Comments on: What is the solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka? http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/ Groundviews is an award winning Sri Lankan citizen journalism initiative Thu, 24 May 2012 14:16:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sunimal Alles http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2810 Sunimal Alles Wed, 21 May 2008 08:22:53 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2810 It is stupid to vegetate on past hurts and live in the past. We hesitate to erase the past and move into the future for the good of everyone. Current priorities are to 1) Grow as much food as possible by dignifying and providing incentives to those who opt for Agriculture and Animal husbandry 2) Educate ourselves to enter the world of BPO (Business process oursourcing) 3) Identify our latent/natural talents and seek to be employed in professions where we can be creative and OUTSMART all others (In any Nation) as Sri Lankans are more intelligent than any other- believe me they are - I have worked in 12 countries with almost all nationalities and there are none to beat Sri Lankans 4) Completely bury our EGOs and praise everyone for the contributions they make, rather than criticize, criticize, criticize and give no alternatives, or take over and run the activities one criticizes. We should think that we only have this lifetime and the more productive we become and the more we contribute the more our young will be joyful. Let us start now! It is stupid to vegetate on past hurts and live in the past. We hesitate to erase the past and move into the future for the good of everyone. Current priorities are to 1) Grow as much food as possible by dignifying and providing incentives to those who opt for Agriculture and Animal husbandry 2) Educate ourselves to enter the world of BPO (Business process oursourcing) 3) Identify our latent/natural talents and seek to be employed in professions where we can be creative and OUTSMART all others (In any Nation) as Sri Lankans are more intelligent than any other- believe me they are – I have worked in 12 countries with almost all nationalities and there are none to beat Sri Lankans 4) Completely bury our EGOs and praise everyone for the contributions they make, rather than criticize, criticize, criticize and give no alternatives, or take over and run the activities one criticizes. We should think that we only have this lifetime and the more productive we become and the more we contribute the more our young will be joyful. Let us start now!

]]> By: CHINTHANA MAHINDA http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2737 CHINTHANA MAHINDA Mon, 12 May 2008 05:08:26 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2737 Very simple...Stop the killings and abductions and devolve maximum power to the minorities! ps: The majority should also realise that this is NOT a 'Buddhist country'...but a country with a 'Majority of Buddhists!' Very simple…Stop the killings and abductions and devolve maximum power to the minorities!

ps: The majority should also realise that this is NOT a ‘Buddhist country’…but a country with a ‘Majority of Buddhists!’

]]> By: Shanil http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2721 Shanil Thu, 08 May 2008 06:45:27 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2721 "Let the Tamils go?" - Who is forcing them to stay? I'm just dealing with the literal meaning of what you just said. I'm not for all this race business as it is what has created this debacle in the first place...but there is a minority in the minority (Tamils) that thrive and prosper as well.... I find these generalizations about Sinhalese oppression and Tamil innocence highly misleading. There are so pure lambs in all of this... “Let the Tamils go?” – Who is forcing them to stay? I’m just dealing with the literal meaning of what you just said. I’m not for all this race business as it is what has created this debacle in the first place…but there is a minority in the minority (Tamils) that thrive and prosper as well….

I find these generalizations about Sinhalese oppression and Tamil innocence highly misleading. There are so pure lambs in all of this…

]]> By: Ekcol http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2717 Ekcol Wed, 07 May 2008 15:52:18 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2717 Kadalay, Where have you been all these years. The constitution has been rewritten three times and amended 17+ times. There have been numerous APCs, Many elections held since 1948. Equality is guaranteed by the constitution but seldom implemented because there is no Will. To remove Buddhism from SL politics is political suicide for the party that has to Bell the Cats. Corruption - will the thieves who govern implement anti corruption laws that is already there? There has been free enterprise since at least 1977, as best as it ever will in SL. Has any of these solved the problem? The violence against the Tamil rights have only increased. Accept that more than two third of the Sinhala people does not have the Will and will never recognise the rights of the Tamil community. Tamils have come to this conclusion since 1976. Let the Tamil people go and live thier own lives. Why does the Sinhala people want to have the Tamils in chains? Think about it. Kadalay,
Where have you been all these years. The constitution has been rewritten three times and amended 17+ times. There have been numerous APCs, Many elections held since 1948. Equality is guaranteed by the constitution but seldom implemented because there is no Will. To remove Buddhism from SL politics is political suicide for the party that has to Bell the Cats. Corruption – will the thieves who govern implement anti corruption laws that is already there? There has been free enterprise since at least 1977, as best as it ever will in SL. Has any of these solved the problem? The violence against the Tamil rights have only increased.

Accept that more than two third of the Sinhala people does not have the Will and will never recognise the rights of the Tamil community. Tamils have come to this conclusion since 1976. Let the Tamil people go and live thier own lives. Why does the Sinhala people want to have the Tamils in chains? Think about it.

]]> By: Kadalay http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2715 Kadalay Wed, 07 May 2008 09:25:39 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2715 The only viable solution is: 1. Revise the constitution to encompass all communities, people, religions and ethnic grooups as 100% EQUAL 2. Invite all groups and parties to be involved in the political process 3. Conduct new elections for the government and members of parliament, president prime minister etc. 4. Ensure that equal opportunity prevails across the board in all vocations, appointments, school/university admissions 5. Remove religion from politics and any mention of it in the consitution 6. establish the right resources and tools to fight corruption 7. Enable free enterprise and privatize all dysfunctional departments anmd corporations. The only viable solution is:

1. Revise the constitution to encompass all communities, people, religions and ethnic grooups as 100% EQUAL

2. Invite all groups and parties to be involved in the political process

3. Conduct new elections for the government and members of parliament, president prime minister etc.

4. Ensure that equal opportunity prevails across the board in all vocations, appointments, school/university admissions

5. Remove religion from politics and any mention of it in the consitution

6. establish the right resources and tools to fight corruption

7. Enable free enterprise and privatize all dysfunctional departments anmd corporations.

]]> By: Sam Thambipillai http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2711 Sam Thambipillai Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:13 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2711 Any leader of any country who practices fairness and likes good governance should; show kindness to all its citizens and care for them; exhibit equality of citizenry; do justice to all without fear or favour; honour promises to citizens and respect agreements with other nations, and readily grant the legitimate rights of all its citizens. Such an attitude is learnt and developed over many years, from good leaders and not from a television series "Mafia" boss. Likewise, the people who own a country should have the right attitude and character to run it fairly, justly and equitably. Such a development requires spiritual standards that include love, forgiveness and care but exclude violence, murder and disrespect for others. Jimmy Carter was elected as the president of America because of his character. At his presidential inauguration he promised that he would endeavour to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. He is remembered to this day for his high degree of honesty and integrity. Michael Gorbachov, the former president of Soviet Union is still loved for his honest kindness and justice in freedom to the former states of Soviet Union. A country that does not value honesty and justice is like a ship stranded in deep sea, tossed in all directions, without any ability whatsoever to reach its destination. The people of such a country become a lost people, tossed everywhere, reaching nowhere. The Sinhalese as a people appear "lost in deep sea" ending nowehere and Sri Lanka(SL) has become a failed violent state after 60 years of freedom. The "colombo limbo" in granting the fundamental and legitimate rights to the people of North East (NE) is dragging for long 50 years, solely because of the lack of right attitude and character in the Sinhala nation (SN) "As a man thinks in his heart so he is". The Buddhist priests sit on glamorous seats but they think and preach violence and war. The Sinhala Catholics too silently support war. They both appear to have lost their "way". Forgiveness and reconciliation are not in their vision. They are blind. About 83 perecent of SN is blind too supporting war and bloodshed. They all have created a "dog eat dog" culture in SN. The impoverished Sinhalese village boys are enticed with money by the state to "eat dog" in the North and are getting killed or maimed in numbers; a naked exploitation of the poor by the powerful. The universal spiritual principle is this; one reaps what he sows. If one sows violence he reaps violence. The Sinhalese started violence against Tamils in 1958. To this day, the country is full of bloody violence. If any one sows dishonesty he reaps dishonesty. The government of Sri Lanka was dishonest with "Banda-Chelva pact". To this day, there is dishonesty, untruthfulness and trickery in agreements with Tamils. Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King and SJV Chelvanayakam provided political leadership embodying the principle of sowing and reaping. Gandhi and King succeeded but Chelvanayakam failed in SL. Buddhist clergy punditry blurred justice and vision. That was stupid. Without correction of its attitude and character by the SN, the state of SL will never cross the river to enter the land of fairness, justice and honesty. Indo Lanka Accord (ILA) and CFA were abrogated by the government because of the "characterlessness" of the SN. Now, SN cannot be trusted. Even after 20 years they will not hesitate to undo an agreement as it happened to ILA. Therefore, a solution to the problem of self rule to the people of NE cannot come from within SL because the SN has always remained a problem to the solution. The solution has to be imposed and supervised from outside. A right is theree to be granted. It is neither for denial nor compromise. It is not even for deceptive rhetoric as it has happened for the past 50 years. Civilised people respect the rights of others. Even the UN is estblished for that purpose. An unavoidable solution would be to let the people of NE go into their independent land to determine their own destiny. And then, develop a joint destiny for all the people of the island. This solution is pragmatic. Talk of any other solution is rhetoric and wasteful. General Peyton, the former chief of staff of USA once said "... happiness, freedom and peace of mind are always attained by giving them to someone else" The SN must learn to give happiness and freedon to the people of NE. Any leader of any country who practices fairness and likes good governance should; show kindness to all its citizens and care for them; exhibit equality of citizenry; do justice to all without fear or favour; honour promises to citizens and respect agreements with other nations, and readily grant the legitimate rights of all its citizens. Such an attitude is learnt and developed over many years, from good leaders and not from a television series “Mafia” boss.

Likewise, the people who own a country should have the right attitude and character to run it fairly, justly and equitably. Such a development requires spiritual standards that include love, forgiveness and care but exclude violence, murder and disrespect for others.

Jimmy Carter was elected as the president of America because of his character. At his presidential inauguration he promised that he would endeavour to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. He is remembered to this day for his high degree of honesty and integrity. Michael Gorbachov, the former president of Soviet Union is still loved for his honest kindness and justice in freedom to the former states of Soviet Union.

A country that does not value honesty and justice is like a ship stranded in deep sea, tossed in all directions, without any ability whatsoever to reach its destination. The people of such a country become a lost people, tossed everywhere, reaching nowhere.

The Sinhalese as a people appear “lost in deep sea” ending nowehere and Sri Lanka(SL) has become a failed violent state after 60 years of freedom. The “colombo limbo” in granting the fundamental and legitimate rights to the people of North East (NE) is dragging for long 50 years, solely because of the lack of right attitude and character in the Sinhala nation (SN)

“As a man thinks in his heart so he is”. The Buddhist priests sit on glamorous seats but they think and preach violence and war. The Sinhala Catholics too silently support war. They both appear to have lost their “way”. Forgiveness and reconciliation are not in their vision. They are blind. About 83 perecent of SN is blind too supporting war and bloodshed. They all have created a “dog eat dog” culture in SN. The impoverished Sinhalese village boys are enticed with money by the state to “eat dog” in the North and are getting killed or maimed in numbers; a naked exploitation of the poor by the powerful.

The universal spiritual principle is this; one reaps what he sows. If one sows violence he reaps violence. The Sinhalese started violence against Tamils in 1958. To this day, the country is full of bloody violence. If any one sows dishonesty he reaps dishonesty. The government of Sri Lanka was dishonest with “Banda-Chelva pact”. To this day, there is dishonesty, untruthfulness and trickery in agreements with Tamils.

Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King and SJV Chelvanayakam provided political leadership embodying the principle of sowing and reaping. Gandhi and King succeeded but Chelvanayakam failed in SL. Buddhist clergy punditry blurred justice and vision. That was stupid.

Without correction of its attitude and character by the SN, the state of SL will never cross the river to enter the land of fairness, justice and honesty. Indo Lanka Accord (ILA) and CFA were abrogated by the government because of the “characterlessness” of the SN. Now, SN cannot be trusted. Even after 20 years they will not hesitate to undo an agreement as it happened to ILA.

Therefore, a solution to the problem of self rule to the people of NE cannot come from within SL because the SN has always remained a problem to the solution. The solution has to be imposed and supervised from outside.

A right is theree to be granted. It is neither for denial nor compromise. It is not even for deceptive rhetoric as it has happened for the past 50 years. Civilised people respect the rights of others. Even the UN is estblished for that purpose.

An unavoidable solution would be to let the people of NE go into their independent land to determine their own destiny. And then, develop a joint destiny for all the people of the island. This solution is pragmatic. Talk of any other solution is rhetoric and wasteful.

General Peyton, the former chief of staff of USA once said “… happiness, freedom and peace of mind are always attained by giving them to someone else”
The SN must learn to give happiness and freedon to the people of NE.

]]> By: Raj http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2708 Raj Mon, 05 May 2008 23:28:02 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2708 T, Both and Yes. T,

Both and Yes.

]]> By: Punitham http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2705 Punitham Mon, 05 May 2008 08:28:57 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2705 contd... 1.Last year in an interview Chandrika said she made three mistakes and gave two of those and said that the third would be out in her forthcoming book. I wonder what that would be. 2. A few days ago I was saddened to read the news that the UNP would spend May Day in religious activities. contd…
1.Last year in an interview Chandrika said she made three mistakes and gave two of those and said that the third would be out in her forthcoming book. I wonder what that would be.
2. A few days ago I was saddened to read the news that the UNP would spend May Day in religious activities.

]]> By: Punitham http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2704 Punitham Mon, 05 May 2008 08:19:44 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2704 contd... They have brought the country to this state. The ball has always been n the majority ethniccity's court and when and if they choose to be fair, by carrying out their responsibility, there will be peace. Perhaps when the country is 60 and the UDHR is 60, the people who hide behind Buddhist religious activities will come out to the open and put the essence of the religion into practice. The starting point is the offer of reasonable devolution of power because 1956 and 1958 riots were punishment for asking for federalism. 1977 and 1983 riots were for asking for separation. The long and the short of the structural violence of successive governments is that the socio-economic fabric of the Northeast has been pulped in the last sixty years. While people displaced from their homes in the areas of HSZ in the North have been languishing in camps for eitheen years(with decaying education, health and morals) the army farms their land with prison culprits taken from the South and sells them to the people trapped in Jaffna peninsula. People in the East are in no better position. Thanks to Bogus Buddhists, the North and the East have been pushed centuries back in history. contd…
They have brought the country to this state.
The ball has always been n the majority ethniccity’s court and when and if they choose to be fair, by carrying out their responsibility, there will be peace. Perhaps when the country is 60 and the UDHR is 60, the people who hide behind Buddhist religious activities will come out to the open and put the essence of the religion into practice.
The starting point is the offer of reasonable devolution of power because 1956 and 1958 riots were punishment for asking for federalism. 1977 and 1983 riots were for asking for separation. The long and the short of the structural violence of successive governments is that the socio-economic fabric of the Northeast has been pulped in the last sixty years.
While people displaced from their homes in the areas of HSZ in the North have been languishing in camps for eitheen years(with decaying education, health and morals) the army farms their land with prison culprits taken from the South and sells them to the people trapped in Jaffna peninsula. People in the East are in no better position. Thanks to Bogus Buddhists, the North and the East have been pushed centuries back in history.

]]> By: Punitham http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2703 Punitham Mon, 05 May 2008 01:59:29 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2703 ''One must not fail to note that the riots of 1983 were caused by Tamil militants viz the LTTE. '' is a myth well propogated. Cyril Mathew was publishing racially inflammatory literature in 1980,1981, 1982, 1983.... He was also carting around thugs and organising vicious attacks on Tamils in upcountry, Jaffna and Trincomalee in those years. Hansard speaks of the unspeakable in those years. I'd mention just two: a busload of Tamil passengers in Trinco were set on fire after the Sinhalese passengers were asked to get down in June '83. On 11 July 1983 JRJ gave an interview to British Telegraph in which he said '' Sinhalese will be happy if Tamils are starved''. In the months preceding the riots government employees began to fear something terrible was going to happen and the press was reporting that the 'air is filled with a strange sense' that something very nasty was going to happen. The Tamil voters' lists the thugs carried on 26 -28 July were being prepared .... The thugs and government vehicles were being allocated.... The'13 soldiers' brought the plan forward by a day or two. So many myths were created by Sinhalese politicians only to come to, and to stay in, power. Ethnic outbidding and hiding behind Buddhist religious activities are hallmarks of Sri Lankan politicians. ”One must not fail to note that the riots of 1983 were caused by Tamil militants viz the LTTE. ” is a myth well propogated.
Cyril Mathew was publishing racially inflammatory literature in 1980,1981, 1982, 1983…. He was also carting around thugs and organising vicious attacks on Tamils in upcountry, Jaffna and Trincomalee in those years. Hansard speaks of the unspeakable in those years. I’d mention just two: a busload of Tamil passengers in Trinco were set on fire after the Sinhalese passengers were asked to get down in June ’83. On 11 July 1983 JRJ gave an interview to British Telegraph in which he said ” Sinhalese will be happy if Tamils are starved”.
In the months preceding the riots government employees began to fear something terrible was going to happen and the press was reporting that the ‘air is filled with a strange sense’ that something very nasty was going to happen. The Tamil voters’ lists the thugs carried on 26 -28 July were being prepared …. The thugs and government vehicles were being allocated….
The’13 soldiers’ brought the plan forward by a day or two.

So many myths were created by Sinhalese politicians only to come to, and to stay in, power.

Ethnic outbidding and hiding behind Buddhist religious activities are hallmarks of Sri Lankan politicians.

]]> By: Ekcol http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2701 Ekcol Sun, 04 May 2008 18:30:07 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2701 A positive move towards a solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka is simple. Let the President and/or Parliament invite the United Nations to hold a referendum of the Tamils in each of the Districts to vote whether they want 1. A Separate State, 2. A Federal State, 3. A Confederal State, 4. A fully implemented current constitution. OR 5. Other Then take the first two that receives the most number of votes and have a second referendum on them. The outcome can be non-binding for everyone to understand what the Tamil people think. Or it can be a binding referendum that the UN can implement. After all Sovereignty of the people is supreme and it is not alienable. Let the people decide. A similar referendum can also be held at the same time for the Sinhlalese and Muslim voters in the various districts. The outcome will at least give a true indication of where the majority in each of the community in each of the Districts Stand. Any district that does not take part in the referendum can be assumed as for the "Other." A positive move towards a solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka is simple. Let the President and/or Parliament invite the United Nations to hold a referendum of the Tamils in each of the Districts to vote whether they want
1. A Separate State,
2. A Federal State,
3. A Confederal State,
4. A fully implemented current constitution. OR
5. Other

Then take the first two that receives the most number of votes and have a second referendum on them.

The outcome can be non-binding for everyone to understand what the Tamil people think. Or it can be a binding referendum that the UN can implement. After all Sovereignty of the people is supreme and it is not alienable. Let the people decide.

A similar referendum can also be held at the same time for the Sinhlalese and Muslim voters in the various districts. The outcome will at least give a true indication of where the majority in each of the community in each of the Districts Stand. Any district that does not take part in the referendum can be assumed as for the “Other.”

]]> By: SahaSamvada http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2694 SahaSamvada Sat, 03 May 2008 20:35:50 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2694 'What must be realized is many Tamils have no choice. The LTTE will not change, the only way to destroy them is provide equal and fundamental rights to Tamils'. - Tamils do have a choice. Tamils must struggle to ensure that their fundamental rights are achieved through a proper political process, and that isn't to achieve Eelam. Eelam is just another word for a hell hole governed by the LTTE. If Eelam is achieved then the LTTE can never be destroyed. It will be a dictatorship with an even worse situation than what the Tamils are experiencing now. It's high time we look at other methods of power sharing other than the option of a separate state. ‘What must be realized is many Tamils have no choice. The LTTE will not change, the only way to destroy them is provide equal and fundamental rights to Tamils’. – Tamils do have a choice. Tamils must struggle to ensure that their fundamental rights are achieved through a proper political process, and that isn’t to achieve Eelam. Eelam is just another word for a hell hole governed by the LTTE. If Eelam is achieved then the LTTE can never be destroyed. It will be a dictatorship with an even worse situation than what the Tamils are experiencing now. It’s high time we look at other methods of power sharing other than the option of a separate state.

]]> By: The Titular Republic http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2692 The Titular Republic Sat, 03 May 2008 17:49:32 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2692 Dear Raj, I was trying to bring objectivity by the statement "wrong is always wrong". Well, do you feel my data is is incorrect or the analysis of it wrong? Any disconfirming evidence? I'm afraid I'll have to refrain from providing my sources in order to maintain the objectivity of The Titular Republic, and to maintain anonymity. ie like the pseudonym Ashok Ferry, The Titular Republic cannot be identified as Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim etc. (although because it English and the internet I guess the social class can be assumed). Sorry. The Titular Republic Dear Raj,

I was trying to bring objectivity by the statement “wrong is always wrong”.

Well, do you feel my data is is incorrect or the analysis of it wrong? Any disconfirming evidence?

I’m afraid I’ll have to refrain from providing my sources in order to maintain the objectivity of The Titular Republic, and to maintain anonymity. ie like the pseudonym Ashok Ferry, The Titular Republic cannot be identified as Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim etc. (although because it English and the internet I guess the social class can be assumed). Sorry.

The Titular Republic

]]> By: Raj http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2691 Raj Sat, 03 May 2008 15:45:26 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2691 T, In order to find the answer, you have to clearly formulate the problem statement. This is more difficult than most people think. I would re-examine the data you used to identify the root cause and then look specifically for disconfirming evidence. Statements such as "Wrong is always wrong" isn't going to lead to the deeper understanding needed to bring an end to the ethnic conflict. Lastly, if you would please provide the sources of the information you used to sketch the Jaffna Tamil community and its' mentality I would appreciate it. T,

In order to find the answer, you have to clearly formulate the problem statement. This is more difficult than most people think.

I would re-examine the data you used to identify the root cause and then look specifically for disconfirming evidence.

Statements such as “Wrong is always wrong” isn’t going to lead to the deeper understanding needed to bring an end to the ethnic conflict.

Lastly, if you would please provide the sources of the information you used to sketch the Jaffna Tamil community and its’ mentality I would appreciate it.

]]> By: The Titular Republic http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2690 The Titular Republic Sat, 03 May 2008 14:54:16 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2690 Dear Sham, I never have or will condone violence or terrorism. The point I am trying to make is that the Tigers do not truly represent the will of the Tamil people, ie the Tigers want a separate state whilst the average Tamil wants his rights preserved and equality. Right now this , most Tamils feel, can only be provided by the creation of Eelam. The only way that perception can be changed is by actually providing equal and basic rights. For this a change in government policy and implementation is necessary, that can only be achieved by a change in the views of the average Sinhala voter. You seem to ask why (forgive me if i'm wrong) why the Sinhala voter whould do with the acts of terror being committed by the LTTE in the name of Eelam. What must be realized is many Tamils have no choice. The LTTE will not change, the only way to destroy them is provide equal and fundamental rights to Tamils. Only then will support for the LTTE begin to wane. Speeches such as Lokubandara's will not do that; nor will the current governments openly discriminating policy. Wrong is always wrong. Terror is always wrong; so is discrimination on the basis of race. Dear Sham,

I never have or will condone violence or terrorism. The point I am trying to make is that the Tigers do not truly represent the will of the Tamil people, ie the Tigers want a separate state whilst the average Tamil wants his rights preserved and equality. Right now this , most Tamils feel, can only be provided by the creation of Eelam. The only way that perception can be changed is by actually providing equal and basic rights. For this a change in government policy and implementation is necessary, that can only be achieved by a change in the views of the average Sinhala voter.

You seem to ask why (forgive me if i’m wrong) why the Sinhala voter whould do with the acts of terror being committed by the LTTE in the name of Eelam. What must be realized is many Tamils have no choice. The LTTE will not change, the only way to destroy them is provide equal and fundamental rights to Tamils. Only then will support for the LTTE begin to wane. Speeches such as Lokubandara’s will not do that; nor will the current governments openly discriminating policy.

Wrong is always wrong.

Terror is always wrong; so is discrimination on the basis of race.

]]> By: sham http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2689 sham Sat, 03 May 2008 14:35:41 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2689 dear TTR well let me give u a view that the average sinhala voter will look at. - discrimination (is there in everysociety, male vs female, upperclass vs lower class, local vs foreign, colombo vs rural) its part of life and everyone everywhere go thorough this. -trying to obtain better rpresentation through terror is unacceptable - people, who carried out terror need to be punished, others need to lay down arms, wrong cannot be illegal deeds in the name of discrimination. -when the a minority party, who is democartically chosen among them publicallay state that they dont wish to see a seperated country , sinhal voter may decide that it should be so. but i wouldnt hold by breath for these anyway, its a bit repulsive how some people condone terror saying that discriminated people have a justifiable right to terrorise. wrong is wrong and never right under what ever circumstances.! dear TTR

well let me give u a view that the average sinhala voter will look at.
- discrimination (is there in everysociety, male vs female, upperclass vs lower class, local vs foreign, colombo vs rural) its part of life and everyone everywhere go thorough this.
-trying to obtain better rpresentation through terror is unacceptable
- people, who carried out terror need to be punished, others need to lay down arms, wrong cannot be illegal deeds in the name of discrimination.
-when the a minority party, who is democartically chosen among them publicallay state that they dont wish to see a seperated country , sinhal voter may decide that it should be so.

but i wouldnt hold by breath for these

anyway, its a bit repulsive how some people condone terror saying that discriminated people have a justifiable right to terrorise.

wrong is wrong and never right under what ever circumstances.!

]]> By: Shanil http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2688 Shanil Sat, 03 May 2008 02:47:33 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2688 Spot on! TTR Spot on! TTR

]]> By: The Titular Republic http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2686 The Titular Republic Fri, 02 May 2008 16:49:58 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2686 Dear all (especially Sham), I would like to clarify a point that I have not sufficiently elucidated. The article comes to the following conclusion. The reason for Tamils perceiving the need for a separate state is because they feel their rights will not be respected, and they will be treated as second-class citizens. ie they cannot achieve their goal of "Liberty, Egality and Fraternity" within a united Sri Lanka. However, if "Liberty, Egality and Fraternity" are ensured the need for Eelam, for the average Tamil, I believe, will be made redundant. The only way that can be achieved is via a drastic change in the judiciary and government policy and its implementation. For that to occur the views of the average Sinhala voter, who decides the fate of elections, must also change. How this is to be achieved is the question? Perhaps education. One may argue that that will never happen while suicide attacks, bombing etc. occur. The same argument can be reversed for the Tamil side. The point however is the LTTE will never give up their cry "The thirst of the Tigers is Tamil Eelam", but that is not the view of the average Tamil living under their oppressive hegemony. The only person who can save Sri Lanka is the average Sinhala voter. The Titular Republic Dear all (especially Sham),

I would like to clarify a point that I have not sufficiently elucidated. The article comes to the following conclusion. The reason for Tamils perceiving the need for a separate state is because they feel their rights will not be respected, and they will be treated as second-class citizens. ie they cannot achieve their goal of “Liberty, Egality and Fraternity” within a united Sri Lanka. However, if “Liberty, Egality and Fraternity” are ensured the need for Eelam, for the average Tamil, I believe, will be made redundant. The only way that can be achieved is via a drastic change in the judiciary and government policy and its implementation. For that to occur the views of the average Sinhala voter, who decides the fate of elections, must also change. How this is to be achieved is the question? Perhaps education.

One may argue that that will never happen while suicide attacks, bombing etc. occur. The same argument can be reversed for the Tamil side. The point however is the LTTE will never give up their cry “The thirst of the Tigers is Tamil Eelam”, but that is not the view of the average Tamil living under their oppressive hegemony. The only person who can save Sri Lanka is the average Sinhala voter.

The Titular Republic

]]> By: SahaSamvada http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2682 SahaSamvada Fri, 02 May 2008 08:06:28 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2682 Ekcol, you cannot say that discussions we have been having on forums such as groundviews is a useless exercise, despite the fact that there is a lot of truth in your statement that it is being dominated by the English speaking population. Nevertheless, it is an important fact that these English Speakers have a powerful presence in many elements that influence the conflict, from the international sphere to influencing popular politics in SL. Also, it is important that we have a dialogue in the first place, we need to start somewhere. There was a point when people were just indifferent, there were no opportunities such as this forum for people to come forward and voice their frustrations. You must also not forget the climate of impunity that is present in SL and if not for forums such as this there will not be any expression of opinion at all. Furthermore, this forum attracts a lot of the Sri Lankan Diaspora who have a very important part to play in fueling or extinguishing the ethnic conflict. We have been ignoring this for a long time and it is now time to take this into serious consideration. You will be absolutely appalled at the mindsets that govern these Diaspora mainly the Tamil Diaspora. We must put our efforts in breaking down the fanaticism of Diaspora nationalism and attempt at neutralising opinions through dialogue. Stimulating individual political conscience is a first step towards initiating a progressive process on exploring a suitable and democratic way towards ending this bloodshed. SahaSamvada Ekcol, you cannot say that discussions we have been having on forums such as groundviews is a useless exercise, despite the fact that there is a lot of truth in your statement that it is being dominated by the English speaking population. Nevertheless, it is an important fact that these English Speakers have a powerful presence in many elements that influence the conflict, from the international sphere to influencing popular politics in SL. Also, it is important that we have a dialogue in the first place, we need to start somewhere. There was a point when people were just indifferent, there were no opportunities such as this forum for people to come forward and voice their frustrations. You must also not forget the climate of impunity that is present in SL and if not for forums such as this there will not be any expression of opinion at all. Furthermore, this forum attracts a lot of the Sri Lankan Diaspora who have a very important part to play in fueling or extinguishing the ethnic conflict. We have been ignoring this for a long time and it is now time to take this into serious consideration. You will be absolutely appalled at the mindsets that govern these Diaspora mainly the Tamil Diaspora. We must put our efforts in breaking down the fanaticism of Diaspora nationalism and attempt at neutralising opinions through dialogue. Stimulating individual political conscience is a first step towards initiating a progressive process on exploring a suitable and democratic way towards ending this bloodshed.

SahaSamvada

]]> By: sham http://groundviews.org/2008/04/29/what-is-the-solution-to-the-ethnic-conflict-in-sri-lanka/#comment-2681 sham Fri, 02 May 2008 04:36:40 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=852#comment-2681 i think based on the above situation , we can deem why this fight will go on till one party is dead, on the comments above u see that 5 people for a unitary state and a about 4 people for seperate state and about 3-4 people in confused state. this is the starting point of any discussion. any CPA or NGO analysis going back to root casue or what ever doesnt add value as you see from aboce comments that this will never be achived. however , when you take in the population %,'s, the majority will never allow a referandum to seperate the country , hence we will never have that elusive peace until one side is defeated. long like Sri lanka i think based on the above situation , we can deem why this fight will go on till one party is dead,

on the comments above u see that 5 people for a unitary state and a about 4 people for seperate state and about 3-4 people in confused state.

this is the starting point of any discussion. any CPA or NGO analysis going back to root casue or what ever doesnt add value as you see from aboce comments that this will never be achived.

however , when you take in the population %,’s, the majority will never allow a referandum to seperate the country , hence we will never have that elusive peace until one side is defeated.

long like Sri lanka

]]>
canakkale canakkale canakkale balik tutma search canakkale vergi mevzuati bagimsiz denetim vergi mevzuati ozurlu engelliler