Tamil National Alliance MP, M.A. Sumanthiran‘s presentation at the panel discussion on “Religion, Reconciliation and Future” organised by Sri Lanka Young Journalists Movement.
Sri Lanka Press Institute Auditorium 96, Kirula Rd, Colombo – 05 on Monday, 8th April, 2013.
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Video: Buddhists Must Speak Out On Behalf Of The Muslims – Bishop Chickera
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Wyatt K / April 24, 2013
I cannot get enough of this great man. M.A. Sumanthiran represents the best of Sri Lanka as well as the future of Sri Lanka. I hope someday the people put him into the presidency in Sri Lanka.
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Ben Hurling / April 24, 2013
I am with Mr. Sumanthiran on this one.
I am a so called Sinhalese, buddhist Sri Lankan. I see Mr. Sumanthiran as a voice of reason. Emerging from among fellow Tamil Sri Lankans.
I regret he has confined himself to narrow, short-sighted, race based politics within the TNA.
I would much rather see him in the Sri Lankan struggle. Mr. Sumanthiran should be a national player. Directly wining hearts & minds of the Sinhaelse as well. He has the potential.
The day he joins national politics, through a platform that represents all Sri Lankans. Unlike TNA. Fights for all Sri Lankans. Regardsless of our ethnicity and religion. He has my vote and wholehearted support.
In the maentime, I am more than happy to support Mr. Sumanthiran’s struggle against demonisation of Sri Lanka’s fellow Muslim minority.
Let there be no doubt about that.
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Wyatt K / April 24, 2013
I understand your point, but whether M.A. Sumanthiran is in the TNA or not that does not change the fact that he is an advocate for healing the entire country. M.A. Sumanthiran may be in a party, but he transcends politics. He belongs to Sri Lanka. I am from the Untied States and have been following him for sometime. He is the Abraham Lincoln of Sri Lanka. You are looking at a future Nobel Peace Prize winner here. They should have given this great man more than five minutes to speak. M.A. Sumanthiran belongs to all Sri Lankans and as an American I can say he also belongs to us as well. He speaks of healing and unification and pride in diversity. I hope the people there see that and make him president because he is the greatest hope to heal Sri Lanka. No other people deserve healing and peace more than Sri Lanka. Thank you so much for posting this video. I hope to see much more of this great man.
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Jaliya Wickramasinghe / April 26, 2013
Mr Wyatt
Mr S is trying to make 3 points;
1. Sinhala Buddhists (SB) has got constitutional advantage since indipendence
2. Tamils face language barriers
3. Muslims are mistreated by SBs,
covertly in support of his/TNAs separatist agenda. But truth explained below make his attempts and speech just a plop but a dangerous one to country as he shows the signs of being jr. to Chelvanaygam who was the root cause of destroying 2 SL Tamil generations and 100s of billions of losses to the country including over 100,000 of civilian deaths over 3 decades.
1. Protecting and uplifting the Buddhism in SL was one of the duty of the rulers according to the unwritten constitution in act since 200 BC to 1815 and since then it had been included in the British made constitution of SL as well.
2. Tamils (and Sinhalese privileged English speaking cast of just 6% of the population) were happily complying with the English only rule for nearly 2 centuries till 1948 and UNP and SLFP were fighting to save the country from this British slavery for decades. SLFP won the battle and over 90% of the ordinary Tamils were given their BFR of working/ Studying in Tamil in N&E although the Sinhala was made the official language. However now Tamil also is an official Language in SL making him pointless except the extremely isolated incidence of him meeting with an Army personal who happened to be majority Sinhalese due to TNA supported racist LTTE forced Tamil boycott of the gov institutions that ran for decades. But defense presence in the North is necessary for the coming decade also to save the Tamils from being misled in misinformation given by the pro LTTE hate speeches similar to Mr. S makes.
3. SL is the most friendly country for Muslims (for Tamils as well)where they live being a minority as they live with full religious rights in peace there for centuries. How the UK, US, Ausies, LTTE/TNA and the west regimes treat them (even officially banning Muslim dresses and practices) are known to the IC. Now it is known to all that pro LTTE/TNA non Buddhists were trying to provoke Sinhalese and Muslims against each other at the eve of the UNHRC 20 with the full use of all the possible electronic media which mostly in control of them. However the country, by now has successfully beaten this attempt also made by them in a part of the LTTE conspiracy of breaking the stability in SL. Their major previous losses in the quarterly series of lies include the similar attempts made through university dons academic spring, CJ and the SC, UNHRC 20 and the CHOGM. Current attempt through the electricity bill issue will also bring them nothing but a shock.
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Thrishantha / April 24, 2013
He made a very important point. If the majority Sinhalese do not wish to be blamed for the extremist activities of a minority group of Sinhalese, then it is in the best interest of the majority to speak up. If we choose to identify ourselves with some label like Sinhalese, we should do our best to keep the moral values attached to it as high as possible.
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Ben Hurling / April 24, 2013
Thrishantha
Millions of Sinhalese are appalled by the ongoing demonisation of Sri Lankan Muslims.
I am not sure whether that outrage reflects in national media. Which is either controlled by the State or self-censored by editors.
Sri Lankan population is suffering from exposure to low quality journalism. And massive state propaganda. Specially in rural Sri Lanka.
Even then I see signs of hope. I see more and more Sinhalese hitting back at racist elements among Sinhalese on Social Media.
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Navin / April 24, 2013
Dr. Thrishantha,
Before advising Sinhalese to disassociate themselves from extremists, shouldn’t the man disassociate himself from TNA? TNA is a party that declared LTTE terrorists to be the *sole representatives* of Tamils! Have they disassociated themselves from that past? If that hasn’t happened and if M.A. Sumanthiran has a clean conscience, what is he doing in that party?
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Wyatt K / April 24, 2013
I disagree. M.A. Sumanthiran transcends political party and also transcends ethnicity. He strongly advocated for preserving the integrity of the Sri Lankan Judiciary. He advocates for the rule of law. Also, he is an advocate for healing the entire nation. The current president of Sri Lanka has served his purpose. M.A. Sumanthiran is the future…. And, I think he will make it a bright one for all Sri Lankans regardless of their identity or religion. Don’t discount the greatness of this man…. He attracts support from diverse persons and groups. For that reason he is uniquely Sri Lankan.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / April 25, 2013
Navin,
I think Sumanthiran transcends parochial thinking and politics as a person. however, being in the TNA, he has political compulsions too. Sections of the Tamil Diaspora are part of this compulsion factor. I think it is a constant struggle for him to be himself while being the party man. Fortunately, the ‘ Him’ has manifested enough to identify him for what he truly is. Mr. Sambanthan deserves much credit for having brought Sumanthiran into his party.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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Navin / April 25, 2013
Dr. RN,
I welcome anyone “transcends parochial thinking and politics”. In case of Sumanthiran I would like to see more self-criticism coming from him before I put him in that category. Particularly, when one advises others of good behavior one has to be mindful of one’s own past deeds. One sided criticisms delivered to paint majority in bad light to archive political objectives should be taken for what they are worth.
TNA parliamentaries are in no position to advise majority to disassociate themselves from extremists. They proclaimed LTTE as sole representatives of Tamils and still are honeymooning with LTTE overseas rump aka TGTE (including this Mr. Sumanthiran). Even recently in one her write ups Mrs. Usha (the vocal TGTE senator) claimed that LTTE’s cause and Tamil cause are one and the same. So what has Sumanthiran done about that? If Sumanthiran is to have any credibility he needs to first distance himself from extremist by word and deed. If that’s not possible for political survival, he better stop preaching to others what he himself does not heed to.
Human rights activists in this country are very good at keeping their distance from government but to be credible they need to maintain the same distance from bad apples on the other side too.
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Lanka Liar / April 26, 2013
Look at what is said. Rather than who says it or with who he is having dinner. Sumanthiran is a Tamil. So he knows the Tamil’s problems. He is entitled to belong to any party. Parties too change policies. So many Tamils have done so much for the country with so little recognitions. From Tea plantation workers to Ponnaplam Ramanathan likes. It is up to the Sinhalese to take the leadership contribution and service of these people and give strength to them rather than engauging the services of few hired Tamils most of them shady charractors. The KPS Karunas thee Singams Rotina as well as Thieves are the ones who are recognaized by the Sinhalease. They are not asking for positions or favours they are speaking for the rights of every Sri Lankan. Every MP in TNA can become a minister overnight if he simply say yes. How many have ?
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Navin / April 25, 2013
Dr. RN,
Monks doing politics in robes is not very different from journalists and human rights activists doing politics through their respective, shall we say “positions of advantage” isn’t it? Well of course all are free to engage in politics and to exercise all means available to them as long as they are legal, even if unfair. But lets be frank about it.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / April 26, 2013
Navin,
Please read my comment carefully, where I refer to political compulsions. Sumanthiran is swimming in shark infested waters. He is reclaiming lost grounds among the Sinhalese and Muslims for the TNA, as no one else has done in recent times.
Dr.RN
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Savi / April 24, 2013
It is the same I.e. if the majority of the minority Tamil groups (esp. in the west) don’t speak up against the LTTE groups still active there then you can’t expect reconciliation! Why do people only want to see one side and ignore the rest, sad.
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Wyatt K / April 24, 2013
Savi, I believe there will be reconciliation. From what I gather, M. A. Sumanthiran wants an international investigation of both sides in the war and this is reasonable. Not only is it reasonable, but how can the people, or even just the Tamils, trust an internal investigation? An international investigation will, at a minimum, at least provide results that all persons can trust. I expect, if it is fair, that both sides will be held to account and it is likely neither will be happy. Yet, all Sri Lankans will at least be able to have trust in it I hope and then move on. M.A. Sumanthiran is Tamil, but he is a bridge between all the identities and groups in Sri Lanka. That is why I say this man is uniquely Sri Lankan. I think that is why he attracts a lot of support from different religions, ethnic identities and political persuasions. I don’t fault him for being a member of a specific party. M. A. Sumanthiran transcends political party. He is truly what Sri Lanka is about and he is a reasonable man and that is why people like him even though they may be different people.
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ain / April 25, 2013
Mr Sumanthiran, we need more people of your caliber to lead and take forward this country. Sure, you should be the President of this country. You say spade is spade not otherwise. You talk for all not for one kind or group. You put the country and the people above all. At last your are fearless and bold to express your views for the good of all the people and the country. May God bless you!
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essie / April 25, 2013
Yes. Mr S is Sri Lankan. His final remarks may have been made in a spirit of levity, but I find them a trifle derogatory. The hijab and the cap-they mean something to the Muslims in a spiritual sense. Not to be imitated or taken lightly.
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Piranha / April 26, 2013
Mr Essie,
Ah! how pathetic your comment is? The BBS people are carrying effigies of pig heads titled Allah and attacking muslim shops and women wearing hijab and all you have to say is that Mr Sumanthiran has made derogatory remarks about the fez and the hijab. Your own leaders are keeping mum and enjoying the perks of power and are playing deaf and dumb. At least some tamils are coming to your defence and you should be grateful to them for that rather than making stupid comments about trivial things. You are simply amazing. There is an elephant in the room that you are not able to see. Really pathetic!
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sunila Mendis / April 25, 2013
Sumanthiran is a budding Kadirgarmar who once said that he belongs to the universal mankind.As the LTTE was the outcome of decades old Sinhala chauvinism the TNA in an electoral process represent the Tamil people.While belonging to the TNA if he represents a common ground and promotes reconciliation people of all ethnicity should support him.Moreover,the Tamil people living in the North and East should be provided with the wherewithal to grieve their dead.In individual families we grieve our dead and perform religious rights.Grieving and accepting that their loved ones are no more is the first step in healing.In this case death was not due to natural causes but due to a result of a war perpetrated by the LTTE and the State.The Tamil people saw the disasterous consequences of chidren dying in the croos fire ,children recruited by the LTTE to fight in the war front. This is not the time to find out who is right and who is wrong.TNA worked under the dictat of the LTTE under duresss.Let people loke Sumanthiran ,Sambandan etc talk to the Sinhala electorate about Army occupation in the North so much so one has to get permission from the Army to even have a coming of age party of a girl child.
I would like to get the attention of the readers to name a Cabinet of minsters 25 in number for a future Govt led by an enlightened leader.
1.Mr Premadasa,2.Mr, Karu Jayasuriya,3.Mr.Sumanthiran,4.Mr.Assad Sally,5.Mr.Sarath Fonseka ,6.Mrs Shirani Bandaranaike,7.Mr. Arjuna Ranathunga,8.Mr.Vijithe Herath,9.Mrs.Savithri Gunasekera,9.Mr Mahim Mendis,10. Mr Upul Jayasuriya to name a few.
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Navin / April 25, 2013
I guess if Gotabhaya quits this government and joins the opposition today like Mr. Sarath Fonseka, he too will be good to take a seat in your cabinet from tomorrow?
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Ben Hurling / April 26, 2013
BTW, Many have mentioned Dr.Rajasingham Narendran’s name.
He is a very active member of this forum.
Always treads the middle path. Polite in all his dealings with others. And very difficult to provoke.
A future Cabinet should give him serious consideration.
Whether Dr. Narendran would seriously consider such an offer is a different matter.
Cheers!
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Lanka Liar / April 26, 2013
That is exactly what he wants. If Karuna can be one why not him. Hon Minister of ??????/
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Ben Hurling / April 26, 2013
I am not sure exactly which portfolio will be best suited for Dr. Narendran.
His biggest asset is his unwavering sanity in the face of unspeakable adversity, he has endured. He is absolutely qulified for leadership in Sri Lanka.
Comapared to many of us. Including me. And specially compared to maniacs like yourself “Lanka Liar”.
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Lanka Liar / April 27, 2013
Minister for unwavering sanity in the face of unspeakable adversity
but in the Sri Lankan parliament. ok. Well you can be his junior minister. He needs maniacs too. It is all up to him
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Ben Hurling / April 26, 2013
Sunila
I like your list of names for a cabinet in waiting.
I like some names more and some others a bit less. Based on my personal preferences. However, I am willin to compromise for the sake of Sri Lanka.
It is time to plan alternatives.
Get ready for the much awaited eviction of corrupt family from Hambantota.
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Leon E / April 25, 2013
Summanthiran is a national statesman, he is far more than a politician. And we must learn to break away from the past. True, the TNA did give us all the impression that they did support the LTTE, but didn’t even Lasantha support MR? But, he changed his mind and was killed for doing so. In the same way we must learn from the past, and judge the TNA on their present views. But let me assure you this, Summanthiran NEVER supported the TNA, he was against them. If you want to live in the past then let’s be fair and say the MR is a champion of human rights too? After all didn’t he go to the UN with evidence of Premadasa’s violations of human rights? We judge people not on their past, but on the present even though we may take the past into cognizance simply to learn from it not to define us.
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Maghribi / April 25, 2013
Hon. Sumanthiran – Please take corrective measures to restore the rights of the Muslims and Tamils in the North and East and prevent the theft of Property and Honour by the Oligarchy. The responsibility of the silent majority of all community keeping their month shut except for a few patriotic Sri Lankans. We Muslims appreciate you standing up in place of our purchased commodity of Muslim politicians. When Morality declines the rich and powerful takes control of the resources by unfair measures
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Leon E / April 25, 2013
Sorry, re my post above, I meant, Summanthiran NEVER SUPPORTED THE LTTE. (not TNA) My mistake.
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Dhaksha / April 26, 2013
Mr. Sumanthiran speaking so honestly like this, is a breath of fresh air in a stale environment. He is brave to voice his opinion, and it makes us wish there were others like him. Right now we have a very loud silence, and leaders reluctant to speak out for their people, especially for Muslim leaders. I wish Mr. Sumanthiran good luck, which he will need in the current, rather volatile political situation in our country.
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Lanka Liar / April 26, 2013
Give the Tamils a chance and a fair go. You will see many more Sumanthirans.
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Emingoam / April 26, 2013
Jaliya is the unqualified, uneducated nincompoop who is the SL ambassador in USA, courtesy of the Rajapakse family connection. This guy is not capable of making any sensible comments and is a disgrace to all the Sri Lankans who live in the USA. As an intellectual and a leader Sumanthiran leaves this guy for dead. Jaliya, when are you going to stop using SL taxpayers money to prop up the Rajapakse family rule image in the USA? No one is going to be influenced by your imbecility- please continue as the ambassador to further weaken the very low image of the SL government that the IC has.
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Ravi / April 27, 2013
This Jaliya Wickramasuriya (with only O’Levels) was the former tea taster at MJF Exports where he worked for 17 years. His only qualification to become the Sri Lankan ambassador to America is being a relative of Rajapakshes.
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Jim Hardy / April 26, 2013
I Like Mr Sumanthiran future unbiased leader .
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