Interview: Tamil National Alliance is Insisting on The Rights for Self-Determination
Parliamentarian N. Srikantha said that Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is representing Tamil people as their authentic representatives in the Parliament of Sri Lanka and functioning within its frame work. And he emphasised that TNA will “continue to insist on the rights for self-determination of the people that includes their birth rights, separate and sovereign state on the sacred soil of their own homeland”.
Commenting on the role of India, he said – “the fact is while India continues to expresses its concerns in uncertain terms of the sufferings of the Tamils, military assistance is being provided by India to the Government of Sri Lanka as supply of military weapons and hardware. This reflects the unenviable position of India, regarding the political aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils.”
An Attorney-at-Law by profession, N. Srikantha was an active member of Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO). The central committee member of TELO – N. Srikantha, took oaths as a Parliamentarian for Jaffna district after Nadarajah Raviraj’s demise last year. Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian for Jaffna district Nadarajah Raviraj was assassinated an year ago, on November 10th 2006 in Colombo.
In an exclusive interview recently, he spoke to Journalist Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai on the prevailing political situation in Sri Lanka.
The following are excerpts from the interview:
[N. Sri Kantha, MP - Parliamnetarian for Jaffna district]
Q: What does the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) currently do in order to protect the rights of the Tamils?
A: The President and his government are held bend on a military solution for the national question of Sri Lanka, which is very obvious. Inspite of that, it’s very unfortunate and disappointing that the international community is yet to make up its mind with regard to a question of playing a positive and pro active role in the complicated political conflict of the tiny Island of Sri Lanka. We have as the authentic representatives of our people, representing them in the Parliament of Sri Lanka, by virtue of a massive mandate we have obtained at the last general elections held in April 2004. We have appealed at that time and again to the international community that exert adequate and effective pressure on the intransigent and racist regime in Sri Lanka in order to make it realise that, its militaristic approach to the purely political question of finding a just and peaceful resolution of the national question of Sri Lanka is not only counter-productive, but also fraught with all possibilities of making this Island, a country of perpetual suffering.
The international community is not yet ready to do what is expected of them by the repressed of the minorities of this country. We call upon the international community to exert political, diplomatic and economic sanctions on the Government of Sri Lanka. So that, there would be a proper atmosphere to hold a meaningful political dialogue between the parties in the conflict namely the Government of Sri Lanka(GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in order to evolve a just and viable political solution within the framework of a united country. If inspite of international pressure the Government of Sri Lanka refuses to act reasonably and rationally then there will be no option for the international community than to recognize the rights to self-determination of our people as distinct nation in this Island with its own homeland. There cannot be two different yard sticks in situation such as these- one for Kosovo Albanians, and another for Sri Lankan Tamils.
Q: What was the outcome of the recent meetings that the Tamil National Alliance Members of Parliament had with the members of the European Union?
A: What I gather from my colleagues who have participated in the recent talks with the European Union member countries is that, there is a clear perception that was evident on the part of the countries concerned with regard to the glaring realities of the continuing configuration in Sri Lanka. Basically when it comes to a question of human rights these countries we believe have a clear understanding of what has been going on in the name of fighting with the LTTE. This is only a beginning as far as the TNA (Tamil National Alliance) is concerned. And our alliance is very much encouraged by the fact that the Sri Lanka conflict is though slowly has now attracted the attention of the international community. We have to build on and ensure that, the international community would act firmly with regard to one of the long lasting human conflicts in the post- second world war under the international order.
Q: How do you expect the international community should get involved in our internal conflict?
A: When we deal with the question of Sri Lanka’s conflict, we should be conscious of the fact that, Sri Lanka is a member of SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation), and Commonwealth Union. But I do not think that the international involvement is possible at this juncture either through SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation), and Commonwealth Union. The reasons are obvious.
Any international involvement with a view to resolve the perennial political conflict of Sri Lanka could come only through the United Nations. When the international community is convinced that its active involvement in the Sri Lanka conflict cannot be postponed further, then the pursues of a peace keeping forces in Sri Lanka under the UN fact in Sri Lanka will become inevitable.
Given the complications and complexity of this conflict, any international involvement in a practical form and with a firm resort to restore peace and normalcy in Sri Lanka needs to come only through the UN.
Q: Do you think that, you can sideline India and get the direct involvement of the international community?
A: India being the closest neighbour of Sri Lanka has its own concerns based on geo-political interests in this regard to any international involvement in the Sri Lankan conflict. Also by virtue of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord, which was signed between the Government of India and Government of Sri Lanka on July 29 th 1987, India has its own obligations under the international law.
Given this reality the question is what would be the reaction of India to any possible international involvement in Sri Lanka. The fact is while India continues to expresses its concerns in uncertain terms of the sufferings of the Tamils, military assistance is being provided by India to the Government of Sri Lanka as supply of military weapons and hardware. This reflects the unenviable position of India, regarding the political aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Tamil Nadu has more than 60 million Tamils, and further 10 million Tamils living in certain pockets here and there in India. That country naturally cannot be insensitive to the sentiments of its Tamil population with regard to the sufferings of their brethren here across the Palk Straits.
It appears that, the traditional political forces that have continued to provide political leadership centered at the national level in India since independence are very much concerned about the possible political impact on the Tamil national sentiments in Tamil Nadu in the event of liberation struggle of Sri Lankan Tamils with a massive military strength achieving its political goal.
With a record of Tamil Nadu in sphere heading the anti –Hindi agitation against the imposition of Hindi as the official language of India in 1965. It led to withdrawal of that move. Still fresh on the minds of the traditional political leadership at the national level in India, this is understandable.
But I would prefer to make it clear; this is not an excuse in evolving a clear and realistic foreign policy in respect of Sri Lanka. Even at this critical juncture, when Sri Lankan Tamils continue to look upon India as the power that can easily rescue them from the clutches of the racist regime in Sri Lanka.
It also appears that India simply be thinking that ultimately a political solution based on quasi-federalism or limited autonomy would resolve the Sri Lankan conflict. This approach is not only unfortunate and disappointing, but also divorced from glairing harsh realities of the inter-racial equation of Sri Lanka. Therefore India is bound to make up its mind and act quickly and decisively. China and Pakistan have already entered the Sri Lankan scenario in a big way. If India fails to act now, it would have to be ultimately reconcile itself with the reality of Indian involvement through the UN, in spite of its own reservations.
Q: Has the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord failed?
A: When the Indo- Lanka Peace Accord was signed on July 29th 1987, Tamil organizations supported it trusting India. Even the LTTE that had very strong reservations in this regard, and also subjected to considerable pressure in New Delhi before the signing of the accord, ultimately decided to go along with the accord, while trusting India.
India could not stop the suicide of 12 LTTE front liners including some commanders who committed suicide. 13 front liners of the LTTE were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Sri Lankan territorial waters, and the Sri Lankan navy tried to bring them down to Colombo for investigations.
India could have easily averted these deaths. Those 12 deaths caused an emotional backlash among our people, and the rest is history. Now the Government of Sri Lanka is merrily making arrangements to hold elections for a separate provincial council in the East Province, which was merged with the Northern Province in later part of 1987 under the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord, and de-merged later. This is a very critical situation both politically and militarily. India cannot be a silent spectator in this election and its assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka though in very limited manner, which has hurt the sentiments of our people.
When innocent Tamil civilians are getting murdered day in and day out, we witness India is aiding the Government of Sri Lanka militarily. I am very sad to state that it would amount to a brutal stab on the back of the Tamil nation.
This is a question I would prefer to leave for the collective conscientious of the people of India. We have consistently maintained that the geo-political interests of India in the Indian Ocean region, and the political aspirations of the Tamil nation are inseparably and inextricably inter twined. Yet we see India is not coming to our rescue, but aiding the Government of Sri Lanka.
Q: What has TNA done with regard to the closure of A9 highway, declaring certain areas in Muthur East and Sampoor as High security Zones, and Tamils are being abducted and murdered?
A: We just have completed one year of closing of the A9 highway last year in August. Closing of the highway, declaring residential areas as High Security Zones and abducting and murdering the innocent Tamil civilians are human rights violations. We have highlighted both these issues during the TNA’s (Tamil National Alliance) recent meetings with the heads of the European Union states.
Yet the president and his government are very adamant in having their way in what may come. Therefore the problem continues to remain intractable and the on going war is interminable.
Q: If the elections are called for the Eastern Province, will TNA contest?
A: I would like to quote the Veteran Communist Leader and the Former Chief Minister of Kerala E. M. S. NampoothiriPatt in this connection. When confronted with a question whether it is illogical for the Communist Party of India that behind in revolutionary overthrow of the Indian capitalist system based on its constitution to contest in Parliamentary elections under the very same constitution.
The Think-Tank E. M. S. NampoothiriPatt replied:
“We would strive to destroy the constitution of India, while functioning within its own frame work”.
I hope that, this answer of the late revolutionary is more than sufficient to explain our position. Are we not in the Parliament of Sri Lanka having taken our oaths under the 6th amendment of the constitution, that we would not be engaged in any secessionist activity, continuing to insist on the rights for self-determination of the people that includes their birth rights, separate and sovereign state on the sacred soil of their own homeland.
Therefore on this, we will decide on the right course of action in the event of a provincial council election for a separate election, if at all there is going to be one. We would do our best to pre-empt such elections. We are ready to take up any challenges to halt the election from happening, even paying the price. But in spite of that, if there is one, then we will decide what to do.
Q: Looking at the current political situation will there be a chance for a change of government?
A: At looking at the new alliance of Mangala Samaraweera and Ranil Wickremasinghe I believe that, the alliance of these two politicians would ultimately succeed in throwing out President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his regime. That would be all.
Tamil people have expected a lot from Late Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mrs. Srimavo Bandaranaike in July 1960. But she spoke with the guns with the Tamils. And Tamils expected their aspirations o be fulfilled by Late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake, nothing happened. What can the Tamil people expect from Ranil Wickrenmasinghe?
With this new alliance stating categorically that, they would fight to defeat both separatism and terrorism. What can one expect from it? And they are still looking at our problems through their tinted glasses.
Q: What’s Tamil National Alliance’s position on APRC (All Party Representative Committee)
A: I do not think the word all party is appropriate, because the Tamil National alliance which is represented in the parliament with 22 members are not included. We can call it as “conference” but not “all party conference”.
Most Sinhala political parties have not yet understood the cause of the 25 year long conflict. The reason was the powers were centered with the Sinhala regime and not shared. The so called father of the Sinhala Racism (Nationalism) Late J. R. Jeyawardene accepted the fact that the North and East of the country belong to the Tamils. But the Sinhala Political parties are not willing to accept North and East belong to the Tamils under a united Sri Lanka. Therefore this conference will not be able to bring any solution to the ethnic conflict. [humanityashore.org-Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com ]
Shantha Gamlath said,
November 10, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
All the traditional political ideologies(Maximize nationalism) in Tamils as well as Sinhalese leadership has not changed yet. question is, when will change their deep rooted stagnation thinking pattern, then , mostly possible to find out a sustainable solution for protracted conflict in Sri Lanka
A.Rajasingam said,
November 11, 2007 @ 8:28 am
It is a stark naked fact that India cannot be blamed as to its non-interference unless and until LTTE terrorism is wiped out from Sri Lanka. No doubt India has concern over the plights of the Tamils. It cannot be easily forgotten that LTTE and the Premadasa Government humiliated and disgraced India to the maximum. How is Sri Kantha going to answer or criticize the boastings of some TNA Parliamentarians, allegedly appointed by the LTTE, of their victories over the strongest Indian Army in Parliament. Has he forgotten that as a first step India was indirectly instrumental for restricting the effect of Article 6 by bringing Article 13 in pursuance of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord? Article 13 paved way for the rights for self-determination of the people. What happened to Anton Balasingam’s foresightedness? Without realizing this, has he forgotten when Anton Balasingam said that Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord is dead when the CFA was signed. Having known all this, why should we ask for India’s help? It is true when Sri Kantha said that the militaristic approach to the purely political question of finding a just and peaceful resolution of the national question of Sri Lanka eventually led to a country of perpetual suffering.
On those days after 1987 have all these leaders stood with the India. How many times J.N.Dixit and Madam Puri requested the Tamils (including the LTTE) to be patient in spite of the loss of 13 LTTE cadres. What about the attempt on Rajiv Gandhi’s live by a Naval rating and what about the subsequent contacts of LTTE with R.Premadasa? Finally can’t Sri Kantha realize that the LTTE not only violated the laws of India when assassinating Rajiv Gandhi but also the laws of war which protect civilians. It is the hardening attitude of the LTTE rather I would say its ego that led to the present turmoil in the country. Today neither Sri Lanka nor LTTE has won the battle excepting that they have left a legacy of brutality. It is India which has won the battle. In this present complex situation the UN too is concerned with the LTTE leadership pertaining to its atrocities. If at all it can only interfere with the indirect blessings of India.
It is incorrect to state that Sinhala political parties have not yet understood the cause of the 25 year long conflict when, in fact, they are reluctant to allocate powers to the Tamils. Ranil Wickremasinghe should be given an opportunity. The fatal consequences of this cruel war that has led to a change of heart, is now seen among the Sinhalese.
The declaration of security zones are signs of reluctance of recognizing the existence of the democratic rights of the Tamils which are known to India and the Western powers. The reluctance of India to give an interview to the TNA leaders points out that the interpretation of authentic representative is not confined only to the LTTE. It is a sign that India is not accepting the LTTE leadership.
Rosa said,
November 12, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
1958 – Anti-Tamil riots leave more than 200 people dead. Thousands of Tamils displaced.
1959 – Bandaranaike assassinated by a Bhuddist monk. Succeeded by widow, Srimavo, who continues nationalisation programme.
1965 – Opposition United National Party wins elections and attempts to reverse nationalisation measures.
1970 – Srimavo Bandaranaike returns to power and extends nationalisation programme.
Ethnic tensions
1971 – Sinhalese Marxist uprising led by students and activists.
1972 – Ceylon changes its name to Sri Lanka and Buddhism given primary place as country’s religion, further antagonising Tamil minority.
The above listed events occurred prior to LTTE’s arrival. The singala nation, some superior so called Tamil ideologists and UN could not solve the problem since 1948 until 1972 through peace full negotiation now the situation has been escalated up to this point. Compare to LTTE, The government of Sri Lanka, India and UN has all the power to solve the issue, but those people are more interested in killing people using their power. Mainly western world need places where they can experiment their new weapons. Now Sri Lankan internal conflict is more suitable place for that. Each and every Tamils are very much interested in attacking LTTE rather than get together and find the freedom. The interesting part that Tamils who resides abroad are forgetting what they had experience in Sri Lanka since 1948. If you look at some reports from some tamil super humans , one would wonder tamils had happy life style in Sri Lanka until the LTTE’s arrival. LTTE is the only group created all these problem.
Kris said,
November 12, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Without A Tamil Army, Tamils Have Nothing!
o There is widespread racism and state terror that has been directed at the Tamil people since Ceylon gained independence from Britain in 1948.
o The Sinhalese came to Sri Lanka about 2500 years back and claim to be Aryan race, which is a bunch of crap
o Tamils have been living in Sri Lanka for more than 30,000 years and called it Ellam.
o In 1769 the British arrived and absorber the Island of Ceylon into its huge empire.
o Before Portugese, Dutch & British came, there were three Kingdoms in Ceylon, Tamil kingdoms in North and East, one Sinhalese kingdom in Hill Country and one in Costal areas of Ceylon.
o British centralised all powers in Capital Colombo for administrative purpose , unified the whole country by amalgamating three Kingdoms into one Country and brought large amount of Tamil Labours from India to Build Tea estates and these Tamils built the national economy and earn highest amount Foreign exchange today ( US $ 900 Millon per year )
o When British left in 1947, they handed over centralised power in Colombo to Sinhalese and the first Sinhalese majority parliament stripped, (which consisted of Racist like DS Senanayaka, SWRD Bandaranayaka & JR Jeyawardena,) one million tea estate Tamils in the central hill country of their citizenship and right to vote, because they voted against the ruling party and happened to be Tamils.
o The third parliament of Ceylon in 1n 1956, under the leadership of SWRD Bandaranayaka and with the support of UNP, made Sinhalese the only official language and as a consequence large number of Tamils lost their job opportunities. LSSP leader Colvin R De Silva warned one language, two countries, two languages, one country.
o During nineteen seventies the Government of Srimao Bandaranayaka, with the support of Badudeen Mohammed, NM Perera, Peter Kennaman & Colvin R De Silva implemented the standardisation policy where Tamil student have to get much more marks to enter university, irrespective of their merit, and abolished the Constitution Drafted by Last British Governor and deleted the protection given to Tamils under that Constitution and these act angered moderate Tamil Politicians and young Tamil students and provided a strong motivation to start armed struggle, another foolish act of Sindhalese
o Major Sinhalese political parties and Majority of the Buddhist Monks are totally racist and anti Tamil.
o In July 1983 the Sinhalese thugs aided, supported and encouraged by Sinhalese politicians, Buddhist monks and Sinhalese army and police killed thousands of Innocent Tamils, burned down their houses, business premises, medical clinics and lawyers offices and ganged raped Tamils girls and this is known as ‘July Holocaust’ or ‘Black July’.
o The Tamil armed struggle gathered momentum after this foolish act of Sinhalese and resulted in the development of present day Tamil Army known as ‘Tamils Tigers’
o Some feel that creation of a Tamil Federal state or a Scottish style Tamil Parliament will bring peace; this solution will not work, because this type of political system to work, the central government should be trust worthy and Tamils have no trust in Sinhalese central government or Sinhalese politicians. They cannot be trusted, because Sri Lankan army, police and state machinery is one hundred percent Sinhalese.
o The only option for Tamils to fight Sinhalese state terrorism is to create their own state which existed before Portugese, Dutch and British came to Colonise Ceylon ‘Sri Lanka.
o WITH OUT A TAMIL ARMY TAMILS HAVE NOTHING ‘POLITICAL POWER GROWS OUT OF BARREL OF GUN – ARMY IS HE CHIFE COMPONENT OF STATE POWER’
o The ‘Tigers’ control their own territory and run it like a totalitarian dictatorship now, after winning an independent state for Tamils, they have to grant democracy to all people, otherwise Tamil people will revolt
o Tamil Army is a militant army with a cause, to disarm them is impossible and no army can fight them forever.
o The ‘war on terror after 9/11′ has been used by Sri Lankan States (past & present) to suppress Tamils and opposition descendants and get plenty of foreign aid from US, Canada, Australia, Pakistan, China and Israel. Tamils and their Tamil Army are not terrorist, but freedom fighters. The Sinhalese and International media describes the entire Tamil people as terrorist and remain silent about Sri Lanka state terrorism for the benefit of their Geopolitical agendas.
o Regardless of whether the war in Sri Lanka is recognized as a war of national liberation in the exercise of the right to self-determination or a civil war, support for the LTTE from the Tamil people cannot be criminalise. The Tamil people, whether in Sri Lanka or elsewhere, have the right to freedom of opinion and belief, the right to freedom of expression and the right to support political parties or groups of their own choosing.
o FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT
NB:
have few things to improve your statement
1.in 1970 not only racial merit system started but also Tamils already selected were sent back.is not it?
2. in 1972 traitor colvin in addition removed secular nature of the constitution and made it Buddhistic.
3.before 83 since 57 there were several pograms against Tamils
4, in the chauvinist sinhala state not only the armed forces even the civil administration is sinhala dominated. tamil usage is only when fight is made.
5lanka,elam all refer to sinhala. hence prearyan Dravidian name must be something else. may be a word starting from ‘am’ or’ ka’
5.do not gve up your rights in the south.
Wickrama bahu KARUNARATNA
Dr KC said,
November 12, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Dear Sri Kantha
Some TNA MPs have even recently said that the LTTE defeated the 4th largest army in the world. I am immensely irritated and annoyed by this empty rhetoric. India never lost the war in Sri Lanka; Indian army simply withdrew when the GOSL asked them to do so. India never unleashed her full military might during the conflict with the LTTE.
Amirthalingam & Rajiv Ghandhi were the architects of the Indo Sri Lanka Accord and they made a supreme sacrifice defending their beliefs. Some irresesponsible elements took their lives away but their vision and belief to bring peace to the Tamil homeland in NE still live on.
Any settlement that is somewhat similar to ISA only can bring peace in the NE. The CFA of 2002 failed because: SLAF was on the street of NE; there was no peace neutral keeping force; unhindered access to arms by the LTTE. That’s why I feel the ISA gave us the most favourable opportunity to win our legitimate rights. The ISA failed because of the barmy strategy of the LTTE leadership.
Mr Sri Kanka, please ask your colleagues stop repeating the stupid story of the 4th largest army……
Suresh M said,
November 14, 2007 @ 12:51 am
I would urge TNA to build bridges to other power like China, Russia, and even Pakistan. TNA as elected members of Tamils have a duty to safeguard Tamil interest.
Our problem is that we only look upto India for everything, but the Sinhala regime is using other powers to get the help they needed.
Learn from the enemy.
Ganesh said,
November 17, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
Sir,
As you are also aware, tamils know the India’s interference and involvement and TNA or rahter TULF’s active role in this regard. But according to the present situation, Tamils in Sri Lanka who were a successful society in Sri Lanka with all the acheivements, now have gone down or going down in Sri Lanka. Specially in education, health, industries in Sri Lanka ( specially in North and East). In addition the able people are leaving Sri lanka or living with alternatives in foreign country and on the other hand youths are being killed in order to stop the growth of tamils. On the other hand lack of facilities like health, food also tamil people die. In these circumstances, in the event if this issue continues for another 5 -10 years isn’t it a prediction that we will be wash off from our homeland in the normal course? As far as India is concerned may be India is proceeeding on the basis that some relief should be granted to tamils in Sri Lanka but that will not be a sufficient pressure while India also having some economical interest in Sri Lanka. Therfore isn’t better to accellerate the destinations?
Thanks
Thumbikkiyan
Devinda Fernando said,
November 19, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
*** Our problem is that we only look upto India for everything, but the Sinhala regime is using other powers to get the help they needed. ***
Without India there would be no LTTE. Prabharkaran’s corpse would be 15 years into feeding the earthworms. Its Praba’s Stupidity and Hubris that thought he could “Teach India A Lesson” for trying to make peace with Sri lanka. Face it Tamil Eelam has as much chance of Materializing as ‘Narnia’.
Deshabandu said,
November 23, 2007 @ 6:07 am
The tamils ( immigrants from Tamil nadu) and sinhalese (immigrants from Bengal or Bangledesh) are seperated by langauge, religion, culture and geography. it time for both to part ways just like israel and plaestine (2 state solution)