Comments on: I am an enemy of the State http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/ Groundviews is an award winning Sri Lankan citizen journalism initiative Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:50:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: groundviews » A friend of the regime http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-42 groundviews » A friend of the regime Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:53:13 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-42 [...] I went into some detail about my memories of the only Rajapakse I have known personally because it helps one understand to a degree why who they are and what they say finds a receptive audience, at least for the moment, in the South – a constituency that will continue to support them and their self-styled war on terror. This war (that I have repeatedly said is not in my name) is waged with a vengeance because its ultimate objective, implicit in so much of what the President and his government does and says, is more than just the complete eradication of the LTTE – it is to establish a totalitarian Sinhala, Buddhist regime in the guise of a benevolent dictatorship which does not want to kill you, but will in an instant if you question it too much. It is essentially that which the JVP sought to establish, the JHU would love to see and the UNP today is powerless to prevent the establishment of. I was over a decade ago attracted to the rhetoric and image of a Rajapakse in precisely the same manner as many today are convinced their President holds the key to peace. It is an easy trap to fall into. Recently, I spoke with a leading and committed Sinhala civil rights activist who immediately after an audience with the President was so completely charmed that the person wanted me to tone down and delay the release of a rather strong statement I had drafted against the regime at the time. It was a stark reminder that dislodging this government from power is a formidable task. Further, that my own parents have always voted for the SLFP or JVP and are staunch supporters of this President is a valuable reference point. Though I have weaned myself away from the regressive and exclusive nationalism they believe and I grew up in, I find that I am as much a stranger to them as I am to the rest of polity and society in the South that today continue to support this regime despite the fact that nothing they can and will ever do will bring peace to Sri Lanka. [...] [...] I went into some detail about my memories of the only Rajapakse I have known personally because it helps one understand to a degree why who they are and what they say finds a receptive audience, at least for the moment, in the South – a constituency that will continue to support them and their self-styled war on terror. This war (that I have repeatedly said is not in my name) is waged with a vengeance because its ultimate objective, implicit in so much of what the President and his government does and says, is more than just the complete eradication of the LTTE – it is to establish a totalitarian Sinhala, Buddhist regime in the guise of a benevolent dictatorship which does not want to kill you, but will in an instant if you question it too much. It is essentially that which the JVP sought to establish, the JHU would love to see and the UNP today is powerless to prevent the establishment of. I was over a decade ago attracted to the rhetoric and image of a Rajapakse in precisely the same manner as many today are convinced their President holds the key to peace. It is an easy trap to fall into. Recently, I spoke with a leading and committed Sinhala civil rights activist who immediately after an audience with the President was so completely charmed that the person wanted me to tone down and delay the release of a rather strong statement I had drafted against the regime at the time. It was a stark reminder that dislodging this government from power is a formidable task. Further, that my own parents have always voted for the SLFP or JVP and are staunch supporters of this President is a valuable reference point. Though I have weaned myself away from the regressive and exclusive nationalism they believe and I grew up in, I find that I am as much a stranger to them as I am to the rest of polity and society in the South that today continue to support this regime despite the fact that nothing they can and will ever do will bring peace to Sri Lanka. [...]

]]> By: Singam http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-41 Singam Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:22:23 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-41 Rashee. Don't think of yourself as belonging to a Minority community. Nor should Sinhalese thing of themselves as a majority community. Such phrases connotes that the majority is right and better than the minority. Tamil and Muslim communities are numerically less than the Sinhala community. This does not mean that the community with the larger numbers has more rights or always right. The term minority and majority refers to a decision of a group, association or committee. It has no meaning when applied to a linguistic or religious community. Democracy in Sri Lanka has failed because the numerically overwhelming linguistic community uses the one-person one-vote to subjugate the numerically less communities assuming that more the numbers, more the wisdom! My advice to your daughter is that her family and the community are her roots. The State, Sri Lanka or others, is an artificial boundary to facilitate governance. Governments change, borders change but the family and the community is continuous. It is her identity. I am from Jaffna, I have travelled the world to compete in sports, study and work. I held a Ceylon, then a UN passport, and now hold a SL passport, but that is not my identity. It is a travel document. My outlook is international but my loyalty is to my family and community. I respect the rights of individuals and linguistic and religious communities. This is the best answer I can give you and your daughter. Rashee. Don’t think of yourself as belonging to a Minority community. Nor should Sinhalese thing of themselves as a majority community. Such phrases connotes that the majority is right and better than the minority. Tamil and Muslim communities are numerically less than the Sinhala community. This does not mean that the community with the larger numbers has more rights or always right. The term minority and majority refers to a decision of a group, association or committee. It has no meaning when applied to a linguistic or religious community. Democracy in Sri Lanka has failed because the numerically overwhelming linguistic community uses the one-person one-vote to subjugate the numerically less communities assuming that more the numbers, more the wisdom!

My advice to your daughter is that her family and the community are her roots. The State, Sri Lanka or others, is an artificial boundary to facilitate governance. Governments change, borders change but the family and the community is continuous. It is her identity. I am from Jaffna, I have travelled the world to compete in sports, study and work. I held a Ceylon, then a UN passport, and now hold a SL passport, but that is not my identity. It is a travel document. My outlook is international but my loyalty is to my family and community. I respect the rights of individuals and linguistic and religious communities. This is the best answer I can give you and your daughter.

]]> By: SH http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-40 SH Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:27:40 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-40 Whats next? Will we have to keep stating the fact that Sri Lanka is better than Burma, Zimbabwe or Saudi Arabia? There are many countries at the bottom of the barrel. You can pick and chose. Whats next? Will we have to keep stating the fact that Sri Lanka is better than Burma, Zimbabwe or Saudi Arabia? There are many countries at the bottom of the barrel. You can pick and chose.

]]> By: SH http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-39 SH Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:58:20 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-39 That indicates a sorry state of affairs, when people have to compare Sri Lanka to countries like Pakistan etc. We seem to have to scrape the bottom of the barrel here. That indicates a sorry state of affairs, when people have to compare Sri Lanka to countries like Pakistan etc. We seem to have to scrape the bottom of the barrel here.

]]> By: Death by Snoo Snoo http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-38 Death by Snoo Snoo Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:46:16 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-38 Interesting question Rashee. Perhaps we could ask someone from a minority group in a Muslim majority country to explain to us what the difference between minority and majority is, and how the minorities should be treated. Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan... that's just the countries around us. Anyway, aren't Tamils and Muslims the majority in metropolitan Colombo now? That makes the whole question even more complicated. I wonder.. Interesting question Rashee. Perhaps we could ask someone from a minority group in a Muslim majority country to explain to us what the difference between minority and majority is, and how the minorities should be treated. Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan… that’s just the countries around us.

Anyway, aren’t Tamils and Muslims the majority in metropolitan Colombo now? That makes the whole question even more complicated. I wonder..

]]> By: Rashee http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-37 Rashee Thu, 07 Jun 2007 03:57:39 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-37 I am a muslim (women) and married to a jaffna muslim, now living in Colombo. When there are tensions arising in the area we are very frightened, my daughter asked me one day why we are tensed and I did not know how to explain it but I briefly explained her oneday about the situation (majority vs minority etc.) at once she asked me 'Are we not born here, are we not Sri Lankans, and where can we go in case of some problem? Actually only then it strike me "Where to from here? "Who are we?" "Where do we actually belong?" 'CAN YOU ANYONE GIVE AN ANSWER TO THIS?" I am a muslim (women) and married to a jaffna muslim, now living in Colombo. When there are tensions arising in the area we are very frightened, my daughter asked me one day why we are tensed and I did not know how to explain it but I briefly explained her oneday about the situation (majority vs minority etc.) at once she asked me ‘Are we not born here, are we not Sri Lankans, and where can we go in case of some problem? Actually only then it strike me “Where to from here? “Who are we?” “Where do we actually belong?”
‘CAN YOU ANYONE GIVE AN ANSWER TO THIS?”

]]> By: nadia http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-36 nadia Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:13:58 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-36 Why are extreme voices the ones that get heard? Its ironic that your article generated a greater audience because of its sensational heading (re Janius' comment) because it purports to dispel the notion that polarization is not a good thing. And yet, it seems to sell. Its almost like the public is forced to pick a side and they are more comfortable doing so. Your either Sinhalese or your not. Your either with the govt or against it. The solution is military not political. The grey substances are not interesting to a public majority. Why is that and what can we do to change that? Why are extreme voices the ones that get heard? Its ironic that your article generated a greater audience because of its sensational heading (re Janius’ comment) because it purports to dispel the notion that polarization is not a good thing. And yet, it seems to sell. Its almost like the public is forced to pick a side and they are more comfortable doing so. Your either Sinhalese or your not. Your either with the govt or against it. The solution is military not political. The grey substances are not interesting to a public majority. Why is that and what can we do to change that?

]]> By: punitham http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-35 punitham Fri, 01 Jun 2007 08:26:22 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-35 i've come to read sanjana's articles/reviews eagerly over the last several months - we need scores of sanjanas to get out of the knotty/ugly situation that has been created over the last 60 years. kumar, just as the diaspora shouldn't help make the rifts deeper, they also should console those who have been savaged by racial riots and structural violence of the policies and practice of successive governments. i’ve come to read sanjana’s articles/reviews eagerly over the last several months – we need scores of sanjanas to get out of the knotty/ugly situation that has been created over the last 60 years.
kumar, just as the diaspora shouldn’t help make the rifts deeper, they also should console those who have been savaged by racial riots and structural violence of the policies and practice of successive governments.

]]> By: Hakuru http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-34 Hakuru Mon, 28 May 2007 14:33:15 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-34 Just as it was in post 9/11 America, in Sri Lanka today, perception is everything and details are a tiresome bother. Whist Sri Lanka hurtles towards Sirerra Leone, anybody who can get out should! There is nothing romantic about our country except the memories, and they are best preserved. Just as it was in post 9/11 America, in Sri Lanka today, perception is everything and details are a tiresome bother. Whist Sri Lanka hurtles towards Sirerra Leone, anybody who can get out should! There is nothing romantic about our country except the memories, and they are best preserved.

]]> By: Ajith http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-33 Ajith Mon, 28 May 2007 04:15:23 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-33 As someone very wise recently said " The vocal minority is ruling the silent majority". As someone very wise recently said ” The vocal minority is ruling the silent majority”.

]]> By: Peace Activist equals Traitor? « A Janusis http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-32 Peace Activist equals Traitor? « A Janusis Fri, 25 May 2007 06:40:31 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-32 [...] Posted in NGO, Sri Lanka, Issues at 12:01 pm by janusis I am not a fan of groundviews, nor do I have any particular negative feelings towards the site. I do not even read it regularly except for some random perusals every now and then. Yet the article I came across, titled “I am an Enemy of the State” was quite pertinent and articulated thoughts that have been chasing themselves around my mind for some time.  Why do I, a citizen of this country, feel threatened by the very government that was supposed to represent me. For one, this particularly dictatorial president has very firm views about what he considers correct and anyone who disagrees with him could either get lost of end up in prison. I doubt this president would be able to hold on to power as strongly as he does at this moment if it weren’t for the presence of the LTTE. The very fact that the terrorists exist, allows for the existence of a dictatorial government. The focus is on defeating the perceived enemy, which consequently distracts people from the burden of a failing state, inflation and foreign debt. Take away the threat of terrorism while reintroducing dialogue would refocus some of the attention on the situation of the country in general, which in turn would be exceedingly damaging to any government in this position. The actual reasons are far more faceted than how I have presented it here, yet this is the reason peace activists are so quickly condemned. [...] [...] Posted in NGO, Sri Lanka, Issues at 12:01 pm by janusis I am not a fan of groundviews, nor do I have any particular negative feelings towards the site. I do not even read it regularly except for some random perusals every now and then. Yet the article I came across, titled “I am an Enemy of the State” was quite pertinent and articulated thoughts that have been chasing themselves around my mind for some time.  Why do I, a citizen of this country, feel threatened by the very government that was supposed to represent me. For one, this particularly dictatorial president has very firm views about what he considers correct and anyone who disagrees with him could either get lost of end up in prison. I doubt this president would be able to hold on to power as strongly as he does at this moment if it weren’t for the presence of the LTTE. The very fact that the terrorists exist, allows for the existence of a dictatorial government. The focus is on defeating the perceived enemy, which consequently distracts people from the burden of a failing state, inflation and foreign debt. Take away the threat of terrorism while reintroducing dialogue would refocus some of the attention on the situation of the country in general, which in turn would be exceedingly damaging to any government in this position. The actual reasons are far more faceted than how I have presented it here, yet this is the reason peace activists are so quickly condemned. [...]

]]> By: Aliya http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-31 Aliya Thu, 24 May 2007 18:10:23 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-31 Collars up for you Sanjana! Given the circumstances this effort of yours is quiet daring. It’s high time that the civil society gets to know that ‘enemies of the state’ is not an equivalent of ‘enemies of Sri Lanka’, that all allies of the state are not necessarily the allies of Sri Lanka and that patriots are not defined by the state but by the History. It should also be noted that democracy is a process, not a prescription. Nothing is too late yet, keep on going. Good Luck! Collars up for you Sanjana!
Given the circumstances this effort of yours is quiet daring. It’s high time that the civil society gets to know that ‘enemies of the state’ is not an equivalent of ‘enemies of Sri Lanka’, that all allies of the state are not necessarily the allies of Sri Lanka and that patriots are not defined by the state but by the History.
It should also be noted that democracy is a process, not a prescription.
Nothing is too late yet, keep on going. Good Luck!

]]> By: Singam http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-30 Singam Thu, 24 May 2007 17:55:50 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-30 On Feb 4, 1985, Lalith Athulathmudali was asked why doesn't the UNP with its more than two-third majority get a federal constitution passed in parliament and in a referendum of the people. He said that SLFP (with its less than 10 MPs!!!) would oppose it! His exact words were that. "if UNP tabled a Federal constitution, that would be political suicide." 12 years later, the day Jeya Sikuru offensive to open the A9 started, Ranil Wickremasinghe in the presence of Mahinda Samarsinghe and Tyronne Fernando (When they were UNP MPs!) when asked about a federal or confederal constitution as a solution, said that as a political party, " UNP would not do anything that would prevent them from getting into power or if in power unseat them from power"!!! Both well educated, schooled politicians knew the hearts and minds of the majority. They knew which side of the hopper had the egg. Check out below the the CPA Feb 2007 survey figures for the Sinhala respondents on questions relevant to political decisions: 1. Solution through peace talks 46.3% Yes. 2. Solutions through defeating LTTE 35.1% Yes 3. Confidence in Pres Rajapakse 48.0% yes 4. Disapprove Norway as a facilitator 57.0% Yes 5. Agree with Majority (APRC) Report 41.1% Yes 6. Disagree with the Majority Report 41.1% Yes 7. New Emergency Regulations does not harm ordinary TAMIL civilians 67.6% Yes! It can be assumed that out of the 46.3% Sinhala potential voters 41.1% does not agree with the Majority report. So they wish to negotiate for less with those Tamils who have no bargaining powers, civil or otherwise. This is reality of Sri Lankan politics. It is obvious that no party would get two-third majority in Parliament or a majority in a referendum even for the Majoirty report which, in my estimate, a majority of Tamils, let alone LTTE, has rejected. On Feb 4, 1985, Lalith Athulathmudali was asked why doesn’t the UNP with its more than two-third majority get a federal constitution passed in parliament and in a referendum of the people. He said that SLFP (with its less than 10 MPs!!!) would oppose it! His exact words were that. “if UNP tabled a Federal constitution, that would be political suicide.”

12 years later, the day Jeya Sikuru offensive to open the A9 started, Ranil Wickremasinghe in the presence of Mahinda Samarsinghe and Tyronne Fernando (When they were UNP MPs!) when asked about a federal or confederal constitution as a solution, said that as a political party, ” UNP would not do anything that would prevent them from getting into power or if in power unseat them from power”!!! Both well educated, schooled politicians knew the hearts and minds of the majority. They knew which side of the hopper had the egg. Check out below the the CPA Feb 2007 survey figures for the Sinhala respondents on questions relevant to political decisions:
1. Solution through peace talks 46.3% Yes.
2. Solutions through defeating LTTE 35.1% Yes
3. Confidence in Pres Rajapakse 48.0% yes
4. Disapprove Norway as a facilitator 57.0% Yes
5. Agree with Majority (APRC) Report 41.1% Yes
6. Disagree with the Majority Report 41.1% Yes
7. New Emergency Regulations does not harm ordinary TAMIL civilians 67.6% Yes!

It can be assumed that out of the 46.3% Sinhala potential voters 41.1% does not agree with the Majority report. So they wish to negotiate for less with those Tamils who have no bargaining powers, civil or otherwise. This is reality of Sri Lankan politics. It is obvious that no party would get two-third majority in Parliament or a majority in a referendum even for the Majoirty report which, in my estimate, a majority of Tamils, let alone LTTE, has rejected.

]]> By: Suren Raghavan http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-29 Suren Raghavan Thu, 24 May 2007 14:38:57 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-29 Those who read the well written (to an elite audience again) article above by Sanjana should also read Gajan"s (KP) interview with Tamilnet. A sustainable solution is possible only when we (those who prefer peace) aspire together. Sr Those who read the well written (to an elite audience again) article above by Sanjana should also read Gajan”s (KP) interview with Tamilnet. A sustainable solution is possible only when we (those who prefer peace) aspire together.
Sr

]]> By: SJayewardene http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-28 SJayewardene Thu, 24 May 2007 10:00:25 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-28 Whilst acknowledging that racial animosity is not from the 5th century but as old as mankind, It is time for us to move on as a people... if we're to share the beauty of our country with our children we should be heartened by the multi-racial response to this article alone and move on NOW! Sanjana, how can we help you, Groundview and any parallel organizations spread awareness islandwide? translations, not in my name organizations...? any ideas? Whilst acknowledging that racial animosity is not from the 5th century but as old as mankind, It is time for us to move on as a people… if we’re to share the beauty of our country with our children we should be heartened by the multi-racial response to this article alone and move on NOW!

Sanjana, how can we help you, Groundview and any parallel organizations spread awareness islandwide?
translations, not in my name organizations…?
any ideas?

]]> By: Palmyrah http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-27 Palmyrah Thu, 24 May 2007 08:14:24 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-27 Read your piece in the Daily Mirror yesterday, SH. Very well said indeed. However, I wonder whether it really is the 'ruling elite' and 'southern politicians' who are to blame for the current mess we're in -- as so many Sri Lankans, including some of those who have commented on your article, purpote to believe. Genuine racial animosity is the real culprit. It has a longer history -- we can trace it back to at least the fifth century -- than any other factor in Sri Lankan politics apart from the chronic factiousness of the latter. A review of 'democratic' politics in Sri Lanka since the formation of the Ceylon National Congress in 1919 certainly supports this view. So does the fact that, whenever Sri Lankan leaders seem about to make a breakthrough in the search for a solution to the ethnic conflict, they are promptly ejected from office, either democratically or by a fiat of some sort, which of course could not happen without popular support and approval. The racial animosity and the factiousness are, of course, intimately connected. This is the point I really want to make. The ethical and moral degeneracy of Sri Lankan society stems from just one source: shared guilt and shame regarding the racism we study so hard to conceal, but which is clearly apparent from a brief study of our history and current affairs. This guilt and shame are shared, not only by members of the majority, but among all Sri Lankans who are not its proximate victims. It compromises us morally to such an degree that further transgressions -- running a traffic light, cheating on a spouse, accepting million-dollar commissions on a dodgy arms deal, hacking an entire family to death in a property dispute -- can be accomplished with ease. We are already 'in blood stepp'd in so far', as Macbeth put it, that a little extra spatter doesn't make much difference. Yet the enormity of our collective crimes still oppresses us in our secret hearts. We try to evade it through denial and blame-shifting: oh, it isn't us, it's the politicians! But in fact -- and we know it -- it isn't the politicians. It's us. But we daren't admit it, even to ourselves, for then we will have to face up to the fact that we have grown into a nation of monsters. But monsters we shall remain, until we do face up to it. Read your piece in the Daily Mirror yesterday, SH. Very well said indeed. However, I wonder whether it really is the ‘ruling elite’ and ‘southern politicians’ who are to blame for the current mess we’re in — as so many Sri Lankans, including some of those who have commented on your article, purpote to believe.

Genuine racial animosity is the real culprit. It has a longer history — we can trace it back to at least the fifth century — than any other factor in Sri Lankan politics apart from the chronic factiousness of the latter. A review of ‘democratic’ politics in Sri Lanka since the formation of the Ceylon National Congress in 1919 certainly supports this view. So does the fact that, whenever Sri Lankan leaders seem about to make a breakthrough in the search for a solution to the ethnic conflict, they are promptly ejected from office, either democratically or by a fiat of some sort, which of course could not happen without popular support and approval.

The racial animosity and the factiousness are, of course, intimately connected. This is the point I really want to make. The ethical and moral degeneracy of Sri Lankan society stems from just one source: shared guilt and shame regarding the racism we study so hard to conceal, but which is clearly apparent from a brief study of our history and current affairs. This guilt and shame are shared, not only by members of the majority, but among all Sri Lankans who are not its proximate victims. It compromises us morally to such an degree that further transgressions — running a traffic light, cheating on a spouse, accepting million-dollar commissions on a dodgy arms deal, hacking an entire family to death in a property dispute — can be accomplished with ease. We are already ‘in blood stepp’d in so far’, as Macbeth put it, that a little extra spatter doesn’t make much difference.

Yet the enormity of our collective crimes still oppresses us in our secret hearts. We try to evade it through denial and blame-shifting: oh, it isn’t us, it’s the politicians! But in fact — and we know it — it isn’t the politicians. It’s us. But we daren’t admit it, even to ourselves, for then we will have to face up to the fact that we have grown into a nation of monsters.

But monsters we shall remain, until we do face up to it.

]]> By: Karunai http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-26 Karunai Thu, 24 May 2007 06:52:38 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-26 Sundaram, I do believe you because I too was moved to tears reading this article. And I too am a Tamil living in Sri Lanka outside of the Northeast. I have been feeling so discouraged and sometimes even on the verge of giving up (though that wasn't likely over the long term)... Today, reading this article and all the comments which followed have revitalized me and given me so much hope. And energy to continue to work for healing of this Island and her many wounded people. Thank you all! To share with you a George Orwell quote: "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes revolutionary" And during times of violent repression, telling the truth takes a lot of courage. Thank you, Sanjana for paving the way with your courageous willingness to publicly share such truths. Sundaram, I do believe you because I too was moved to tears reading this article. And I too am a Tamil living in Sri Lanka outside of the Northeast. I have been feeling so discouraged and sometimes even on the verge of giving up (though that wasn’t likely over the long term)… Today, reading this article and all the comments which followed have revitalized me and given me so much hope. And energy to continue to work for healing of this Island and her many wounded people. Thank you all!

To share with you a George Orwell quote:
“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes revolutionary”

And during times of violent repression, telling the truth takes a lot of courage. Thank you, Sanjana for paving the way with your courageous willingness to publicly share such truths.

]]> By: naz http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-25 naz Thu, 24 May 2007 05:44:08 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-25 sam when are you back to lead this march..? "not in our name" sam when are you back to lead this march..? “not in our name”

]]> By: SH http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-24 SH Thu, 24 May 2007 00:39:17 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-24 PS. The attitudinal shift mentioned above has to work both ways. PS. The attitudinal shift mentioned above has to work both ways.

]]> By: SH http://groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-23 SH Thu, 24 May 2007 00:36:23 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/05/23/i-am-an-enemy-of-the-state/#comment-23 "To bring about an attitudinal shift of someone who is provided a view of the conflict through the lens of a Nalin Silva article, a fiery Wimal Weerawansa speech or a Rupavahini interview and who is trapped into that thinking by being told that any other view is heresy, is akin to a tectonic shift." I disagree. From my personal experience I suspect there is a vast untapped source of change. However, this is probably more suitable for a long term perspective. Finally as sinhalapeaceman has said people overseas will definitely play a significant role in supporting whats happening on the ground. Best wishes “To bring about an attitudinal shift of someone who is provided a view of the conflict through the lens of a Nalin Silva article, a fiery Wimal Weerawansa speech or a Rupavahini interview and who is trapped into that thinking by being told that any other view is heresy, is akin to a tectonic shift.”

I disagree. From my personal experience I suspect there is a vast untapped source of change. However, this is probably more suitable for a long term perspective.

Finally as sinhalapeaceman has said people overseas will definitely play a significant role in supporting whats happening on the ground.

Best wishes

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