28 March, 2024

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Welcome To Jaffna Madam Chandrika!

By C.V. Wigneswaran

C.V. Wigneswaran

“It is not enough to say war is violent and brutal. Even in war there are standards laid down internationally to be followed. Not to have followed them requires adequate after action. That is the accountability and justice our people are craving for. The reluctance of the powers that be to take adequate steps with regard to War Crimes committed and the attempt to shove the past under the carpet so to say leaves our people wondering whether the Good Governance Government is indeed interested in reconciliation and unity.”

Chief Minister Wgneswarn’s address – UNUR Economic Engagement Programme at the Conference Hall at Divisional Secretariat, Tellipalai on 25.03.2017 at 10.30 am:

Guru Brahma ………….

Hon’ Madam Chandrika Kumaratunga, Hon’ Governor, Hon’ Guests of Honour, including the Members of Parliament and Northern provincial Council, the Jaffna Government Agent, the Director General of ONUR, Distinguished Guests, High officials from Provincial as well as Central Administrations, my dear brothers and sisters,

It gives me pleasure to welcome Madam Chandrika on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Economic Engagement Programme initiated and implement by the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation. Events are earmarked here in Tellipalai then at Chankanai, Karaveddy and Point Pedro. Many projects that are helpful to our people are being inaugurated. The construction of Primary Health Care Centre at Palai Veemankamam, construction of Fisheries Auction Centre at Chulipuram West at Chankanai, Renovation of Anaivilunthan Tank and Channel at Udupiddy South, Opening of the Rural Water Supply scheme at Polikandy South, Point Pedro are some of the events among others that are to be undertaken today by Madam Chandrika.

The works undertaken are no doubt important but quite delayed in undertaking considering the fact that eight long years have passed since the end of the war. Our people are quite conscious of the urgency of addressing the impact of the war on them and on the environment and landscape around. But at the same time they are concerned about the delay in addressing the questions of accountability and justice too.

Some of us feel and here I reflect the views and concerns of a large section of our people that there are insufficient action so far reflecting a commitment towards reconciliation. While addressing the physical economic needs and other logistical necessities it is incumbent that the basic factors that gave rise to schism among us are also addressed. Discrimination and a hegemonic attitude on the part of the Centre led to our initial disagreements and unpleasantness. It was the snowballing effect of such negative attitudes which led to violence. When violence was brought to an end with International help the means adopted at the tail end by our powers that be were dubious and brutal.

It is not enough to say war is violent and brutal. Even in war there are standards laid down internationally to be followed. Not to have followed them requires adequate after action. That is the accountability and justice our people are craving for. The reluctance of the powers that be to take adequate steps with regard to War Crimes committed and the attempt to shove the past under the carpet so to say leaves our people wondering whether the Good Governance Government is indeed interested in reconciliation and unity.

I always refer to the first improper violent act committed on or around the 5th of June 1956 at Inginiyagala. Immediate action taken irrespective of who was involved would have prevented the culture of impunity that grew to gigantic proportions later. Instead of empathizing with the victims we had sympathized the perpetrators of violence. If the Government oblivious of who committed them and against whom, identified the criminal acts and took immediate action we could have saved this Country from the impasse it went through.

That is why we have been agitating for our participation in the processes adopted for reconciliation. Reconciliation demands the participation of those affected freely and dignifiedly. Our participation does not mean our officials. They are beholder to the Centre. The political representatives of our people should be made to participate right from the beginning. Merely to look into the physical needs of our people is inadequate. Their feelings need to be assuaged.

We have been therefore critical about the preparation of the Peace Building Priority Plan Framework in that many matters that need to have been given adequate attention and importance have not been included therein. Just to refer to some –

  1. Our requests to bring us into the process fell on deaf ears. Even now it is not too late to include us. How would you implement the framework when the key stakeholder is not a part to it?
  2. The framework has no reference to War Crimes’ accountability
  3. There has been no reference to the inclusion of War Crimes jurisdiction into our Law
  4. Demilitarisation, High Security Zones, Security Sector Reforms should have been included into the framework
  5. The need to withdraw Prevention of Terrorism Act should have been reiterated and helped to be withdrawn
  6. Role of the Diaspora should have been included
  7. Sustainable Development Goals could have been made the corner stones of our future development

Thus the hardship of our people and their aspirations have not been adequately understood. There is a feeling of “serves them right” pervading the psyche of the powers that be. The extent to which I saw the spirit of empathy engulfing the Toronto Mayor, John Tory who visited us last Sunday, I have failed to see among our local people both Sinhalese and Tamils. Sympathy I do see.

But very little empathy do I perceive.

People fall at my feet and ask me – “Please find our dear ones, whom we ourselves handed over to the Military”. “Where are they?” “What happened to them?” – They cry and ask. What answer do I give them? Many of the parents who demonstrate at Kilinochchi or Keppapilavu are suffering from many ailments and aches and pains. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart ailments and other ailments daunt them. I have seen them taking their medicines while being seated in their hurriedly constructed temporary sheds, exposed to the inclement morning weather and the scorching afternoon heat.

Accountability concerns them. They seek to know whether their dear ones are living or dead. The Office of Missing Persons was designed but not given a lease of life to operate. The committees sat on constitutional reforms but their Reports were withheld. Now that such deliberate delays have given a new lease of life to the Government at Geneva, let us sit down in earnest, despite the disappointments of the distressed, to seek solutions to many problems that beset us. High time the Keppapilavu people are sent back to their traditional habitations. So too the people here in Tellipalai and surrounding areas and where so ever still languishing in camps and so called welfare centres. Let there be a concerted effort at demilitarization. Let there be adequate projects addressing the special needs of the affected sections of our Society. There were many matters identified in the Consensus Resolution at Geneva in 2015. We need to refer back to our commitments.

I refer to these not to underestimate the work done by ONUR to the affected people. I refer to them since a substantial change in attitudes and a possible buildup of trust could be achieved by attending to the psychological injuries caused by the war at its concluding stages through brutality and extortion by sections of the armed forces. Under the good governance Government there were glaring incidents of violence and extortion which were brought to my notice while I was abroad. The War crimes’ inquiry is necessary to bring out the truth of brutality and cruelty among human beings. It is improper to shove it under the carpet just because those who committed belong to particular ethnic groups. So let us ensure that while we indulge in many programmes of work which helps our people in their day to day activities we also take adequate steps to address the basic causes for the conflict and identify the urgent needs of those affected.

I thank Madam Chandrika for inviting me to this function and let me hope all her attempts and activities would promote peace and reconciliation among our conflicting Communities.

Thank you.

*Justice C.V. Wigneswaran – Chief Minister, Northern Province

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Latest comments

  • 15
    6

    Thank you cm

  • 7
    27

    He looks like Osama Bin Laden

  • 15
    31

    Dear Hon C.V. Wigneswaran

    When J. R. Jayewardene wanted to develop Sri Lanka as Singapore, Tamil leaders joined with India and took arms against the Sri Lankan government. Then Tamil leaders joined with the West and turned against the Indians, Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils. You have destroyed yourselves and others; blame yourselves for everything. Tamil leaders are responsible for the dead and missing people far more than the government or defense forces.

    • 24
      5

      If Tamils are responsible for the dead and missing, why are the Budhist, BBS terrorists and Sinhalese are against creation of the Missing Persons Office ?

      • 4
        22

        AJ

        Why do you want a office looking for dead child soldiers ?

        • 12
          1

          did I say I want it?

    • 15
      6

      Antany Peter aspires to be a version of Karuna but does not have the intelligence or the punch. This “develop SL to Singapore” is an old story. Blaming Tamils exclusive for the present Lankan predicament shows his shallow mind.

      Go on Antany – blame the Tamils for Lasantha murder! And of course say that in 1981 the Jaffna Library was set on fire by “terrorists” of Tamil origin.

      Wonder who issued his fake passport?

      • 4
        8

        “It takes two hands to clap. I cannot be solely blamed Tamils or Sinhalese for what happened in Sri Lanka since the independence. It happened because of both parties’ foolishness.” However, I blame the Tamil leaders for arms conflict in Sri Lanka. The African American or the Singaporean leaders didn’t take arms against their government or against their majority. Clearly, this makes Tamil leaders as foolish leaders.

        Surely, 1983 riots must have been avoided, but JR failed utterly. He was keen on Executive Presidency to enjoy his power, instead of uniting the country to move forward. Tamils would have avoided Prabhakaran; If JR published Prabhakaran’s bio-data in all newspaper instead of allowing the 1983 riots. Both parties didn’t have wise leaders to enlighten themselves and the opposition. Sadly, Tamils still avoid wise Tamils, but worship Indians and the Westerners.

        • 7
          0

          Antany: “It takes two hands to clap…. “
          Clever boy!! But not clever enough to realize that the two hands must be of equal strength. Were the various pogroms especially 1983) claps of brutal slaps? There was this photos of May 2009 of a twelve year old given some tidbits while the captors contacted Colombo. The next frame shows the boy shot dead at close range. Yes someone was clapping with both his own personal hands.

          Come off this nonsense Antany. Do not pretend sagacity – you have none.

    • 17
      3

      If JR wanted to develop Srilanka as a Singapore, you have to follow the path taken by Lee Kwan Yew which was a success story. First thing he should have done is to settle the Tamil grievances by establishing equality between the communities. Instead of that, as he came to power he unleashed a riot against Tamils and justified it as saying “If you want war, lets have war, and if you want peace lets have peace”. If this is the way to develop Srilanka as a Singapore, I am afraid he had put the wrong foot forward in his attempt.

      In Singapore, though Tamil is spoken by only 8% of the population, it was given the status of official language on par with Chinese (75%), Malay (15%) and English (2%). This provision is implemented fully without any problem, so that you will find Tamil in all government publications, including material given to passengers in Singapore Airlines. JR never attempted to do any such thing to alleviate Tamils. It is only India that forced him through the accord in 1987 to grant official status to Tamil on par with Sinhalese.

      Do not blame Tamils for everything. Tamil leaders co-operated with him to find a solution based on regional autonomy. After prolonging it for three years, he came out with a powerless district council system, much less than what SWRD was willing to grant in 1957 and Dudley in 1966. Even then he got the election to Jaffna DDC disrupted by his thugs and did not allow any of the councils in Tamil areas to function. How do think a person like him to be sincere in delivering his goa,l for the Tamils to live as first class citizens.

      JR had a two third majority in parliament and full executive power as President, and if he wanted to settle Tamil problem, he could have easily done it. He was successful in supressing trade unionism and other forms of defiance to his rule, but came a cropper in trying to suppress Tamils. Remember what he told foreign journalist “More I hit Tamils, more votes I will get from the Sinhalese”. I an sure if lee Kwan yew had tried the same tricks in Singapore, the story of Singapore today will be different from what is it today.

      • 3
        12

        What is the total square footage of Singapore ?

        what is the population of Singapore ?

        what were the demands from Malaysia when Singapore was carved from Malaysia ?

        Why malaysian indians did not become the prominent group in singapore ?

        • 13
          2

          Have you not heard about Google. You can actually use Google to find out what is the area, population of singapore. also yo can cross check references, so you dont have to vomit verbally

          • 11
            3

            AJ “Have you not heard about Google.”

            Jim Softly knows very well what Google is. But he never uses it ; because Google will open up a world d of Tamil culture and Tamil history to him that he doesn’t want to know

            he prefers to stay an idiot and bury his head in the sand

      • 6
        0

        Dear Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam,

        I agree with you that J.R. J’wardena has much to answer for. The circumstances were right, just after a landslide victory for him to push through enlightened legislation.

        Similarly, by about August 2015, after Parliamentary Elections, the decent Maithri, and the experienced Ranil could have worked together and isolated the handful of hardcore racists in my community. Instead undesirables like S.B. Dissanayke were unnecessarily brought in to Parliament and Maithri seemed to lose his nerve when it came to investigating Rajapaksa crimes.

        The Economic crimes should be punished (it is not too late, even now!); it will be difficult to actually execute ANY soldier however horrendous the crime. That is NOT because I condone such crimes, but because the average Sinhalese (although non-racist and non-violent from having heard so much of Buddhist ahimsa) can get irrational if he feels threatened. Also, the Sinhalese (wrongly!) feel that this island is our personal possession.

        Even in my eyes, you are privileged – but let us regard such blessings as we have received to be our good fortune, not entitlement. Viggie lays stress on empathy (sympathy is not enough). Try to understand that although SOME Sinhalese are brash, not all are like that.

        Singapore – congratulations on their achievements – and agree on almost everything you’ve said, except about that 2% English. As first language, to start with, probably; but now it is THE language of all. This is something about which much more has to be said by more knowledgeable people than me!

    • 10
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      Antany:

      Don’t bluff through your teeth. Did Tamils take up arms because JRJ wanted wanted to prevent the development of Sri Lanka? The Tamils were carrying on their own business and it is the bloody Sinhalese who poked their nose into the affairs of the Tamils.

      A compulsive liar like you will be able to tell stories to dumb Sinhalese but your pathetic lies that “Tamil leaders are responsible for the dead and missing people far more than the government or defense forces” does not hold water. The truth is the Sinhalese killed more than 70,000 Sinhalese and about the same number of Tamils. You are not that smart, are you?

      • 4
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        Tamils took up arms against the Sinhalese because Tamil racists like Chelva, Sunda, Ponna brothers had brainwashed Tamils since 1930s to hate the Sinhalese. So they started the war and lost. Lost in the most humiliating manner.If you like Singapore, go there. There is an area called Little India put aside for Tamils; the dirtiest part of Singapore. Penang and KL too have Little Indias habited by dirty Tamil boutiques, open sewers.Take your brothers and sisters in Wellawatte, Kotahena, Mutwal, Pettah with you.

        • 8
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          lal loo

          Tell us as to why racist Sinhala/Buddhist terrorist took up arms not once but twice and failed, failed miserably?

          Did public racists Anagarika Dharmapala, SWRD Banda, … had had profound effect on the Southern natural born racists?

          “Take your brothers and sisters in Wellawatte, Kotahena, Mutwal, Pettah with you.”

          Good idea, when are you joining your Tamil brethren?

          Now that Jayalalitha is dead and gone, perhaps your reliable ally Subramanian Swamy could make the necessary arrangements for 21 Millions of the stupids to comfortably settle down in any part of India of your choosing.

        • 6
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          lal:

          This is another donkey neighing ignorance. You mean to say the Tamils took up arms in 1956 when the Sinhala only Act was passed? Or when the republican constitution was passed? Or when written agreements were not honoured? Or after murders and rapes of Tamils supported by a regime that was supposed to protect them?

          Even the promises of present regimes are not honoured. Coming from a race that hardly knows the meaning of credibility and honour, your loud mouth gives away how rapists belong to a sadistic society. Am I surprised that you may be just one of them?

      • 3
        5

        I blame the Tamil leaders for arms conflict in Sri Lanka. The African American or the Singaporean leaders didn’t take arms against their government or against their majority. Clearly, this makes Tamil leaders as foolish leaders. “It takes two hands to clap. I cannot be solely blamed Tamils or Sinhalese for what happened in Sri Lanka since the independence. It happened because of both parties’ foolishness.”

        Surely, 1983 riots must have been avoided, but JR failed utterly. He was keen on Executive Presidency to enjoy his power, instead of uniting the country to move forward. Tamils would have avoided Prabhakaran; If JR published Prabhakaran’s bio-data in all newspaper instead of allowing the 1983 riots. Both parties didn’t have wise leaders to enlighten themselves and the opposition. Sadly, Tamils still avoid wise Tamils, but worship Indians and the Westerners.

        • 5
          0

          Antany:

          You must be joking to compare Singapore leaders with the regime of Sri Lanka. There was a time when Premier Lee was so envious of SL that he wanted to build/develop Singapore along the lines of SL only to change his view diametrically stating that SL is a near failed state.

          The fools are not the Tamils but the greedy and power-hungry Sinhalese leaders. They made political careers out of the misery they caused the Tamils. They will go to the Tamils with begging bowls for votes promising thousand and one things but without fail every sinhala leader were simply lying to the Tamils – cheats and liars.

          The Tamils extended their warm hands many many times but were cheated by the Sinhala leaders. I had hope of some resolution after the war but that hope has evaporated. This country will continue to fail. Who knows, Mahinda may be thinking that it will be better after all without the Tamils being part of SL and give them their autonomy. He can then be assured that with the Sinhala votes alone he can become the President. Otherwise it will be a pipe dream for him.

        • 4
          0

          Antany – this “It takes two hands to clap” is nonsense. This sort of pontifications come from bankrupt thinkers.

          You have no understanding of liberation movements. Surely, do you think that Vietnam will be free without Ho Chi Ming? The former apartheid South Africa regime change without ANC militancy? And so on & so on. Read a little before making a bigger fool of yourself.

    • 8
      2

      Antany Peter does not know Dudley Chelva pact, Banda Chelva pact.

      “The LTTE did not come into being or grow into a world-class terror outfit in a vacuum. Without the Sinhala Only, the Tiger may have remained unborn. Without the Black July, the Tiger may not have grown exponentially. If the B-C Pact and the D-C Pact did not miscarry (thanks to the midwifery of Sinhala extremism), the LTTE, even if it was born, would have remained a fringe group.” Tisaranee Gunasekara 

      • 2
        7

        May be Tisaranee does not know that Tamils started smuggling arms from Tamil Nadu in 1930 to fight against Sinhalese. At that time there was no ‘Sinhala Only’, ‘Black July’. So all these ‘if not for that, if not for this’ may be irrelevant.

        British refused to give 50:50 because they felt it was a highly unreasonable demand. Sinhala government gave 60:40 when Tamils were only about 25% of the total population but Tamils politicians rejected that offer. Ranil gave nearly one third of the country to Prabhakaran where he established de facto Eelam with his courts, banks etc. Instead of living in peace with Sinhalese he used that opportunity to replenish his armory and restarted the war and lost. So there is no need to give anything.

        • 1
          0

          Eagle Eye

          “British refused to give 50:50 because they felt it was a highly unreasonable demand.”

          What does your other “alter SLCitizen” think about 50:50 split?

      • 2
        5

        Surely, 1983 riots must have been avoided, but JR failed utterly. He was keen on Executive Presidency to enjoy his power, instead of uniting the country to move forward. Tamils would have avoided Prabhakaran; If JR published Prabhakaran’s bio-data in all newspaper instead of allowing the 1983 riots. Both parties didn’t have wise leaders to enlighten themselves and the opposition. Sadly, Tamils still avoid wise Tamils, but worship Indians and the Westerners.

        “It takes two hands to clap. I cannot be solely blamed Tamils or Sinhalese for what happened in Sri Lanka since the independence. It happened because of both parties’ foolishness.” However, I blame the Tamil leaders for arms conflict in Sri Lanka. The African American or the Singaporean leaders didn’t take arms against their government or against their majority. Clearly, this makes Tamil leaders as foolish leaders.

    • 6
      2

      Antany Peter “When J. R. Jayewardene wanted to develop Sri Lanka as Singapore, Tamil leaders joined with India and took arms against the Sri Lankan government”

      Antany Peter if you want tell fake news tell it in a way that sounds plausible.

      If you have said that the Singapore govt armed Tamils against JR it’s more a believable fake news .

      • 1
        5

        Raj-Ass:

        Is this cheering up for english medium readers is for getting ready for the election ?

        Because, for the Tamil Media, wigneswaran demand was asking Malik Samarawickeama to with the Army camps from North (It looks Rqanil Wickramsinghe di dnot want to see the face of Wigneswaran).

        You idiot tamils are having orgasm.

        Exploit the masses and live the Life. that is Tamils.

        • 8
          1

          Jim Softly

          There is a famous saying;

          “Sinhalese the majority with a minority complex”
          you fit the bill perfectly.

        • 7
          1

          We all know your dangling bits are soft. You can’t get up, that’s why your name is Softy. Therefore you can’t have an prgasm. You really can’t blame the Tamils for having their orgasms, because of your misfortunate blessing from Buddha.

    • 2
      3

      J.R. Wanted to make Lankawe like Singapore. So what? Every Mother dreams while she rock her boy’s cradle that her child will grow up one day and become a man. If she is lucky her “Nadantha Pillai Tavazhaathu”. (The walked child won’t crawl back). That’s all!

      Isn’t because Tamils leaders took arms against India the LTTE eliminated them as per you? Then why are you cursing LTTE too? JR said if he starve Tamils Lankawe will become Singapore even before India came to Lankawe. Then he starved Tamil but Lankawe didn’t become Singapore.

      Lankawe had become Apartheid South Africa when Don Stephen took steering wheel. In’t it a mismatch policy with Lee. Then what was left to JR to do?

      Whatever anybody did or failed to do, whoever supported to it blocked it, but didn’t your Old Boss Old King made the Lankawe into Asia’s Miracle with Chemical Bomb and Cluster Bombs, even surpassing North Korea?

      Man your planet’s powers are weak to free you from “Saniyan”, the saturn. So are possessed by China. You curse the Chinese enemies, CV, India, the Old King, Wimal, Vasu, Dinesh….

      You can change side when China shift from Old Royals to New Royals. But you have no idea when time comes Ranil is going to do to China what he did for West and Ex State Secretary John Kerry. That time China will not be able to hack the computers. If that time Old King refused to accept you back, give a call GL, he will take you into his party.

    • 7
      1

      Antany Peter

      How are you?

      “When J. R. Jayewardene wanted to develop Sri Lanka as Singapore, Tamil leaders joined with India and took arms against the Sri Lankan government.”

      When did J. R. Jayewardene first want to develope Sri Lanka as Singapore? Chose any dates between 1935 and 1988.

      “Then Tamil leaders joined with the West and turned against the Indians, Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils.”

      When exactly Tamil leaders join the west?

      Feel free to ignore me if you do not know the answers.

      • 2
        6

        in the 1970s and 1980s JR followed Singapore. In fact one of my uncles who lives in Singapore continually advised JR to follow Singapore policies between 1970s – 1980s

        Tamils always following the West. However, Tamil diaspora leaders were closely listening to the West when India pushed the Indo-Lanka agreement on the Sri Lankan government, as well as on Tamil armed groups.

        • 5
          2

          Antany Peter “In fact one of my uncles who lives in Singapore continually advised JR to follow Singapore policies between 1970s – 1980s”

          if your uncle is like you now that explains why JR bungled it.

          • 1
            4

            You will be fooling yourself; if you believe that you can continue to fool Tamils. China is coming up, Sri Lanka wants to be with the winners. Therefore, India must lift its game and help the Indian Subcontinent to prosper or the Subcontinent countries will be with China and China encircling Hindu extremists is inevitable.

            • 3
              1

              Antany Peter “You will be fooling yourself; if you believe that you can continue to fool Tamils”

              something your uncle told JR?

        • 2
          1

          Come on Anthony, you are so poor man. Have some life boy!

          You bragged a lot and claimed you have advised Old King and he is going to wipe out the Asia’s most dangerous beasts, the Tamils. Now, probably after you attempted to advise Old King, he has moved away from China. China is moving faster to Ranil than you can catch up with it. Your advices to Old King has met its fate that way. You are now coming with the story of it was your uncle advised JR to go on the path of Singapore. I did know that when you wrote JR wanted to go on the path of Singapore, that kind of cess pool idea should have come from your DNA, not from the magnificent Junius Richard that great one begged Thatcher and Reagan to launch a fight on Mrs.Gandhi and Rajiv.

          Man before you get into the trouble of having advised to Ranil and it again go as another fiasco of your DNA, put it out here in time of what you plan to claim as you advised to Ranil. I exactly know what is his next move going to be with China after he very brilliantly cheating the UNHRC countries, but had pre-signed( as per Vasu) the Sales of Hambantota to China. UNHRC thrusted Ranil with two year extension only to encourage him not to sell Hangbangtota. He took the two year deal but had signed the deal with China without UNHRC countries come to know. These are too complex for you figure it out. So let me help you on this. Don’t go alone, take my hand. If you say me what is going to be your advice to Ranil, then I can edited it with what things Ranil have already done secretly alone or with/without Sampanthar, without Sinhala Mahajan knowing. So this time you will have a successful claim of what you advised to Ranil and he had accepted it and followed it.

  • 21
    4

    A very rational speech that explains his dilemma as CM.It shows Wiggy in clearer light since he has often been caste in a pro tiger mould. The invitation extended to Wiggy shows Chandrika’s sincere efforts to engage the Tamils and sort the problem.As long as people like Chandrika,Sirisena,Ranil Mangala are there ,the greater will be the chances of establishing a plural,united and progressive Sri Lanka.Sampanthan too needs to be commended for giving Wiggy the space to air his views freely despite been under pressure from the TNA rank and file.

    The key to any solution is for both sides to reach middle ground as quickly as practically possible.This would call for painful compromises by both sides.This is after all a human problem and not a mechanical one.

    • 8
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      A sensible approach by a Sinhalese that shows that most Sinhalese people are not like ‘Jim Softly’-an unmitigated chauvinist deprived of all humanity!

  • 10
    3

    CM/Justice Vigneswaren may please reconsider beginning his public addresses with parts of what he probably wishes to convey as a Hindu prayer. My suggestion is aimed at totally separating religion from politics.
    That craftypseudo religious man Ashraff began this unhealthy practise, which should be done away with asap. Justice Vigneswaren, a much well read man, is surely aware Western European nations, in their wisdom, decided to separate religion from politics in and around the 17th century. That has served Europe well.

    Justice Vigneswaren and other learned political leaders should begin right away to encourage to keep religion where it should be – within the confines of Temples, Kovils, Churches and Mosques. This will atleast go far to prevent charlatans from politicising religion.

    Kettikaran

    • 6
      2

      Agree with Kettikaran.

      Religion is used to perpetuate the caste system. The Hindu temple priests in UK, EU, Canada are Brahmins. Astrology and such superstitions are freely resurrected over there. The Cameron government wanted to outlaw caste practice in the UK. High caste Hindu bigots opposed it and Cameron caved in.

      Countries which do not draw the line between religion and politics have gone down the drain. Yogi Adithyanath as CM Uttar Pradesh? Certainly India is on its way.

  • 4
    8

    Guru Brahma

    Brahma knelt infont of Lord Buddha.

  • 5
    0

    Kesera Basnayake.

    I Agree in toto!

  • 8
    1

    A most welcome address.
    I hope that this sane approach will prevail so that attention will be paid by the NPC to real issues of the downtrodden in the North than to nationalistic resolutions addressing the International Community.

  • 4
    1

    There is no use in getting agitated over HLDM’s remarks. He does not mean well, and writes to offend.

    Caste based untouchability has existed in all Hindu religions, but absent among offshoots like Lingayats who rejected Brahminism and hence Hinduism.
    There was caste hierarchy among Sinhalese, despite Buddhism, and partly inherited from the later Indian origins of the Sinhala race. (There is plenty on the Internet on caste among Sinhalese.)
    The way Sri Lanka was colonized ensured that Govigama domination was not total. The Karave were the first to challenge Govi hegemony during the Dutch period.
    It was only after SWRDB that backward groups like Bathgama (aka Padu, derogatively) made social advance.
    There are still backward Sinhala castes and communities. The Rodi folk are still outcasts, and gypsies are resented.
    But the Sinhala society has modernized faster in de-emphasis of caste than Tamils, especially of the Jaffna Peninsula. But caste still exists strongly as an identity.

    That does not mean that the Tamils can pretend that everything is all right.
    Much has changed since Daniel’s writings, thanks to the militant campaign against untouchability 1966-1972 led by “Peking Wing” Communists. There was the famous Maviddapuram temple entry struggle as well as many far more violent local struggles.
    Caste discrimination in public places is a thing of the past I will agree. But there is much of covert practice and discrimination still going on. There are many who still certainly in private and at times in public give expression to their caste arrogance. There is evidence for it on this website.

    Please let us ignore taunting by the likes of HLDM and search within us about caste prejudices and practice and act to eliminate what still exists.

    We cannot wish away our ills.

    • 1
      0

      SJ,

      “Caste discrimination in public places is a thing of the past I will agree.”

      Some temples continue with separate places and times for different castes. Then there are the smallish temples that only are for one caste.

      Many temple festivals have designated day(s) for a single caste like Monday is Vellalah, Tuesday is Koviar etc. From that we can deduct that caste identity still exists, people know what is the caste of the others and that people accept this structure.

      “But there is much of covert practice and discrimination still going on. There are many who still certainly in private and at times in public give expression to their caste arrogance. There is evidence for it on this website.”

      Yes.

      If caste does not matter why do we know the caste of the others? Are you an Eastern Vellalah?

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        Does my caste matter to you?
        Will it matter if I am a Southern Durava?

        One comments on rights and wrongs irrespective of one’s identity.

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          SJ,

          “Does my caste matter to you?”

          Enough to ask about it. This is Jaffna and I am curious.

          “Will it matter if I am a Southern Durava?”

          You are not and thus your question is irrelevant.

          As you know we have a problem in Jaffna with the outsiders who we cannot identify.

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        LW
        Forgot to add.
        Caste matters to the extent that it plays a social role, and will be commented on in two ways: one to keep it going and the other to alert to its evils. To these, I may add mischief by the likes of HLDM.

        To one opposed to the system, it does not matter at a personal level, but one is not blind to harsh realities of caste-driven wrongs, and of course history, you should know why.

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          SJ,

          “To one opposed to the system, it does not matter at a personal level, but one is not blind to harsh realities of caste-driven wrongs, and of course history, you should know why.”

          Usually the oppressed need at least in the beginning leaders who have a different background meaning better education. Naxalites, Sendero Luminoso and many other movements are examples.

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            If you have a problem with “outsiders who ‘we’ cannot identify” please protect yourself by leaving me out of your life.

            In my view it is uncivilized conduct to poke one’s nose into the private affairs of people including caste. I know how they play the game in Jaffna, but I also know many Jaffna Tamils who behave in a civilized fashion in these matters.

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              SJ,

              “If you have a problem with “outsiders who ‘we’ cannot identify” please protect yourself by leaving me out of your life.”

              I was expecting a more playful reply from you. You appear to be dead serious about caste while I am not.

              “In my view it is uncivilized conduct to poke one’s nose into the private affairs of people including caste.”

              Caste can still explain behaviour in Jaffna. I have never claimed to be civilized whatever it means. As I already have stated here your idea of private/confidential is very different from my idea. Exposing private confidential affairs is one way to change the world.

              “I know how they play the game in Jaffna, but I also know many Jaffna Tamils who behave in a civilized fashion in these matters.”

              You claim to know the game but I doubt if you have understood all of it. I have not.

              “Only God knows everything and he works for Mossad”.

              I have to return to my counter hegemonic struggle now.

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          Have you heard of Spartacus?
          My later day list is far too long for these pages.

          It is time that the elite (and those with pretences to being the elite) stopped patronizing the oppressed.

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            SJ,

            “Have you heard of Spartacus?”

            I have read and even seen at least part of a film. My idea of helping the oppressed is to use non-violent means.

            “My later day list is far too long for these pages. It is time that the elite (and those with pretences to being the elite) stopped patronizing the oppressed.”

            I cannot see the oppressed in Jaffna being empowered without help from others and the others would have to be members of elite. Maybe you have another illusion on the reality of the oppressed?

            We can have an endless discussion on what is patronizing and what is empowering. In my humble opinion there is nothing wrong with educating the oppressed about their rights.

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              “I was expecting a more playful reply from you. You appear to be dead serious about caste while I am not.”
              It was not funny.
              There has been far too much of insulting by race, religion, gender and caste on these pages and I have objected to CT all along.
              Please wave your handkerchief the next time when you think that you are frivolous.

              Nothing is wrong with informing; people who claim to ‘educate’ tend to be patronizing.
              People educate themselves through practice, through struggle.

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                SJ,

                “There has been far too much of insulting by race, religion, gender and caste on these pages and I have objected to CT all along.”

                I agree and I have objected also. One nasty comment on you was removed because I objected.

                “Nothing is wrong with informing; people who claim to ‘educate’ tend to be patronizing.”

                Then I am patronizing. So what? You must have read Paulo Freire.

                “People educate themselves through practice, through struggle.”

                Yes, yes but somebody (Freire, M.Gandhi?) has to initiate the struggle. As Dr Jeevan Hoole has mentioned the representation in politics, economy and administration of the Jaffna oppressed is still minimal but more than before. In my opinion he is correct about the Vellalah now using the middle castes to together oppress the very low castes. What we see is the modification of the hegemonic system to survive.

                Have you ever visited the so called pockets of poverty in rural Jaffna to find out what the various authorities are doing?

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                  Thanks for the trouble to remove the insulting remark.
                  Personal insults do not bother me and they say more about the person who utters the offensive words.
                  The use of phrases that are offensive in general terms especially identity-based ones are the ones that trouble me. CT should do something and if you have any influence please use it to rectify the situation.

                  I do not live in Jaffna.
                  But I have close friends who work there and I am aware of the pockets of poverty as well as several other issues.

                  To say that a downtrodden people need someone like ‘us’ for their salvation is to me patronizing.
                  I will not debate this point further.

                  BTW, it was Gandhi’s failure that prompted Ambedkar to act in ways that were more effective.

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                    SJ,

                    “I do not live in Jaffna. But I have close friends who work there and I am aware of the pockets of poverty as well as several other issues.”

                    Unfortunately many here don’t even notice the problems. This is partly because of the caste system and based on karma and religion. It is thus normal for “them” to suffer.

                    I found a map on line showing the worst pockets of poverty in Sri Lanka. The pockets match the low caste villages perfectly in the area I know.

                    “BTW, it was Gandhi’s failure that prompted Ambedkar to act in ways that were more effective.”

                    Gandhi did many mistakes. Nobody is perfect.

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                    SJ,

                    “CT should do something and if you have any influence please use it to rectify the situation.”

                    I approached years ago CT giving examples of comments that were against their written policy. No reply.

                    Luckily some of the worst commentators have stopped commenting or comment on articles that I don’t read.

  • 3
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    Don’t you think Tamils are anti-Sinhala hypocrites.

    Talk about Brahma to show the caste. they die for Tamil but talk english. They are jealous sinhala people because they dont want to go to Tamilnadu and become coolies so want a country in sinhale.

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      Dont you think BBS terrorists have want separatism and call the land Sinhale but they have English names like Jim Softy instead of Govigama Bandara or something like that. Sinhalse could always return to Bangladesh and but they like to invade the Ealam?

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    Wigneswaran was happy to welcome Chandrika in Jaffna.

    But he asked Actor Rajikanth not to step into Jaffna to open houses constructed for refugees by Lyca.

    Rajini was going to do what Chandrika did in Jaffna. Wigneswaran gladly participated along side Chandrika when she inaugurated various projects for the Jaffna Tamils, but he does not want Rajini to do the same.

    What a hypocrite this Wigneswaran is!

    This man Wigneswaran is an ungrateful guy who is now challenging Sampanthan and Sumanthiran who were instrumental in making him the Chief Minister of Northern Province. He had forgotten that if not for Sampanthan and Sumanthiran he would not be where he is now.

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      On the contrary Sambanthan and Sumanthiran only supported what the Tamil people believed about the need of a capable CM to administer their affairs in the North.
      Wigneswaran was a retired SC judge and not interested in politics but he was ready to help and assist when it came to the betterment and progress of not only the Tamils but others as well across the communal divide.
      To assert that Wigneswaran has been ungrateful to Sambanthan and Sumanthiran is utterly ridiculous inappropriate and absurd .
      Who is Rajini Kanth a Chennai based Kannada origin overrated film star to come to SL and hand over the houses to Tamil refugees constructed by Lyca a private enterprise that was permitted by the SL government and the NPC to construct those houses ?
      That Lyca has a Lankan origin business enterprise individual with a private arrangement with Rajinikanth on film production is immaterial for Rajinikanth to be accorded importance.
      The government is right if a visa was refused to him.

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        Not just Sampanthan and Sumanthiran but most Tamils in the North placed lot of hope on Wigneswaran.

        But, he has disappointed everyone.

        His Council had been passing useless resolutions on the Tamil issues instead of running the Northern Provincial Council administration to the betterment of the Northern Tamils.

        He has now become a tool in the hands of the pro-LTTE diaspora organisations.

        Wigneswarn is now only backed by rejected Jaffna politicians like Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam and Suresh Premachandran. It is doubtful whether he commands the support of all the TNA Councillors. However, Sampanthan, being a gentleman politician, will not allow his TNA Councillors to rock the boat and unseat Wigneswaran.

        Being a good judge is one thing but Wigneswaran must now be realizing that running an elected council against competing interests is yet another thing which is alien to him. Northern Provincial Council Opposition Leader Thavarajah has documented Wigneswaran’s failings as the Chief Minister. He once charged that the Northern Provincial Council could not get even its legislation right despite Chief Minister Wigneswaran being a retired Supreme Court judge.

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          I have myself previously criticised Wigneswaran in the CT for his genocide resolution, that apart my comment is about Rajinikanth being invited by Lyca enterprise to handover the houses to Tamil refugees.
          The man behind Lyca is of Lankan origin and I laud his efforts for constructing houses for Tamil refugees.
          The NPC CM has not played any part in inviting Rajikanth and neither the SL government nor the TNA.
          The invitation is a private one between Lyca enterprise and film star Rajinikanth for promoting the commercial interest of both of a film in the making as I understand.
          Never has Rajinikanth ever in anyway involved nor concerned about the welfare of Lankan Tamil refugees. So what is the necessity to invite him and why should he be given a visa by the government for a visit?
          It is said that the Lyca enterprise man desires the gift of the houses on behalf of his mother, so why not he have his mother give those houses away to the refugees.?

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            Rajnikanth’s welcome visit to the Vanni was sabotaged by weak and scheming TN politicos like Vaiko and others. These men believe the SL Tamil issue is their private property to keep their heads above water in this sordid and despicable business, yes business, of TN politics. RK’s visit would have contributed to the good of the SL Tamil people in the North. Vaiko and others fear RK will enter TN politics once Kalaignar is out of the scene. The SL Tamil issue is an important component of the dynamics of TN politics – whether it is good or bad, in TN or SL, being an entirely different matter.

            The owners of Lyca/London need to be congratulated for their good move to provide relief to the suffering Tamil people in the North.
            This will only encourage others in the Diaspora to follow suit.

            R. Varathan

  • 6
    1

    For Antany Peter:

    You talk about Singapore. V. good !

    Please go back and read what Lee Quan Yew had to say about the botched case of Sri Lanka and about the role of the Tamils of Sri lanka in Singapore..

    The less you talk about JRJ, the better. Please surf the net and read what JRJ said about the Tamils.

  • 1
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    What percentage is the commission from these projects to C Regina.

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      Eagle Eye/SLCitizen

      suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID),or Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD)

      “What percentage is the commission from these projects to C Regina.”

      Do you thing the commission is rightfully belongs to you?

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    [Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words.Please read our Comments Policy for further details.

  • 0
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    Lankan politicians will say in private that the present predicament is because of the failure of successive GoSL not addressing the grievances of minorities. Lankan mindset has evolved to the extent that saying this publicly is political suicide.

    SWRD B tried through the BC pact. Though he abrogated it the next day, he was assassinated by extremists.

    Chandrika always had good intentions but her hands were handcuffed by extremists. As presidential candidate she offered unconditional negotiations with liberation leaders. Minorities voted for her in droves. When she was elected, minorities were simply jubilant – the bombing and shelling will cease they thought. The affected lot had so much hope that Chandrika brands appeared. There was Chandrika beeda, Chandrika grams, necklace, bangles, pearls, sarees and so on. People offered prayers for her at temples.

    But the Lankan armed forces had other ideas and were manipulated. Chandrika could not find good trustworthy negotiators and she sent some office clerks. They spent more time ringing Colombo because they did not know anything. Rest is history.

    Chandrika has good intentions – she has publicly stated that the minorities have had a raw deal. She has to operate in a toxic atmosphere – fake news in media and the like. The Lankan armed services have got used to the perks and are fighting tooth and nail to keep these.

    Chandrika understands the reason for the birth of liberation movements. Compare with MR who contends that there are no minorities and GR who theorized that all Tamils are terrorists.

    Chandrika has put her life on the line by re-entering Lankan public arena. She holds a beacon of hope.

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    CW of NC has welcome CBK of SWRD’s second daughter of Tamil decadence from Banadarake’s fourth generation have able govern our nation by reformist leader of MEP, since 1956.

    It was Ceylon were under British occupation as colonial era our people were suppressed rights of majority Sinhalese by UK -Imperialist hegemony over 150 years.

    During that period Dravidians of Tamils descends from South -Indian has grown into gain ownership of land, business , capital market and political & govt. management of higher positions in ruling circulars by using colonial power had gain high-hand power of state by converted Tamils many years.

    These Tamils descends are converted into Christen religion that guided by Bible teaching has been overlap higher society which closed to Colonial masters .These Tamil decadents were totally an opposed Buddhist follows as well.

    The SWRD family and JRJ familiars are few of them by Tamil decedents from South Indian. They rule and ruin our nation of modern politics of democracy.

    Indeed this Democracy has turn into politics of splitters of national interest into pieces by divided majority Sinhalese for the so-called two party system of Democracy of UNP and SLFP s .Tamils gain majority has come to minority of the country?
    They were Tamil-Dravidian ambitions of political power and serve British colonial master by as stooges of Rule of Imperialist by the over many decades step by step taken over power of center of state by gradually UNP to SLFP in turns. since 1948? Now they merge in compromised Govt. since 2015 January 9th.

    The CBK was one of leading by products of that Tamil blood, which has now welcome by C.W Wignerasim of new Tamil leader of North ? .

    CBK new political of devolution and CW of NC vested interest are identical by partition of Sri lanka for Tamil nation?

    That is why CW of NC is welcome CBK line of New Tamil politics in south and North of Federalism proposed by SWRD of SLFP in 1957! without mandate of will of people!

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      Numbskull even your name has a Tamil origin Sinhalese word Yati ( bottom or lower) is derived from the Tamil word Adi or in old Tamil Tamil Yadi

      Sinhalese word Yati(noun) Under (Sinhala); Also Yata: (adverb) Under, below, beneath (Sinhala); Yatat: (adjective) Mean, low, servile (Sinhala); Yata-milaawa: Beneath, place below, the under part, underneath (Sinhala); Yati-kuru: turned downwards (Sinhala); Yati-patula: Sole of the foot (Sinhala); Yati-bada: The lower part of belly, abdomen (Sinhala); Adi: See tables below. In old Tamil words beginning with long vowel ‘A’ will take up ‘Y’ in front of them (Tamil, ex: Aanai Yaa’ru; Aadu Yaamai; Aay > Yaay)
      Adi in Tamil and Adiya in Sinhalese
      Wara or boundary or limit is derived from the Tamil word Varai meaning limit boundary or measure extent.
      Wara Also Warawa: A Sinhala place name component. Boundary, limits,

      Basically you have a pure Tamil name that is Sinhalised .
      You like most of the present day Sinhalese are descended from Tamil South Indian immigrants and now beating the anti Tamil drum

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    [Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words.Please read our Comments Policy for further details.

  • 0
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    By Mr of K .Pillai comment …….

    How is that CBK become ‘beacon of hope’ NOT for the majority of Sinhalese people of South ?
    The CBK has that ‘re-entry political arena’ is that the life- interest of her forefathers and basic interest of that British re-colonization of Sri Lankan by proposed UNHRC resolution back by Tamil diasporas mainly living in England.

    Even her “devolution of constitutional” political package also Tamil vested interest of politics of partition of an Island by her neo-Federalism of Old SLFP’s.

    The even her Children also are citizens of British and married to Tamil decedents.

    Her Sinhalese -Buddhist relationship are for political motivated act of power of “democracy Governances ” ,that is well understood by TNA -Political leaders and Policy Alternative of outfit of Tamil leaders!

    By CBK has decided to served for the aspirations of New Tamils nation of an Island by demarcated land & police power for the Tamil regime in North-east !

    By installed “New” Tamil regime in North of that by Police and Land power by 13 Amendments of 1987 JRJ-Ragiva-Gandi accord had been initiated of UNP policies of divided nation into TWO.

    One for Tamil Eealm in North -east of Sri lanka.

    The CW of NC well aware of CBK motivated act by CM of NC decided to “welcome” her their “home land” of Tamils in Jaffna.

  • 0
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    “To assert that Wigneswaran has been ungrateful to Sambanthan and Sumanthiran is utterly ridiculous inappropriate and absurd” Uthugan.

    How come? At the 2015 parliamentary elections Wigneswaran claimed he will remain neutral at the polls. In reality, he supported the Tamil National People Front led by Gajendrakumar by issuing statements couched in code language to shy away from the house symbol of ITAK/TNA. However, the TNPF lost deposits for the second time in all five districts it contested. Wigneswaran is a typical turn coat who kicked the ladder he used to climb to the top. He suffers from uncontrollable ego. He ridiculed Prime Minister Wickremesinghe of belonging to the same old uncle nephew party and becoming Prime Minister with only 45 MPs. In short he is a national disgrace to the Tamil community. After getting elected as the Chief Minister of NPC he has the audacity to claim that he won the NPC elections on his own popularity and not because of ITAK/TNA. He has also lambasted the TNA top leadership (Sampanthan & Sumanthiran) for moving close to the Sinhalese in the south and following a policy of appeasement. This shows Wigneswaran has no stomach for diplomacy and reconciliation. No one in his right mind will make such outlandish statements.
    Two years ago, he turned down a funding offer by the UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator to the tune of USD 150 million under Peace Building Fund. He turned down this offer merely because the UNDP Resident Coordinator refused to play ball with him. The Coordinator was not willing, in fact opposed, to the request by Wigneswaran to appoint Karthikeyan Nirmalan his nephew and an Australian citizen as Special Officer of the project. Wigneswaran suggested a monthly payment of US $ 5000 (Rs. 704,675.00) plus expenses!

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    Contd
    Nirmalan is the Diary Secretary, Executive Assistant and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister. In a harshly worded letter rebuking Chief Minister Wigneswaran, Mr. Subinay Nandy, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative wrote as follows: “There was no donor willing to fund a stand alone advisory position for pre-selected candidate without following standard competitive process for recruitment. In addition the excessive canvassing by the proposed Special Advisor made it even more untenable for the UN to consider such an appointment.” This rebuke by the UN Resident Coordinator places the Chief Minister in bad light. It shows he was only paying lip service to his crusade against nepotism and favouritism. Clearly, Wigneswaran has become a liability and a thorn in the flesh of TNA.

    There is also a dark side to his complex personality. He is an admirer and follower of the notorious serial rapist and con-artist Premananda (real name Rajkumar from Mathalai) who practised black magic. Premananda received two consecutive life sentences for murdering Ravi, an inmate of his Ashram, and raping 13 young girls. Three of them under-aged girls. One of the victims became pregnant and a DNA test proved Premananda’s paternity.
    All these girls were orphans from Jaffna but taken to Thiruchi when Premananda migrated to Tamil Nadu after the 1983 riots. One of the victims Sureshkumari, in her complaint, had stated that she joined the Premananda Swami Ashram, Mathalai, when she was six years of age. He was also fined 62 lakhs. His 5 assistants were also drew 2 consecutive life sentences.

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    Contd
    To add insult to injury, on March 14, 2015 Wigneswaran, retd Jjustice of the Supreme Court, wrote to Indian Prime Minister Modi to release 4 of Premananda’ s accomplices in jail. In his letter the Chief Minister had the temerity to claim that the case against Premananda was false!
    The case went right up to the Supreme Court of India, which confirmed the conviction, based on DNA evidence. Therefore, Wigneswaran is insulting the intelligence of the judges from the District Court of Puthukkoddai, the High Court of Chennai and the justices of the Supreme Court of India.
    Wigneswaran also gave evidence for the defence before the Supreme Court of India. The justices after hearing his evidence described him as a “Wishful thinker.”
    Afflicted with many diseases he died on 21 February 2011 of acute liver failure. Wigneswaran who believes Premananda is an Avatar has since built a temple for him at Mankulam with a Hindu priest performing poojas three times a day! Not surprisingly Wigneswaran is also one of the Trustees for properties worth billions left by Premananda.

    Those who hold public office must conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion, according to the highest ideals and standards of public moral and ethics. Wigneswaran is not.

    • 0
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      Thanga,

      I have read this before and want to add the attempt by the CM to restrict the freedom of movement of government servants without his permission.

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