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Tamil Nadu politicians do not understand problems of Sri Lankans: Murali

6 December 2019 05:44 pm - 17     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan cricket star Muttiah Muralitharan has said Tamil Nadu politicians do not understand the problems of Sri Lankans.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, he has said that Tamil Nadu politicians should allow the Sri Lankan Government to get on with governance.

Mr. Muralitharan has also dismissed the reports that he was offered the post of governor of the Northern Province.

The Full Interview:

Sri Lankan cricket star Muttiah Muralitharan spoke to Hindustan Times Padma Rao Sundarji over the phone from Colombo, dismissing reports that he was offered the post of governor of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province

Q: Can you confirm media reports that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has offered you – and you have accepted - the vacant post of Governor of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province (NP)?

A: No, it is a rumour that was first floated on Facebook. I was not offered that post and in any case, have made it clear that I am not interested in politics. I am a sportsman, a cricket player, not a politician. My Foundation for Goodness has already been helping 60000 fellow citizens every year. If the country wants me to help in any specific way through our Foundation, there is no question, of course, I will help improve lives in any way I can.

Q: Though you are not from the Northern or Eastern Province yourself, you are an “Indian Origin” Sri Lankan Tamil from further south in the country. But your support for President Rajapaksa during his election campaign has raised hackles in those parts of Sri Lanka. The Tamil majority there voted against Rajapaksa at the presidential election last month. They hold him responsible for alleged human rights violations at the end of the civil war in 2009. You are an international sports star, a role model. What do you say to them?

A: Sri Lanka is a small country, we have a multi-religious society and there is respect for all. I am a Tamil myself. Sure, I live in Colombo. But we all have the same rights as any other citizens in this country. When I play cricket for Sri Lanka, each and every Sri Lankan – including the Sinhalese majority supports me. Similarly, I will support anything needed of me for all communities in Sri Lanka. I am 47 years old. We have had so many problematic phases in our history. There were riots in the seventies and again in the eighties, hundreds of Sinhalese and Tamils were killed. But surely that doesn’t mean every Tamil or Sinhalese is a bad person or that the majority of anyone community is bad?

Q: Most Tamil Nadu politicians are against President Rajapaksa too. The Indian state is your second home through marriage. How do you explain your allegiance to Mr Rajapaksa to people there?

A: Tell me, if there is a problem within your family, do your neighbours interfere? Tamil Nadu politicians do not understand the problems of Sri Lankans. They should allow our government to get on with governance. I support President Rajapaksa because he is the right person to lead our country. Over the years before he came to power, there was no progress. The economy was down, nothing was moving. President Rajapaksa is an administrator, a former defence secretary and army man. He is a clever person who will carry out reforms, strike a different path, improve lives and do the right thing.


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  Comments - 17

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  • ram Friday, 06 December 2019 06:04 PM

    you are with those facing accusation of crime against humanity. You have had so many privileges that most ordinary Tamils don't have. Therefore, you do not have understanding of ordinary Tamils in Sri Lanka

    Roger Haĺliday Friday, 06 December 2019 06:20 PM

    Here is another guy who does not know what he says.

    Roshani Mendis Friday, 06 December 2019 09:12 PM

    and you do ???

    Rajesh Kumaran Friday, 06 December 2019 07:50 PM

    Murali is a great cricketer. I had a good respect for him. He is now all against Tamils. He thinks he is a seasoned politician. He should spend his time with cricket and not with politics.

    Chulan Friday, 06 December 2019 07:54 PM

    Agree, what majority of Tamils living in North/ East wants is basic needs. But Tamil politician wants Federal for their satisfaction (what they have done being in parliament only talking ) . Diaspora wants trouble in Sri Lanka so that they can enjoy privileges like visa or PR in a developed country . What Tamil Nadu GuS have dobe to North ????

    Jana Friday, 06 December 2019 07:57 PM

    Murali doesn't know what's happening in the North and East. He is not representing Tamil at all

    Sinhalaya Friday, 06 December 2019 08:26 PM

    Murali, First explain your Tamil Identity. Are you of Indian origin or Sti Lankan origin? Just go back 3 generations to answer my question.

    michael Friday, 06 December 2019 08:40 PM

    Its much better if you look after cricket and your family rather than talking about politics

    Siva Friday, 06 December 2019 08:51 PM

    He is the best ever spinner in the world.

    Karl Friday, 06 December 2019 09:13 PM

    Well said Murali....you are the bridge between racially affected Sinhala and Tamil communities. Also appreciate your decision to keep away from active politics.

    Raj Narayan Friday, 06 December 2019 09:13 PM

    Mr.Murali, first of all do you understand the problems of Sri Lankans? It is not like your doosras . Please mind your own cricket business.

    Mohan Friday, 06 December 2019 10:20 PM

    Election nominations are near. GO contest from the North and East and see if they are wise enough than those in Tamilnadu to vote for you

    Ben Navaratne Friday, 06 December 2019 10:52 PM

    Murali You are a respected cricketer, Please get off before its too late,

    Arthur Padmasiri Saturday, 07 December 2019 01:01 AM

    Murali, I take my hat off for you for not being a racist and seeing the facts correctly. National icons like you are great assets for reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.

    Srilankan Saturday, 07 December 2019 01:24 PM

    Siva,Murali is the best ever chucker the cricketing world has ever seen.

    Mathanamutha Saturday, 07 December 2019 07:09 PM

    It is like he talks about Tennis while being a Cricketer. You even married an Indian Tamil from Chennai and so on what basis you talk about the Sri Lankan Tamils?

    Wasp Saturday, 07 December 2019 07:20 PM

    No doubt about that Siva, but now he spins only yarns for Gota!!!


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