TamilNet Can Surprise

By Helasingha Bandara

Tissainayagam: always agitated against violence, fought for justice for oppressed

(March 22, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) [TamilNet, Friday, 20 March 2009, 12:16 GMT]In statement made to the Court Friday, senior Tamil journalist J.S. Tissainayagam who has been held in detention for more than a year under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), said: "I was and am still an advocate against terrorism. I have criticized terrorism in whatever form. I never advocated violence, my objective was to generate non violent means of resolving the conflict, my research, writings and work was towards achieving this."

In this writer’s view this is one time, if not the only time, that TamilNet published credible information without exaggeration and/or distortion. The general perception of people is that Thissainayagam could be better off without the support of TamilNet that has such a bad reputation as the mouth piece of the LTTE. In addition it is every one’s belief that TamilNet has no shame in twisting information in LTTE’s favour and indeed to appease the Tamil diaspora that sponsor violence in Sri Lanka.

It is hard to believe that TamilNet had reserved any surprises for people, but truly this is one of them. This article carries no false information. Those who know Tissa can hear his voice through while reading his statement. This is nothing but the truth about his career, life, contribution to society and intentions.

“I grew up in an environment of mixed ethnic groups in Colombo. In school too my friends were from all the different ethnic communities of our country. After my high school I entered Peradeniya University and studied in English. There too all my friends were from different ethnic backgrounds.”

Tissa not only had friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds but fulfilled an ambassadorial role by uniting people from various ethnic groups such as Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers by being the interpreter in most cases. He connected himself with the Sinhalese students through his Singhala speaking friends at the English department of Peradeniya University. He introduced Tamil speaking Tamil and Muslim students to others. Burgers of course managed some Singhalese but Tissa was the link between all these people who studied in perfect harmony. His work culminated in being part of a drama festival entitled The Drama Quadrangular (Siv Kon Natya Ulela) in 1985 at EOE Pereira Theater at the engineering faculty of the University of Peradeniya. The festival included one English Play (The Vice Chancellor) two Singhala Plays (Nidahasa and Sarvodaya Mahattaya) and a Tamil play (Socrates). While acting in The Vice Chancellor Tissa played a major role in brining the students, lecturers and the outsiders from all communities together into this major production which was a great success. All involved in this production would fondly remember Tissainayagam for his mediatory role, humour, humility and peaceful nature. There is no truth truer than that of Tissa’s claim that he had friends from all ethnic groups, he meant no violence, he is no racist and indeed no terrorist.
Diminutive though Tissa is no coward. He stood and spoke against injustice. He has debated with his friends for his views. Yet he has never shown violent intent. His skill of writing and his analytical ability made him recognized. Sadly he has fallen victim of his own success.

Some say Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world for living. Irrespective of the truth in it Sri Lankans have earned fame for their killer instinct. Abductions and killings are rampant. Murder is reported daily basis. Killers with power go undetected.

In this atmosphere everyone fears for Tissa’s life. Tissa is a priceless wicket for a nation. We all from all communities urge the government to release him and we all pray that no harm be fell upon him.

-Sri Lanka Guardian