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Last Updated : 2024-05-01 00:01:00
5 April 2024 10:29 pm - 54 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Jaffna, April 05 (Daily Mirror)- Claiming that both Sinhala and Tamil people have a right to interact with the State in their own languages, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the proportion of the Tamil youth in public institutions, tri-forces and important sectors should be increased.
Speaking at the Northern Provincial Conference of Ceylon Teachers Service Union yesterday, he said it was vital to defeat the racial political culture in the country on behalf of the future generation.
"Our main political stream has adopted rival politics so far. Sinhala people in the South were organised against the North. Tamil people in the North were organised against Sinhala people in the South. We need to put a stop to this racial political culture. That is for our future generation," he said.
Dissanayake appealed to Tamil politicians in the North saying that if they were really concerned about the issues faced by the Tamil people, they need to unite.
"We invite political leaders in the North to get together and form a government. Let's think afresh. We have two main languages in our country. Both languages have equal rights. They have a right to deal with the state in their respective languages. If a Tamil person writes a letter to the government, he or she must get a reply in Tamil. Therefore, I think, we need to increase the proportion of the Tamil youth representation in public institutions, tri-forces and important sectors," he said.
He said Sri Lanka needed a new society where racism and extremism were rejected and the identity of each community is respected.
Janaka Friday, 05 April 2024 11:08 PM
So what was the JVP role of any during the 1983 communal riots? And again what was their stance towards India and even trade with it?
Lk Friday, 05 April 2024 11:12 PM
This must have been done soon after war ended but MR and co due to their shortsighted politics didn't do anything to heal the wound of war instead MR and co spread hatred among all .. It is true that we should reconcile our problems between us before some other outsiders use this division for their political purpose . We must be wise enough to know the changes in the world . Giving Tamil official language doesn't harm the country at all. It is a basic human right of Tamil people Also introduce some quotas system in all jobs line with ratio of community
Suhanthan K Friday, 05 April 2024 11:54 PM
I would hope the Srilankans will learn to live in harmony and self respect. AKD does have a valid point, for example I would ask any of my Sinhala brothers and sisters, to open any government department and 99% of those in position are held by Sinhalese. E.g. open the CRI, NRMC, NLDB etc. web pages and you will find out. Each time I call then for any help there is a language barrier or distance of these offices from north, I get little out of our conversation. Having said that they are polite, friendly and try to be helpful. The people of north
Amaran Saturday, 06 April 2024 12:47 AM
Very Good move. Hope your thinking is not to win the election only. Please promote ENGLISH language to enhance recognition in the global arena. Indians are leading everywhere in the World because of their command in ENGLISH.
Jeanne Sunday, 07 April 2024 03:35 AM
@Amaran: An excellent comment. I still don't understand the reluctance of our leaders to invest in foreign educators to teach, promote and foster the ENGLISH language. We all know that SWRD deliberately killed the English language so he could stop the brain drain but eventually it has killed this country as we are a bunch of useless players in a world operating on the universal language : ENGLISH. This should be a priority. Let's not put the cart before the horse, please!
Sam Silva Saturday, 06 April 2024 01:56 AM
After traveling, he becomes the self appointed president.
Mahila Saturday, 06 April 2024 03:11 PM
I Think he is expressing, what he thinks, is Right and should be happening as Given rights to each and every citizen!! That is the CORRECT ATTITUDE and should be wholeheartedly commended as a POSITIVE, and NOT DERIDED!!!??? Well Done AKD, Keep it up!!?? Doing Well!!???
Karunarajan Saturday, 06 April 2024 02:38 AM
Has this guy been living in another planet all this while OR has he been in deep slumber and woken up recently? Oh! one can feel the election in the air and hence such conciliatory talk that should have been done decades ago?
Tamils are not fools Saturday, 06 April 2024 03:20 AM
Another gimmick to get Tamil votes. How about giving autonomy to North-East?
Kasun Saturday, 06 April 2024 08:48 PM
What for? Instead the descendants of the invaders should be chased back to Nadu and claim the inherent land for of Hela!
Anil Saturday, 06 April 2024 04:39 AM
Only Ranil is doing what this guy is lipping with a pointed mouth.
A nizam Saturday, 06 April 2024 04:41 AM
Talking crap again. Although not corrupt these fools have no clue abt running anything. Never had a real job in their lives. All public institutions should be trimmed or privatized… but this joker is taking abt expanding it. They will do better than gotabaya!!
Ram Saturday, 06 April 2024 04:44 AM
Suggestion is made with the hope of the Tamil vote. I don't think they are gullible to fall for these. Public service was 350,000 15 years ago and today it is 1.5Million. Still we do not get a good service. If AKD going to increase it with his promise
DBS Lumbini Saturday, 06 April 2024 04:47 AM
Cheating the toung.
Mahila Monday, 08 April 2024 04:15 AM
Tongue, is what you meant? Apologies!
Using English widely is the way Forward Saturday, 06 April 2024 04:58 AM
Make English also the spoken language and will cut down on these issues. All schools should include English curriculum in most of the subjects they teach. This will assist them too if going abroad for a vacation, work, training, seminars etc as it’s widely use.
Panini Edirisinhe Saturday, 06 April 2024 02:58 PM
I'm a 75 year old retired teacher of English. What you have said is easier said than done.
Panduka Dasanayake Saturday, 06 April 2024 05:10 AM
This surely will be a good start at making reparations for the language based discrimination that successive governments failed to address meaningfully since the disastrous and myopic national languages policy and Act of the 1956 government! The whole history of 76 years of divisive politics the zenith of which was under the several governments since 2005, culminating in the disastrous and ignominious one of 2019/2020, and hopefully whose last remnants in parliament can be washed out soon, was highlighted to spontaneous applause when the NPP leader addressed the Jaffna teachers and the northerners in general, yesterday. For once, all those who may have squirmed since 1956 at all the separatist chicanery of various ‘national’ leaders and parties, could be proud that Lanka is possibly on the cusp of a benevolent and wholesome change! How we must all yearn for an integrated approach to nation building!
Mahila Saturday, 06 April 2024 05:43 AM
AKD, Everyone thought, (Universally accepted as of 04/02/1948) that every CEYLONESE were Liberated and achieved Independence from Great Britain as Sovereign individuals!? NO! That was the biggest Blunder!! That was only HEGEMONIC MYTH! By extension it’s BIGOTRY,!? The TAMILS THOUGHT-OUT THIS POSSIBILITY OUTCOME as far back as PRE-INDEPENDENCE and Soulbury constitution!? It was, Perhaps, far-fetched Ideology, for self-important Majority to COMPREHEND termed/dismissed, as – “ARROGANCE of Tamils”, lost in their Haste – expunge, that includes (PLUS Muslims, Burghers, Malays, Moors, Chinese, et all) “Minorities” PER SE 36% – Demanding, EQUAL REPRESENTATION (50/50)!!?? What 50/50 Meant was Legislative Majority/Minority Representation capped by constitutional exercise in Legislature (CHECKS, BALANCES)!? Contemptuous Outlook of conceited, ‘THREW BABY with BATHWATER’!!?? There wouldn’t have been, “Citizenship Act or Sinhala Only Acts”, 1948/1958!? Comprehensively would’ve been, ‘CHECK-MATED’,
Mahila Saturday, 06 April 2024 05:47 AM
AKD, (Part II) Suggest, Once in Power 2024, Practice, “WALK the TALK”!? If as stated that become Real-time experience, UNRESERVEDLY, 2030 VOTE BANK ASSURED FOR BOTH PE AND GE – YES!! Many times Bitten, MANIFOLD INCREASED BITTERNESS!!!??? AKD, Tamils, Minorities realised, well-over NOTHING – at Face value from Majority!!?? “Proof of the Pudding whether Palatable, is in Real-Time experience of EATING, and NOT, Flavours, Transient FRARANCE”!!!??? Don’t doubt your word, whilst hastening – Add WOULDN’T be the case, if at any time in future, consider, including, Political CAST earlier compatriots, Weerasangili, Gommanpilla, or Gundavindu!!?? Such bad taste still lingers-on, AFTER 76 Years from Citizenship act, 66 Years, Sinhala Only and many Beruwela and Madawela, Akurana or Beruwela, and Aluthgama Syndromes!? To THINK OTHERWISE is utter Foolishness, and NO MORE, considering the turmoil in the INTERREGNUM!!??
nadarajah Saturday, 06 April 2024 06:06 AM
i am sure if AKD is genuine in what he says ,he will usher a new era and a new journey with a bright future to all srilankans
Dee Saturday, 06 April 2024 06:17 AM
What a party to speak against racism! Surprisingly this is not at a women’s convention.
Jayantha Saturday, 06 April 2024 07:30 AM
Even now anyone can join the triforces or state sector. He is just talking rubbish. We should try to reduce the government sector instead of lookong to absorb more into it. Also make spoken english a compulsory thing for gov sector. Also never ever elect guys like him who cannot speak in english. When ever we had jokers like thay we had unnecessary issues. Best example is ms who was similar to akd.
Surain Saturday, 06 April 2024 07:42 AM
Is this what you learnt after went Canada when met Diaspora all political gimmick this guy too same like any other Lanka politicians
cloy Saturday, 06 April 2024 07:52 AM
What? Make the size of the state institutions including military bigger with more employees! What a brain this so called 'next president' possess!
John Smith Saturday, 06 April 2024 08:01 AM
What about increasing the Sinhalese in the private sector dominated by Indian colonial parasites?
Mahila Saturday, 06 April 2024 03:27 PM
WHERE DO YOU HAVE SUCH INSTITUTIONS!!???
DOT Saturday, 06 April 2024 08:04 AM
Great to see the CHANGE ! Keep it up genuinely !
Fahim Reasons Saturday, 06 April 2024 08:37 AM
Advocating to confine Sinhala and Tamil to their respective mother tongues represents a regressive stance. Instead, fostering the return of English as the primary state language while acknowledging Sinhala and Tamil as national languages is imperative. Limiting our youth to their mother tongue impedes international progress. Presently, a notable faction of English-educated voters supports the Alliance, the NPP, underscoring the significance of this decision. Personally, the outcome of the election holds little sway for me unless it reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity, considering the substantial number of children educated in English. Neglecting their needs perpetuates bias and injustice, affecting no in Colombo but also outlying regions. Without a new constitution that truly involves the populace, perhaps through a semi-direct democratic process, any leadership, regardless of political affiliation, is destined to falter. Continued,
Mahila Saturday, 06 April 2024 03:25 PM
Followed AKD’s speech in full and he never said confining the citizens to Mother tongue!!! He didn't say such a thing!!! Why we are imputing such claims or statements!!??? I only hope, it won’t be a repetition of SWRDB, Dudley SS, JRJ, MaRa, Gota et all!!??? After successful election, say, it cannot be done because of Maha Sangha/Mahanayaka’s, “POLITBURO”, or some such thing???
Joshua Saturday, 06 April 2024 09:06 AM
Good speech. Hope you will keep to your words unlike many who have fleeced the tamils and Muslim for sake of votes and then forget them. Also place a good mechanism for developing the upcountry tamil workers who are suffering without proper housing. Be genuine and the support will be there for you.
Affected person Saturday, 06 April 2024 09:10 AM
Your imagination of giving some places for Tamil never works in the future political history. You are well aware of, and why suggest imaginary things. Tamils have been discriminated against for the last 75 years and you mean time some miracle would happen?
Ranboda Saturday, 06 April 2024 10:57 AM
Yes yes. Tel something . Then you will get votes of them.
TIME WILL TELL Saturday, 06 April 2024 11:13 AM
WE HAVE THREE LANGUAGES IN THE COUNTRY, YOU HAVE LEFT OUT ENGLISH. COMMUNICATION IF CHANGING IN GOVT DEPARTMENTS MUST HAVE ENGLISH INCLUDED TOO, NOT ALL BURGHERS. ENGLISH IS A MUST IN ALL AREAS OF PUBLIC, GOVT, PRIVATE SECTOR AND MOST OF ALL COMMUNICATING WITH COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD. WE THE BURGHERS HAVE BEEN MARGINALISED SINCE TIME INMEMORABLE THIS IS THE MAIN REASON MAJORITY OF US MIGRATED AWAY FROM OUR MOTHERLAND. I SEE SOME COMMENTS HERE AND IN OTHER ARTICLES BRING DOWN AND BLAME THE BRITISH, THEY FAIL TO REALISE IF NOT FOR BRITISH RULE THE COUNTRY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A MUCH FAR WORSE SITUATION. LOOK AT HONGHONG, SINGAPORE ETC THEY CONTD ON THE BRITISH PATH AND TODAY THEY ARE MANY DECADED IN FRONT OF SRI LANKA AND i DOUBT SRI LANKA WILL EVER BE A SINGAPORE WITH THE MANY CORRUPT, SELF CENTRED, INCONSIDERATE, IDIOTIC PEOPLE IN GOVT THROUGH DECADES WHO CLAN TOGETHER OUTBEAT THE HONEST FEW, SILENCED FOR LACK OF MAJORITY. WE NEED A CHANGE, WHO WILL GOVERN FOR THE COUNTRY/CITIZENS.
Mendis Saturday, 06 April 2024 12:04 PM
It's very strange to see not a single comment.
joshua Saturday, 06 April 2024 07:56 PM
you want more????????????????
Banda Iya Saturday, 06 April 2024 12:30 PM
Good idea Mr.Anura. When it comes to generosity and broad-mindedness, Sinhalese are not second to others. This is a way to promote communal unity. Without communal unity, a country can not be developed.
Victor Saturday, 06 April 2024 01:37 PM
There shouldn't be any propotions anymore. it should be on merit and talent based only. otherwise NPP is continuing to do the same mistake that is continuing for the past 75 years.
NV Jen Saturday, 06 April 2024 02:19 PM
Glad AKD spelt out these matters at-least now despite not revealing their solution to the ethnic issue so far. But will words and deeds match, if he gets power? Even JRJ acknowledged during 1977 elections that Tamils have genuine grievances that has forced them to seek separation!. Yet once he came to power with a brutal majority, the worst ever crimes and riots in the history, took place!
Volker Metzger Saturday, 06 April 2024 03:03 PM
Anura Kumara's statements and initiatives for better mutual understanding and reconciliation between Tamils and Sinhalese are to be welcomed and supported in every respect!!! For over 2000 years the two ethnic groups have lived with people from other communities in this wonderful country, Sri Lanka! Tamil kings have alternated reigns with Sinhalese rulers! One example is Elara, who was honoured by Dutthagamani with a grave in Anuradhapura! The great joint achievements and accomplishments of Sinhalese and Tamils have been preserved to this day and reflect the unity of both peoples in one nation!!! Failed nationalist policies on both sides have led to disharmony and war! It is now time to eliminate and overcome the existing dividing human rights (racist) and political damage and injustices! This is one of the central tasks of all democratic parties!!!
Volker Metzger Saturday, 06 April 2024 03:05 PM
Anyone who takes this seriously politically and implements it consistently represents the majority of the Tamil and Sinhalese population!!! If the artificially created divide between Tamils and Sinhalese can be eliminated, Sri Lanka will have a very good future!!!
Mahila Monday, 08 April 2024 04:19 AM
You are, "RIGHT ON THE MONEY"!!??
Tissa Fernando Saturday, 06 April 2024 04:35 PM
Any preferential treatment based on race or religion is a racist policy. This NPP leader was saying that they were against racism but now he is saying that he will implement a racist quota for certain people. What we need is to abolish such preferences and let anyone choose their destiny regardless of their race and religion.
NASIR Saturday, 06 April 2024 05:07 PM
Best move with a vision for our future generations. Start English stream in all schools immediately. Train our teachers. Maintain your mother tongue as second language. Let our children thrive in the global village
Prem Saturday, 06 April 2024 05:45 PM
How will he amend or change the Bahubootha constitution JVP desperately wanted to abolish by July 1995; extended support to CBK, withdrawing their presidential candidate.
sss Saturday, 06 April 2024 06:19 PM
A bigger problem is more than 50% of the work force in the public sector pushing papers around and taking bribes emulating their masters in the parliament
Karalasingam Sivalingam Saturday, 06 April 2024 08:35 PM
Atleast implement promotional placement as per population ratio, allocate a percentage on Merit basis, we must get the best to serve government sector.
Mahila Monday, 08 April 2024 04:39 AM
Please NO CARTE BLANCH ETHNIC proportions, which will amount to inefficiency and "WRONG BOLT on the NUT"!!?? CONFINE ALL NEW intake to MERIT, and Promotions, may be give some weightage (35%) to Ethnic Proportions, to eliminate any existential anomaly of the past!!?? This perhaps for next 15 years and then all promotions too, to be HELD DOWN to MERIT ONLY!?
Buddhist Saturday, 06 April 2024 11:03 PM
If Anura Kumara is truly serious, he should request that all Government Jobs be based on the country's ethnic proportionality only.
Tissa Fernando Sunday, 07 April 2024 05:54 PM
That again is a racist policy. Race or religion should not play a role. Let these be based on merits. But our 75 years of culture has been friends and family preference right. You know someone then it is easy to get anything done.
Mahila Monday, 08 April 2024 04:29 AM
NO WAY?? THAT'S LOAD OF BS!!?? HOW HAS THAT BEEN COMPUTED??? INTELLIGENCE, ERUDITION, ADAPTIVENESS, APPTITUDE, COMMITEMENT ARE "PROPORTIOANATELY DISTRIBUTED AMONGS SRI LANKANS"!!!??? This is all because of eating too much Thanakola!!?? Or Punnakku!? Else BOTH!!?? MERIT IS and SHOULD be the ONLY PROCESS way Forward, ACHIEVE, HARMONY and IMPORTANTLY GROWTH and SUCCESS!!!??? BIN PROPRTIONS!!??
Kevin Lasken Sunday, 07 April 2024 12:59 AM
No! Proportions and Quotas ('affirmative action' programs) have proven to be disastrous world over as it breeds incompetency, laziness and more divisions and not harmony! And we need less and not more of government! This man is a horrible accident waiting to happen for SL!
Economist Sunday, 07 April 2024 12:25 PM
Well,well,well. Until and unless we have two states in one country, there will be no peace right up to the dooms day. All these tinkering will be an eye wash right up to the elections.
Just basic Written and Oral English Sunday, 07 April 2024 09:01 PM
@ Panini Edirisinhe - thank you for your service as a teacher. There is no need for everyone to have an Oxford English standard. Just basic written and oral with no Examination will be sufficient. Quarterly test to monitor their progress will be an option too. With various Dictionary and Translations Apps on mobile phones, it will be easy for anyone with basic English knowledge to look out for difficult words. Those wanting to take it as an exam subject can also sign up for it separately.
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