Sri Lankan Conflict; Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction – The Reconciliation Forum of Sydney takes the lead
By Raj Gonsalkorale
Notwithstanding how intertwined reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction are, there is an ongoing debate in Sri Lanka as to which of these should come first, a classic chicken or the egg situation.
"Hatred never ceases through hatred, but through love alone they cease” (Nahi Verena Verani—Sammanti dha Kudacancam- Averenacca Sammanti—esa dhammo Sanantano) - The Buddha in Dhammapada
The argument that all of these three pre requisites for real communal peace in Sri Lanka can and should run concurrently, seems to be of lesser importance for some, while others are of the opinion that reconstruction, another term for economic development, should take precedence over the other pre requisites. This school of thought is of the view that economic development will ease the impediments to reconciliation and rehabilitation.
History however seems to be more on the side of the argument that reconciliation should take precedence over economic development, or at least, they should run concurrently. Efforts made by successive governments in Sri Lanka since independence to develop the North and East in line with development activities undertaken in other parts of the country based on the country’s economic pie available at the time, appears not to have resulted in a degree of communal harmony where one could say with certainty that a truly secular, multi ethnic and multi cultural society, tolerant of differences had been arrived at.
A point of view expected at this stage, would be for many to say that all communities have lived in peace since 1983 in places like Colombo despite many provocations, and that there is no issue with communal harmony.
On the face of it, subject to the superficiality and lack of depth of this view, it may be true. However, beneath the surface it is quite possible that many Tamils are not quite as comfortable as some Sinhala people may wish to assume, because of the history of conflagrations, minor and major, directed against the Tamil community since 1956. Living in Wellawatta, a Colombo suburb that now has a large population of Tamils, and having experienced peace since 1983, is no assurance for a Tamil that there will be safety and security just because of this fact. It is appropriate here to remember that there was no inkling of the scale of the 1983 disgrace even a day before it happened.
However unpalatable it may be for Sinhala people to admit and accept it and for Tamils to do so as well, there is a schism between these two communities that is yet to be bridged. Tamils living in Wellawatta, held up as an example of communal amity by proponents that the two major communities and have lived together despite serious provocations, may not be of the view that life is as harmonious and peaceful as they and others might like it to be, particularly from the view point of the potential for insecurity for themselves as seen in the recent history of Sri Lanka.
The goal of communal harmony is however a two way street. It is not the sole responsibility of the Sinhala community to work towards this goal, as much as it is not the sole responsibility of the Tamil community to make it happen. Anything that is said and done by either community that aggravates the others’ fears and inherent prejudices, will naturally ensure the continuance of open, as well as hidden tensions between the two communities.
This is where both communities should discuss and agree on a few fundamental political realities that continue to stand between amity between them.
From a Sinhala perspective, it would help ease a lot of tension if there can be an acceptance that Sri Lanka is one country and a solution has to be found to accommodate Tamil aspirations within such a unitary concept. Some Tamils, in particular sections of the Tamil Diaspora, will argue, lobby and fund anyone and any movement, nationally or internationally, who oppose such a concept. Their argument will be that they tried and it failed. This section of the Diaspora does not wish to recognise what Sri Lanka is today, the advances made and how times have changed.
There is little evidence of efforts made by the Diaspora to understand what Tamils living in Sri Lanka may want in today’s Sri Lanka.
It is very likely that Tamils living in Sri Lanka, if they are left alone by the Diaspora, would be open to suggestions as to how their aspirations maybe achieved within a unitary concept.
From a Tamil perspective, it would help if Sri Lanka could be seen less as a Sinhala Buddhist country and more of a secular, multi ethnic society. Whatever one might say, Sri Lanka is seen by those within and without, primarily as a Sinhala Buddhist nation, and the media, the State media in particular, seems bent on projecting this image. Although it is a reality that Sinhalese Buddhists are a majority in the country, and that would translate to seeing more of their culture and traditions in a general sense, it does not help to foster communal amity if Tamils are not made to feel that their culture and traditions are something natural , spontaneous and esteemed within the country.
If Tamil traditions and culture reflected in national events are seen as mere gestures and accommodations, rather than an integral part of the Sri Lankan persona, it will not be surprising if Tamils in fact feel they are just being accommodated as a community as they just happen to be there in a Sinhala Buddhist country.
In the context of this backdrop, an initiative taken by some Sri Lankans living in Sydney, Tamils as well as Sinhalese, to provide a forum for reconciliation, is admirably laudable.
This Forum has expressed that it is primarily a mechanism for Sri Lankans living in Sydney to find ways and means of de polarising the Sri Lankan Diaspora there, by reconciling their differences with the view to enjoying and appreciating the cultural, linguistic, yes, even culinary diversity, as well as commonalities between them.
They consider theirs is a growing group of Sri Lankans working to develop a model of reconciliation, and their intention is to bring people together to share stories and experiences in a frank and open manner to an audience consisting of both Sinhalese and Tamils resident in Sydney.
The Forum has identified some core beliefs like the need to come to terms with the past as a high priority for the future, and the need to acknowledge all atrocities and injustices committed on Sinhalese, Tamil, Moslem and other communities, so that emotional wounds maybe overcome through reconciliation. In due course, the need for all communities concerned to forgive and be willing to apologise to each other is also seen as a key priority. Restoration of dignity through mutual respect, and an acknowledge that there is an ethnic problem which needs to be addressed is also seen by the Forum a prerequisite to stability and durable peace, and durable prosperity.
What is seen by this Forum and an overwhelming number of Sri Lankans of all ethnic origins is the urgency of restoring universal respect for the rule of law and good governance, which has been deteriorating over several decades, and which is a must if the country is to become a modern nation.
The objectives set out by the Forum are very credible and ambitious. They are particularly ambitious and also brave, considering that much of the opposition to what it is trying to do will come from elements within the Sydney Tamil community who are less inclined to have an accommodation with the Sinhala community in Sydney. Sections of the Sinhala community as well as some Tamils may display scepticism rather than opposition towards this effort, while many others would welcome a change of heart on everyone’s part.
At the initial stages, there is bound to be mutual suspicion amongst both communities considering the degree to which they have polarised towards their own camps and points of view. Breaking down barriers therefore is going to be extraordinarily difficult, and the single minded determination of the initial group of persons who constitute this Forum and others who are now associating with it, will be extremely critical towards the success of this great initiative.
The objectives of this Forum are pure common sense issues. The unfortunate turn of events has been the loss of common sense amongst the two communities, and the need now to define them as vital ingredients for reconciliation.
Be that as it may, the need to identify and understand the sources of mistrust, suspicion, prejudice and fear between the communities, the need for rebuilding trust, confidence and respect, between Sinhalese and Tamil people living in Sydney that can be sustained and passed down the generations, the need to encourage open and candid dialog, to bring greater awareness of reasons for prejudice and injustice, the need to harness confidence building measures that can withstand the potential challenges in the future, and the need to foster greater understanding amongst the youth than has been seen in our generations, are all seen as very positive developments that will help in rebuilding shattered relationships between the Sinhala and Tamil communities in Sydney.
What is an effort designed for Sydney may well be a model for all cities where the Sinhala and Tamil Diaspora live. The degree of polarisation between these communities within the Diaspora is far more acute than any lingering polarisation and mistrust between the two communities that may still afflict those living in Sri Lanka. The importance of reconciliation outside Sri Lanka therefore is even more important than within Sri Lanka considering the influence and power of the combined Sinhala and Tamil Diaspora, and how much they could do to influence a just and durable solution within Sri Lanka. One can just imagine the rise of Sri Lanka’s GDP if the Diaspora should bury their differences and work towards uplifting the Sri Lankan economy by engaging in a more positive effort towards finding a durable solution acceptable to all communities living in Sri Lanka, and investing resources, both human and financial, in a new, secular, multi ethnic, modern Sri Lanka.
Even worse than not working towards building a new Sri Lanka, is working against it from outside, and campaigning internationally to prevent a just and reasonable solution based on history as well as reality, being worked out by those living there. Such an attitude can only exacerbate the situation within Sri Lanka and extend the suffering of the very same people whose suffering needs to be ended.
Buddhism, a doctrine for anyone and everyone, and not Sinhala Buddhists, describes the way forward towards reconciliation for those who are divided over disputes such as what the Sri Lankans have faced over many years. The Dhammapada, Buddha’s essential teachings are a lesson for all.
The universality of Buddhism should be a great healer of the wounds of discord amongst the Sinhalese and Tamils. Buddhism is not the property of the Sinhala people although they have had a major role in preserving Buddhism when non Buddhists who misunderstood the doctrine attempted to destroy it and its followers. All Sri Lankans, including those who profess to be Buddhists, but who practice anything but Buddhism, could take a leaf out of the Dhammapada and work towards amity amongst the two ancient ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
Well lets see: Tamils have
Well lets see: Tamils have Tamil Nadu in India, Malaysia, South Africa, Canada and other Western countries as places to live easily, happily and as their homelands. What do Sinhala Buddhists have? Only Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has historically been a Sinhala Buddhist nation and it shall continue to be so. If Tamils who’s large numbers currently are due to European activity want this and that and are not satisifed with Sri Lanka they can choose any of the above locations to live in.
Do you find Sinhala Indians? Is there a Sinhala Nadu in India? No and No.
It’s a case of a guest and his/her family asking to stay for a night (by force or not) and you graciously allow them in and treat them well, give them meals from your table to only end up with them staying permanently, re-arranging the furniture than trying to claim your house as his/her own, when he/she already owns vast amounts of property elsewhere already. When you refuse these outlandish demands and try to reclaim what is rightfully yours the guest turned occupier shoots your wife dead and threatens your children going on to restrict you to just the kitchen but waltzing in whenever he/she feels like it to make use of the facilities in it.
Also the mighty West which
Also the mighty West which spearheads all the “talk” about political solutions and “multi” this or that to “little brown people” the world over have had their own populations revolt to the concept, overwhelmingly they reject the “Multi ethnic” ideology and detest it significantly. Furthermore their idea of “tolerance” and “multi ethnic” for them is merely seeing beyond a persons skin colour, however if you do not conform to the views of the white majority, if you do not speak the same language, follow the same culture traditions and religious views (openly at least) then you are rejected and viewed as an alien treated with disdain (both open or in secret) and at times a hate figure. In Sri Lanka’s case it is about tolerating a foreign imported culture, religion and language to which the Sinhala Buddhist majority not only had no say in but have out done most peoples around the world showing a level of tolerance, forgiveness and compassion nowhere else to be seen, yet this is viewed by minorities as weakness and an opportunity for not just conquest but access to more benefits and special treatment as well as domination. They feel confident to challenge the Sinhalese because they have significant back up and support outside of Sri Lanka compared to the Sinhalese who only exist in Sri Lanka. Grabbing such special treatment is achieved through vile propaganda, savage violence and brutal abuse of Sinhala tolerance and compassion pushing it at times to breaking point with never ceasing demands then crying “intolerance” when there is natural counter response and disgustingly using this to justify further violence and propagations of fabrications.
The Sinhala people have been and still are too forgiving and tolerant, seen as weak and thus able to be manipulated and abused. Right to this day there are those who attempt such. Elsewhere in the world such tyrannical minorities would not rise in the first place because majority communities stamp their feet of intolerance and control briskly and if a minority group propagated the types of words and political aspirations of minorities in Sri Lanka, abusing the political system, they would have been silenced very quickly that the thought of using violence to “tip the balance” would never take place. If indeed violence was carried out the minority group whoever they maybe would be crushed so swiftly and mercilessly without an ounce of care or compassion. There would be no food convoys, education facilities or hospitals run, funded and supplied by the majority while death, destruction and demonisation was all that was returned. If a minority (real or on paper- i.e. with a unlimited “source” as they have a homeland somewhere else) tried even a quarter of a fraction of what minorities have done in Sri Lanka anywhere else in the world they would have been eradicated without a second thought.
So cut the Sinhalese some slack.
Tamils need to learn to act like citizens of Sri Lanka, try and contribute something to society than attempting to dominate it or seeing the maximum then can take from the country to further themselves.
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Reconciliation is a two way
Reconciliation is a two way street. The majority Sinhala community will make its moves towards stability first and secularism next, hopefully through sharing power CENTRALLY, WITHOUT territorially demarcated ethnic areas that could serve as the hotbeds and trigger points for another cycle of separatist demands.
Towards this end, the emerging Tamil political leaderships should also realise the advantages of secularism as the foundation of the 'equality' that they claim as the political goal that they seek, and make the commitment to work together with the Sinhala political leaders.
As long as the Tamil leaders retain hidden agendas of separation this reconciliation can never be achieved, and the greater loss would be to the Tamil community, just as it has happened over the last 3 decades of following such an agenda.
If wisdom prevails over arrogance and ambition, the Tamil leaderships will commit to the one Sri Lanka in which the freedom to move and live in peace wheresoever one pleases would form the whole and unified political foundation within which the people would live, develop and evolve their community and societal as well as individual goals, which after all, are really no different whether one be Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher or Malay.
CONGRATULATIONS SYDNEY FORUM
CONGRATULATIONS SYDNEY FORUM
Congratulations to the initiators of the Sydney Forum, a seemingly pioneering effort among those in the Australian Sri Lankan diaspora in ethnic reconciliation that goes far beyond the mundane rhetoric and often retrogressive opinions of Sinhalese-Buddhist bigots and Tamil separatists on popular blogs. The premium need of the hour is open face-to-face interactions among Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and other Sri Lankans in the diaspora – truly genuine efforts that hopefully bond us at the common denominators. At least initially, the idea hopefully would be to establish rapport among the disparate expat groups so that upon establishing trust, the parties can venture onto exploring the more contentious issues of concern. While the leadership initiatives of those who have opened the Sydney Forum are appreciated, it is with respect it is suggested that any relationship building efforts be pursued slowly but steadily as its the quality of these relationships that will eventually determine the quality of joint future proposition. At this sensitive early stage, establishing trust remains the key-most challenge - and that would take some time. Considering Mr. Raj Gonsalkorale’s significant contributions over many years in these blogs towards peace, I sincerely hope he will play a leadership role in the advancement of the Sydney Forum. Yeah, reconciliation is a two way street alright, but the onus to initiate positive moves lies on the victors, the emboldened Sinhalese, and the time to do so is Now and not Later. The view, stability first and secularism only next, is a fear-based counterproductive notion that seeks only to stabilize the Sinhalese-Buddhist preferences at the grave expense of the minorities. Yes, stability and secularism are the ideal goals – but not as sequential challenges, rather, ones to be conquered on parallel paths. And the key trigger to initiate solutions is open dialogue, as has been articulated by Mr. Gonsalkorale and efforts initiated by the Sydney Forum. As president John F. Kennedy once said, "Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." So, let’s begin the talk – face-to-face. All the very best to the Sydney Forum initiative, indeed a highly laudable initiative.
We really like the idea of
We really like the idea of the Sydney RRR Forum and wish that all prominent cities all over the world had similar Forums. We wish them every success.
Actually, Lankans have completed three internal 'wars' - two with the JVP & one with the ltte, the latter having multinational dimensions. It is the Multinational Factor (MF) that is the greatest impediment to Reconciliation, which, in our view, is the most important of the RRRs. If the Tamil Diaspora gets rid of the MF, our guess is that the rest will be smooth sailing. The MF is like the 'Hora Kapuwa' getting into bed with the new couple - won't work !
The MF should be partnering with the GoSL, not little groups all over the world.
May we suggest that the Sydney RRR Forum start off with the Forum members offering a written apology for any pain & anguish caused to any citizen of Lanka, in the form of some 'offerings' brief & very sincere, even poems or sketches in the form of small booklet or pamphlet. This
kind of pamphlet could be used in other larger cities all over the world.
Start a rush of genuine kindness & affection - it will flow with the Universal Laws ! Every Human Heart longs for this kind of mutual trust.
Secularism CANNOT be
Secularism CANNOT be established without stability as its foundation. Secularism will never survive in instability. Dias's statement that my reference to that need is "fear-based" reveals the self-same insecurity that will erode any attempts to evolve towards secularism. Secularism does not just happen because of rhetoric and "talk-talk", although it is a feel good thing to do so. It has to come into being through the eradication of mistrust that can only take place through a long period of stability and non-violence within which mistrust can gradually be replaced by mutual trust. The majority community-dominated Govt that has finally managed to assert itself and take control after a minority's gruelling terrorist insurrection cannot be expected to simply say "Yes, everything's hunky dory now - let's think secular"!
If stabilization of the much maligned ~74% Sinhala Buddhist majority is seen and interpreted by a concerned intellectual such as Dias, as being "at the expense of the minorities", how can he explain the very overt recognition of these minorities that is being accorded by this self-same Sinhala Buddhist majority, in more ways than in probably any other mixed society (one has only to drive around Sri Lanka to see the churches, kovils and mosques, side by side with Buddhist temples, the official holidays accorded the different religions for their observances, the tri-language street signs, the official recognitions given in the Constitution etc etc.), to realise that this "expense of the minorities" is a paranoid concept in the minds of those who perhaps will not be satisfied until Sri Lanka's population is constituted equally of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Hindus, OR perhaps the Sinhala Buddhists are reduced to a MINORITY.
This Sinhala Buddhist majority has been more tolerant than most human societies on the planet, and yet MORE AND MORE is being demanded by the aggressive "others". In fact, I have yet to hear a descriptor about Sinhala Buddhists from Dias other than that they are 'bigots'!!
STABILITY AND SECULARISM - A
STABILITY AND SECULARISM - A CATCH22
“Secularism CANNOT be established without stability as its foundation.” – Voyager
And stability can never be established until the foundation, i.e. the national constitution itself is changed to a secular-like construction.
Though not the exclusive criteria, stability of a society is not mutually exclusive of the society’s constitution – and that is why many, including the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (through its Nov., 2009 Report) have called for constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka. However, constitutional reforms are generally motivated by principle-based demands in the benefit of the people and should not be predicated on transitional emotions such as trust or mistrust. It is in fact the tangible reforms that directly empower people which in turn generate trust within a system and not the other way round. While it is acknowledged that reforms, for pragmatic reasons, have to systematically evolve over time as trust is reinforced, it would be unrealistic to believe that one should wait for trust to be fully established for reforms to take place. Since reforms and trust (in the system as well as in one-another) are so closely intertwined, there is only one practcable way the goal towards a stable secular society can be achieved, and that is, systematically but in parallel – i.e. reforms and stability complimenting / reinforcing one-another. Case after case, including in the United States, this indeed has been the only proven pattern. There are no historical cases, where a nation had waited until all the ducks have lined-up, i.e. trust fully established between disparate parties, to introduce secular-like reforms.
While the natural fears of the Sinhalese are quite understandable, we must take great care not to become captives of our own fears, and also recognize that longer we wait, the less trusting we will become to our minority citizens. As for Voyager’s dilemma: “The majority community-dominated Govt that has finally managed to assert itself and take control after a minority's gruelling terrorist insurrection cannot be expected to simply say ‘Yes, everything's hunky dory now - let's think secular!’”, I ask, why not? – especially, in consideration of the fact that the terrorists have been completely wiped-out! This does not mean Sri Lanka has to become secular state overnight, but certainly, as Gonsalkorale suggests, why not begin to think in those terms? What are the harms vs. benefits?
It is high time the Sinhalese stop acting like a bunch of freaked-out xenophobes and instead act with magnanimity and reach-out to the much weakened minorities as recently encouraged by the eminent Sinhalese attorney Gomin Dayasri (about legitimate Tamil grievances). What the nation desperately need at the present time are more Dayasri’s, Gonsalkorale’s and the likes of the founders of the Sydney Forum – Sinhalese and Tamil men and women willing to forge forward with an intense audacity of hope. Voyager and others should join them.
Misuse of the term
Misuse of the term "legitimate grievances" and its uncritical adoption by those like Dias (and yes, sadly, even Gomin Dayasri) as being applicable only to the Tamil community, are at the heart of much of the political problems and the associated solutions that confront Sri Lanka even at this time. All of Sri Lanka's communities are aggrieved communities, depending at what point of history one decides to position the advent of grievance, and only some of the aggrieved are being heard. The point is that the magnanimity of the Majority community was abused, and unreasonable and bullying demands were made by the Minority community, and now the majority community is being expected to make ALL of the overtures towards reconciliation. There have to be some gestures and indications from the Tamil community's leadership groups too, that they are willing to commit to the country and become equal partners and shareholders in the nation's travails instead of constantly complaining, running off to India, or getting the newly formed Global Tamil Forum to present a tough anti-Sri Lanka stance using the likes of Miliband and Brown as the faces of Tamil power.
As for Dias's challenge that concerned Sri Lankans should consider everything A-OK now, "...especially, in consideration of the fact that the terrorists have been completely wiped-out!", it is at best the height of naivete, or at worst, utter cynicism! We constantly read of threats to take Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court, of the Diaspora seeing to it that the terrorist threat will rise again "UNLESS...", of caches of arms and armaments being unearthed by the security forces, obviously retained for later use, etc. etc. These occur almost on a daily basis. While it is true that a segment of the LTTE's military leadership was wiped out, the goals and objectives of the Sri Lankan Tamils, powered for the most part by the global Tamil Diaspora inimical to Sri Lanka's stability and sovereignty, and still voicing the Vaddukoddai Resolution as their goal, remain. No amount of taunting by the likes of Dias will make people who are vigilant about the nation's security relax until the Tamil separatist cause is abandoned and acknowledged as such.
Reconciliation remains a two-way street, and much is being done through resettlement and rehabilitation efforts to demonstrate the Govt.'s commitment to the welfare of the Tamil community. But, this does not mean that caution should be thrown to the winds as we march towards "secularism" in audacious hope. Hope we have, but it is a cautious hope. Even Obama, who coined the famous phrase, must have second thoughts about it as the Republican counter-effort thwarts his every move to take the nation forward to fulfill the promises he made.
So let us hope and watch, and take it step by step, and not let foolish idealism bog us down in a mire of promises that will be deliberately made difficult to fulfill, and can then be flung back at the Sinhalese Buddhists as "reneging again", and held constant culprits for all that goes wrong in Sri Lanka, by people like Dias.
Despite my sense of caution, let me congratulate the initiative taken by the Sydney Forum for a brave venture - it should serve as a worthwhile pilot project to assess the feasibility as well as the capability for survival of such fora at this time. Good Luck!!
It is very true that when
It is very true that when things go wrong in the plans of some Lankan Tamils such as (1) forming Eelam, (2) eliminating Tamil Caste Wars at the cost of others, the GoSL, seen as the 'Sinhala govt', has to bale them out, as in the last war of 30 yrs. with the ltte, then some of the intellectuals from Tamil & Sinhala communities cry 'foul' against the GoSL & Sinhalas in general. It becomes political rhetoric to blame the majority community for the ills of society in Lanka. We want to see such NEGATIVE & COUNTER PRODUCTIVE POLITICAL RHETORIC removed once and for all.
Also internal 'wars' with the ltte, (as opposed to 'war' with the JVP), give fuel to the International Community, some of whom has to host thousands of Tamil emigrants at taxpayer cost, to admonish another 'foul' at the GoSL, and impose more unfair controls on Lanka. Slamming Lanka abroad has become a nasty game. A lot of troubles in our communities, one has to admit, is due to some 500 yrs of Colonial Rule. This is why the Multinational Factor has to be positive, with dealings with GoSL only. THE GENERAL WISH BY SOME TO DIVIDE LANKA ON ETHNIC LINES HAS TO GO.
Tamil intellectuals should help Tamils of Lanka to be Sri Lankan first. Loyalty to one's country is a most wonderful trait, and there are many such admirable Tamil people.
Having said these things, I shall add once more: May the Sydney RRR succeed beyond measure !
I am not against your forum
I am not against your forum mr Raj , but I deeply suspisious of who wrote your article . and You article contained very known unreasonble indian fanatism, and I am hundred percent sure that your sly article product of an agent.
and the same agent was behind the creation of Sydney forum with great motives.
Second, why not creat a forum about India in your own home to bring an end to suffering of poeple of kashmire, create a province in Gujarate for Muslim, and give rights to subhuman in India.
Sydney Forum Thank you Raj to
Sydney Forum
Thank you Raj to publicise the Sydney Forum initiation. The Forum where all can exchange their views in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding of others view and building trust has to be welcome by all. However I wanted to believe that this is a genuine effort by few Diaspora members in Sydney. However, I am afraid, I have seen many of such initiatives are orchestrated by the Govt. ( High Commission ) from behind the scene. Hope I am wrong here. Even in Raj’s article, he has already made up his mind that Tamil Diaspora will keep advocating the separate state agenda. This itself shows that he is starting from a preconceived idea. I hope Forum members and honourable people like Raj will shed this preconceived idea and perception rather and look deeper in to the issues. First of all, I would suggest, just don’t bang on the idea of unitary state. This can’t be the starting point. Lets the majority shed the minority complex and trying to understand the Tamil speaking people desires and aspirations. Don’t fall into the slogan of defeating terrorism, uniting the country, courage of armed forces and trying to justify all the atrocities committed by successive Govt. and arm forces and continuing to commit these injustices. As Tamil Speaking people did in the past; suck into the trap of creating the LTTE to protect against the state aggressor, then loose control of the movement and looked helplessly as LTTE justified its existence and its actions on self propaganda and violence. We, Tamil Speaking people are paying the price for not confronting the situation. We Tamil Speaking people have learned the mistake of “jumping from frying pan and falling into the fire”. The Sinhalese are going in the same path and every soon realise that MR regime is not any better than LTTE regime. I hope, this forum would be independent and not afraid to speak out for the vulnerable, people without a voice and raise against injustice. If it keeps towing the Govt. line and everything is “hanky dory” and defeating LTTE military is everything, they are in for a big surprise. One wonder whether this forum is a propaganda and to counter GTF!!!!. Why don’t the Sydney Forum acknowledge GTF and try to have a dialogue with it.
Hope some good will come out from this initiative and not a Govt. propaganda with few Sydney Forum members visiting Temple Trees and taking photos with the President and posting in every Govt. media and web site. Good luck for the Forum and hope Raj will keep us updated with positive actions and progress.
A point of clarification for
A point of clarification for readers and commentators. The views expressed in my article and mine alone and are not those of the Forum. I am not representing the Forum in these columns. I am sure they will publish their news and views in due course. I am not a member of the Forum although I am a keen supporter of its ideals and objectives. Like many commentators who have made very positive contributions, and therefore indicated their support for the initiative of the Sydney Reconciliation Forum, I too am a similar supporter. I do however will continue to state my views on AT columns, and I am happy to say they identify very closely with those of the Forum.
There are 6 commentators who
There are 6 commentators who have posted something on this and only 2 have made "positive contributions", 2 out of 6 does not equal "many". And by "positive contributions" you are referring to those in support of this comical "forum" that begins with the usual default setting of Sinhala bashing.
It is indeed disappointing that those who disagree or having differing points of view and different arguments are not seen as "positive contributions". This is a significant problem where only one selected view is taken as the sole right while others are dismissed as "negative" highlighting the extremists nature of self appointed fulfillers of what is righteous -in their eyes.
It is also the very reason such forums and previous attempts of "reconciliation" have failed because as with peace talks with the LTTE and Tamil groups in the 50s, it is about Sinhalese always giving and Tamils always taking. It is always the case of Sinhalese are the ones to be blamed and forced into agreeing into things which are one sided and ridiculous where legitimate Sinhala grievances are ignored or bulldozed by illegitimate Tamil grievances also known as unreasonable demands designed to make any attempt at "reconciliation" fail, heap more blame on Sinhalese, slap down more demands, squeeze out more concessions and justify it all by placing all the "faults" at the door step of the Sinhalese.
This forum like all before it will fail because it does not address the root of the problem: Tamil intransigence, desire for power and return to British apartheid coupled with Tamil pride issues where they have no country and want to punish the Sinhalese for it after failing in India and Malaysia where the nations and Governments in those two countries are far more tough, brutal and intransigent as Tamils. Most importantly it is the failure to understand Sinhalese have suffered more than Tamils and have significant legitimate grievances unlike their Tamil counterparts.
TOWARDS SYDNEY's SUCCESS On
TOWARDS SYDNEY's SUCCESS
On one hand while implying that not only Tamils but all communities have equally suffered, i.e. “All of Sri Lanka's communities are aggrieved communities, depending at what point of history one decides to position the advent of grievance, and only some of the aggrieved are being heard...”, on the other hand Voyager contradicts himself by acknowledging that the “... greater loss would be to the Tamil community, just as it has happened over the last 3 decades of following such an agenda.” (On his first comment on this blog.) Voyager’s recognition that the “ ... greater loss ...” has been on the Tamil community over the last 3 decades is clear admission that Tamils indeed have suffered more than others, the difference being what most have characterized as legitimate Tamil grievances (also crisply articulated elsewhere by Mr. Gomin Dayasri.) Anyway it’s good to see a change of heart in Voyager who has now extended his best wishes to the Sydney forum - way to go my friend! As for his persistent fears (about alleged war crime charges, weapons caches, etc. etc. etc.), and perhaps that of many similar Sinhalese, please try to take a cue from Marie Curie: “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.”
Samuthra in his/her comment has made some helpful recommendations for the effective functioning of the Sydney forum. I would like to go a step further and suggest that prior to beginning serious discussions, the forum leaders consider securing the services of a neutral professional negotiator to act as an empowered moderator to ensure healthy continuity of discussions. Negotiations even among the most trusting parties often breakdown because these often lack well laid-out negotiating formats, processes and experienced oversight / moderation. In the event Sydney participants are not aware, perhaps the short book, "Getting to YES" by Roger Fisher and William Ury (of the famous Harvard negotiation project) could become immensely valuable – just a suggestion that perhaps Mr. Gonsalkorale may wish to convey to the Forum members. All the best!
I WISH THE BEST FOR THE
I WISH THE BEST FOR THE SYDNEY FORUM. AND I HOPE THAT WHAT THE FORUM SEEKS TO BRING ABOUT HAS A SNOWBALLING EFFECT AMONG SRI LANKAN COMMUNITIES ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND, ESPECIALLY, IN SRI LANKA.
AS FOR RECONCILIATION, REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION, ALL THESE HAVE TO MOVE TOGETHER. FOR INSTANCE, WE CANNOT SEPARATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FROM RECONCILIATION. BECAUSE AT THE ROOT OF ALL THE PROBLEMS ARE ECONOMIC ISSUES, INCLUDING LACK OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS.
SOON AFTER INDEPENDENCE, CERTAIN ILL-INFORMED POLITICIANS THOUGHT THAT THE WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS WAS TO SIDELINE THE TAMILS AND PUT STUMBLING BLOCKS IN THEIR PATHS. AND ALSO TO REDUCE THEIR POLITICAL POWER (DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF UP-COUNTRY TAMILS.)AS WE ALL NOW KNOW, THESE BLUNDERS SET THE BALL ROLLING TOWARD MILITANCY.
THE ECONOMY HAS TO GROW IN ORDER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL. AND FOR THIS, THERE HAS TO BE A VIBRANT PRIVATE SECTOR, IN ADDITION TO THE GOVT SECTOR. AND THIS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT FOR PROSPERITY CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM RECONCILIATION. RECONCILIATION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAVE TO MOVE TOGETHER.
AND GOOD LUCK TO THE FORUM.
If the Sinhalese have
If the Sinhalese have legitimate grievances, the Sinhalese can easily vote out of power those politicians who fail to remedy their grievances. This is not the case with the minorities in Sri Lanka, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE WEAK CONSTITUTION THAT WE GOT AT INDEPENDENCE.
Sri Lanka has been an Independent nation for over 60 years. And because of the weak constitution without adequate constitutional checks and balances, the Sinhala politicians have ruled the roost and they have done whatever they wanted to do without any sincere consultations without minority groups. And this dictatorial attitude, which was possible because of the weak constitution, is at the root of all the ensuing problems in Sri Lanka.
Again, if the Sinhalese have legitimate grievances, blame the intransigent Sinhala politicians and their continuing blunders. Since Independence, the minorities in Sri Lanka have been pretty much voiceless because of the weak Constitution.
Re Dias's quoting my comment
Re Dias's quoting my comment - "greater loss would be to the Tamil community, just as it has happened over the last 3 decades of following such an agenda.” - It is the Tamil agenda that resulted in the war. One arm of the Tamil effort at separatism has been quelled, but the international bile remains. All the responsibility to achieve the peace that Tamils in Sri Lanka also deserve should not be relegated to the Sinhalese, which is what Dias seems to be calling for. Reconciliation IS a 2-way street.
Also what Dias interprets as 'fear' is what I call 'vigilance'. Apparently there is nothing to learn from experience ?? As for the "Tamil grievances" - they are a propagandist slogan to which many have succumbed it seems.
Dias is also evidently sexist...attributing a 'male' gender to Voyager, and an uncertain 'male/female' androgyny to Samuthra!
A good many people are aware
A good many people are aware that Voyager is a male with a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of London, if I am not mistaken (Good Lord! Does that make one an English-speaking pariah? And was he favoured by the British in order to get a Ph.D. from the University of London?)
In Fact, on more than one occasion, Voyager, while posting messages under the pen-name "Voyager," has keyed in his real name along with the appellation, "Dr.". Is senility setting in?
Maybe illogic is setting in
Maybe illogic is setting in along with senility perhaps, in the brains of Thamby7, Dias, et al! Yes indeed. I have signed my name (and perhaps my title if there was some relevance), along with some of my comments, but it is indeed 'sexism' (or could it be senility?) to think that the name HAS to be that of a 'male'!
We think when some Tamil
We think when some Tamil writers to this column run out of legitimate arguments, they turn to personal attacks. Logic & Truth prevails, even if it takes centuries to uncover. The Flag of India
carries the motto "Truth Wins". Negative Tamil intellectuals should try taking the course of sincerity, & strive for justice for All in Lanka with Trust building. Time to shelve Cheat & Deceit and divisive politics. We hope such positive activities will not bore you.
Our goal is justice & happiness for All, and no more internal wars. One Lanka, One People. Those who do not like such a Lanka should migrate.
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