A victory for racism, thuggery and terrorism

"It was S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike who sowed the seeds of racial discrimination in Sri Lanka, giving birth to the terrorism of today by not recognising Tamil, used by generations of people who inhabited the north and east, as an official language of the country. His shortsighted policy supported by many Buddhist monks who knew only Sinhala has brought landslide victories to hard line governments laying the foundation for the division of the Tamils and Sinhalese, and the present war."

(September 03, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) As proved in the past since the S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike era, the magic wand of racism, thuggery and terrorism has brought a landslide victory for the Rajapakse regime in the two provincial council elections held recently.

Discrimination against the minority Tamils is the brand of patriotism always marketed by the Sinhala Buddhist extremist politicians to win the hearts and minds of the majority Sinhalese.

In reality there is no such enmity between the Tamils and the Sinhalese who share a common culture celebrating the New Year at the same date and time, and visiting places of religious worship together. Hindus venerate the Buddha as a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.

President Rajapakse too believes in the Hindu pantheon of gods and visits their kovils in India seeking spiritual blessings, may be to protect his own interests and stay in power forever.

The Constitution of Sri Lanka contains clauses to protect the rights of all citizens. But the Supreme Court had to intervene recently to remind the government that the evacuation of Tamils from the Colombo lodges by force, and arrest and detention of Tamils without charges amounted to a violation of their basic rights.

However, many argue that adhering to human rights when there is a threat of terrorism in the country is not possible. Here again it is discrimination of the Tamils that is taking place to please the majority.

It was S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike who sowed the seeds of racial discrimination in Sri Lanka, giving birth to the terrorism of today by not recognising Tamil, used by generations of people who inhabited the north and east, as an official language of the country. His shortsighted policy supported by many Buddhist monks who knew only Sinhala has brought landslide victories to hard line governments laying the foundation for the division of the Tamils and Sinhalese, and the present war.

The Tamils who lived in the north and east have proved to be studious, industrious, honest and a law abiding community who silently contributed in many ways to the development of the country, before the aggressive attitude of the Sinhala majority governments and their self seeking politicians, suppressed their repeated democratic requests to devolve reasonable power to develop their areas.

What they received was the burning down of a treasure trove — the Jaffna Public Library — which was one of the best in South East Asia with a rare collection of valuable books. It was reported to have been carried out by hooligans sent from Colombo on the orders of some in the UNP government that was in power then.

It is recorded history that during the government of Sirima Bandaranaike strict restrictions on imports were imposed to save the much needed foreign exchange, and the Jaffna farmers produced chillies, onions, potatoes and even upcountry vegetables to make their arid lands with limited water, self sufficient. This produce also reached the other parts of Sri Lanka and the Jaffna grapes that are in great demand were available on the Pettah pavements in plenty then.

Sadly, the extremist Sinhala Buddhist politicians repeatedly exploited racism to the maximum for them to enjoy life at public expense as happening now and made Sri Lanka a pariah state in the eyes of the international community with disastrous results.

It is agreed that terrorism should be eliminated altogether; but that should not only be by military means but by finding a political solution acceptable to all. It should also be a solution that would eliminate the cause of terrorism.

Racism, thuggery, state terrorism and discrimination against Tamils should not be portrayed as patriotism purely for the present government to stay in power for that would only bring ruination to the country and its people instead of the peace and prosperity which everyone wishes to have.
- Sri Lanka Guardian