Video: Unite the country; share the power: Sumanthiran

25 September 2013 11:11 am - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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It is good that the government’s propaganda has brought back democracy to the North, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran said today at a news conference.

Mr. Sumanthiran congratulated the government for holding an election.

“But holding an election alone will not bring back democracy, it is the first step in a democratic process,” he said.

“Ever since 1956, the Tamil people of the country expected their democratic wish very clearly. They wanted to live within a united country, but adjust the governance structure to a Federal model, but that was not heeded,” he said

“In 1970 at the General Election the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) in their election manifesto clearly asked the Tamil people not to vote for anybody who stood for separation of the country as there were some candidates who asked for the secession of the country,” he said.

“Forty years after, the TNA put forwarded an election manifesto that TNA want a solution within a united and undivided country. As permanent minority it does not mean that TNA will bow down to the majority wishes all the time,” he said.

He charged that the government was trying to go back and take away what is now in presently in the constitution.

“The government cannot unite the country by keeping the power for one community and say that the country must be united-that will never happen.

“The TNA is willing to live within a united country but with shared powers. It is now up to the government to deliver. (Chaturanga Pradeep and Indika Sri Aravinda)

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Comments - 23

zacky Deen Thursday, 26 September 2013 04:35 AM

with a 17% of the population are you trying to threaten the majority in Srilanka?

xlntgson Friday, 27 September 2013 12:24 AM

Separation is war, the president screwed himself in his own game, eh? But the land power is with central politicians not from the provinces (!)

dIREsTRAITS Thursday, 26 September 2013 11:37 PM

no wise only vice

dIREsTRAITS Thursday, 26 September 2013 11:36 PM

no wise in govt only vise

dIREsTRAITS Thursday, 26 September 2013 11:35 PM

ok...... share with us too

Saro Thursday, 26 September 2013 12:10 PM

The communities can find unity in diversity if there is a will.

Sarath Thursday, 26 September 2013 12:04 PM

No way North and east can get the land and police power. It will never happen and don't dream about it .Looks like TNA is getting ready for a another blood bath.
Best solution for the issue is DISMANTLE THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL SYSTEM IN ALL THE PROVINCES AND MAINTAIN ALL BY THE MAIN GOVERNMENT.

Sathi Thursday, 26 September 2013 11:47 AM

where were you in 1956, 1977 and 1983 ? I am not against Sinhalese I have many many friends and I was born and brought up in Colombo. I think all the communities in Srilanka should listen to this Sumathiran's speech carefully and try to understand the his message. We wish not to push jet again for another armed struggle. Believe me if not resolved now it will come back in years time.
Muslims were distancing themselves while Tamils were butchered but all know what is the future for them. I wish they make a note and unite with Tamil speaking people as Hindus, Muslims, Christians etc

james bond Thursday, 26 September 2013 07:50 AM

wise advice.is there any wise man in government to understand it ?.

Fayad Thursday, 26 September 2013 07:46 AM

What's wrong with sharing power in a united Srilanka ?

cham Thursday, 26 September 2013 06:56 AM

We know what you are up to

nelum Thursday, 26 September 2013 05:48 AM

unity without meaningful devolved
power is polkudu.

Gamarala Wednesday, 25 September 2013 12:19 PM

onna aayeth patan gaththa!

Ramesh Thursday, 26 September 2013 04:21 AM

Tharun, Well said...
I am a Tamil living in colombo having no issues with our Sinhalese, Muslim and Burger brothers for 45 years.

These TNA guys are again trying to ignite the racism, for which we (All Sri Lankans) paid the price more than 30 years with our country having not forward movement.

Andrew Pitugala Thursday, 26 September 2013 04:08 AM

Yeah!! but .................. they are there for their own benefit.

Tarun Wednesday, 25 September 2013 10:52 PM

if northern Tamils separated.what will happened to the Tamils who are living in southern part of sri Lanka(colombo,wellvatta).Do they go back to jafna or they just need to take visa to live in vallvatta.If they want to separate alowe them to do but after that no tamils in Sinhalese area .Also .No businesses,no university education or no jobs for them .They can have connection with their dream mother land thamilnadu.

sritharan Wednesday, 25 September 2013 05:12 PM

yes.highly respected politicians in sri lanka

sritharan Wednesday, 25 September 2013 05:11 PM

yes.very trust worthy people in politics.

Ram UK Wednesday, 25 September 2013 02:38 PM

Unite the power OR share the country;

fazlyfazlyzly Wednesday, 25 September 2013 02:26 PM

a free and fair election has prevailed..the tamil has given his verdict in an earnest hope that they will not see war but peace. So, work on this goal...we can forgive but can't forget policy has to go....we forgive and forget...in order to start a new life...should be applicable to all parties.

Andrew Pitugala Wednesday, 25 September 2013 01:58 PM

"Unity is strength" is an age old maxim and it works.

Ramesh Wednesday, 25 September 2013 12:47 PM

Mr. Sumanthiran,
You can't charge the government that there is only one community in the government as it is made of the people like minister Karuna, Dulgas Devananda, Thondaman, hakeem, Rishad Bthiudeen and all.
If you compare the percentage of the Tamil and Muslim population in this country, this is more than enough.

Gobi Wednesday, 25 September 2013 12:42 PM

Election shows the both communities has been already devided. Country is united only holding military in the north and east and naturally both communities are devided.
If you cant live together separation is the only option.

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Video: Unite the country; share the power: Sumanthiran

Comments - 23

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