed few serious readers.
      .
      Muttiah Muralidaran was one of our greatest and most admirable cricketers. I think he’s now into some politics, which I’m not in sympathy with.

    • 19
      2

      Jambu,
      Why is it that the Dutch maps in your website are unreadable, but the original maps in the Netherlands archives are quite readable and tell a different story?
      Why do places like Kalutara and Matara have Tamil names in these maps?
      Jambu dear, please don’t assume that everyone on this forum is an imbecile.

    • 14
      0

      Wow wow Lol…
      “I’m quite certain you have heard of Gothama Buddha – the founder of a world religion. He lived his entire life in the areas you identify as “Traditional Tamil Homelands”
      What you trying to say because Buddha lives there, it’s not Tamil homeland?
Hello, Buddhism and Sinhala two different things, tomorrow you will say Buddha is a Bengali
      It’s shame on you what you people contribute to Buddisum for this many years, I know the only thing you done is spread hate among people.
      Do you know “Bodhidhrma” he is Tamil who took the Buddisum to China
      Do you know five Tamil epics according to later Tamil literary Silappatikāram, Manimekalai(this has translated in Sinhala), Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi and Kuṇṭalakēci. this all book about Buddisum written strating from 5th Century, while Monk Mahānāma above to write Mahavamsa Sri Lankan History. Lol…
      Do you know “Dhalada Malikawa- Temple of tooth” now you have a temple to keep the tooth thanks to Sri Vikrama Rajasinha born as “Kannasamy” and the Kandy lake
      Do you know about Monk “Buddhaghosha” and his remarkable contribution to Buddhism in Sri Lanka
      Lol the list will continue, but I don’t want to waste my time educate a miserable person like you

      • 7
        1

        The word Maligawa or Malikawa is derived from the Tamil word Mallikai or Malligai meaning palace. Similarly the place where the Kandyan kings sat and ruled and made decisions ” Pattirupuwa” is derived from two Tamil words Parthu meaning Look or Observe and Iruppu meaning to sit. Basically the place where the king sits and observes and makes his decision. This is because all these kings who ruled Kandy were Tamils. Although in private life they spoke Tamil and their families were Saivites, they made remarkable contribution to Buddhism and Sinhalese. Like you stated many of the monks who made remarkable contribution to Buddhism, especially in Sri Lanka were Tamils. It was a Tamil monk named BodhiDharma , a Pallava Prince from Kanchipuram who introduced Chan Buddhism to China and started physical training of the monks at the Shaolin Monastery which became the Shaolin KungFu.

        • 6
          1

          The Pallavas have an ancient Iranian(Pahlava the Sanskrit term for Parthians) or Brahmin heritage , this is the reason they were generally tall, very light skinned and many had light coloured eyes , that Bodhi Dharman had. Many of their modern descendants now living in Northern Tamil Nadu or Southern Andhra display these physical characteristics. Originally they were strangers to the Tamil country but very soon became very Tamil and ardent Hindus. Buddhism although did not supplant Hinduism, was widely practiced and was patronized in the ancient Tamil country in South India and in Eelam in the island and later like the rest of India disappeared. The Buddhist ruins found in the north and east of the island are Tamil Buddhist and many of them belong to the Mahayana sect that the Sinhalese never were but ancient Tamil Buddhist belonged to Theravada and the Mahayana sects. Now Sinhalese are trying use the power of the state and fake history to claim these ancient Tamil Buddhist ruins in the north and east as theirs, as it makes it easy for them as there are hardly any Tamil Buddhists.

    • 9
      2

      Jambu

      “He lived his entire life in the areas you identify as “Traditional Tamil Homelands”.

      Did he?
      Could you outline the borders of Buddha’s Homeland as you seem to claim.

      Why don’t you look at archaeological evidence instead of Portuguese, Dutch, British and now Chinese records?

    • 5
      2

      Jambu,
      Talking the usual garbage without having a proper knowledge about the history of Sinhale, the Land of Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo.

  • 28
    3

    Dr. Hoole:
    It’s terrible bad things keep happening to you. I think you should try changing your style of social interaction basically. For a start, try addressing the Sri Lankan Police and other government officials as Mahattaya/Nona irrespective of their rank or age. For example, even if it’s a 20-year rookie policeman call him Mahattaya. Moreover, you should wear a Pirith Nool under your sleeves and show him while claiming you’re connected to the Rajapaksa Dynasty through marriage.

    • 15
      16

      A
      Referring to anyone ‘mahaththaya’ is not to place the person on a pedestal.
      It is polite address.

      • 11
        2

        “Mahattayata Kiyanda” – Tell the Lord; to relate the complaint to our Lord, Mahattaya.”
        This is wrong. “Mahattaya” is polite address , as SJ says. I don’t think “Sir” is an English equivalent because it is used to address superiors too.
        “Hamuduruwane” is the equivalent of Lord. But again, even Hamuduruwos address male laity as “Mahattaya”
        Now, if Dr. Hoole was addressed as “Thamuse”, that would be something else……

        • 11
          1

          old codger

          Please advise me on how best to address Chinese landlords as they are multiplying like, Covid 19, Zika, chikungunya and other viruses.

          On some occasions Chinese have treated the Native Africans like worse than s**t. My friend commented that the white masters have at least learnt to respect fellow human beings after 400 years, when will Chinese masters going to learn respect native people where they invest for profits?

          Lets hear SJ’s defense of Chinese abuse of fellow human beings.

        • 4
          2

          OC
          Thanks.
          Thamuse was utterly rude at one time.
          Many years ago the baasunne at the carpentry shop of CTC, Maaradana addressed me as “thamuse” but (having been in Colombo for only a few few years) I thought that it was normal address. But a Sinhalese friend who was nearby took exception and explained to the baasunne politely that he should not call future engineers thamuse. After that it was always mahaththaya for me.
          Thamuse is like the familiar nee in Tamil, perhaps slightly worse then.
          Sinhala has a lot of words for you, but no impersonal polite term for you.
          Now oyaa has lost its ‘too familiar’ designation to be in common use.
          The name itself is still often used.
          CBK used ‘meya’ for some time.

          • 1
            0

            S.J,
            “Sinhala has a lot of words for you, but no impersonal polite term for you.”
            Yes, different languages have different deficiencies/ advantages. Arabic, which I have a smattering of, has 12 grades of friendship.

            • 1
              0

              old codger,
              It is not only word but how it was communicated to the person. The body language is far more important than word.

        • 4
          0

          My dear OC,
          .
          This is no surprise in a country where almost everyone except Rajapakshes and their diehard supporters are given special priviledges.
          All these occur with people s backing and them behaving deaf and blind.
          :
          Where i have been living, if even an asylum seeker from Syria would be attacked with “thamusee or using insulting addressing terms”; he or she could get caught by the law – ” public defamation – öffentliche Angriffe .
          Those who live in Germany and Europe could add their thougts on this.

      • 5
        2

        SJ:
        You’re absolutely right, but then that world disappeared a long time ago. [Wake up, will you.] A Tamil or Muslim addressing a Sinhalese – especially a state official – as “Mahattaya” takes on a totally different connotation today in the Sri Lanka that is being shaped by the Fascist Gota. It’s a society based on racial hierarchy in which the Sinhalese as a people are to rule over the inferior and alien Tamils and Muslims who are a threat to “national security.”

        • 1
          3

          Ajay,
          By carrying out terrorist activities alien Tamils and Muslims have proved that they are a threat to national security.
          —-
          “…alien Tamils and Muslims who are a threat to “national security.”

          • 3
            1

            Eagle,
            “By carrying out terrorist activities alien Tamils and Muslims have proved that they are a threat to national security.”
            So have alien Sinhalayo. And their government.

      • 1
        2

        SJ: You are absolutely correct. I was living in a foreign country for some years. One day, I was driving my car to go to work. Suddenly a Police Officer signaled me to stop. As per the Law, I pulled to my left side, switched on the hazard lights, and remained in the car. The Police Officer came and stood on my right side (driver side) and said: ” Sir, you are speeding at 65 (km) at a 50 (km) limit and that was a “School Zone”. He went back to his official car with my Driving License, Insurance Policy document, and Ownership Registration. He came back with a fine ticket for $ 150.00 and said: “Sir, you have the option to pay the fine or challenge my ticket in court. Here is my identification card and said: “Sir, please don’t drive fast in restricted zones at high speed. Have a nice day Sir”.

        I went to courts as advised by the Police Officer to plead “Guilty” but ask for a reduction of the “Fine” and remove the loss of “Points”. The case was called, but the Police Officer was not present. The Judge held the case for “1/2” hour expecting the PO to appear. He did not appear. The Judge addressed me and said: “Sir, you are free to go”. Shouldn’t I go back to that country? I WILL.

      • 0
        1

        There is a lot that must be labelled as “ad hominem” in our reactions to many comments. By now, many have got used to rejecting everything said by SJ. On the other hand, most agree with oc; count me in that number!
        .
        “Mahaththaya” is indeed polite address. Safe and neutral.
        .
        Tomorrow I will say more relating it to social levels starting with feudalism. That will be complex, but I may change my mind if I fear that I will be misunderstood.
        .
        By now, the commonest use is this: a woman, even belonging to a poor family, refers to her husband as “Mage Mahaththaya”.
        .
        Sixty years ago, had there been a woman whose husband was Girigoris, and her son, Punchi Banda, she would have referred to her husband as “Punchi Bandage Thaththa”.
        .
        That Punchi Banda would be calling himself, “PB”.
        .
        His grandsons, now freed from feudal bondage may call me, “Uncle” instead of humiliating me with “Seeya”! I know that they are being much too familiar with me, but “What to do?”

    • 6
      1

      PART ONE
      .
      Let’s be clear about this. Professor RatnaJEEVAN Hoole is polite and knows how to address people. Never rude, but seriously culpable of discussing religion and attacking the caste system.
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/closing-the-gaps-in-our-cultures-heritage-histories-a-reassessment-of-arumuga-navalar/
      .
      Towards the bottom of that page, see the comment by srikrish, beginning
      .
      “I feel very sorry for Ratnajeevan Hoole,

      He is a very fine and upright and lovable gentleman and a fighter for justice and fair play irrespective of any personal consequences.”
      .
      Absolutely true. I have known him for five years, but his brother RatnaRajan, very different in temperament, has been my friend since January 1963. Fifty-nine years. Schooled together for four years. He can use Sinhalese; Jeevan cannot. I was brought up an Anglican like them, but I’m agnostic; not untypical of Anglicans.
      .
      How different are the brothers? Although the father and the maternal grandfather were Anglican Priests, Rajan once told me that probably no Church would accept him as a member. He often goes to Church; only because he likes the English Liturgy and the hymns. He hasn’t received communion for decades; I have. However, one day he told me quietly, “Panini, you know, I AM a Christian.”

    • 4
      1

      PART TWO
      .
      Rajan has a quiet sense of humour;
      old codger, aren’t you guilty of enjoying the novels of P.G. Wodehouse? Well Rajan is trying now to get his wife, Kirupa, to improve her style of English by reading Wodehouse!
      .
      Jeevan, on the other hand, possibly doesn’t have the same ability to see himself from outside, and genuinely laugh at himself. How many do? Aren’t most of us capable of getting mad at criticism?
      .
      Similarities? Kindness to animals. Rajan is guilty of extremism: he says that animals and himself are equal. He’s an uncompromising vegan. No humour if somebody tries to give him some food laced with milk. At least Jeevan takes milk and eggs, but just you try the typical Buddhist practice of feeding him “just a bit of Maldive Fish,” and you’ll find that he’s as scrupulous in his vegetarianism as Rajan is about veganism.
      .
      Both guys will start groaning when they see how I have betrayed them, but what the hell, I think that their absolute honesty, commitment, and courage must be appreciated in this land where few have any principles.

      • 3
        0

        S.M,
        Wodehouse is a bit past his sell-by date nowadays. Try Terry Pratchett.

    • 4
      1

      PART THREE
      .
      SJ is Professor Sivsegaram. This morning, Jeevan asked me if I had seen SJ’s comment which is right now below where I’m typing but may end up above my comment. I was firm with Jeevan. I said that I knew that SJ, who makes many brilliant comments, could be less than honest; vide his conduct regarding the Jaffna V.C. appointment where he disgracefully manipulated the ruling out of Prof. Sam Thiagalingam of Boston because the Application arrived two days “late” but before any had been opened. SJ’s “Mahaththaya comment” is absolute hypocrisy.
      .
      Now GambadaIskoleMahaththaya has three ‘Permanent Head Damaged Fellows’ mad with him, with one guy actually having a DSc. What to do? This is all Truth.

    • 3
      1

      PART FOUR
      .
      But addressing the people that one has to interact with: Policemen especially:
      .
      Parliamentary Elections were held on Wednesday, the 5th of August 2020. In late July, Jeevan said that he had to visit the Kachcheris in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya; could he, and his wife Dushyanthi (whom I hadn’t met) please spend a couple of nights in my Bandarawela house. I warned him that my shack is hardly a Five-Star Hotel, and so he arrived at my place on Saturday, the 1st of August. He turned up in some commandeered vehicle, with an Election Commission Driver, and a cop carrying a revolver, which on inquiry I found was loaded, and no toy.
      .
      Never mind the rest of the “successful” visit. Jeevan had overheard me welcoming the cop. He called me aside, “Didn’t I hear you calling him, “Ralahamy”? Affirmation by me. “No, he’s not a constable,” Jeevan said. “He’s a sergeant”. So, I called him “Sergeant” from then on, and I noticed that there was every sign of mutual respect between the two.
      .
      So, dear SJ, Jeevan is perfectly aware of how he should behave. QED.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

      • 4
        0

        Sinhala Man,
        .
        We are in full agreement with you. Besides, Dr Hoole is a gentle sort of a person.

        He should have been well aware of all these while working in that EC office all along. Whenver I travel back home, I dont go to beg anyone even if some officers at control counters behave in a silly manner. I think our people overestimate our nation from the begining on.

      • 2
        0

        Sinhala_Man: Please read my comment to “SJ” above. This is my experience in a Foreign land encounter with a Police Officer and a Judge in a Court.

        Are you surprised? Don’t be. That encounter is my own.

  • 12
    0

    Mahattaya won’t do. I address them as Officer, whatever the rank!

    • 4
      0

      Alternatively, a neutral “Oba thuma” or Oba thumi” is also just right for anyone or occasion. “Oba” meaning you with a tinge of polite “thuma” or “thumi”.

    • 4
      0

      SP
      That is very civilized.
      How do you call someone ‘officer’ in Sinhala?
      Niladhari mahaththayaa?

      • 0
        1

        Spot on, SJ,
        .
        If SarathP were in England
        (please remember that I have never had the privilege of having been outside Asia. Saying that I have worked in the Maldives and in Oman puts me, in many senses, at the very bottom of the social ladder in Sri Lanka; the truthful revelation that, more recently, I spent an enjoyable fortnight in Malaysia will not make sense unless I explain that my younger daughter absolutely insisted on my coming across there and spent a great deal of money on me. I had taken across some US Dollars, below the permitted amount because that Bank branch in Maharagama had only about 700 in Dollar notes. My daughter refused to change that into “Ringits”. Instead, realising the necessity of allowing me to loaf on my own, they gave me plenty of Ringits and said that I could return that to my s-i-l in Sri Lanka.
        .
        (I had with me a Debit Card, authorised by my Bank in Bandarawela for foreign transactions, but my daughter [who stopped being a Bank Manager only when her first kid was born] advised against that in case the card got stuck in a machine,

      • 0
        1

        Continuing . . .
        .
        Getting the card out
        would mean my having to waste precious sight-seeing time).
        .
        (I will explain more about my “Malaysian daughter” later).
        .
        As I was saying, if Sarath were in England, “Officer” would be fine. However, the perceptive SJ’s sarcastic comment is spot on.
        .
        OTOH, please don’t respond to this comment of mine without taking account of my other comments, and the quality of my English. I ensure that I put on only what is true, rarely using sarcasm.
        .
        I have now transferred what I had typed into the “CT Comments Box” (if you are really sharp you will realise that the inverted commas are different from now on) and find that I have exceeded 200 words, so I must break this comment in two, but my intention right now is to make other comments on this very page.
        .
        However, SJ (Professor Sivasegaram in real life) has got betrayed into revealing his “high level of intelligence” which Jeevan Hoole (on the telephone to me) stoutly denies him!
        .
        All is not as simple as it seems (Bumptious “SarathP”) !
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 48 3111 444V) of Bandarawela aka “Sinhala_Man”

    • 2
      0

      Sarath P,
      .
      You are right. Last time my travel back home ( 15 months ago), we had to face the unexpected while our driver was unable to know the rules at the round abouts somewhere near to Panchikawatta. There, the beetle eating traffic policist with his red lips, looked as if no different to wild man asked us to pay a huge fine by visiting to an office nearby. Pointing the finger at me, questioned, that mahathathaya may be a foreigner…. ha ha… anyways, I did no thave my phone with me to record everything… As my plan for that day would not be worked, if we argued further, … our driver got off from the van and went ot speak with him in a gentle manner. To me, I felt like very bad, after my driver paid the sum to the officer… we in europe would never supprot pro-bribe services. There, the bugger policist asked us to leave the place, since our driver gave that amount to him. If policist had been a clean person, he should have noticed, … that the kind of act would have damaged the reputation of some good police men. This was after Rajapakshe criminals returned to power. I have never had such incidents during good governance rule.

      • 1
        0

        Dear LLM: Please read my comment addressed to SJ above. That was my encounter with a Police Officer and a Judge in a Court in a Foreign Land.

        I will tell another more serious “Encounter” with another “Police Officer” my wife and I had in a Foreign Country. Incidentally, that “Police Officer” was and presently is our own “SON”. He issued a ticket to my wife (his mother) for speeding and a “Warning”. He “Refused” to “Intervene” and “Speak” to Police when I was fined $ 150.00 for speeding in a “School Zone”. He said: “Excercise your rights to go to courts and settle matters with the Judge and the Police”. A “Million Dollar” Advice?

  • 15
    2

    Not only say mahathaya, also touch their feet and that is what these goons love. This is the kind of society they have evolved into. Idiots think that their naked racism will make them superior. When they are out of the country they behave like rats. It is mere inferiority complex and fear of their own weaknesses. Every Tom Dick and Harry wear this multicoloured nools and fod gods sake what for? Is it to make these morons humane or to protect from good people or to defend them from getting caught of their evil acts.

  • 17
    3

    Jambu you have missed a point. In fact your sinhala buddha was born in Yaalpanam to a hindu velala family. Later he invented buddhsim and then spread it to india and SL. You guys can just say anything as you please because that is your so-called sinhala history. You can turn and twist as you please because you dont care about its truth but just a story to satisfy each other. Anything goes. Vijayas arrival, then Ravana, then Ellara, then Dutte Gamini, and it becomes mahavansa and the authentic history of the Sinhalas 2500 years. Tamils were, as Blind eagle, HLD and few other jokers say were brought into Ilankai by portuguese to work in tobacco cultivation from south india. That is a edited version of mahavansa aka mahavambu. There should be some intergrity if one has to feel ashamed. Now many sinhalese are writing at last that SL and its rulers are a bunch of shameless morons. They are shameless to be shamaless. When the guys are begging for money even from the poorest nations yet they want new luxury cars for the goons at a cost of Rs four billion. Thet is why one needs a sense of shame. Luckily many dont have and thus no problem in saying or writing whatever they like or dream or fantasise.

    • 3
      6

      Black Lankan,
      Why not claim Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohamed also born in Yapanaya to Tamil Vellala families.
      —-
      “In fact your sinhala buddha was born in Yaalpanam to a hindu velala family.”

      • 0
        2

        I think that “Black Lankan” is a Sinhalese. I’m not absolutely sure.
        .
        He once warned me that it is dangerous to reveal, as unambiguously as I do, so much about myself.
        .
        Dear BL, confirming that you once told me that would help in the present context.

  • 11
    25

    Let me started with an unrelated, true story…There was a guy called Siva worked with me in my previous workplace in Toronto. Siva was from Jaffna, lived in Colombo and later moved to Canada in late 90s. In that workplace, during the lunch time, Siva used to tell stories about difficulties and harassments they faced when living in Colombo. When I was around he always kept quite as he knew that I would counter his claims in front of other members of staff. In one summer, Siva went to SL for a month-long vacation. After returning from his vacation, he started telling all kinds of stories again and at one point he said “I bought an apartment for my family in Colombo”. Upon hearing this, a white gentleman called Terry said ” Siva, you are a fool! If people in Colombo are harassing you, why did you buy an expensive property there?”. Siva didn’t have an answer to that question. They always use “pretext of persecution” for their own benefit and I don’t see any difference between Siva and Hoole here.

    • 13
      2

      I see lots of difference. You are another lying Chingkallam like Jambu/Gauva or rotten Pear. Toronto and Siva are your fairy tales. What Professor Hoole is stating the truth, as 99% of the Thamizh living in the island have undergone this experience and faced this discrimination and humiliation from these stupid idiotic racist Chingkalla officials . Thamizh is supposed to be an official language in par with Chingkallam and in the north and east has to take precedence over Chingkallam but this never put into practice and instead of using Thamizh in any part of the island that they should, they shout and hurl abuse at us and demand us to speak and use Chingkallam which is illegal but they know that they can get away with this. We are forced to wait until some helpful Chingkalla member of the public helps us . Once in a way a helpful Chingkalla official. Since you state that you live in Canada. This sort of behaviour would is illegal and would have been punished severely . Imagined if a French speaking person in Quebec is treated in this manner by an English speaking official.

      • 4
        9

        Damn.. Why do I have to write a reply to explain a simple fact. This is another proof that so called “free education” continue to produce morons (i.e. Pandi Kutti) and the money spent on that well wasted! Anyway, let me start with a little bit more information on Siva who still living in Toronto. Prior to moved to Toronto, Siva worked in a factory in Montreal. While working in that factory, he got injured and with the help of some ‘doctors’ from his community, he managed to declare himself not suitable for work due to a nerve damage around his wrist. He started collecting disability payments from Quebec government for life time. Later he moved to Toronto and started working in the same company where I worked. Somehow Quebec government managed to catch him and charged him for fraud. There is one more interesting TRUE story. Siva filed for a false divorce and got down another woman from SL after collecting $50K. Just imagine how they abuse the system in Canada! Now, let me go back to the fact that Hoole was bullshitting about. If Sinhalese goes to a police station in Matara in SL, will that person get 5-start service from police? Don’t you understand that this is fundamental issue that everyone is facing right now? Also, Hoole was giving some facts about poverty levels in North and Eastern provinces.

    • 12
      2

      There are of course holes in the story that a fixed property can be bought in a month, which is impossible even in western countries where conveyancing, legal, financial, identification and attestation process and procedures etc. are highly automated and smooth.

      Even if the whole story is true, did Siva or his family ever live there in the property that supposedly Siva bought?

      That Siva’s statement of “I bought an apartment for my family in Colombo” is just that it is an unattached, dispassionate, hard-nosed and risk-assessed ‘financial security’ decision for the family because he probably could not get the whole family out of Sinhalams’ freak control and of course the immense and insurmountable logistic, financial, security difficulties, risks etc. and not to mention hostile and grudgeful attitude of these western and other embassy officials to name a few.

      “pretext of persecution” is not needed as persecution happens nakedly in the open now.

      The writer has some sort of protection against the ire (including racial or ethnic) of police or any other authorities for revealing in the open because of his public standing.

      There are daily occurrences of ordinary Tamils being subjected to racial and ethnic whims, fancies, ire and power by and of the authorities, in addition to whims and fancies of showing power by just having authority which the Sinhalese might experience as well.

      • 4
        7

        I don’t get your blah blah but, let make you understand by re-writing your sentence. “There are daily occurrences of ordinary Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese being subjected to racial and ethnic whims, fancies, ire and power by and of the authorities…” Do you think that if a Sinhalese go to a police station in the south, that person will get 5-start service? Do you want to hear stories from Tamil Nadu police? If you have a brain a little bigger than a mustard seed, you will understand the fundamental issues in SL society.

        • 6
          1

          Regardless of my brain size, the distortion is suspected by not only me but several others.

          Without resorting to story of Siva, you could have used Tamil Nadu example for inferring supposed issue in SL society directly, which is already dealt within the response.

          “Do you think that if a Sinhalese go to a police station in the south, that person will get 5-start service?”

          Already this is covered in the comment of “in addition to whims and fancies of showing power by just having authority which the Sinhalese might experience as well.”

          “Do you want to hear stories from Tamil Nadu police?”

          Exactly the point of analysis by the author of article; i.e. case for devolving police power.

          Tamil Nadu police behaving even in more extreme manner (than treatment of Sinhalese in South by the police in the South) will not cause the feeling of at the least racial or ethnic alienation or oppression. It will be treated under police excess and wanton abuse of power by police.

          • 2
            7

            I thought that it is the size of a mustard seed. Apparently, it is completely hollow! So, you are justifying police brutality? If you go to USA and the cops over there kick your stinky a.. , you are so proud of it and ask for another kick to the other buttock?

            • 6
              1

              Here is an argument.

              The Sinhalese in south abused by Sinhala police in South do not complain racial or ethnic alienation or oppression. Yet, they want Sinhala police brutality to be sternly and severely dealt with.

              The Tamils want to be dealt by their police and expect stern action and severe punishment if any excess or abuse of power by their police.

              The (Sinhala) State can do neither.

              The fact is you do not have any counter argument, and just wasting time with brain size and USA.

    • 8
      2

      You think that we are all idiots and expect us to believe in this rubbish. Typical racist Sinhalese mindset and trying to create fake stories. If you live in Canada you should know how the law is strictly implemented with regards to the 21% population who speak French, especially in French Quebec and other French speaking areas.

    • 8
      2

      Average_Joe.
      Yours is a bad argument. If you were not average you will understand investment strategies.
      In the US you will be lucky to get 3.5% on your investment. I know people who think this a horrible country who have yet invested $ brought from outside as one-year fixed deposits at 6% and even more for bigger deposits. It can be taken out after a year. It is a special arrangement by the foreign exchange-short Central Bank.
      People who invest do not necessarily think this a great country. Their calculation is that the country will stay afloat for a year to take their investment + 6% or 6.5% out in a year.
      Likewise with Port City, despite the loss of sovereignty, housing in Colombo will do well.
      Siva has made a good investment

      • 3
        4

        Jaffna Man, Thank you for taking my point. Siva did make a good investment and his family, nieces and nephews live their happily. Btw, can anybody from south buy a property in Jaffna?

        • 1
          0

          A_J
          Did you (if you are Sinhalese) or any Sinhalese you know try and fail?
          Why don’t you check with someone who knows Thesawalamai?
          It places restrictions on the owner for an altogether different reason than you seem to imagine..

    • 9
      1

      Av._Joe,

      Are you suggesting that folk keep mum on the harassment they face rather than raising their voices?

      Are you suggesting that folk run away from harassment instead of countering it, and where to?

      Are you suggesting that Siva should not have bought his family a comfortable abode in Colombo, perhaps in Wellawatte or other area he deemed reasonably safe for his family?

      • 2
        6

        Not only in Siva, anybody can buy properties in Colombo and yes, many live happily in Wellawatta and Dehiwala areas. Can others buy properties in Jaffna?

        One of my uncles had a bakery and shops in Jaffna town and the properties are now own by ex-LTTE cadre and his family and they have legit deeds for the property! Around 150K people from south were living in the North. Where are they now?

        • 6
          1

          Dear Average_Joe,
          .
          I’m glad to note that your tone has mellowed, it isn’t all that strident.
          .
          I have heard so much about the Sinhalese-owned bakeries in Jaffna. It is sad that there are very few “normal” Sinhalese residents in Jaffna. Apart from the “occupation forces” there are Buddhist monks intent on conversion.
          .
          This monk is an exception even to that desire. “Desire”, let us remember is the “thannaha” forbidden to Budddhists.
          .
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_3hlmlx7JE
          .
          Bagawanthalawe Rahula Himi is a Tamil, has been a Hindu
          Swami, from whom you must learn. Before learning must come understanding that things are so bad that we must work quietly, not expecting to see results and reconciliation either in our time, or our children’s time. We’ll be gone, and I don’t believe in an afterlife. Perhaps, our grandchildren will benefit; don’t rile anybody except the nasty politicians and the businessmen who want to capitalise on the sufferings of others.

    • 6
      1

      Siva doesn’t represent all tamils 83.riots,burnt down the library standizion it could go on

    • 8
      0

      A_J
      Siva may be anything, but no fool.
      The apartment is an investment.
      The price never falls. It can be rented out as a short let.
      *
      That besides, there is persecution or at least harassment, the degree of which depends on the position one holds and where one lives.
      I have been mostly fortunate, but I know others who are less so.
      *
      Siva may even plan to return when things get better,

  • 5
    8

    This can be anybody’s story in Sri Lanka, not particularly of a Tamil. Even if all officers at this station are Tamils, conditions will be the same. 13th Amendment is not a choice of the people and it is hated by the people in the South. What did Wigneswaran give Northerners as CM, other than playing politics against the Government?

  • 7
    3

    Ratnajeevan Hoole,

    Well,

    The constitution is supreme, no doubt and 13A is part of the Constitution .

    The 13 A had only devolved some police powers and some land powers and not all police and land powers.

    The details are in List 1 of the Ninth Schedule- the Provincial Council List.

    The Article 154 G (1) of the Constitution also specify that the respective Provincial Councils should pass necessary statutes to enjoy any rights stipulated in List 1

    None of the Provincial Councils had passed necessary statutes and hence these police and land powers continue to be exercised by the Centre.

    It is the Constitution, you need not ask for the permission of anybody to act in terms of provisions already in the Constitution.

    The common excuse given by the Provincial Councils for not making use of these provisions are to hide behind Article 24 of the Provincial Council Act No 42 of 1987 where it is specified that Governor’s approval is necessary before presenting statutes to the Provincial Council with financial implications.

    An intelligent Chief Minister could overcome this difficulty by drafting a statute without involving any financial implications.

    It is easier to engage in blame game, but acting imaginatively and innovatively is difficult.

    Over to supporters for the full implementation of 13 A?

  • 10
    3

    Thankyou Professor Hoole for highlighting this. As per Sri Lankan government statistics 24% of the island’s population have declared Tamil is their first language and their mother tongue( indigenous North eastern Eelam Tamils , Indian origin or Malayaka Tamil and Muslim Tamil or Sri Lankan Moors) . Tamil is the majority spoken language in all eight districts in the North and East, NuwaraEliya district( 75%) and greater Colombo area and is spoken by a very large percentage of the population in other parts of the Central Province including Kandy and the North Western Coastal belt of Negombo/Chilaw and Puttalam as their mother tongue. As per legislation Tamil is the second official language of the country and in paper is in par with Sinhalese and take precedence over Sinhalese in the north and east other than in the Amparai and Seruwila electorates. If any Tamil speaking public visits any government department, police even the military they should be dealt in Tamil , especially in Tamil speaking majority areas and in areas where there are substantial number of Tamil speakers like in Colombo, Kandy and the north west coast. All public servants, police Etc should be proficient in Tamil and pass exams in Tamil as per law, to deal with Tamil speaking public and all documents should be in Sinhalese, Tamil and the link language English and not in Mandarin Chinese or Arabic as some want to.

    • 5
      1

      However all this is in paper and all Sinhalese led governments be they the Rajapakses or the so called Yahapalana government deliberately ignore this law and only recruit Sinhalese only speakers to the public service , police and armed forces and do not implement the law that they have to have sufficient proficiency of the Tamil language. Now even doctors who have no proficiency in Tamil, are being deliberately sent to Tamil areas. If a Tamil public servant does not attend sufficient proficiency in Sinhalese, there is no promotion ( not that get any) and are not made permanent. Why is the same thing being applied to these racist Sinhalese public servants, police and members of the armed forces, doctors, nurses and other professionals. If it was in another country like Canada, Switzerland, Belgium even India this person and his superiors would have been severely disciplined and sacked or suspended. Most probably his behaviour would have been applauded and these racist Sinhalese public servants, police, members of the armed forces, doctors and other professionals know that they can get away with this sort of behaviour, as their peers and the Sinhalese politicians and the Buddhist Sinhalese Christian clergy support this behaviour.

      • 5
        1

        Imagine deliberately refusing to speak in Tamil in Tamil areas and demanding the Tamil public to address them Sir and your Lordship , The height of racism and arrogance by the petty low class policemen to deliberately humiliate any Tamil, especially educated professional Tamils to show who is the boss/ ruler and who is the oppressed even if you are more educated cultured polished and wealthier.
        Imagine deliberately refusing to speak in Tamil in Tamil areas and demanding the Tamil public to address them Sir and your Lordship , The height of racism and arrogance by the petty low class policemen to deliberately humiliate any Tamil, especially educated professional Tamils to show who is the boss/ ruler and who is the oppressed even if you are more educated cultured polished and wealthier.

    • 5
      7

      Siva, we should have let this bastard get murdered by LTTE. Had Amirthalingams, tiruchelvams lived it would have been the same story. Tamil became an official language because it was forced on us by India, In practice it does not exist and should not

      • 4
        2

        What has LTTE /Amirthanlingham got do with this racist Sinhalese officer in Jaffna refusing to speak in Tamil to the Tamil public in Jaffna and abusing them?Demanding them to address him as Sir and your Lordship? The LTTE came into existence due to, the actions of the racist Sinhalese state and racist Sinhalese like you treating Tamils in this manner. You definitely will be treating Tamils in this manner. Anyway the LTTE is dead and gone 12 years and Amirthamigham more than 27 years, therefore what has all this got to do with this state sponsored Sinhalese racism on the island’s Tamils now?

        • 3
          1

          Yes Eelam Tamils who had lived in the island for around 3000 years and ruled their lands, until the British decided to hand over them to a racist Sinhalese like you on a platter in 1948 , should not exist but descendants of largely low caste and untouchable Indian Tamil slave/indenture labour, who were imported into the island by the Portuguese and Dutch, like your ancestors and now calling themselves Aryan Sinhalese Buddhists or Catholics must exist, as per your racist warped mind

  • 6
    5

    A sad story Mr Hoole but there are stories like this from all communities. A Sinhalese lawyer and his Tamil clerk went to Fort Railway station to get a train to Kandy where a case was being heard. The lawyer asked his clerk to wait on the platform until he had got the tickets. The Tamil Railway employee at the ticket office told the lawyer that there were no seats left, the train was full. The Sinhalese lawyer then said to his Tamil assistant “The train is full. We will have to phone them and ask them to postpone the case”. The Tamil clerk smiled and said “Just a moment Sir”. He went to the ticket office and bought the tickets. Like yours, this is a true story. The lawyer is my brother-in-law.
    .
    You should take note.

    • 0
      0

      Paul
      It is nothing really communal in this experience I think.
      The clerk possibly knew the SM.
      It happened to me in Kilinochchi.
      Railway officers everywhere in key stations hold back a few seats for ’emergencies’.
      *
      Having said that, I grant you that petty tribalism in endemic to the country.
      People tend to see only the other’s fault.

    • 1
      0

      Paul …
      .
      You are right. Whenever I travel back home, I have faced various occassions with similar situation. Last time, I was forced to bribe in order our van to pass a traffic area, within Panchikawatta. This incident made me very unhappy though I am totally against BRIBES being offered to srilanken police.
      :
      By the way, where had you been all these weeks ? Please add your thoughts to this platform regularly. Now Rajapakshes have proved their real faces with the masses becoming somewhat aware of them. I believe, the days that the people would throw stones to Rajapkshes are nearing… this is what we predicted prior to BP s comeback…. today even PINGUTHATARAYa community is yet dead silent… because they have nothing to add… GOTABAYA or Nandaisini s capablities are not all it is cracked up to be.

  • 8
    1

    What can you expect from these officers , when their peers , parents , teachers, religious leaders all teach and brainwash them with Mahavamsa fairy tales and to hate and look down on Tamils. From the time of independence up to now this is what all their ruling governments have done. Pay lip service to reconciliation to buy time to destroy the Tamils, fool the world but in reality harass and marginalize Tamils . The current government is the worse. These officers know that nothing will happen to them and this behaviour is condoned by their superiors, who hold the same view. Tamil only an official language on par with Sinhalese on paper to fool the world but in practice is denied usage even in Tamil speaking majority areas or where a high percentage of Tamil speakers live

  • 5
    9

    Pandi Kutti,
    Blame G.G.Ponnambalam and SJV Chelvanayakam and the other separatists who discouraged Tamils from learning Sinhala which was the official language of Sinhale until British changed that and introduced English as the official language promising a separate Homeland for Tamil people. This separate Homeland will never materialize. So, learn Sinhala.
    Now learning Tamil for Sinhala students and Sinhala for Tamil students is compulsory but NPC does not recruit teachers to teach Sinhala in the North. Tamil people have to suffer due to stupid decisions taken by racist Tamil politicians.
    —-
    “We are forced to wait until some helpful Chingkalla member of the public helps us.”

    • 2
      1

      EE
      GGP did not stop Tamils from learning Sinhala.
      The entire credit goes to the FP.

  • 5
    9

    Demala (Tamils after 1911) people who live in Sinhale/Sri Lanka are people who came from Hindusthan/India and settled down in this country. Sinhalayo did not invite them or brought them as colonial rulers did but Sinhalayo gave these people citizenship. Either, they should co-exist with Native Sinhalayo without grumbling or return to their ancestral homeland or go as refugees to another country.

    • 2
      1

      Eagle Blind Eye

      “Demala (Tamils after 1911) people who live in Sinhale/Sri Lanka are people who came from Hindusthan/India”

      There was no Hindustan or India 300 – 400 years ago. You are quoting your imaginary world. Those who came from Thamilnadu now call themselves as Sinhalease and converted to Buddhism. Later they were given a new manufactured identity, Sinhala/Buddhist by the public racist Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala. No one called him or herself as SINHALA/BUDDHIST before the advent of the first public racist.

      Is HLD M still sitting on your (block)head?

  • 8
    2

    Average Jo,
    it is once again your unrelalistic argument. Simply because people are ill treated, treated as second class citizens, and lack of due legal and physical protection at a time of want does not mean all have to run away from Lanka. Where can all go. So buying property in Colombo does not mean a thing, still life has to go on. They have to work, earn and live. Your friend Siva may have bought the apartment for his family. Just see in N&E and people are ill tretaed and oppressed by Sinhala armed forces and even violent buddhsit clergy. Even 2 days ago a pedestrian was just shot and killed on a main road by a cop at batticaloa. Isnt there a diffrence in treating tamil, muslim and sinhala complainant at a police station and how even court at times treat them. Muslims are equally humiliated as terrorists and thambiyas openly yet they have to live there. How many Muslims too are locked up indefinitely for no cruime of theirs. But sinhala ruthless murderers are released and having a meal with the so-called President. Life for minorities in SL is not easy at all and there is always tension and apprehension and no sense of being safe.

    • 2
      7

      Black Lankan, People in N&E suffering because of the ruthless Tamil terrorists and racist Tamil politicians. Muslims are suffering because of Zaharan and extremists in their own society. Learn how to cherish your country that host and feed you. Learn how to live together. If you cannot do that, go settle in Tamil Nadu, your safe heaven.

      • 3
        0

        AJ,
        AND we the sinhalaya s are suffering because we are represented by a uncultured, unethical batards born to Medamulana jungle. All is now ruined by Rajapakse s but by misleading punnaku drinking majority.
        .
        Today bitches sons allow Chinese to trespass by force, namely, chinese themselves cultivate “sea cucumbers ” without any legal permission, can u imagine? Hamuduruwos are dead silent, that alpha animal BBS head is silent????????where are we heading? 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

    • 3
      6

      Black Lankan,
      If there is tension and apprehension and no sense of being safe for minorities how come:
      • more than 50% of Tamils from North East live in the South amongst Sinhalayo;
      • all Tamil politicians and their families happily live in Colombo amongst Sinhalayo;
      • Muslims live all over the country amongst Sinhalayo.
      —–
      Actually, Native Sinhalayo have no sense of being safe in their own country because of alien Tamil and Muslim terrorists.
      —–
      “Life for minorities in SL is not easy at all and there is always tension and apprehension and no sense of being safe.”

      • 7
        2

        Eagle,
        How come so many female Sinhalayo prefer to live among those evil Muslim Arabs? Do these Muslims have something that you don’t?

        • 4
          0

          OC
          Money is the root of all evil.
          The poor women go for the roots.

      • 4
        2

        Lying as usual. Even as per your government statistics 70% of the indigenous Eelam Tamils f live in the Northern and Eastern provinces and 90% of the rest live in the greater Colombo area, which is predominantly Tamil speaking and strictly not a Sinhalese area. Thousands of native Tamils still live along the north west coast that stretches from the north of Colombo to Puttalam that was once part of the Tamil homeland. Just see many place names not only in these areas but even in Colombo and you can immediately recognize these areas were once Tamil.

        • 3
          1

          Today Colombo is written and pronounced in Sinhala as Ko’lamba. However, how Colombo is called in Tamil usage, and similar place names in Malayalam and Dhivehi (Maldivian), seem to provide an important key to understand the etymology of Colombo. It is also pertinent to note here the wide prevalence of Tamil / Malayalam demography in the western coastal belt of Sri Lanka until they were absorbed into Sinhala identity after 19th century. Colombo is written and pronounced as Kozhumpu or Ko’lumpu in Tamil.
          It is not an isolated place name in Eezham Tamil. There are two more Kozhumpus or Ko’lumpus: Negombo, some km north of Colombo is always called Neer-Kozhumpu or Neer-Ko’lompu in Eezham Tamil. There is one more place Kozhumputh-thu’rai or Ko’lumputh-thu’rai in the Jaffna Peninsula.
          All the three Kozhumpus are coastal ports, sharing similar geographical features. Same root as Kollam or Quilon in Kerala.

          • 3
            0

            Rohan25,
            So Kollam, Colombo, and Negombo have the same root? That’s interesting, given that many west coast towns like Kalutara and Panadura have Tamil names in Dutch maps.

  • 4
    7

    If I am a Tamil I would oppose police and land powers to the provinces as per 13A as that would entail police and land powers to Sinhala majority provinces too.
    Consequence of which is +50% of Tamils (Tamil speaking people) will be at the mercy of these local thugs free from any central control.

    Soma

    • 8
      1

      Soma
      Why don’t you let the Tamils concerned worry about it?

      • 2
        0

        Absolutely, dear SJ.
        .

        • 4
          0

          Absolutely what?
          Injustice to Tamils is not your business???

          Soma

          • 1
            0

            Officious Mr Gamini Somaratne, aka soma,
            .
            SJ has rightly said that Tamils don’t want you to worry about the way that the people of the North manage to subsist.
            .
            It is not my “business” to worry about how the people anywhere in Sri Lanka are treated; I am concerned.
            .
            Look, I don’t need your instructions on any matter; nor do I worry about stray dogs yapping at me.
            .
            Panini Edirisinhe
            .

      • 4
        0

        SJ
        They are Sri Lankans.
        Next time you will ask me why are you worried about what happened in 1983.

        Soma

        • 3
          0

          soman

          “Next time you will ask me why are you worried about what happened in 1983.”

          Sadly, being a Sinhala/Buddhist racist you don’t even give a toss about 1983. If anything people like you regret that you were not able to finished/complete the project/job your fellow racist started after 1948, particularly in 1956.

          You are the cheer leader for those who bend on making this island a hellhole.

          How long will it take China to field its own candidates for Presidential, Parliamentary, Provincial, Pradeshya Saba, …… municipal council, and ….. elections, then replace them with dual citizen Chinese from China?

          Do you think you can revive LTTE in time to fight the Chinese (RED) menace?
          Are you going to invite IPKF Mark II to prevent Chinese swarming this island? Then again you need LTTE Mark II to get rid of IPKF Mark II.

          Make up your mind.

        • 0
          0

          Soma
          Have I ever questioned your concern for anyone?
          But you suggested something which I thought was more appropriate for the people concerned to make up their minds about.
          There have been communal riots long before anybody demanded secession.
          *
          I am sorry if I have triggered unwarranted acrimony.

  • 1
    9

    Get that big mouth Shanakiyan to solve all your problems.

    • 5
      1

      RSP, my dear she male @
      .
      Shankiyan is a great MP. That we should all be clear regardless of race.
      :
      Unlike you we always call a spade a spade.
      Get well rsp::: .. let any srilanken to do the job for one single nation.

  • 3
    6

    May be Prof. Hoole is unaware that non-Vellala Tamils in Yapanaya told the sub-Committee on Power Sharing of the Constitution Drafting Committee formed under ‘Yahapalana’ Government not to give police and land powers to NPC because they know what will happen to them if NPC gets police and land powers.
    —-
    “A bunch of lawless thugs are defying parliament and keeping those powers away from us, the province, powers that can vastly improve our lives with Tamil policemen enforcing our land powers.”

    • 4
      2

      Eagle,
      “May be Prof. Hoole is unaware that non-Vellala Tamils in Yapanaya told the sub-Committee on Power Sharing of the……”
      Aren’t you aware of the non-Govigama Sinhalayo who are oppressed by the Siam Nikaya?

    • 4
      0

      EAGLE BP,
      .
      As you repeat that SRILANKEN tamils were brought only by colonial masters as labour, I happened to dig the information. There I got to know the following…. so please if your info is not updated, please go to montisooriya even if your days ahead of you are not much.
      You the kind of ultra racists will only land in ” AVIICHIMAHA NARAKADIYA” meaning all the worst hell.
      :
      We told you guys not to promote bitch s sons born to MEDAMULANA cave as our leaders, but you did it… today you buggers are made speechless. Pinguththarayas stay all upset… as no times in the past. Yesterday I heard that ALLE BALUWANSE shedding crocodile tears showing his JATHIAALAYA… all in all.
      .
      Good riddance to you guys !

  • 7
    4

    We expect spoon-feeding like children.

    This may be due to tuition culture.

    Let us grow up; capture every opportunity and move forward and be always alert.

    More people like Ratnajeevan Hoole as a relentless fighter for his rights,more we shall succeed!

  • 6
    1

    Pro. Hoole: I do understand your frustrations with the way “Your Kind” is treated at Police Stations and elsewhere. Let me ask you: (1) You were one of the Three Commissioners at the Election Commission. Didn’t you have the “Legal Obligation” for and on behalf of the PEOPLE of Sri Lanka to ask for the “PROOF” of “Citizenship” of the Presidential Candidate Mr. Nandasena Gotabahya Rajapakse, when he submitted his nomination papers? (2) Why were you “Satisfied” (when you raised the issue of citizenship) with the answer of the Chairman of the EC, when he said “Leave it to me” (your own words reported) (3) Why did you NOW give an “AFFIDAVIT” to Mr. Nagananda Kodithuwakku allowing him to display it in Youtube channels and quoting from it, yet without using it to file an action in Courts. Mr. Nagananda says he is not going to file action using your “Affidavit”. (3) If Nagananda is not taking any Legal Action, why you allow him to keep that “Affidavit” and make the Public believe, that you have been “Cheated” by the Chairman of EC? (4) If you were “Misled” by the Chairman (Mahinda Deshappriya) why you, yourself not institute “Legal Action” instead of giving an “Affidavit” to another “Political Activist”?

    Could you please explain to us the answers to the above questions. Thank you.

    • 5
      0

      Dear Simon,

      I too raised the same question myself.
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYxRNekhhTc
      .
      And in that point in time entire media along with MACO branded Mr HOOLE to be KOTIYA…. remember ?
      :
      I think MACO s mediation to downplay the importance of searching the qualifications of the nominee was very powerful. There not sufficient support was given to Mr HOOLE.

      • 3
        0

        Dear LLM: I still don’t know the “Authenticity” of the facts revealed by Mr. NK. However, if Pro. Hoole knew that MCO was playing a “Game” to hide the fact that GR didn’t or could not produce a “TRUE” copy of the “ORIGINAL” of renunciation of the US citizenship, at the time of submitting the nomination papers, he should have immediately made a public announcement and resigned from the EC. That is the behavior and action I expect from “Professionals”. What is the use or what our Dear Pro Hoole going to achieve by giving an “AFFIDAVIT” to Mr. NK? In my opinion, it is yet another “Road Show” performed by “Professionals” including NK.

        • 3
          0

          Dear SIMON,
          I cant know how this would end up. But at least for the moment, I trust all what is being revealed by NK. I was also questioning this by the time norminations were called for PE; but many incl good kind of CT commenters never discussed the issue.
          A case is now filed, I have no doubt, they the judges who are the remote controlling men of incumbent junta regime would not take it serious.
          All these are gradually becoming clear to many, but in today s context, not many would have guts to stand against growing injustice, – with an exception if people would get together to fight against brutal leadership, to the very same manner ARAB SPRING achieved it. I have no doubt, the atrocities of 89 will be the next step, also not securing our lives (srilankens travel back home). I am thinking of travel back home once current situation is normalized… but if the situation would stay as it is now, i would not risk my life. But I will continue exposing lot more to UNHRC or any other bodies since it is our duty to protect anti-Rajapkshes/pro democracy people.

  • 8
    1

    Average Jo,
    How is that you thinking is below the average? You talk of LTTE the reason for tamil suffering in SL and military oppression in the north? How about prior to LTTE. Are you aware of 1956, 1958, 1977 and finally 1983? Who was responsible. It was the sinhala thugs, clergy, politicians and military that killed and destroyed Tamils in the south and made them to believe that armed struggle againt the ruthless, unfair, sinhala regime is the only way out for tamils and hence LTTE was born. How about JVP uprising, was it due to LTTE Below Average? When LTTE was there Tamils were very safe all over SL because the Sinhala Veerayas aka Runner Sinhas were shit scared of reprisals by LTTE. Even national heroes were shitting in the bunkers. Mahintha came and kissed the tarmac for TV only after Sarath informed that war is over. Those are the work and action of the sinhala heroes for whom the foolish masses were beating drums and eating Kavum and kiri bath. And today they have no money to buy even a piece of bread and their pots are empty, kiribath or rabang are a distant dream. While all the able Sinhalas including Veerayas, Average, Below Average, patriots, Runner Sinhas, Sinhala Buddhist heroes all ran away to wherever they could manage with their boot.

    • 4
      1

      Dear Black Lankan,
      .
      Please don’t be too harsh on Average Jo; he’s not of the nastiest sort. Actually, he has, by now, probably done some re-thinking and shares some of our views.
      .
      Just see how dangerous a guy like this author is:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/concerning-the-american-ambassadors-tweet-on-duminda-an-open-letter/
      .
      I take it almost as a responsibility that devolves upon me as a Sinhalese to counter this sort of racism.
      .
      When people like you write consistently I don’t need to know more details about you, although so many pseudonyms can be confusing. Sincce mine may confuse I shall tell Average Jo that my name is Panini Edirisinhe, my NIC number is 48 3111 444V, and the co-ordinates of my Bandarawela House where I’m now sitting are 6.844501, 80.975258.
      .
      Both of you, and Gota will be able to see, from that information to identify the bed I sleep on, so exact are maps nowadays. However, it is unlikely that a missile will be wasted if they really think they must destroy an old man like me. Any would-be assassin will probably stick knife in me!
      .
      Have a great day, both of you!

      • 3
        1

        S.M,
        I don’t know about you, but I get a strong feeling that A.J and Potta Eagle are close relatives.

  • 3
    0

    AJ,
    AND we the sinhalaya s are suffering because we are represented by a uncultured, unethical batards born to Medamulana jungle. All is now ruined by Rajapakse s but by misleading punnaku drinking majority.
    .
    Today bitches sons allow Chinese to trespass by force, namely, chinese themselves cultivate “sea cucumbers ” without any legal permission, can u imagine? Hamuduruwos are dead silent, that alpha animal BBS head is silent????????where are we heading? 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎2 i 😎😎😎😎😎

  • 4
    1

    Thank you Sinhala Man and let me tell you that this has nothing to do with racism or hating a race or religion.It is all about stupidity and blindness of some who just go by what they have been told without thinking. That is why the country has gone to dogs and finally to Chinese. They simply blame the Tamils because of the LTTE. Tamils only supported LTTE simply because they had no option left. Sinhala regime had been very unfair to them with repeated racial riots and they thought they can go on for ever. Even Gota came to power because of his ruthless murder of innocent tamils and by manipulating an anti muslim riots and he used the so-called national safety. What safety we have. Burning ship, polluted sea and environment, contaminated food import and oil import, releasing cold blooded murderes, incarcerating the innocent, utterly family rule, non citizens to hold vital momey making portfolios, country sold to ruthless China man, non functioning multi billion dollar enterpriese just to collect the commission and the list is endless. Now Got does not care a damn for anyone be it sinhala buddhists for whom he wanted to serve or the buddhist clergy or the parliament.

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