Post -war reflections for Tamils
by Old "Yaarlppaanathhan"
What is the objective of any one’s writing or what every one wants to achieve?
a) To prove a point.
b) Enlighten.
c) To work towards resolution of a problem (altruistic).
d) To make one self, known-self development, glorification (Egoistic).
e) To deduce, areas of working with others, point of view for resolving and achieving objectives / Target.
f) To find fault, with others, and fester the problem.
g) There is always, number of forces working on any problem, with their own objectives.
h) Enlightened Leadership works to see, how they can achieve the objectives, with less confrontation and damage, with minimum effort, to acquire maximum results / and solve problems in the larger and long terms benefits / context.
i) One may be able to list out, some points of ground realities, on any areas / article which you may agree / disagree, and to plan, one’s own strategy, to work towards achieving, one’s own objectives.
j) Quarrelling all the time, does not lead to, resolution of problems.
It is good, to have spread sheet, presenting realities, for reflections, apart from individual’s passions and emotions. Based on ground realities, and present situational predicament, to rethink, about the future of Tamils, in Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Tamil issues, war and its ending, developments there after, had created, emotional out bursts in, one section of Diaspora, freezing of minds, of large section of Tamil people, and reflection, by a few, to chalk out the future.
The thrusted leadership, evolved with armed struggle, and power of gun, assumed liberators, and others, who used the situation, and became appendages, to thrusted establishments, used it, for their own agenda, have failed to deliver anything.
Carriers of the banner of democracy, for conveniences, were rejected by the people, in the two test runs, of urban elections 2009/2010 in Jaffna and Vavuniya / N & E.
Majority, not voting in 2010 is an indication, that manipulative democracy, its establishments, and actors were rejected, by silent dissent, including all fossilized establishments, and norms of obsolete. This is further reinforced in the parliamentary elections of April 2010.
The enlightened people with wisdom, think differently. This must be reflected by all including, persons and groups, who wants to control, by remote control , and who wants to be some one, by muscle and money power, without any scruples, interest, skills, knowledge, and ability, and appear as leaders in parliament to represent the community, only to perpetuate their self interest.
Large number of Head workers, had continued to work, and given prescriptions for the Tamil community of North and East of Sri Lanka. They, men in positions, govt. officials of the area, N.G. O,, the community leaders, news reporters, think only, high powered matters, but to fail to note that, there are no proper urinating , eating , washing places, to facilitate, the natures call, of women , old ladies, sick, diabetic patients, on the A.9, road, through Kurunagala road, or Puttalam road, to Jaffna. This will be worse during the Nallur and other festival season of August 2010.
The present robbery and killing of elders, girls and ladies, abduction of children are no concern for the guardians , and Politicians. The police says, if culprits are apprehended and produced in courts, Lawyers of no scruples appear and get the antisocial elements, released, on bail for them to continue the profession, for them selves, or their hidden masters, and for thrown-out, thrusted political redundants.
A streak incident, of honest social consciousness, was manifested, observed, when a young displaced girl came in search of her parents, not knowing the geography of the area (Manipay) was misdirected, to a wrongful place and raped, by two rabid human dogs. When this reported by the victim to the public, youngsters of the area, apprehended, assaulted mercilessly, and bruced the culprits and handed them, over to the police.
Thamil politicians, Media Personal and Media never pin pointedly declare the antisocial rowdies / Killers to the society. This is, their prime, urgent responsibility, by the community, and not to play with irresponsible, supposed to be altrustic words marality preaching, and vague statements to the press, and take cover by issuing statements to the government. The wounded Tamil community, will never forgive persons, parties or anyone, who condone, and connive with these anti social elements, directly or indirectly, covertly or overtly. In Singapore , this type of news carry, full photos of the person with full bio data, and nature of crime, for the public to know.
The Jaffna / Sri Lanka public is watching, this event, closely, whether the rowdies will go scot-free. What will happen at the hall of justice? What will the so called elected representatives do. Will they condone with the rowdies or they will clean up the society from the mafia, predators, and antisocial rowdies. Is there any hidden agenda behind. What is the society the Thamils wants / aspire to have in North and East. What will be the action the govt. of Sri Lanka do, or, will it allow the people, to take their own course of action and create chaos once again
All the prescriptions, within Sri Lanka , Tamil Nadu, India , and the world over, including USA , U.K, Europe, Canada and expatriate Tamil participants, had generously brought the community, to present plight. It means the prescribers, preachers of all sorts, are ill educated, ameturistic, and are not competent, to deliver, what they had pronounced, appear to be obsolete, in their thinking and action.
What is the future of the community? The community has become homeless, naked, empty handed, and camp dwellers.
A fragment of others, who are outside the camps, lead a hand to mouth living, except, who get their regular dole, from foreign countries. (These people are a nuisance to others, and unproductive, ill educated who doesn’t want to work and contribute).
No problem for the self concerned, government servants, are ok with their pay. The professionals and academics of the universities are fat cows. Dishonest traders and plunderers, aspire to become, Neo leaders, persons of importance and decision makers with the money power, who intimidate the society.
The real potential participants of development , of the community, and social leaders had starved / stifled from growth for the last 30 years, have to wait for a long term, to equip them, and their establishments, with inputs, finance and manpower, to make meaningful contributions.
It means that outsiders, from Colombo and foreign countries, who are waiting for opportunities, will enter, and will have to play a role in development , leaving the locals, and will take lion share, of the benefits of the future activities.
What will be the role of IDPS, refugees, who will be sent back from India , and other European countries, when they come back? All these people, especially, the naked and empty handed, have no other place, except Sri Lanka / North East, and have to return to their own soil,
This community is, without any one / institutions, to guide and help, to be with them, and work with them, and have to walk alone, praying for mercy / and help only from god.
The so called political establishments / mafia, tries to form syndicate, to keep themselves afloat, to reposition themselves, to continue their business, which they did for the last sixty years, and brought the community, to the present plight.
The good, competent, capable lot of the Tamil community, had run away, and the lot remaining are silent / withdrawn, to avoid unnecessary problems, with unscrupulous political actors, and their machinery and mechanisms, and their moral, spiritual values are different. This positive, knowledgeable lots. Contribution, in redevelopment, is not available, for the reconstruction, or the war destroyed people and the land.
The persons / groups, who are presently holding chairs, of assumed power, of all sorts , will never, willingly welcome, knowledgeable, talented resources, and persons, as they are not very sensitive, to the challenges, and to their stands and their knowledge challenged. Such person’s credibility and capabilities, bound to be questioned, and they will obstruct new innovations, due to inability to cope, to the changed needs / norms This springs, from the ill manifestation of fossilized , stunted democracy, and obsolete knowledge base.
Many fail or, can’t comprehend, what is the fundamental problem, what are the issues, How to address each issue, in relation to modern technological, social and cultural context, but remain in the dead past, obsolete issues, and norms.
Every one is emotional, or in groves, and unable to extricate themselves out, of their mind groves, Cannot comprehend, changes, in the knowledge blasting, technologically avalanching, 21st century, context, and position themselves, to develop, a road map to resolve issues, raising themselves above, their international, domestic, and individual compulsions.
The episode at U.N Security Council, on Sri Lanka, during the war times, exhibited a clear polarization, role played by the world, where the division of U.S and European interest / ideology, versus, Asian and allied countries, in terms of political, social, economic agenda, and settling issue, and development and evolving , newer models, based on their self interest.
Writers, opinion makers, international bodies / govt /officials, who projected their own deductions, designs, loyalties, interests, have to take cognizance of, aspirations, and problems of Asia or individual countries, communities, and should not force changes. that are in operation, in their own environment. They should prescribe, appropriate models, for solutions, and not transplant their models, without due considerations, of the ground realities, in every respects.
Sri Lanka is a state, which works, within set of international rules supports, advice of various states, and establishments, apart from likes and dislikes of others. Every where, the ultimate authority, on decision making is, who holds power, and what he can do, with his power. No point accusing, any individual, who is an instrument, to articulate or carry out decisions made, based on their self interest.
The Tamil aspirations, agenda for future, has to be thought out, developed within the ambit of newer norms of the present, and future emerging, Asian and Worlds trends.
What is role, and power, in shaping, internal, foreign policies, of Sri Lanka ,on various issues of the country, as a whole, and the community in particular, by the Tamil community?
Do the present actors in political platforms have the capability, for work and capacity for the task, and solving issues, and problems.
The stands taken by Tamil politicians, not Tamil people, on issues like, solution to estate workers, fishermen of North / East, Sri Lankan, fishermen, who were are without livelihood employment for the last 30 years. Issues concerning Thamils have to be critically examined.
Thamil News media and Thamil politicians of Sri Lanka are voicing more, the interest of Indians, than the Sri Lankens, who are affected and concerned parties, and perpetuate slogan shouting, policy, for power ascendancy, rather to work out formula, for solutions. They forget everything ,except , their, self, vested and business interest, and not mindful of the agony of the people, in Sri Lankan theater, particularly Thamils.
Every issue is viewed, whether it is political, economical, social, educational, with negative-stand, vested group interest, myopic (Eye / Brain), not caring, to find relief, to the suffering, or find solutions in grater interest of people. Actors take the path of least resistance, with vote / popularity in their mind.
It is improper, impolite, unwanted, to comment on subjects, which is beyond one’s comprehension, and understanding. The geopolitical compulsions, and the centrifugal and centripetal forces and the resultant force, that will develop, are beyond most people’s, understanding and of, most of the mases. Pronouncements on such mattes, by ill knowledged, will not be taken seriously, by decision makers. (Ref:- article : Geopolitical URL of this article: www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=15667)
Persons like Sir.P.Ramanathan, Arunachalam, Rajaratnam of Hindu Board of Education, and Weerasingham of Cooperative movement, and the likes, had worked with, heart and head, mobilized the naked and hungry and made them to work for their own salvation and transformed the peasants to be, Trusered, English and Thamil educated / cultured, Spiritually elevated , and made them respectable, in every sense, after a period of 500 years, ever since the aliens landed in the soil of Yarlppanam.
This cumulative wisdom , culture, spirituality, saner practices and wealth, material possessions have been removed / looted from us now. Yet, the Athman, heart of Jaffna is very, very rich, by the grace of Lord Nadarajah of Chithambaram, who is with us, as opposed to the prayer of the great poet of Bengal, Tagore, crying , father , Strike , Strike at the penury of my heart, in Gitanjali
The lessons of Jaffna , when truthfully, analyzed and told by honest dispassionate poets, enlightened men and women will tell, wonderful lessons , stories and new norms, known and unknown to the world, to reflect. Players, targets. Designs, manipulations etc, which had been used, and played knowingly and unknowingly, at this miniature site/ laboratory, Jaffna, will be a study material for analysis, development of models etc, for the whole world, students of politics, governance, state craft, and for creators of new order, futurologists ( Jaffna – Means the North, East of Sri Lanka for this writing )
The community, have been left with nothing, for anyone to loot, any material possessions, any more, and are naked, without anything. No one, can escape Karma, and will have to undergo, the effects and manifestations of Karma, to exhaust its accumulation, may be, by several births. There is no way to escape, this wheal of Dharma. The wheal of Dharma, does not stop, for weeping widows, nor for power of mighty emperor. It does its duty, without fear, or favor. Gods ways, are Mysterious, and sometimes, destructive and wasteful.
There are no virtuous leaders at present, like Sir. P. Ramanathan, Mahathmaji, Rajaji, Kamaraj, C.Subramanium, C.W.W. Kanangara, and the likes, who are compassionate, thought, lived, meditated / meditating still, who are silently walking alone, for the good of humanity. This type personality is only manifested in the present days , only by Honorable Ex. President of India , Shri Abdul Kalam
The first person to question the validity, relevance, usefulness, methodology and philosophy of the, so called democracy, for governance, in the context of Ceylon/Asia, before one hundred years, before independence in relation to future needs and the validity, use, applicability to present, changed situations of people , and their developmental aspirations , is the greatest leader, intellectual statesmen, spiritualist, who was highly venerated and admired by Mahathma Gandhiji and Gokale, was Late Leader, of Ceylon, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan.
The same sentiments, were expressed, number of years later, by H.H. Shri Chndrasekara Saraswathy swamikal, spiritual head of Shankara Madam of Kanchipuram, South India, and recently by Lee Kuan Yew, former prime minister of Singapore, and Alwin Toffler, Futurologist, Sociologist of United States of America. Alwin Toffler states that Democracy (based on numbers) has not been developed for the last 200 years to meet the demands and changes to address issues in the tectronic age.This is for the reflection for the political scientists, problem solvers in relation to conflict resolution in various parts of the world including Sri Lanka.
There was a time, before independence, persons like Sir. Pon .Ramanathan, Arunachalam, Hindu Board Rajaratnam, Veerasingam of cooperative movement, created institutions, mobilized the people for their self development, worked with them, and transformed the society / community in the fields of education, economics, culture, values, which earned respectability for the whole society.
Now , only government servants , and politicians hold the power, and the community is left out, and has no voice, in development.
Ruler must Rule and not become robbers says “ Chanakiya ”
The sum total of Indian thought and Wisdom is, Fearlessness, “ABHI ”,
says, Swami Vivekananda
Every one wants Truth, up to the parlor, not to taint their lives, says, Paul Bruntan.
Post independent, so called leadership, did not do any thing, except slogan shouting on platforms, and doing stunts, with the sole idea of going to Parliament of Sri Lanka. This hypocrisy had resulted in, miss directions of different dimensions, away from ground realities, political and other world trends, brought unprecedented destruction, of all values, wealth, culture, and other cherished ideals of Thamils.
We want to live the Truth. Not be manifestation of lies, hypocrisy and deception.
We will live with saints, and manifest, Fearlessness of Asthma Sakthi and not of, low grade muscle power, not money power, not knowledge power of manufacturing, vulgarus death, and destruction., but with moral, spiritual, power of divinity , which , unfortunately , not known, aware to persons, like Alwin Toffler and the likes
We will manifest creative compassion, all times and time surpassed wisdom, and action, and be a model to the future world, to emulate in governance, politics and upholding Dharma and Peace and Happiness. That will be the Real Yarlppanam of the future. Our lord and master of Nallur and Kathirkamathan, Aandi Pandaram-Murugan, is watching us, all the time. New rules, Norms and Methods, institutions will be set by his will and wisdom for the future.
All do gooders, please, leave us. We don’t want you, your free advice, sympathy, guidance, and assistance, since you don’t have a target to reach.
Now What ? What to do ? What is the future direction. How to go about working in relation to ground realities. Who will work. What are the institutional arrangements available and to be created. How to develop working relationship with Govt. of Sri Lanka, President and Ministers and others , in resolving the problems ,of immediate nature, and long term, political mechanisms and methodologies. Who will emerge out, shoulder , this Herculean tasks.
Will the old vultures, and behind the scene manipulators of vested interests, continue, and keep the people with obsolete norms, chained and shackled and with irrelevant slogans and the land under, undeveloped state, to show , as beggars wound, and thrive on the misery, in the future also.
How will the Sri Lankan Govt. view, self development in this situation, and the future of Thamils, and reconciliation and reintegration , in the present context.
The entry to democracy, with 9 votes, after 1983 , and enlarged in 1992, and 180,000 votes, polled , for / against in 2010, is very significant, development, to be taken note, and to be reflected, by all. Can this be interpreted, as reversal towards, pre 1983,and, from dictatorship, to some sort of, cautious, semi democracy model, gradually, unfolding. Will all players and stake holders, reflect, and work further, to develop a working model, in relation to the, future norms and needs.
The behavior of Thamils, at present is a reactive process, of anger due to suffering. The future should be viewed with dispassion, objective, scientific, target oriented, problem solving, and make / integrate the people, to feel and contribute, for their own prosperity, to rise from the ashes of destruction, and subdue hatred and passions.
The solution providers, should do introspection, on the lessens learnt, and not to do patch work, or do , a cover up, as there are deep seated compulsions, of contemporary and futuristic necessities, demands, and to be in unison with, the changed trends of world and aspirations of people, and not to push the community, into the obsolete, dark past.
Thamil community and persons, who are supposed to have been elected , want to lead, have to be extremely cautions, knowledgeable, and responsible, and not to be irresponsible, impulsive, and emotional, should have their head and heart, tuned to, synchronize to realities, future trends and develop a model.
What is their work programme. What are the institutions they hope to create and work full time or must declare, whether they want to be, only on the platform, and shout empty slogans
The solution developers, should evolve, work out, acceptable, formula to the Thamil people and not present, or thrust , thoughts of vested groups, labels, establishment, of obsolete past. They should have proved their credentials, by work, performance and integrity.
Tamils should reflect and asses and answer themselves
Selfish ?
Corrupt ?
fanatics?
Violent ?
Hypocritical ?
Can we practice what we preach to others?
What are the norms to be adhered to, in the interest of the community and its future.
What are the collective dreams, aspirations of Tamils, in the changed situation, and in relation to the future? Is it responsible cooperation? or empty slogam shouting confrontation.
Every one should ask, what is the fundamental institution, I have created, individually or collectively to develop the people, area and community. This should be reflected by all.
What is the model of politics, governance, Thamils of Sri Lanka hope, to work for.
Is it Sri Lankan , Indian, Thamil Nadu, U.K, U.S.A, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan?
Do we intend to continue, the model philosophy and leadership style of
Sir P.Ramanathan,
G.G.Ponnampalam
S.J.V.Chelvanayakam
A. Amirthalingam & M. Sivasithamparam
V.Pirapakaran
OR
A completely, a new model, to synchronize with 21st century tends, and modernity with Virtues and values, taking cognizance of failures and achievements of the thinkers. Leaders, of the past, present, and to shape the future.
Channeling energy, pursuing or working on obsolete, irrelevant , thought / concept, is not the way of rational, analytical, thinking human mind / brain of wisdom, which could sense / intuition, on the futility of such action, which will be a waste of time , energy, resources and the results, that may manifest in the form / create misery, on all actors, and connected persons and places.
Men of wisdom reflect / meditate on any concept / idea for a long time, on success / failure, on such idea before pronouncement.
Men of history / past, have no relevance to the present or future. The past is obsolete.
Present is real. Future, is for creative minds to work.
Tamils of Sri Lanka, should reflect to charter, the future, and not be guided by illusory deceptive, inflated slogans , which are irrelevant, and not in realism, to ground situations at present and future trends
17 Comments
I have to thank 'old Yarlpanathan' for reminding us of Yoga Swamy's premonitions in the 1960's elsewhere and his attempt to focus our attention on essential fundamentals. I hope the readers of this article will focus there attention on providing a vision for the Tamils in Sri Lanka, taking into account current realities and possible trajectories. Let this exercise be altruistic and open minded. Let us start anew from where we are now. let us think of the Tamils who have to live in Sri Lanka- north, east, south west and the center. Let us think of demographic realities and relationships with other communities. Let us focus on a Tamil community devastated and 'almost' destroyed by the so-called war for liberation. Let those in the Diaspora think of how each of them can help in a small way to help the war-affected people in Sri Lanka regain their human dignity . Ultimately, what we were, what we are now and what we want to be in the future should be the preoccupation of all Tamils who are capable of re-examining and re-thinking our concerns as a people. The past is receding fast and the future is thundering in. Are we going to struck in a past that is only of historical importance now or prepare ourselves to meet the challenges of the future while also repairing our selves, rebuilding our economy and, recovering our culture and values.
Mankind has shown again and again that people who are determined against oppression have always won. There were delays but they won because of their determination and faith in the supernatural power of God.
Nelson Mandela was in prison for 27 years. It appeared that everything was over and apartheid was there to stay for ever. Faith and determination won.
Before Dr Martin Luther King Jr made the speech "I have a dream" in 1960's, the blacks in America were still unequal citizens, about 100 years after Abraham Lincoln signed a declaration for the emancipation of slaves. Again faith and determination won.
If Britain and the Allied forces were not determined, brave and courageous they would have never defeated Adolf Hitler and the Nazis of Germany.
If Winston Churchil did not lead bravely his people with faith, Britain would have lost to Hitler.
All the above mentioned leaders had a vision, given by God, which built up their faith and determination to succeed and be free.
In 1976 Tamils had a vision for independence. This was undoubtedly from God. No power on earth can stop it. But we went down from the vision after the death of the fathers of this faith. We compromised or diluted when pressure was exerted on us.
The analysis of the writer is with a high negative attitude and judgement towards the Tamils their past and their future. It gives the wrong impression that there is nothing that can improve and has improved. With such an attitude people are destined to doom.
It is time for Tamils to rise up with determination and faith in supernatural, and work hard with justice and truth to be free. At last we will win. Focus must be on victory and not on set backs branded as "failure".
Dear Spritual Man,
Well said.
The Tamils should be wary about all the writers who are writing obituaries to the Tamil strugle and/or its leaders and highlighting the daily sufferings, hardships of the Tamils for the wrong reasons. Reasons that are engineered to discourage the Tamils and make them to give up their struggle.
Tamils should be careful about these surrender agents who are currently roaming around on the oppressive state's behalf to organize a mass surrender for Tamils, so they give up with their struggle and surrender to the terrorist state.
I am pretty sure the Tamils have the intelligence to distinguish the genuine leaders from the surrender agents.
I hope 'Spiritual man' and 'M.Fern' are living in Sri Lanka and have seen and felt the tragedy that has befallen Tamils. If so, I wonder how any sane, sensitive and humane person can take the stand they have taken in their comments. If they are part of the revenge seeking or Eelam seeking die-hard segments of the Diaspora or though living in Sri Lanka, have not been exposed to prevailing ground realities, they are making the Tamils who have been the 'Victims' of a foolishly conducted liberation struggle, sacrificial goats on a new alter being constructed by them.
Are such people planning to 'Liberate' more Tamils from life, limbs and basic human dignity? Are they planning to make Tamils an even smaller minority within Sri Lanka? Are they planning to create the circumstances for more of their kith and kin to seek asylum in the West? If you fall within the types in the Diaspora I have mentioned, please do not salve your guilt for running away from Sri Lanka in a cowardly manner, leaving the meek and the weak to bear the brunt of your distant and false bravado. The likes of you are not the guardian angels for those Tamils yet living in Sri Lanka.
'Spritual man' should seek 'Gnanam' (Spiritual wisdom), which Yoga Swami had in plenty, before venturing to use the adjective 'Spritual' in his pseudonym. M.Fern, from what I have seen from his current and previous comments, is incapable of adapting to realities.
Adaptation is a fundamental principle underlining life in all its forms. Those who cannot adapt perish. This is the rule of life. He and his kind will be those who will lead the Tamils the north and east to extinction, behaving and thinking like the 'Kavari Maan with pride' mentioned in Thirukural. Pride (Maanam)demands that we as a people adapt to the new circumstances, find ways to resurrect ourselves like the 'Phoenix' within these circumstances and successfully survive to preserve our identity, culture and distinctiveness as a people within Sri Lanka. 'Maanam' does not demand that we foolishly lay the foundations for own destruction.
Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress, are phenomenon we have much to learn from. Please read and understand at least contemporary history, before trying to prescribe medicines for the Tamils living in Sri Lanka. We have enough problems to deal with, without having to be burdened with additional ones created by the likes of you.
If you cannot help us, we will understand. But if you are trying to use us to salve your conscience or assume the role of our 'Guardian angels', please get lost.
The point the writer is trying to make is, since independence none of the leaders of the Tamil Community have worked for the betterment of the community nor instrumental in developing a single public institution which we can 'it is ours'.
All they had aimed was to get votes by any method and go the parliament. One of the vote winning charm used in the 1970s are 'Tamil Eelam Demand' which has lead to this disaster. Today if a member organization of the International Community offers certain amount of funds for development activities, there is no institution for the Tamils who are there to receive the funds and use it for development activities for the community. After 30 years of bitter war, all we have are the Sinhalese contractors and companies who do all the development works in the North and East.
To Demand 'Tamil Eelam' we have to be Politically Futuristic and Economically self sustainable and morally a well integrated strong community like the Israelis or the Iraqi Kurds.. Without that, if Tamil Eelam was given for hypothesis, it will be like a Somalia. And we don't want that, do we ?
We can sit outside of Sri Lanka and comment about Freedom Struggle, Nelson Mandela and so on..The reality is none of us are prepared to return to Sri Lanka and work for the community. It is very important that we do a scrutinize the past of our community and our so called leaders rather than blaming the Sinhalese for everything.
That's very true.
I would say that the only two institutions for the Tamils in the North and East which were formed after independence was Jaffna University and KKS Cement Factory. And Amirthalingam and Selvanayagam were instrumental for delaying the formation of Jaffna University by fighting each other until Srimao Govt. took and initiative and formed the University.
We need to evolve a new futuristic leadership to take the community forward and none of the political faces currently known will be good enough. It will happen after period of time in real peace, when people start settling in..
Dear Dr.Rajasingham Narendran,
All I am stating is that the Tamils should not give up their struggle and should continue it until they win their rights. As you stated that could be Nelson Mandela style or even Ghandi style.
But suggesting that the Tamils should give up their struggle and should find a way within what the Sinhalese masters are willing to offer is not the way to go. This is exactly what the Sinhalese extremists are also wishing and calling for, directly and through their surrender agents.
The SL Tamils should work closely with their international friends (Diaspora / Fair minded countries) to win their rights in a political non-violence path.
Finally DR, As I stated earlier in my posting the majoity SL Tamils will identify the leaders from the surrender agents and will tell the agents to get lost. You and I do not have the right to say get lost to anyone and should refrain from calling so.
Dear M.Fern,
I appreciate your reply and am engaging in this dialogue to force a discussion on some issues that are of crucial importance. Please clearly explain, under the current circumstances,what we the Tamils living in Sri Lanka should struggle for? What are the rights that are critically important to--once again- the Tamils living in Sri lanka, at this point in history? Who are the 'Surrender Agents' you are referring to? Are these the Tamils and Sinhalese, calling for a different approach appropriate to the times and circumstances? What role could a 'Diaspora' that has failed to respond to the dire needs of a war-affected people, hope to play in this proposed struggle for rights? What role does a Diaspora that will never give up the comforts and livelihood enjoyed in where ever they live now, to return to live in Sri Lanka, hope to play in our lives? What role could a Diaspora that is completely unaware of the changes, circumstances and realities in Sri Lanka, play?
What could our fair minded friends in the international community do? Please enlighten us. When they offered four billion dollars aid for the north and east during the erstwhile ceasefire we spurned it! That is the most they could have done! Are you advising us to pursue a chimera? There is no one there in the international community- except arms dealers,market seekers and those who make a living on other peoples misery- to genuinely sympathize with us now. We have burnt all our bridges foolishly. They will of course try to fish in troubled waters. Please do not preach that we have to give up the husband, through faith placed in a King (Arasanai nambi purushanai kai witta maathiri)!
Dear M FERN,
Do you think the current and part leaders of the Tamil Community are not surrender agents ? If we had genuine leaders the current plight of the Tamil Community wouldn't have happened.
Dear Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / Cholan,
Good try. - I am pretty sure you both know the answers to your questions, specially after Dr has read a number of my earlier comments.
1. If you are truely SL Tamils, and if you do not know what Tamils are struggling for in SL then there is no good reason to expect me to know that either. - But I can say this. The Tamils need to struggle until the SL constituition reads something like that the SL Govt will protect all SL citizens equally regardless of their race, language or releigion and punish the violaters without exceptions. No releigion or language or race deserves more protection than the other.
2. My postings under this thread clearly defines what I meant by surrender agents. - I am in no mood to name any one today. Any one who fits the cap can wear it.
3. If the MAJORITY SL Tamils who are living in SL today can FREELY demonstrate without any FEAR which path they would like to take then it is the responsibility of the Diaspora and the free world to support them in that regard. - But we all know that is not the case in SL today. Any one who is going to voice for the voiceless Tamils will be silenced by the terrorist state run white van operations. - A UN referendum will do the trick to know what the majority Tamils in SL want. But as we all know the verdict terrorize the terrorist state and it will not allow such a referndum unless mandated by UN and supported by world powers. - For now, the Diaspora has to give voice to the voiceless SL Tamils as directed by the SL Tamils.
4. True our past Tamils leaders have made bad deeds like other great leaders in the world. The past Tamil leaders have also done good deeds at the same time and brought the struggle to this stage today. Sure, the Tamil enemies will run down our leaders by just focusing on the negatives. At the mean time, the majority Tamils will focus on both good and bad deeds and learn from their leaders to perform better on the next stage of the struggle.
5. Even though I believe that SL Tamils and Sinhalese can live in SL if Sinhalese majority can be fair towards the Tamils, I strogly believe that the Terrorist state will never make that to happen due to pure Sinhala greed to control the destiny of the Tamils.
5.Finally, not now but in the future, if we continue the struggle thru non violent means and the SL govt proves its inability to protect Tamils and treat them equally, the UN may end up invoking a Kosova style resolution to free the Tamils from the terrorist state.
Dr. Rajasingham Narendran,
You have said the following.
"We have burnt all our bridges foolishly. They will of course try to fish in troubled waters. Please do not preach that we have to give up the husband, through faith placed in a King (Arasanai nambi purushanai kai witta maathiri)"
Yes, we have burned bridges foolishly. The good news is that the leaders who have foolishly burned the bridges are not leading the Tamils any more. The new Tamil leaders can build new bridges that were much better quality comparing to the previous bridges and to more favourable territories based on the lessons learned over the past few decades. But, suggesting Tamils should give up the struggle because they have burned their existing bridges may not sound like a good idea to majority free thinking Tamils. The same is true with highlighting the miseries of Tamils for the wrong reasons.
Also, earlier I have used this husband and wife analogy on this forum to state that relationship between Tamils and Sinhalese in SL. In one case, I mentioned the following. "The violent uncaring Sinhalese husband has managed to beat his wife (who was asking for equal say in family matters) to submission with the help of likely minded friends in nanthikadal. But the wounded and hospitalized wife is still saying no to her uncaring violent husband." - Do you really thing this husband has any value to this wife in these modern days? The wife should either ask for equal rights and get it or just quit and see him in the court to get her share of the pie.
Gone are the days "Arasanai nambi purushanai kai witta maathiri" and that was true only in ancient times, not any more. The modern women are now educated and capable of supporting themselves, and if need arises will keep (not give up) the husband and trap the king before even both the husband and king realizes what is going on around them.
Therefore, we need to be positive and find ways to continue the struggle under the current unfavourable circumstsnces rather than being negative and finding reasons to quit the Tamil struggle. If we Tamils can come together and conduct the next struggle as a non-violent struggle, I am sure it will make international headlines again like our armed struggle.
Lets be positive. The only way to win is with a positive attitude. The negative attitude is for the losers and we are not losers. Nanthikadal is a reboot and not a shutdown. If the SL Tamils are capable to build a military organization (not smart on very other things) they can also build a political organization to make the world wonder.
We as Tamils, have several things to struggle for in Sri Lanka. The first is to survive as humans. The second is to care for the war affected for several decades to come. The third is to lay the foundations for economic reconstruction and development. The fourth is ensure our identity is intact and our culture and way of life are preserved within the parameters dictated by the future, particularly the needs of the 21st century. Fifthly, we have to lay the foundation for institutions- political , social , religious and cultural, that will guide us into the future.
Development and prosperity would ensure that we will be able to influence Sri Lankan affairs as never before. We have to become part of the team in Sri Lanka and strive to become the 'Centre Forwards' in foot ball parlance.
We have tried everything else and failed. What is the struggle that is being contemplated by the 'Unidentified' new leaders? Let us not tie ourselves in knots, by running in circles. Let us focus on issues and be honest and unambiguous about them. Tamils in Sri Lanka have no time for playing games involving riddles. It is a struggle for survival that is going on a for a people, a language, a culture and a heritage. This is serious business and is not a game of matching wits. There should be a multi-pronged approach, based on an enlightened and realistic vision, knowledge, wisdom, practical strategies and long term planning. I hope we will engage in a futuristic discussion, using the opportunity provided by 'Old Yarlpanathan'.
Dear MFERN,
I do not differ from your thoughts. I totally agree with you. But then again I feel you are talking only on current affairs and not looking into these issues with a balanced frame of mind.
I agree with the contributions of the diaspora living in the Free World in bringing these war crimes to the limelight. But these weren't good enough to bring a UN intervention. Any future attempts, to sponsor a resolution at the UNSC or UNHRC will be vetoed by China, Russia, India and other ASEAN countries(whoever is in the chair) due to their vested interests in Sri Lanka and their participation in the war last year. This has happened in the past and will happen in the future!
If you analyze non-emotionally the way Sri Lanka handled the war and other international pressures (obviously with Indian & Chinese input), They managed the situation at various fronts really well though they ended up having their reputation tarnished and on the floor across the world. But we ended up with having no friends, unwanted and viewed as a bunch of jokers protesting at Westminster, jumping into the Thames river and had to witness the most painful slaughter of our community.
Why ?
Because we are and we were one of the highly marginalized communities in the world, without a genuine leadership to protect us. The failure of our leadership since independence resulted in the Indian Govt. exploiting our community (for their foreign and military policy interests) to fuel the insurgency and we ended up in the wrong side of the history. What ever may be the politics between India & Sri Lanka happened in the 1980's, they have now patched up and worked together to destroy us. And the exploitation continued by various factions acting in Sri Lanka sponsored by various foreign interests.
This is has now ended and atleast now the Tamil Community can start to develop themselves rather than working for the interests of the foreign forces. All we need a genuine futuristic leadership who will work for the community.
Dear Cholan,
Do not lose hope. All, we, the SL Tamils, have to do is continue to struggle in non violent political manner exposing the SL inequalities and human rights violations in the world capitals.
There is no harm in participating in the dvelopment of North and East in an intelligent way without risking the Terrorist state taking over our hard earned funds like they did for TRO. (Sure we can argue on TRO, but if that can happen to TRO it can happen to any Tamil Org). In a small way the Diaspora is helping their friends and families before and after the war. Lets that continue without any major drive until the political confusion that exists in the Tamil diaspora settles. Expecting the Tamil Diaspora to trust the Terrorist state in development efforts, which has a proven track record of colonizing Tamil areas and diverting funds to the south is not a realistic expectation.
In my view, the majority Diaspora Tamils are now in a waiting mode and watching all the 100s of Tamil organizations springing up in each and every corner of the world, including the one recently organized by Gotabaya and headed by KP. Once all these 100s of organizations begin to realize that the MAJORITY Tamils are just watching and laughing at them and not really interested in supporting any one of them they will come to their senses and begin to come under one big organization, like the TNA of the Tamil Diaspora.
Lets go slow as far as the politics is concerned to study and weed out the wrong organizations while continue to help our family and friends in SL in smaller ways until the Tamil Diaspora politics is stabilized and organizations are formed that can handle the uperhand actions of the terrorist state through international mechanisms. - It might be a long wait but we have no other choice.
Dear Cholan / Dr.
It is true our objectives should be within the limits of the world order prevailing at any given time and we should be flexible at any givien time. This means we do not need to surrender our objectives but should learnhow to lie low when there are unfavourable conditions and come strong when favourable conditions exist.
In the post 911 world, the human rights organizations are becoming more powerful in representing the voiceless as the States are able to suppress any forces that do not agree with them. Also we have NGOs and groups like ICG. In the new world order new nations will not be born through armed struggles but through UN resolutions. Do not worry too much about India/China/Russia. Things can turn around any time and all depends on how the world revolves. The mighty China was so adament in backing the terrorist state of Sudan. But the noice made by the west and human rights organizations made China to withdraw from supporting Sudan eventually. Also do not forget Tamil nadu. As the TN public is slowly realizing the Indian betrayal on SL Tamils, it has beggining to boil again. This will eventually make India to backout unless India wants to risk its own unity.
So lets be patient and do not buy into any surrender calls by the surrender agents or by the sinhala extremists.
Dear M.Fern,
I think you are wrong. You are placing your hopes on forces, that will never come to our aid as a people. We have missed the bus on this score on two occasions, when those acting on our behalf behaved like morons. The International agencies you refer to, have progressively lost their credibility over the past decade. They will make the appropriate noises to justify their existence. However, it will be only of propaganda value.
The world is changing. The value system established by the 'Victorious West' after the second world war, is being increasingly challenged by the newly emerging economic powers. This is happening in the greater Asia and South and Central America. The well being of the larger numbers will become more important than individual and small group rights. International institutions that currently exist will be marginalized and neutered.
We have to deal with the emerging paradigms both within Sri Lanka and internationally, and prepare ourselves for them. If we fail to do this, we will miss the bus once again. Let us come out of foolish aspirations and hopes, and learn to deal with the problems confronting us in a rational, intelligent, practical and wise manner.
Dear Dr,
All depends on how we think. I think I am correct becuase majority of Tamils are sad as to what happened in Nanthikadal to the Tamils, but yawn for justice. When you yawn for justice you will continue to struggle.
If we are negative of the Tamil cause and leadership and decide Tamils are not going to be united and are not capable of coming up with better plans then you are correct.
If we are positive of Tamil cause and leadership and decide Tamils are going to be united and are capable of coming up with better plans then I am correct.
That is why the surrender agents and the Sinhala extrmists are trying to create a negative atmosphere amongst the Tamils.
You said the following "The world is changing. The value system established by the 'Victorious West' after the second world war, is being increasingly challenged by the newly emerging economic powers. This is happening in the greater Asia and South and Central America. The well being of the larger numbers will become more important than individual and small group rights"
After the 911, it has become the world order and minority rights have been pushed to the corner allowing terrorist states to use genocide to estinguish minorities who struggle for their rights.
But, notice one thing though. The human rights card has become powerful never before to counter balance the power of terrorist states that are capable of engaging in genocides. Also, using UN resolutions to liberate minority nations from the terrorist states will rise (East timor / Kosovo). So yes, the interests of majority will be maintained but not at the expense of the minority when the minority are struggling through non-violent methods (especially after a violent struggle).
Therefore, it is important for Tamils to continue to struggle in non-violenet methods for their rights under a capable leadership and expose the SL terrorist state continuosly. The terrorist state will never treat Tamils as equals and eventully fall into the rador of the UN at the right time when the right conditions exist in the world. But giving up the struggle will be folishness as it will eliminate that opportunity for Tamils.
I rest my case.