Contradicting a communalist

by I.S. Senguttuvan

(March 16, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Writing supposedly in defence of Lankan Muslims Izzeth Hussain in today's Sri Lanka Guardian titled "Sri Lankan Muslims and Pakistani Cricket" does not dissappoint once more in trying to create hatred against Tamils in this article. Callously and irresponsibily, this former senior Govt official and diplomat tries to spread the false accusation Lankan Tamils support India when the two national cricket teams play. This is utter nonsense.

It was even known when the Tiger supremo was around during the height of the war guns felt silent - clearly because VP and the Tigers were avid fans of Lankan Cricket. When Sanath Jayasuriya and Murali visited the North (long before May 2009) when the tigers held sway all over there -, these two celebrated cricketers were mobbed by frenzied Tamil fans. Both were to tell the media they were totally overwhelmed by the massive show of affection. Even today in the diaspora some whom I felt may have been supporters of Separatism - enthusiastically back the Lankan team.

I also notice in the current World Cup series many of them want Sri Lanka to win - against India as well - Mr Hussain may be re-assured. .Many of them keep up late in the night to watch our lads play.

Hussain has to come out with something more toxic to satisfy his prejudice against the Tamils. We cannot forget not long ago he wrote to the press one way of breaking the Tamil resistance was to "starve the Tamils in the North" - an utterly cruel and inhuman suggestion. Fortunately, GoSL - under both CBK and the Rajapakses - did not sink this low.as this senile man.

As a regular reader of matters back home, I have noticed Hussain making frantic efforts to be a self-sppointed spokesman to advance Muslim interests. I fear he has failed here. Worse, he has even insulted Pakistan, Pakistani cricketers and their Cricket - feelings which most Sri Lankans do not share. I am afraid he has done more damage to Lankan Muslims here than good.