Three Wasted Years Of Peace
This country’s history is repeating itself with deadly accuracy. Last week Gotabaya Rajapaksa reiterated what Sinhalese leaders have been saying since the parting of ways with the Tamils in 1958.
In an interview with the BBC on Monday (May12) Rajapaksa was asked about ‘a recent local government reshuffle in the north which has seen some senior Tamil officials replaced by Sinhalese personnel’. His reply had been: “Earlier before the war all were Sinhalese, just as much a lot of Tamils worked in southern districts. Sinhalese and Muslims should be able to work in the north. It is a part of Sri Lanka”.
BBC: So were Tamils correct to view the north as a predominantly Tamil place?
Rajapakse: Why should be that? (Sic) Why should be that? (Sic). If you are a Sri Lankan citizen you must be able to go buy property from anywhere. I am not talking of forced settlements. I am talking about the freedom for a Sri Lankan to live anywhere in the country.
We will refrain from making comments on this issue; the subject of traditional homelands of the Tamils having being debated with much sound and fury for 54 years without being resolved.
Meanwhile, the main party representing Tamils, the TNA, have also begun reiterating their age old demands with equal vehemence.
The TNA has not flinched from their demands such as the amalgamation of the Northern and Eastern provinces to constitute their traditional homeland; formulation of a devolution package that goes beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution; and freedom for Tamils to have unrestricted authority to govern themselves in their own land, protect their people and develop their economy.
R. Sampanthan, the leader of the TNA, made most of these demands at the 14th annual sessions of the TNA held during the weekend in Batticaloa. A vital difference in their party policy was that it no longer demanded a separate state as when they were in alliance with the LTTE. Instead the present demand is a call for a United Sri Lanka but with most of the half century-old demands in a new package.
The intransigent attitudes of both the ruling Rajapaksa regime and the TNA are indeed regrettable for the country appears to have arrived back at square one after 50 years, including a 30 year war.
A grand opportunity was missed after the end of the three decade old blood letting when both sides had the opportunity to let bygones be bygones and get together. But the Rajapaksa regime, delirious in victory, was in no mood for displaying the magnanimity of victor and instead played petty racist politics with elections in mind. It wanted no other claimants for their triumph other than those in Rajapaksa & Co., and even the commander of the victorious army was thrown behind bars.
With the elimination of the juvenile thugs who held the once educated and respected Tamil community at the point of a gun and massacred the flower of Tamil political leadership, it was the opportune time for the TNA to condemn the LTTE and join mainstream politics. Undoubtedly it was an extremely trying moment for the TNA leadership but they should have thought of the Tamil people who were in the depths of their degradation and should have tried to rescue them. Instead the TNA leadership simply sulked and let matters drift for three years.
The TNA may have hoped for the expatriate Tamils in the West to work miracles for them but that was a vain hope. Western politicians may support the so-called Tamil diaspora on specific issues in their political agenda and for votes in marginally balanced electorates such as in Britain but are in no mood to support terrorist fronts at home. Hence the LTTE remains banned.
Sampanthan in his address at the TNA sessions held during the weekend in Batticaloa admitted the mistake of Tamil parties in falling out with India and hoped that once again New Delhi would play godfather to them. But to expect New Delhi to promote any form of Tamil separatism in Lanka which would catalyse separatism in Tamil Nadu is a pipe dream of the TNA. The LTTE learnt it the hard way.
Meanwhile, what have the ‘Rajapaksa Brothers’ achieved in their three joyous years of victory? The much heralded economic spurt of Nivard Cabraal which was expected to be heading towards the stars is falling back to mother earth. The debts accrued by Chinese loans are now reaching the proverbial Chinese celestial heavens. Direct foreign investments are no longer spoken of, foreign exchange reserves are fast diminishing, the balance of trade gap is expanding and the poorer sections of the community are reeling after being clobbered by price hikes.
Are ships sailing into Hambantota Harbour? And is the billion dollar Norochcholai Chinese built coal power plant working or failing ever so often costing Sri Lanka millions of rupees each day and even making the loquacious Champika Ranawaka keep his trap shut?
On the Western front the human rights drum beats are on and the stern rebuke by Sri Lanka’s defenders of its sovereignty to Washington’s Iron Lady and her allies to mind their own business about the militarisation of Jaffna is not going to be taken too kindly.
The stout defenders of human rights of the West have smelled blood. The unprecedented 50 years of imprisonment imposed on former Liberian President James Taylor last week is a message to leaders of weaker nations to play ball according to Western rules. Whether the West violates human rights or not is not the business of small and weak countries, is their view. Might is right seems to be the message.
What G. L. Peiris agreed to with Hillary Clinton in Washington we do not know. But another day of reckoning will come in November this year when the UNHRC meets again in Geneva. The stance adopted by Uncle Sam and his allies in the Lankan issue of human rights seems to be: ‘No hellung Pol Mallung’, as the Sinhalese say.
The Rajapaksa regime should reflect, at least for a moment, on what would have followed had they used tact and diplomacy with Western nations instead of flexing Lanka’s feeble and ineffective muscles on national sovereignty.
Besides Western threats and influence the Rajapaksa regime should well realise that the Tamils are people of this country entitled to basic rights as the Sinhalese and for peace in this land reconciliation is sine qua non. Had those rights been granted, much of the hell fire and brimstone directed by the mighty gods of the West may not have been.
The article states:
“Meanwhile, the main party representing Tamils, the TNA, have also begun reiterating their age old demands with equal vehemence.
The TNA has not flinched from their demands such as the amalgamation of the Northern and Eastern provinces to constitute their traditional homeland; ”
The merging of the Northern and Eastern provinces is not a “demand”, it is part of the Sri-Lankan constitution. Why is it always claimed to be a “demand”? Moreover, lthe article falsely portrays the TNA and the Rajapaksa regime as unflinching on equal grounds. This is not true. The TNA, who were pro-LTTE, have backed off from the demand for a separate Eelam. The Rajapaksa regime is the one that remains intransigent on anything to the tamis. The Rajapaksa regime has not flinched on anything.
The article further states:
“Sampanthan in his address at the TNA sessions held during the weekend in Batticaloa admitted the mistake of Tamil parties in falling out with India and hoped that once again New Delhi would play godfather to them. But to expect New Delhi to promote any form of Tamil separatism in Lanka which would catalyse separatism in Tamil Nadu is a pipe dream of the TNA. The LTTE learnt it the hard way.”
But separatism is not what the TNA is now asking for. It is asking for the 13th Amendment Plus, which includes the amalgamation of the North-East, etc., which India is fully backing, it being the architect of the 13th amendment.
Raja
You must accept the fact that any Sri Lankan has the right to live anywhere in the island.Tamils shouldn’t ask for the privilege of having an exclusive area for themselves.Government must change the demography of the island to prevent segregation that gives an opportunity for politicians to get elected on the communal or religious card.Tamils work and live amicably with the rest of the country and should not ask for an exclusive area.
WE(SINHALA,TAMIL,MUSLIM,BURGHER) HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK ANYWHERE IN THE ISLAND. THANKS ONCE AGAIN GOTABHAYA>.
Yes. We all have the right to live and work anywhere in the Island. The 13th Amendment Plus is not against this concept and TNA is also not against this concept. Let us not confuse the public by making unwanted statements.
Yes we can, if we are thinking only as slaves of the rulers as what they want us to be…………..oh when are we going to come out of this mind set forced into us, by these hooligan rulers fighting for power, dividing the race and nation in total???? Aren’t we a heading our Indian precedents of the rural legends???
Mr. Palipana:
This is not about “the right of every Sri Lankan to live anywhere in his/her country.” Gotabhaya and the rest of the racist horde are forcibly settling Sinhalese in what have been for a very long time, predominantly Tamil areas. I am personally familiar with these areas and can speak to the fact that, for at least half a century, many of them did not have a single Sinhalese resident. The reason was simple: it took too much hard work to even subsist in these areas. Now, with government financial assistance of various kinds, it is hoped that the settlement picture can be changed. Whether that will happen only time will tell. However, the intent is, in fact, ethnic cleansing and supporting such moves is not just promoting the right of citizens to live in places of their choice. It is far uglier.
P.L.J.B.Palipana – You are very correct indeed. But then you are not allowing the Tamils to live peacefully. If you treat the Tamils as equal citizen to live and work anywhere, there is no problem. You are immature!. How old are you?.Do you know what happened in 1958, please read Thachi Virthana.
Karthik
So Tamils live ONLY in north ??
That’s odd… who are all these Tamil-speaking people with Tamil names living in Dehiwala, Nugegoda, Kotahena, ??
Are they fake Tamils ? Maybe Sinhalas masquerading as Tamils to fool the NGO’s ?
what a bad reply to a very sensible article!
Salute this mighty paper!
Palipana,
The Tamils (all of them) are against the Government aided colonisation of traditional Tamil ares. They are not against Sinhese or Muslims living in their
areas prvided they purchase the lands as Tamils & Muslims do in all over the island.
If you study the history of modern Lanka, you will understand the changes in
demography in the Nort & East by every Government in the past with a motive to dilute the populatin in the North East.
No one can hide facts.
Attn: Team Sunday Leader and/or the Chief Editor, will it be possible to know the name of the person/s who has written this article pls? it would be highly appreciated to mention all the names of those authors/journalists of all articles and feel that’s the way and yes the real decent way of publishing… As you all may know most of the readers first see/check who has written the article -then start to read or just skip it!!! it matters dear all……….
The land of milk and honey also has another commodity in abundance- ARROGANCE . Extreme stands never make sensible thinking.
I think Gptha shoud goback to school and learn the real histroy of his motherland.
Not fro 1948, bu from the time of Vijeya, and then open his Big mouth and utter nonsense. He should be silent and not make an ass of himself in the position he is.
Sri Lanka is going down and down very fast. The LTTE will rise up and our people will finally be free from the clutches of these demons.
The demand or request or whatever to merge North and Eas Provinces is nothing than flashing a giant or monster in the horizon which never going to bring any benefit but could delay a political solution or defragment the region. What is the link between devolution of centralized power to regions and equal rights to every citizen of Sri Lanka; and merging two provinces? It seems still there is no right politician who has a foresight to consider all aspects in bringing political solution to Sri Lanka. Before cutting a dip next to a water reservoir we have to think that water may find away into that dip. If anyone said dip is important to us now and let’s find some other solution when water infiltrate there, that want work but could lead to more problems. So the need of time is a proposal of feasible political solution but not creation of region for any particular community.
Dear readers.
I have said this even long before,but I have to repeat it .our politicians are very capable of blaming the west or imperialists for every single thing .it has become just like a fashion ,I heard a speech of new chairman of Rupavahini , he also blamed and warned about the west and US , if Weerawansa dropped 10 words from his mouth that 5 words would be to blame the imperialists . I cannot understand why these people are not realised the real culprit around us before the west . Our real culprit is our politician . Do you agree? If you want to know about it bit far , just think about our politicians, you may not need to go that far to know about them because they are living around us . Please take their history,you probably may remember before they come to politics & now . How wealthy are they now? How wealthy their families now? Please answer for these questions. Where did they make money ? Was it that their wages made them rich ? No no , robbed us , killed us , pick pocketed us and impoverish us . Please reader think about what I try to explain you . Our politicians did every thing to us ! They sucked your blood and living on your blood . We got freedom in 1948 and 60 years gone , what we have gained , poverty, segregation , communal tension ,delution , superstition, fear, threat , repression . . These what we have achieved in 60 years .
Therefore, I would suggest you to think in right way and do right thing .
TNA politicians complicate the situation, and they are responsible for all the problems are faced by poor Tamils . Their irresponsible behaviour made the way to LTTE , and in south the politicians made the route to 71, and 89 .
We could have different opinions and theories . We could have extremely harsh experience ,but it should have not been ruined the peace and harmony among the community ,which is the ultimate objective of the exercise laid upon . All the Sri lankans right to move to where they want to be should practice without a doubt ,Instead of having it hanging on words.
We have to stop exploiting each other & deceiving ,justice should have delivered equally to every one , we must train people to Love the country they have born .,
And, recognise the common enemy among us , and move from there .
Quote” Tamils are people of this country entitled to basic rights as the SinhaleseUnquote Can the Editor tellsl what the basic rights that tamils do not have where Sinhalese people only have?
Ignorant people like Palipana, give rise to the LTTE which is now strong all over the world.
Remove army from the North and free the Tamils from suppression and subjugation. Stop the rule of government appointed thugs like Douglas , Karuna and Pillayan and free the Tamils from blackmail and terrorization. Stop building Buddha statues like mushrooms in the North and allow religious freedom and respect the feelings of other relies followers. Instead of focusing on suppressing ethnic and religious minorities concentrate on improving the economy. The Rajapakse family, get yourselves some political education and civilized manners.
Things are getting bad once again, we are heading back to square one to the 1977 era (repetition of the past), the Vaddukoddai Resolution and the call for a separate Tamil state. In the wake of Sri Lankan government not implementing the Political Devolution to SL Tamils, not only the foreign countries such as US, UK, etc are interfering in our internal affairs but once again there is a growing support for a separate Tamil state (Eelam) among Indian Politicians, especially in Tamil Nadu. The Anti-Sri Lankan (Sinhalese) and Anti-Indian (congress) speeches made by Seeman and other Tamil Nadu politicians are not only extremely racist and ultra-Tamil nationalist but very dangerous (a threat even to India) and it is gaining momentum day after day. Even the moderate Tamil politicians in Tamil Nadu such as Karunanidi have started calling for a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka. Now, the call for a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka by the Indians seems to be spreading once again back to Sri Lanka. We know that the Tamil Diaspora never changed their stripes but the TNA which was ready to settle for a devolution such as the full implementation of the 13th amendment and a little beyond (13+) are now totally fed up with the Government’s inability to implement even what is already in the constitution. The speech of TNA leader Sampanthan shows that the Sri Lankan Tamil politicians have lost their patience. Unlike the armed struggle (militancy-cum-terrorism) the repetition of non-violent campaigns with Direct Action will have full International support and sometimes direct interference from countries like USA and India.
The only way to keep the foreign countries (International community) away and to shut the mouths of the Tamil Nadu politicians is to bring back the TNA to the table and implement the 13th amendment in full and show the world that the Government is committed in solving the ethnic issue. Further delay by the government in coming up with a Political Devolution may have adverse consequences.
The president of Sri Lanka(SL) uses the catchword “Development” whenever he is abroad or meets dignitaries visiting the island.
It is now the “official currency” of GOSL to camouflage its Human Rights violations, war crimes, Tamil genocide, and 40 years of institutionalised racism.
“Development” also diverts attention from accountability and justice demanded by the International Community(IC).
“Development first” policy of SL raises questions on the fundamental responsibilities vested on governance.
Andrew Carnegie said “Success is the power with which to aquire whatever one desires of life without violating the rights of others.
But Sinhala racist governance since 1972, has created rights issues for the people of Tamil Eelam(TE) such as; a) Military occupation, b) Colonial repression, c) Violation of Rule of Law, d) Gross Human Rights violations, and e) Refusal to bring its war criminal soldiers to courts of law.
When we look closer and question ourselves what kind of development and for whom; it leads us to something different.
The Gallup statistics released last week has revealed that of the persons living in SL, about 70% are suffering, 22% are struggling and 8% are thriving.
Obviously “Development” is a facade erected by the GOSL and the elite to deceive the IC and refrain from addressing the rights issues that caused the war in SL.
Who is Gothabaya? what is his portfolio to act as a minister? Is he a S.L.A.S man? Further, he talks like a man on the road. He doesn’t have any decency to talk in the public or hasn’t any ethics to face an interview with the journalists.
You publish filthy comments. But when it comes to factual,specially about Paksas, you await moderation! Are you scared to expose comments regarding the bunch of Alibaba’s after the demise of great Lasantha?
Western nations, primarily the US/UK/EU seem to think that ‘might’ is ‘right’ and therefore use double standards when attempting to compel weaker nations to comply with their demands on say, for example, human rights issues.
They have attacked, invaded, occupied, and destroyed nations which were unwilling to toe their belligerent and nakedly hypocritical line.
Add to the snubbing of major powers when they insisted on prolonging the war and the upstart refused to obey, the miffed and peeved powers can set brother against brother up for battle again.
The trick is to be like the North Koreans or Iranians. Negotiate on diplomatic lines in public, but ensure national interests are met internally. Many wrongs were committed against civilians during the war (from being blown up in trains, buses, shopping centres, places of worship or when going about their daily activities)
These have to be undone and the wounds healed. The government of the day has this serious responsibility. It must also not submit to separatist agendas cloaked in false claims or impractical, illogical requests made via powerful lobbies overseas.