By S. Sivathasan –
S.Sivathasan
The unconquered will of the Tamils yet remains unconquerable. This genetic trait is conspicuously displayed. Trials and tribulations for thirty continuous years have not killed their spirit of defiance. Nor have they impaired their quest for freedom. Till they quench their thirst, the world will see the pursuit of this ideal. Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it, is sure to become the credo of every Tamil. If the spirit is understood and rights are conceded, the call will not become strident.
Chief Minister Elect
Justice Wigneswaran was well known for uprightness. In his judicial career he was unswerving in fair play. For him a life of religion was to be the consummation of his existence. In this ambition he was thwarted and with sensitivity he has responded to the people’s call. They too in equal measure have endorsed his decision unreservedly. The nation’s polity has expressed its desire of rising expectations. It is precisely this wish that will make his approach to administration most formidable.
There is a compulsion not only to take the tone and tenor of administration to top notch, but to deliver. Shibboleths like those at other places cannot be satisfying. Results have to be concrete, tangible and quantifiable in monetary terms. Two conditions have to be immediately met. (1) Seed funds by way of a one-off grant from the government for 2014 to be negotiated for and secured by October this year itself. (2) Assembling a compact coterie of high caliber administrators – serving and retired – with an acknowledged reputation for delivering results. As important would be their astute understanding of the nuances of inter- personal relations with those who matter in Colombo.
I have worked and interacted with the late Saumiamoorthy Thondaman sufficiently long to perceive the fundamental of his success. It was intense preparation. Never taking up an issue at high level discussions without thorough study and reflection. He will even seek to anticipate likely lines of cross examination and be sufficiently armed with cogent replies. I have been privy to a lament of his. “The TULF had excellent speakers, but were very poor negotiators”. Extensive study and analysis by those at the commanding heights of advising the Chief Minister will be crucial to securing Presidential and governmental support.
Ever since his nomination, Justice Wigneswaran has demonstrated that he had a mind of his own. It implied that there can be no dichotomy between thought and word, no compromise between truth and expediency or populism. When words spring from the depths of truth and when they are openly expressed some feathers are ruffled. Showing a little bit of unfamiliar terrain is indeed a step towards plumbing new ground. He has done this.
The CM Elect is conscious of his obligation to deliver in response to the huge trust placed upon him. He has grown up in an ethos where truth was valued. He has to live by what Bharathy said – “If there be the light of truth in one’s heart, it will illumine one’s words”. Valluvar said “Never belie your conscience”. Hence concern about people’s needs, makes it incumbent to eschew confrontation and to embrace a pragmatic course of moving together. Here again it is never implied that non-negotiables can be traded off in the name of smooth relations. What are they? Installation of a civilian Governor, whittling down of army presence and the total eradication of the para-military. A firm commitment from the Central Government is needed for the Provincial Government to get started. Election result reinforces this demand.
The calibre of the candidate for the office of CM has come out in bold relief in the last two months. His sensitivity to people’s needs and aspirations stand established with his speeches and interviews. Clarity of mind of the CM Elect has become still more explicit. Nailed to the counter are the darts of detractors and the doubts of skeptics. Preference volume bears sound testimony.
It appears that he is seeking to build a strong relationship with Tamil Nadu, while developing a rapport with the emergent new generation leadership. This does not imply excluding the wielder of state power in TN as of now. Hence the announcement of discussions with the CM. It is also evident that his message to the diaspora is to welcome their ideas even as he expects of them to respect policies that are indigenously evolved. In the wake of victory, he has already announced that he has opted for the path of cooperation with the government. He has also clearly mentioned that this does not mean becoming a part of the government.
There is now an immediate and empathetic response from the government side of its willingness to collaborate.
Basil Rajapkse Minister Of Economic Development
Basil Rajapakse, too close to the President, weighty enough in the government and with hands on the national purse, is an authoritative spokesman. He has outlined seven areas for cooperation and has made policy pronouncements.
1) Important responsibilities will be entrusted to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).
2) TNA is obliged to pursue the projects already initiated and under implementation.
3) People’s mandate should be honoured by the TNA.
4) We are prepared to collaborate with TNA.
5) The area of development endeavor is particularly identified.
6) Youth development should be ensured by TNA.
7) National interest and sovereignty should be safeguarded by TNA.
An excellent beginning point, measured by any standard. Hand genuinely stretched by the CM Elect and clasped by the Minister with matching sincerity. Whatever the length of the journey, the first step is vital. It is now necessary for the Minister to buttress his words with: 1) Adequate finances and cash flow for the next three months 2) Finances for projects in the pipeline for this year 3) Finances in Printed Estimates 2014,for New Works already identified.
Above all is the one off grant in a very large sum for 2014.
TNA Leadership
Placement of trust on the current leadership of the Tamils by 80 percent of the constituency, is unprecedented. It is fulsome endorsement of Mr. Sampanthan’s adroit leadership particularly after May 2009. A community prostrate then, sees promise now. Confidence among the people was inspired by a rare show of unity within the country. The diaspora too showed its solidarity with a measure of pragmatism. These did not develop on their own. They were built assiduously, for the greater good of everybody in the country. The labours of the leadership together with the personality of the CM candidate secured this electoral victory. What is very much needed is never to rearrange priorities between the front burner and the back burner at least for now. As much important is not to create misgivings, when the need is to assuage them. Fundamentals certainly require to be inscribed on stone. When the primacy of the resident leadership is accepted, as is happening now, a new dawn can be expected.
Anandhi Sasitharan
“For Brutus, at least, Caesar’s death is more powerful that his life…” So it is with Sasitharan, more powerful in death. With a clear endorsement by no less than 87,000 Tamils, Anandhi has emerged as a heroic lady like Kannagi, in Silappadikaaram, but with a difference. The latter burnt the city of Madurai to avenge the death of her husband Kovalan, wrongly executed by the King. When the miscarriage of justice was established by Kannagi, the righteous king died instantly. The same instant the virtuous Queen too died. The poet Ilango says, “like searching for her husband’s life with her own, following his”. The poet’s lines are similar to Shakespeare’s about Julius Caesar – “Mark how the blood of Caesar follow’d it, As rushing out of doors, to be resolved, If Brutus so unkindly knock’d, or no”.
While Kannagi burnt a city, Anandhi came through the baptism of fire. People’s vote is in memory of her husband. No legislation can erase gratitude for sacrifices made for a community’s cause. Elections have brought this out very forcefully.
NPC Election
A very decisive mandate has been given to the TNA and the CM candidate. It speaks with one mind in no unmistakable terms of what the people want. While submerged neck deep, only the head is above. Yet it has the two biggest afflictions. Military governor as a severe tooth ache and army occupation as the severest headache. These two demand an immediate cure for the CM and the Council to set about their business. The mood of the Province is such and nobody who received that verdict can neglect it.
Yogar Swami of Columbuthurai, gave this advice when his blessing was sought around 1960, for the launch of a paper ELANAADU. “They will revile you, beat you and will burn you, remain steadfast and come out unscathed”. This happened literally in 1981. The election was similar and the people have scored a remarkable victory.
Election monitoring particularly in the North this time was very real and serious. The local organisations took their work earnestly inhibiting state agencies like military, the Police and para military from doing evil at will as in earlier times. The political leadership of the TNA too braved all danger and braced up to the challenge. But for their services percentage polled would have been much less.
Goh Chok Tong, Prime Minister of Singapore in the nineties quoted a line from Thirukkural and exhorted composure from the people when there was financial turmoil. The Kural being “When confronted with trials, meet them with a smile; what follows will be something incomparable”. Tamils have weathered many a storm and have got tempered enough. Nothing can break their will. They showed it best at the elections. Hence Lee Kwan Yew’s perception that Tamils will have their freedom one day. If national unity is desired, then any intention of subduing the Tamils should be abandoned. It should be supplanted by a policy of rapproachment.
An Observation
A grave frailty with our ethnic entity, inappropriate for any time and unacceptable as of now is distrust of everybody and especially towards those with an adversarial past. A wholesale remake in attitudes making for positive approaches can conduce to at least some forward movement. This is not a call for an overnight change of inscrutable minds into dense brains. All I urge is for Tamils to concede a little bit of good intentions when some worthwhile responses are conveyed to an offer of cooperation by the CM Elect. I allude to the readiness of Basil Rajapakse’s hand clasp.
Navin / September 24, 2013
The unconquered will of the Tamils yet remains unconquerable. This genetic trait is conspicuously displayed.
—
In my humble opinion to display one’s unconquerable genetic traits out in public is inviting trouble.
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Sengodan. M / September 24, 2013
Nalin,
So, you expect the Tamils to cow down and remain servile for ever,eh?
Please make note Sivathasan wrote about the unconquered WILL, which perhaps you did not note in your triumphalist mood!
Sengodan. M
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sach / September 24, 2013
first of all no tamil is conquered in SL. If anyone harmed the freedom of tamils that was the ltte. Whatever said and done, you still needed a Sinhalese to free yourselves from a megalomaniac. You couldnt do it alone.
You never rise up against a dictatorship but whenever someone else do the job for you, dont even have the decency to say thank you. Just imagine what would happen if LTTE was still there.
LTTE would be limited to a jungle in north, ppl in north would have to go overseas by boat or plane, face constant war fare, and the remaining would perish. Those who goes on talking freedom today would have done nothing.
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Uthungan / September 24, 2013
It is easy to suppress the facts which caused the emergence terrorist LTTE and come out on a fault finding holier than thou mission while boasting ‘we Sinhalese did it’ while ignoring the fact that Tamils were deliberately kept out of the armed services.
What a convoluted logic!
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sach / September 24, 2013
No one is talking about the emergence of LTTE here and the reasons that led to LTTE would become pale in comparison to the violence spread by the LTTE. SL gov may have been bad, but it was the LTTE who chose the violent barbaric path.
About armed forces, give me any proof where Tamils were kept out from armed forces. If you say things with knowing facts give a SINGLE proof for such a policy. I CHALLENGE you.
1. LTTE murdered all Tamils in SL defence, one will remember policemen like T.B bastianpillai, A.E Perambalam, Balasingham. in 1978.
2. LTTE made any Tamil who joins SL defence a traitor and he,his family members would have to pay with their lives. Not only that they were insulted and isolated in the community. LTTE supporters made sure it is done.
3. In 2001-2 period many Tamil intelligence officials of SL army were murdered. That was during a cease fire period.
Any Tamil who join SL army was humilitated and isolated by the tamils. So LTTE kept the tamils away from joining the army.
But given that there were still some tamils who joined SL forces one even won the Parama veera
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sach / September 24, 2013
So honey yes, we sinhalese did liberate you.
and yes yours is such convoluted logic
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Uthungan / September 25, 2013
Really? Is that so my friend?
You do not want to talk about the reasons for the emergence of the LTTE but list all the names of the policemen and such others who became it’s victim.They sacrificed their lives by becoming gun fodder for the LTTE why?
Because they were employed to do a job of work and they did that loyally and with dedication taking all the risks they were exposed to and succumbed in trying to defend the indefensible, when the regime which initiated the 1972 constitution did not bother to be concerned about the welfare of the Tamil community who had lived in the island for thousands of years in their areas of habitation.
So to find fault with the Tamils for not volunteering to become gun fodder all those Sinhala only regimes that followed it in denying the Tamils just place is indeed rich indeed.
In that context jog your memory and you will remember what a President under whose watch the the Tamil culling of July 1983 occurred said about Tamil opinion or their lives.So whose logic is convoluted? Look in the mirror if you have any doubts!
With a little bit of honest introspection on your part,if you are capable of it, you will admit that the LTTE megalomania was a good lesson for both the majority and minority communities considering the results of the recently conducted NP council elections.It is up to the people of this country to decide their future.That is their right of Self-determination.
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sach / September 28, 2013
@Uthnungan
——-Really? Is that so my friend?————-
Of course my friend!
———-You do not want to talk about the reasons for the emergence of the LTTE but list all the names of the policemen and such others who became it’s victim.————————-
How does the reasons that lead to create LTTE has any relevance to what we were discussing? That is a separate topic. Next time you hit the reply button make sure you read the comments first!
And the reason I talked of Tamil policemen and how LTTE kept tamils away from joining forces was to refute your claim that “than thou mission while boasting ‘we Sinhalese did it’ while ignoring the fact that Tamils were deliberately kept out of the armed services.”
Again please read before replying!
—————-They sacrificed their lives by becoming gun fodder for the LTTE why? —————
They didn’t sacrifice men, they were killed by terrorists
.
——-Because they were employed to do a job of work and they did that loyally and with dedication taking all the risks they were exposed to and succumbed in trying to defend the indefensible, when the regime which initiated the 1972 constitution did not bother to be concerned about the welfare of the Tamil community who had lived in the island for thousands of years in their areas of habitation.
So to find fault with the Tamils for not volunteering to become gun fodder all those Sinhala only regimes that followed it in denying the Tamils just place is indeed rich indeed.————-
First and foremost learn to write a paragraph in a manner that a reader can grasp the meaning of what you write. I can’t understand jibberish! I don’t care whether they did their job with dedication or not, what I wanted was to reply to your claim that gov prevented tamils from joining armed seervices, you fool!
———–In that context jog your memory and you will remember what a President under whose watch the the Tamil culling of July 1983 occurred said about Tamil opinion or their lives.So whose logic is convoluted? Look in the mirror if you have any doubts!———————–
I understand why what I say seems convoluted to you. (And don’t use words if you do not know the meaning of those). What you say just mean JJ was a very bad leader and a racist politician, to which I too agree. And how does it refute what I said? :D
——With a little bit of honest introspection on your part,if you are capable of it, ————–
Actually many of the intellectuals and rational ppl in SL do have an idea of what lead to the war. That is why we are holding elections, developing north, made Tamil an official language.
Again how does it relate to what we discuss? Before talking about a introspection to others have you ever done introspection. You people are here justifying and idiolizing a terrorist. It is not me who needs introspection here.
————–you will admit that the LTTE megalomania was a good lesson for both the majority and minority communities considering the results of the recently conducted NP council elections.It is up to the people of this country to decide their future.That is their right of Self-determination.—————-
:D why should I admit LTTE is good lesson for both Sinhala and tamil considering election results? Of course LTTE was a good lesson for SL no matter what damage it did to its people. And how is it related to election
Of course it is upto the ppl to decide for their country and that is why we resist any external intervention on SL.
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Navin / September 24, 2013
My triumphalist mood? Am I the one who wrote about one particular superior genetic trait of Tamils?
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JimSofty / September 24, 2013
Tamils never Cow down.
See how Tamils fought in Tamilnadu for TAMIL. What do they speak after refusing HINDI, some English and Tamil mixed dialect. SO Many Tamils living outside in the west, how many of their children talk Tamil ?. they go behind white boys. Most Tamils want to live like their white colonial master.
Tamils will never cow down.
It is the responsibility of the politicians to play the right game. Mahinda Rajapaksa would have never won the war if fought it the way he is fighting now, this political war.
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Alan / September 25, 2013
JimSofty,
There is no room for Racism in South and that is very clear in NWP, CP election results. But in the north yes…..that is the reason TNA won with majority votes by 78%.
Tamils are Racists….but Sinhalese are not. NWP who has cross over to PA from UNP Dayasiri made record of 337000 votes as history in Sri Lanka PC elections. because he never talks rabbish RACISM.
Like Sinhalese Buddhist Racist parties JHU(Champika), Wimal in his party lost the candidates and even single candidate was not selected. It is very good reply to the Racism. So Racism never win in SRI LANKA my friend.
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kali / September 28, 2013
Jim Sooty,
You are talking bloody rubbish mate. Tamils will never bow down either in our Homland Eelam or Second Home Tamil Nadu.
You are ignorant of the Tamil Nadu politics.
For your info mate Tamil nadu is the only State in India which has refused to learn Hindi and Mrs.Gandhi when she was confronted by the Tamils of Tamil Nadu gave an unequivocal guarantee that Hindi will not be imposed to keep the Union Together. It was only after that Tamil Nadu dropped the demand for an Autonomous State which has kept the Union Together.
***”See how Tamils fought in Tamilnadu for TAMIL. What do they speak after refusing HINDI, some English and Tamil mixed dialect. SO Many Tamils living outside in the west, how many of their children talk Tamil ?. they go behind white boys. Most Tamils want to live like their white colonial master”***
You Sinhalese fool what do you know about Tamil Language. Tamil musicians dominate Hindi Cinema. Just for your information
A.R Rehman
Shankar Mahadevan
Hariharan
S.B. Balasubramaniam and the list is endeless.
Actresses
Padmini
Sri Devi
Aishwarya Rai shot to stardom after acting in Tamil Movies
Even you lot are copying Tamil Music and my Sihalese Driver was listening to Sinhalese music all copied from Tamil. What music do you have man CRAP. So dont talk rubbish.
As for your other crap about Tamils speaking English and going after English Girls/Boys you are bloody stupid. From your name “Jim” ( why dont you call yourself Punchi Banda )you have either assumed English Name or half White and Half Sinhalse so what is the problem. For your information the biggest number of half caste in Sinhala Lanka are children born to white and black Sinhalese.
You have got more than you have bargained for. So in future think before you speak.
It is the responsibility of the politicians to play the right game. Mahinda Rajapaksa would have never won the war if fought it the way he is fighting now, this political war.
MR won because he palys to the Racist Sinhalese Gallery made up of people like you Thugs, Criminals, Looters. Riggers, Bribers.
He has lost the Political War and that is why he is kneeling down to his master India and there is more humiliations to follow including a stint at the Hague before he is finally laid to rest in a Cell.
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John / September 24, 2013
Thonda, (Only Minority Political Leader to be honored at Independent Square on passing day, amidst all political. ethnic,religious dignitaries & loved ones, masses) said, “The TULF had excellent speakers, but were very poor negotiators”.
True, what Wigneshwaran should do is Consultation, Consensus, Compromise (CCC) & work towards bridging the gap between North-South & bring all together, for good.
Then only whole Lanka nation would heal wounds of division.
Pray & hope CM Wig will have the wisdom, courage to be a statesmen which Jaffna folk lacked fron 1920′ s todate.
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Sengodan. M / September 24, 2013
An excellent piece from an able administrator who had a very clean record. I am sure, he will be of guidance to the new generation of administrators in the NPC.
Sengodan. M
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Park / September 24, 2013
For all the smartness of Thondaman, where are the Indian origin workers in Sri Lanka today? They are still in line rooms almost equal to cattle sheds! What is the leadership of CWC that was hand picked by Thonda, his grandson who has nothing grand about him. In my opinion Thonda’s smartness only filled his and his family coffers that too not in Sri Lanka but in India.
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Patriot / September 24, 2013
Are Tamils in the north in a better position. If not for Rajapakse they are still under the jackboot of Velu. We see they bought jingoism. But if they think they can maneuver election for a PC as a referendum for Eelam they are mistaken. They are in for a in for another nose dive.
Tamils in central hills n the other hand are in a better position. It’ a lie to say everyone of them live in lines. Many have their own house. The estate next to mine is the best example. Only way for them is up, no nose dives. Check i; there are three sons of estate Tamils in medical collage now. That is in spite of their less marks than Colombo children.
To say it all in short, there are many Sinhalas than Tamils in worse economic plight than upcountry Tamils.
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RuwanL / September 24, 2013
Its unfortunate that the Tamils see themselves suffering and discriminated in Sri Lanka. We Sinhalese too have the same suffering and the discrimination! the only problem is that there are no politicians to bring out our suffering and discrimination for their gain! The politicians have ruined our country! This applies to the Sinhalese and Tamil politicians. The Tamils who live outside the Northern Province and live with the Sinhalese and the Muslims don’t have problems that are unique to the Tamils! We should first be Sri Lankans and think Sri Lankan then we will not have any problems! Look at the US do they call themselves Jews, Italians British etc? they call themselves Americans!
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Backlash / September 25, 2013
The late CWC supremo changed the image of the Indian Estate worker from that of a dalit to what many are today – political leaders, professionals, teachers, businessmen, industrialists. Through ahimsa
he won Citizenship rights to his people after a struggle of 40 years.
His name was never associated with ugly accumulation of wealth although his father left a fortune for him both here (Wavendon Estate) and in India.
It is unfortunate he died (at age 88 in 1999) and the Party is bankrupt and has since been destroyed.
A Party of 10 MPs during his time has just 2 today. In the recent
CPC elections the Party is humiliated and is disintegrating. What else when leaders are drawn to be drunkards, womanisers and drug-addicts.
Backlash
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Ajith / September 24, 2013
The people have spoken solidly and very clearly. There message is consistent throughout the history of independent Sri Lanka (Ceylon). There was no force, misinformation in their decisions throughout. International community has to play a greater role if the Government Sri Lanka fails to understand the genuine concerns of the Tamil people. IC have to educate and rehabilitate the Government of Sri Lanka about the need to address the concerns of the Tamil People if necessary. If government of Sri Lanka is genuine and prepare to change from their attitude, there is a possibility for lasting peace and the nation flourishing healthy. Firstly, there is a immediate necessity to bring changes to the country’s national institutions and structures that is free from any source of political interference. Secondly, allow the provincial councils to function independently and provide all the necessary financial and other assistance for smooth running of the province. Thirdly, start the negotiating process sincerely and genuinely on the devolution process with TNA based on the historical agreements and proposals came in the past.
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BBS rep / September 24, 2013
S.Sivathasan
I hope all what you say is what will ensue.
However it is not in your place to give advice to Justice Wigneswaran. If you wanted to play politics you should have joined the fray. I think this is a great fault in us Sri Lankans of all races. We think we know better and put our two cents worth into the till. Let Wigneswaran run the show now. Give him time and give him space. Hopefully he will find a middle path and forge a better life for all people.
Secondly Leave Ananthi alone. She is not in Kannagi’s shoes. Her husband took up the sword and died by the sword. She has no need to look for a Madurai to burn.
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Senguttuvan / September 24, 2013
Sivathasan in his element as ex-administrator, pacifist/peace-maker,
philosopher and quintessential Sri Lankan citizen. If Basil Rajapakse
or anyone else from The Family comes out to be fair by the Tamil Nation, they can be certain they will be well received. The priorities will be a Governor from Civil society – preferably a man with established administrative expertise; less uniformed men in Tamil areas; a flow of substantial funds to continue the developments started on the Uthuru Vasanthaya programme.
There has to be some form of administrative machinery with effective influences with Colombo to undo perceived Tamil injustices (HSZ assets and many others)ignored by successive Sinhala governments. A more pronounced industrialisation of the Tamil areas by the larger private sector will serve the cause of unification.
The Sinhala South has to consider the altered scene as an opportunity and not as a challenge.
Senguttuvan
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Nettabomman / September 24, 2013
It is not BBS rep who should be talking of Kannagi but Senguttuvan.
After all Silapathigaram was in the time of Ilango, Seran Senguttuvan
and all of those names that is part of Hindu literature, culture and history.
Nettabomman
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Sengodan. M / September 24, 2013
Nettabomman,
Neither the author of Silappathikaaram was a Hindu nor his book a part of Hindu literature! Write something sensible!
Sengodan. M
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Tamil / September 24, 2013
Sengodan M
Ilanko Adigal may well have been Hindu or Jain. The divisions you allude to are recent. Jains and Hindus worshipped in the same precincts and share similar philosophic concepts such as Karma, Dharma, Samsara and Moksha. So Nettabomman is not wrong anyway. And yes, the Silapadikaram as a kavya is part of Hindu literature. It includes a description of and celebration of traditional Hindu rites, deities and traditions, including the wedding ceremony.
Be less quick to criticize and attack.
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mani / September 25, 2013
Tamil,
You are correct except for the fact that Ilangovadigal was a budhdhist.
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Nettabomman / September 25, 2013
Prince Siddartha Gauthama was born in Bharat that encompassed
the present U.P. and Nepal. He came from a family under the influence of Sanarthana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism.
Buddha peruman taught a set of Codes of Conduct that had a following in the present Madurai area during the time of Ilango,
Kannagi and so on. Even today experts who studied Buddhism accept the fact he came under what is known as Hinduism today.
You probably have heard there is a raging controvery today among Nepalese who claim Prince Siddartha was born there while UPers
insist he came from their own Kapilavastu.
Sengodan is a pseudonym you seem to have fashioned on commentator Senguttuvan here. Stay with that name and avoid being called a Sengodayan.
Nettabomman
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Javi / September 26, 2013
If I am right he was born at Lumbini Nepal beneath the Bo tree & zone presently designed by late Kenzo Tange.
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Patriot / September 24, 2013
Senguttuvan,
You talk of a Tamil nation. I am indeed puzzled. Tell us, what exactly is this ‘Tamil Nation’ you write about? Is that the 70 million plus Tamils world over but mostly live in India that now non-functional tamilnation.org website represented.
Tell us, is your ‘Tamilnation’ include only Tamils who live in the Provinces of North and East and their descendants? Here I have taken the liberty to ignore Ramanathans’ thoughts and urge to exclude all low cast Tamils from the first electoral list of his ‘Tamilnation’. If that is the case surely, I object for your racist interpretation of ‘Tamilnation’.
Talking about all the people of Sri Lanka, are you saying upcountry Tamils are not Tamils? Surely they speak Tamil as much as you do and have a similar culture to yours. So, how dare you down size them by not including them in your Tamilnation? I remember Mr. S. Thonderman senior had refused to join your hero when the trousered Gandhi declared that infamous ‘Waddukkodai resolution’ to declare war on Sri Lanka to create a separate country for his ‘Tamilnation’. What do say,eh.
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Senguttuvan / September 25, 2013
Patriot. Tku for your questions. The Tamil Nation is the one that was in existence in most of the present NEP prior to the arrival of the Portugese. The present Tamil Nation comprises all Tamils living in the NEP, the South and the Central Hills. It does not include those proud and happy Indians in Tamilnadu – whose lot has been substantially improved since those DMK agitational years of the mid-1960s. Nehru and friends made them part of the Indian Nation. We are still to produce the Sri Lankan man/woman.
I notice you are ignorant of Mr. Thondaman’s role and perception during the Vattukottai Conference.
My hero?? Who? Presently I am reading something of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and the thinkers of the 17/18th century who gave Republicanism its shape. They are some of my heroes. That includes Marlon Brando, Anthony Hopkins, Meryl Streep, the 3 Great Tenors and their likes of today – certainly in the field of entertainment. You will thus see I have many heroes.
Senguttuvan
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NAK / September 25, 2013
“The Tamil Nation is the one that was in existence in most of the present NEP prior to the arrival of the Portugese”
So, next you’ll claim Somawathiya,Seruwavila,Digamadulla, Sagaramaseya were all built by Tamil Buddhists!!!
The reasons for the extinction of the Tamils from the east after the arrival of the portugese was never properly explained and neither as to how the Tamils living around the country could benefit from devolution of power to the Nothern PC.
Mr.Sivathasan has mentioned about non-negotiables from the Tamil point of view but has ignored the fact that the other party too has some non-negotiables.
Most important of all is the question,who is going to foot bill and don’t they have any say in the matter?
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Navin / September 25, 2013
What is the basis of including Tamils of Indian origin in the central hills in “Tamil Nation” of yours? In fact, before including Tamils of Indian origin, shouldn’t you include all Sinhalese in “Tamil Nation” for Sri Lankan Tamils share lot more with Sinhalese in both historical and consequently in biological terms than those people who speak the Tamil language in Tamil Nadu?
Even if we exclude the studies on genetics, what kind of nonsense is it to include in a nation that claims to trace its roots to N & E of Sri Lanka for thousands of years an alien population that was settled in a different part of the country by the British a mere 100 years ago?
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sach / September 24, 2013
quintessential sri lankan? are u kidding me :D
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Fathima Fukushima / September 24, 2013
This mean Tamils are again begging for war, another batch of 89,000 Tamil war widows, genocide and [Edited out]. I wish the SL forces [Edited out]
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Citizen / September 25, 2013
This time it is the South which will be at the mercy of the North. India will listen to CVW.
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Probono Publico / September 24, 2013
A good gesture by Basil Rajapaksa and I hope he will honour it and TNA and the Govt work together to develop the North
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Javi / September 25, 2013
That’s because transparent and accountable (Swami Vivekananda) Modi cannot be bribed by 10% Basil and also IC is wooing Modi not the hen pecked graft congress.
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Dr Laksiri Fernando / September 24, 2013
Some of the statements such as ‘unconquerable genetic traits’ or the equation of ‘Anandhi Sasitharan to Kannagi’ are highly questionable. However, I agree with the ideas that the military governor should be changed, army reduced and enough funding should be available to the NPC with necessary cooperation. To be fair by the author, he has also talked about “grave frailty with our ethnic entity.”
But my question is why do we need to talk in terms of ethnic stereotypes, good or bad of our own or others?
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Javi / September 25, 2013
He is not comparing like a former minister of public affairs who made that mistake in his speech at parliament. Now tell us why Africans win the 100 meters and cannot win at swimming? Why did the Chinese field their best track star at Beijing saying he would be the first Asian to win if he does? At school we did learn there is no one called a mutt and anyone can get 100 marks at maths. So what is wrong with perseverance?
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Sivathasan / September 26, 2013
Pl.see my comment of Sept.25, lower down.
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hannah.rajaratnam / September 24, 2013
This is great.Teaching our friends Sillapathikaram.
Firt lesson towards understanding the culture.?
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sach / September 24, 2013
It is the hannahs that has to learn silappadikaram. Sinhalese in this country are very well knowledgeable abt tamil culture though it is not the same with the tamils.
check Pattini cult.
Also kannagi was a woman who fought for her husband when he was subjected to unfair treatment by the king. And kannagi did that to a husband who went astray.
In this case this woman’s husband has been killed for a very valid reason, that is terrorism. she cant point her hand at the king.
Also night before election day is quite doubtful as gov might not indulge in election violence that late.
It seems like a staged act to get sympathy votes.
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Javi / September 26, 2013
“Sinhalese in this country are very well knowledgeable abt tamil culture though it is not the same with the tamils.”
Perhaps, that’s because borrowed feathers don’t shine-
“hand at the king.”
You mean meeharak tota rajaporkistan- I don’t know
The Queen and Prince both have German blood what ethnicity do they come from- She is not coming to meeharak tota why?
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sach / September 28, 2013
what feathers are you talking about?
pattini cult was brought to SL by King Gajaba when he was having good relations with south india. Actually south indian people migrated and with them these customs came to SL. As ancient sinhalese in SL were quite accomodative these cutoms were accepted in the host country. But it was different in the way it was practiced in a buddhist society than a hindu society.
The worship and respect for pattini is quite different and very beautiful and exemplary because like none of the customs before it worship the ‘mother’, In Sinhala society, instead of worshipping a goddes what really happens is respecting and worshipping the womenkind (motherhood to be correct). Their ability and sacrifice to feed another from ones own blood is a very respected deed, which is worshipped and honoured as kiri ammas in sinhala culture.
It is very differnt from the way Tamils follow kannagi and the way sinhalese follow Pattini.
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spotlight / September 24, 2013
The last 2 sentences of the last paragraph. 10:1 the TNA won’t adopt this advice. Even if the TNA is inclined to do so the diaspora and other interested parties will sabotage it. The TNA will become more aggressive and strident in its demands and alienate itself still more from the majority community.
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Stan / September 24, 2013
This is a great opportunity for not only the Sinhalese but also for the Tamil leaders to be magnanimous and forward-looking. It is fine and dandy for us in foreign countries to ponder and pontificate but do spare a thought for the Tamils who are still in Sri Lanka, who have faced nothing but misery for the past many years if not decades.
It’s time for the Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka to ignore the meddling diaspora and work with the Sinhalese leaders and ease the pain of the Tamils who still live in Sri Lanka. It may be true that it’s the diaspora who may be pushing the remote buttons but this may be a good time to take a break!
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Javi / September 25, 2013
The whole issue is money is needed to run the place productively and the Chinese need only natural rubber. The west has no aid to give SL unless there are big returns while the Tamil diaspora has enough and more than SL budget. When a UNP person like Gamage loses his business to RM by a stroke of a pen then who is going to invest in development where the yield takes long to mature. On top of it the army is permanently occupying Tamil homes and their agricultural land.
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Bedrock Barney / September 24, 2013
As SL remains a feudal society with the trapping of democracy, we should not get overly excited that the northern Tamils voted for the TNA. As no southern party has any genuine intention of offering anything that remotely close to Tamil aspirations and given the racist nature and history of the UNP, SLFP and the JVP. It would be moronic for any Tamil to have voted for anyone other than the TNA. No one, especially in the south, saw the ‘Uthuru Wasntha’ program as anything other than an opportunity for graft, so on one was fooled.
The question is will the TNA let the people down again. They aroused the people with ‘tiger’ election rhetoric. An article David Jayaraj says it all. Right after the election Sampanthan issues a statement in which he is overly stressing the united Sri Lanka line. That’s a let down already.
I hope the focus in the first years will be exclusively on rebuilding northern lives. With a 3000 year history I doubt the Tamil nation will forget their rights just because they focus on rebuilding for a few years. First get the Nitty Gritty right. Then there is all the time for grandiose dreams.
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Sumith / September 24, 2013
/* What Do NPC Election Results Convey? */
Whatever it say the priority is to uplift the economy of the province and improve the quality of to the people.
Give priority to improve education, health care, agriculture and importantly focus on SMEs and industrialization.
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Safa / September 24, 2013
It is a victory for the whole nation that the PC elections were held against the agitation of the racist and extremist forces who were against the entire process. Now that democracy has prevailed (inspite of several incidents and violations) let there be reconcilliation and goodwill between the different parties and ethnicities.
Nothing can be achieved without unity and cooperation. BR despite all we may say is an astute and pragmatic politician of moderate views. Lets hope that Vigneswaran and Basil will strike a winning combination.
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I am no muslim / September 24, 2013
Although this writer says that ‘Justice Wigneswaran was well known for uprightness’, I remember very well how Wigneswaran revealed at key note speech to his audience at a bar council ceremony on how a fellow judge had boasted to him about sending an innocent man to prison with his bias judgement. Yet Wiggi kept quiet about it until that speech. He didn’t bother to complain about it to CJ or Judicial commission or anyone before reveling it as an amusement at his oration at that ceremony. So much to Mr.Wigneswaran’s honesty!
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K.A Sumanasekera / September 24, 2013
Did the CM elect have two Manifestos, because the one that the ordinary punters have seen, had nothing of the sort that Mr Sivanathan is talking about.
Mr Rajapaksa’s pleas are all “please continue the current projects’, please make sure youth development is well taken care of , Please don’t do anything to disturb or upset the soveriegnity and national intergrity?.
How difficult are these for this “you beaut Vellala CM ” with this big Mandate to implement?.
The question is whether the CM elect will be allowed to do any of these without the express consent of the TNA board lead by Mr Sambandan?.
And the Board has members who are on record demanding that the West intervene to create an SGA?.
And that the Chinese will not be allowed in any part of the North, among few others.
Shouldn’t these non cooperative stances be cleared up first.?.
Shouldn’t there be a request to the Canadian Diaspra who funded Sambandan and Sumanathiran to win this Election.to match this Govt grant that Mr Sivanathan is demanding as the top priority and the first item on the list?.
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Peace Lover / September 24, 2013
anney anney K A Sumasekera (Lee Potter Leela) your still smarting after the defeat huh,inspite of your wellala nonsense none bought it
anyways earn your keep from your handlers by writing trash ;-)
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Native Vedda / September 25, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
“How difficult are these for this “you beaut Vellala CM ” with this big Mandate to implement?.”
For moment I thought you have given up Vellala bashing. I am curious to find out from you is whether you are completely and honestly opposed to Vellala or just the Tamil Vellala.
Can we now talk about Sinhala Vellala for a change?
The Tangall village Banian incident involving Govigama and Berava which took place in 1949. Do you remember about fifty Berava children who wore free banians were attacked from behind by your Sinhala Vellalas?
Tell me about it.
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K.A Sumanasekera / September 25, 2013
Dear Native,
Batty boys of our Kings ,probably called themselves “Vellalas”,But they are as good as Dinosaurs now.
Goviyas may think they are, but it isn’t real unless they have the Dough.
Just look at the Marriage Propsals in DN or even in free issue Diaspora rags,offering big bucks to attract GBs or GCs
.
The beauty of the Chingalams ( Fuckushimas’s coinage ) is even the Beravas can become Vellalas by getting a Medical or an Enginnering Degree and marrying to a big dowry.
Do I know that the Goviyas battered the Banian clad Beravas fron behind in 49?.
I got to check with my Elders.Sorry Native.
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Native Vedda / September 25, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
“I got to check with my Elders.Sorry Native”
Please do check with my Elders who will give you an honest opinion without the Sinhala/Buddhist/Vellala twist or spin. You can rely on their memory and truthfulness.
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Pasel / September 24, 2013
The election results conway Tamils want live with their rights and self determination and no one can’t deny
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Henry Fernando / September 24, 2013
No Sinhala Government since independence could unite Sri Lanka as a
peaceful nation on the contrary our country has descended deeper into the gutter because of corrupt politicians, some may say their hands are clean but they must remember they are equally culpable and have contributed by being silent to protect their positions and privileges. The greatest service TNA politicians can render to the country among other things would be imparting justice, rule of law and good governance devoid of all illegal and corrupt practices. Your sterling honesty will stand out and the corrupt politicians will be brought to shame.
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I am no muslim / September 24, 2013
Just look at what’s going on in Tamil Nadu. Even an idiot can see what is in the store for people in the north.
Let me give you an example for ‘sterling honesty’ of Justice Wigneswaran. I remember very well what Wigneswaran revealed at a key note speech at a bar council ceremony in Colombo. He said that a fellow judge had boasted to him about sending an innocent man to prison for some devious reason. Yet Wiggi decided to keep absolutely quiet about it. He didn’t bother to complain about it to CJ or Judicial commission or even discuss with anyone before revealing to that audience. Its obvious he mentioned it at that ceremony for the purpose of amusement. So much to Mr.Wigneswaran’s sterling honesty!
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Javi / September 25, 2013
You twist many aspects so it’s difficult to believe what you say. Anyway, is there protection for whistle blowers in SL I doubt it. Next it’s not his job for him to interfere in another’s job and that is sterling.What is going on in TN is their business and in any case who ever comes to power will need their assistance- its a highly industrialised state- the largest number of skilled worker visas to US is still issued there not house maids for camels like SL does.
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NAK / September 25, 2013
“the largest number of skilled worker visas to US is still issued there not house maids for camels like SL does”
The unskilled lot come here on tourist viasas and start work as rice paddy labourors,restaurant workers or roam around the east selling Saris and thorombal!
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Javi / September 26, 2013
Great! at least they don’t idle, rob, nor murder.A world without boundaries- Imagine! Mugabe loves you.
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NAK / September 26, 2013
There is nothing ‘great’ about it. It is still illegal like murder and robbery.
I don’t know what is wrong with mugabe’s love! could you kindly enlighten me!
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manisekaran / September 28, 2013
Stupid NAK, which Tamil are you talking about. Seasoned liar. provide me just 10 Tamils who got visa to SL to work in Paddy fields. The whole TN and kerala import cheap labourers from Bihar and west bengal due to lack of workers here.
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sach / September 24, 2013
Many talk about Sinhala triumphalism; I don’t know what they have to say now reading what tamils say. Whatever it is Tamils have the gift of exaggeration.
First of all, there is nothing heroic in voting for the same party. It just shows Tamils are still with nationalistic politics manned by Tamil national alliance, none has to be heroic to vote for TNA but simply being nationalistic is enough. But TNA should understand creating and maintaining nationalistic euphoria is not good in the long term. This is given that there is a multi-ethnic east.
Of course Tamils have stood by TNA it is more of rejecting government. Gov did many mistakes since end of war. But reading too much into the election results can make one too deviant on the issues.
First of all this isn’t about a freedom. The very talk about freedom itself suggests the separatist tendencies. If anyone has a rational look, he would understand the moment Tamils got freedom was, when gov forces defeated the LTTE. It was the defining moment where Tamils could think about a future. Had LTTE was in north Wignesawaran and even sumanthiran would be in Colombo.
This is nothing but implementation of 13 amendment which the gove promised after the end of war. So this is nothing but gov acting on its promises.
Of course both gov and TNA has the responsibility to make this a success and we will see how these two perform in the future. TNA should not try to act in a manner to show 13A is not enough. Gov would not be giving more powers until the gov can be satisfied with giving up separatist tendencies.
All these talk of freedom and genetic traits are just childish which do not fit for a man who has passed his 50s.
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Banda / September 24, 2013
These commentators talk as if Tamils only live in the north and East. What about those Tamils that live in the central hills who voted for the UPFA and other parties. Today, Tamils who live in the north and East are a minority among Tamils of Sri Lanka. What do they say about that.
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Ajith / September 24, 2013
Dear Banda,
Now we have to talk about Tamils of North East because North East is the traditional homeland of Sri Lankan Tamils. We are talking now because there was an election to Northern Province and the people of the North have spoken clearly even your Sinhala military used violence against Tamils and killed over 70,000 Tamils. It happened in the North East and it happened because the people are Tamils. In other words a genocide.
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sach / September 24, 2013
where did 70,000 were killed? Mind you the ones who died due to shooting fleeing civilians and LTTE using civilians to hide them selves is not gov’s responsibility.
Did you even ask LTTE to let ppl cross to the other side? No right? You ppl wanted maximum number to do so u can make a profit out of it.
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Native Vedda / September 26, 2013
sach
2where did 70,000 were killed? Mind you the ones who died due to shooting fleeing civilians and LTTE using civilians to hide them selves is not gov’s responsibility.”
Exactly, that is why we must count them. If the Sinhala/Buddhist state does know how to count, bring in experts who can count it for you.
Lets us count exactly how many were killed and who killed them?
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sach / September 28, 2013
but how can count something that is non existant?
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / September 24, 2013
I feel that there is still quite significant distrust between the ethnic communities in Sri Lanka, and the government is probably anxious that the rhetoric of the writer manifests in the civic body of the Northern province if either its military presence or its grip on power is relented in any way.
That could be why there is subtle ethnic integration and dilution in the form of more Sinhala presence in Jaffna via “social engineering”.
If the sentiments of a former civil servant is anything to go by, the “triumphalism” is not reserved for the national ruling party but applicable to provincial heavyweights also…
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hela / September 24, 2013
A truly triamphalist statement.
“While Kannagi burnt a city, Anandhi came through the baptism of fire. People’s vote is in memory of her husband. No legislation can erase gratitude for sacrifices made for a community’s cause. Elections have brought this out very forcefully.”
What is the community’s cause Sasidharan represented? Tamil Eelam.
“Tamils have weathered many a storm and have got tempered enough. Nothing can break their will. They showed it best at the elections. Hence Lee Kwan Yew’s perception that Tamils will have their freedom one day.”
What is that so called freedom? Tamil Eelam.
However Basil Rajapakse has made an important point. “National interest and sovereignty should be safeguarded by TNA”.
What the triumphalist writer and the commentators seem to ignore is Basil rajapakse is duty bound to make this request because overwhelming majority of the people living in the rest of the country (including both UPFA and UNP) plus the 20% of Northern voters who voted for UPFA require all political formations to comply with that requirement.
It is not something that “Tamils to concede” by way of “a little bit of good intentions”, as writer thinks.
This is where the acid test would lie.
Hope the CM candidate & TNA has grasped it accurately.
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Peace Lover / September 24, 2013
Hela you have the gall to talk of triumphalism after what most of you did post 2009!
Of course i certainly dont agree with comparing Kannagi with this lady
What Basil R had done is right and im sure Wigs will cooperate with him but he cannot be arm twisted like other puppet CM’s
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Anpu / September 24, 2013
Thanks Mr Sivathasan.
Devolution of powers under the 13th Amendment in Sri Lanka: Fact or Fiction?
Mr Iqbal (One of the secretaries of the first Provincial Council of the Western Province) has written the article in such a way that any one can understand easily.
http://groundviews.org/2009/07/19/devolution-of-powers-under-the-13th-amendment-in-sri-lanka-fact-or-fiction/
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bganendra / September 24, 2013
Sivathasan – Excellent piece ofwork.
Your are an able administrator, experienced in the Govt machinery.
Your name should be included when the TNA selects candidates for the post NPC Governor. Other able candidates – former UN Dr Jayantha Dhanapala, Prof Savitri Gunasekera.
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Siva Gopal / September 24, 2013
Mr. Sivathasan – A great and timely piece of work. I felt very proud in reading your column.
With the advent of the Sathya Yuga last December, the Golden Era is dawning on the Sri Lankan Tamils after decades of horror they experienced. It will take a few years for the Golden Era to be transitioning. So what we need is a full measure of patience and perseverance. We have just experienced that the right people for the time and the job have been put in place. Let them work their way with CIA(Constant Integrated Awareness) of the job needed to bring the prosperity and peace to the people. As enunciated by Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, all of us have to keep in mind and live by His advice “Love All, Serve All” and “Help Ever, Hurt Never”. The bad elements will be taken care of by the “Law of Karma” from which nobody gets away.
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JimSofty / September 24, 2013
Sathasivan
If national unity is desired, then any intention of subduing the Tamils should be abandoned.
ASk LTTE Tamil financiers tog et ready for another war.
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ken robert / September 25, 2013
Jim softy
Sathasivan newe. Sivathasan.
Please take your time to comment without making silly mistakes.
On the commentry by Mr Sivathasan, I think the comparison with kannagi to Mrs Anandhi Sasitharan is inappropriate in the current context inspite of the sacrifices. I am sure tamils showed defiance to the given circumstances they were put in by the government. None of the communities have any specific genetic traits whether it is good or bad. It is quite unusual for Mr Sivathasan got carried away in the optimism of the elections
In addition the election in jaffna is more a victory for president Rajapakse than the tamil people, showing that he could conduct free and fair elections.
Triumphalism for winning this election is suicidal for tamils , on the contrary tamils need to seek partnership with sinhalese brethren to make our birthplace a happy and just place for living.
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Native Vedda / September 25, 2013
JimSofty
“ASk LTTE Tamil financiers tog et ready for another war.”
In time for you to hide behind your, mother, aunties, grandmas, sisters, ……..
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vishvajith / September 24, 2013
Excellent piece of work, poetry in motion.
It is known, Basil R is the favored man of the IC.
All other Raja’s must be wondering what to do. Interestingly, at present, the only way one can change the Raja dynasty, is by being more Buddhists and more Anti Non-Buddhists than the current regime. One can see the pseudo patriot Mervyn and his son making speeches on how Buddhist they are. That will be one heck of a party.
I am confident pragmatism will prevail in the relationship between the GOSL and the Northern Provincial Council. Soon Governor Chandrasiri will be an Ambassador and a Civilian appointed to this role. My choice for a strong candidate is Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, my neighbor, the man who made the Wayamba Provincial Council Work. Party politics aside.
The Majority community should look for their Vigneswarans, Sampanthans and Sumanthirans. Sadly rapists, murderers and convicts rule them now.
Perhaps powers in the South ponder, it would have been better to keep the war going than finishing it and fighting and even harder mess. VP dead is more messy than VP alive.
Oh the times ahead of us, so fascinating, the Shiva dance carries on.
We opine like bloody fools.
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Navin / September 25, 2013
Vigneswarans?
—
For what? To get on stage and glorify a terrorist? Why do we need a justice with so many academic qualifications and profession experience for that? Mervin or Nishantha Muththuhettitgama could easily do that.
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vishvajith / September 25, 2013
Navin, let’s go beyond this.
One man’s terrorist is another mans freedom fighter.
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sach / September 25, 2013
that was a frame invented to whitewash terrorism whenever terrorist acts serves one’s interest.
And no, whetehr he is a terrorist is judged only by his actions not by the angle aother see at him.
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mani / September 25, 2013
By the same token, can you coin, Gotabaya is terrorist not for just killing Tamils in 2009 but also in 1989 and in Weliveriya. Can you?
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sach / September 28, 2013
Not only Gota, many military and gov leaders have used terrorism when encounteered with terrorists. That is the same in US, UK, Israel and even in India (sikh movement).
we have seen that in 88-89 our selves.
But the difference is they stop terrorism when the terrorists are killed.
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manisekaran / September 28, 2013
So sach, people who asked clean water are terrorist huh? Ok I understand the meaning of terrorist from you.
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Thondamanaru / September 24, 2013
Enough funding to be provided to the North??
Oh No. North benefitted at the expense of the South.
Its time the GOSL divert the cash to places where they could expext a return.
Let unconquorable genetic traits attempt to conquor their own genetics for the completion of development set in motion..
President has neglected development in the south at the expense of the north except in Hambantota.
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hela / September 25, 2013
Thondamanaru’s argument is gaining ground elswhere too.
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Ranjan / September 25, 2013
I am happy to read your reflections on the elections and your suggestion. I am sure this time the president have no way to turn the negative way. He will also want to leave a good legacy behind. Though he tried hard with poor Tamil speaking skill people are not fools. He must and will understand. Let the country move in a better direction is my prayers.
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hannah.rajaratnam / September 25, 2013
sach- you are explaining Sillapathikaram to the wrong person.Find another audience.
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