Biases on Political Violence

Terrorism, in any form, is a threat to democracy. Whether it comes from the north or the south, whether it wears the guise of ethnicity or ideology, the act of terrorizing a democratically elected government must be condemned equally and unequivocally.

Yet, in Sri Lanka, there appears to be double standards in how we perceive and react to different forms of political violence. The insurrections led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in the south and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the north were both devastating chapters in our history. Both caused immense suffering, loss of life, and damage to the social fabric of Sri Lanka and yet, the public and political narratives surrounding these two movements remain starkly different.

The recent arrest of Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, known as “Pillayan,” and the controversy surrounding his legal representation, is a case in point. The right to legal representation is a cornerstone of any democracy. Denying this right—whether implicitly or explicitly—based on the accused’s background or affiliations, only serves to deepen divisions and perpetuate injustice.

Selective empathy and unequal application of justice do not heal a nation. They inflame grievances and give rise to further extremism. If we are serious about reconciliation and peace, we must begin by acknowledging that all terrorism is reprehensible, regardless of its origin, and that all citizens are entitled to the same rights under the law.

A G Weerasinghe