Editorial - Let the facts be facts

30 May 2012 06:30 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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There are things that cannot be labelled, or if dissected-fall into pieces. A country’s sovereignty certainly falls into the latter. However, this is the very fact Mr. Sampanthan has forgotten in his speech at the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi convention where he referred to the ‘sovereignty’ of his ‘community.’

In a country that is governed by a unliterary constitution, there cannot be separate sovereignties vested upon each ethnic community. There is nothing called the sovereignty of the Sinhalese or that of the Tamils. The sovereignty of Sri Lanka lies in the hands of the Sri Lankans; be they Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim or Burgher, it is their power that is being diverted to the 225 members of parliament through the public vote. This is a fact that should not be distorted.

He goes on to say that, his aspirations are for a ‘structure outside that of a unitary government, in a united Sri Lanka in which Tamil people have all the powers of government.’ He requests for ‘unrestricted authority’ and says such a solution based on political ‘autonomy’ will please the ‘international community.’
There is a fine line between fantasies and reality.

The ITAK boasts that its hands are devoid of blood. One would hope the party could boast in the same vein of not fuelling separatism or instigating means to attain it. Perhaps, the LTTE was cussed; yet the ITAK is shrewd. The LTTE lacked the diplomacy, through which the ITAK now seeks ‘foreign aid’, begging the international powers to intervene in the home affairs. During the times of kings, those who induced external interferences were called traitors. Perhaps the term needs a modification if not a new definition!

True enough, the predicaments endured by the citizens of the North and East were the repercussions of past mistakes of the rulers. Their need to be comforted and elevated to the ‘equal citizen’ status must be recognized. Their voices need to be heard. Like every other citizen in the country, they deserve to breathe fresh air in a land abandoned by restrictions of all sorts. However, the much questionable military presence, the disappearances and killings occurring right under the noses of the security forces, leave little or no hope for the people who are still waiting to taste freedom. The dormancy on the part of the Government is dangerous. Its lack of action in such quarters has long begun to humiliate the war victory.

As the ultimate authority, the Government cannot afford to leave unsealed spaces for another separatist cause to seep in. Solutions are not meant to sleep in files. People’s agonies are not the LTTE campaign material. Perhaps, Karunanidhi and Sampanthan are singing different lyrics; but the tune sounds the same.
Now is not the time to sit and listen; but to stand up and act on behalf of the long mistreated people who don’t seem to have much choice other than to go with the only voice they are dubbed with.

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Comments - 5

Paths Wednesday, 30 May 2012 07:03 PM

Unitary const is what the Tamils want changed to federal; an Indian model where a merged N&East, the historical habitat of the Tamils as recognised by the JR pact with India, are governed by its own people within a UNITED SLanka. All that the Tamils r asking is greater devolved power that include Police & Land. Why grudge this? If the Tamils dont feel 2nd class as they do now, together we can build a prosperous country. But what is on now - a family govt with 40 odd of their relations enjoying perks in Corporations & Govt Depts.
The editor is harping on the defunct LTTE. The govt is trying to stay in power that the LTTE will reemerge anytime. Sure it wil if the Govt continues with its genocidal path. Meanwhile SL continues to be branded a failed state.

Cynic Thursday, 31 May 2012 05:47 AM

Countries like the UK and USA should study the Geography, and Demography of countries like Sri Lanka, before they interfere in their internal affairs.
Sri Lanka is, and has been for many years a multi-ethnic Society. It has a majority of Sinhala Speaking citizens and a minority of Tamil speakers. One has only to look at the geography of neighbouring countries, to see that across a very narrow Strait there is an overhelmingly large population of Tamil Speaking people, in Tamilnadu in powerful South India. Whereas Sinhala speakers are only found in Sri Lanka. By encouraging the division of our small country, the Western Powers are guilty of encouraging the genocide of a small pocket of Sinhala speakers, native to Sri Lanka. We enjoin the Western Powers to study the Ground situation in Sri Lanka see how amicably all races live together in the Southern parts of the Island, and save a 'threatened species' the Sinhalese, from sure Extinction.

Aney Machang Thursday, 31 May 2012 12:11 PM

We are an Independent Sovereign state, with a multi ethnic population living happily in the Country after the eradication of the terrorists LTTE the tamils are even more happy.
What is he talking about and to whom is he appealing to?

Hussain Thursday, 31 May 2012 05:39 PM

If the Tamils want a separate country, then let them all move to south India. End of story. Either stay in a United Sri Lanka or LEAVE.

jay gunasekara Thursday, 31 May 2012 05:44 PM

Sampanthan is bankrupt in thinking that if he pushes the land and police powers idea they can live happily thereafter. this guy needs to retire before he makes a bigger problem than what it is now.

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Editorial - Let the facts be facts

Comments - 5

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