Impact of the Federal Idea on a World Changing Fast
June 1st, 2007
BY D.B.S. JEYARAJ
” maybe the federal idea isn’t such a bad idea after all ”
- Bill Clinton (in 1999)
Ailing president of Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruiz, wrote recently an article responding to some observations made by US President George W Bush. In the last part of that article Fidel related an anecdote from his halcyon days of revolting against Batista. This is what it was -
“Ideas cannot be killed,” Sarrria emphatically said. Sarrria was the black lieutenant, a patrol leader in Batista’s army who arrested us, after the attempt to seize the Moncada Garrison, while three of us slept in a small mountain hut, exhausted by the effort of breaking through the siege. The soldiers, fuelled by hatred and adrenalin, were aiming their weapons at me even before they had identified who I was. “Ideas cannot be killed,” the black lieutenant kept repeating, practically automatically and in a hushed voice. I dedicate those excellent words to you, Mr. Bush.” Castro wrote.
True, Ideas cannot be killed. As the cliche goes Ideas can be defeated only by greater or better ideas. Another truism is no force can stop an idea whose time has come. Cliches and truisms may be repetitive and boring but they do represent powerful wordly wisdom!
It was perhaps the merit in what is called the federal idea which prompted Bill Clinton to observe ” maybe the federal idea isn’t such a bad idea after all” . This was in 1999 when he was the most powerful man on earth.It was at the end of the conference on federalism at Mont Tremblant in Quebec that Clinton made this remark. Incidently Prof. Gamini Lakshman Peiris also addressed this path - breaking conclave organized by the Forum of Federations based in Ottawa.
What then is this “federal idea” ? It is in one sense a concept that embodies various related things like federalism, federal systems , federations and federalist etc. This is a world where the word “federal” has become almost the “F - word” in politics. Different countries and different entities for different reasons frown on this “F - word”. Therefore “federal idea” has become an indirect reference to this F - word. If a ” rose by any other name could smell as sweet” then the “federalism ” word too can be sanitised and discussed as the “federal idea”.
Let me quote Canada’s Bob Rae, former Ontario premier and ex - president of the forum of federations on this. In his foreword to the “handbook of Federal Countries” published by the forum Rae has this to say - “There has been a profound resurgence in interest in the federal idea in the last decade. I choose the phrase “federal idea” because the “ism” in federalism has a way of limiting debate and understanding”.
In Spain the central government doesn’t like to use the “federal” word as it seems to indicate erosion of sovereign authority. Ironically Catalonians in Spain also frown on this because in their perception “federalism is not enough to articulate the unique Catalonian identity and right of self - government. In South Africa the earlier “apartheid” regime set up some federal structures to contain and diffuse pan - african yearning for freedom. So Federalism became a dirty word to the blacks. When the African national congress attained power with its vision of “one South Africa” the ANC did not want to describe the new Constitution as “federalist”.
Sri Lankans are well aware of what Rae meant. In Lanka’s deeply polarised society federalism is certainly the “F - word” and worse. At one end there are the “unitarists” who are adamant that the unitary structure of the state should not be changed. At the other end are the “separatists” who want the Island to become home to two states. In between are those who want a compromise based on principles of power - sharing.
This middle ground is shrinking rapidly as war escalates. There is marked reluctance and trepidation on the part of many to espouse federalism openly. This is sad but quite understandable in a situation where “federalism” is seen as betrayal by both sides. One sees it as a conspiracy to break up the nation while the other views it as a ruse to stymie the quest for total independence.
While Sri Lankans on both sides of the ethnic divide look on federalism with suspicion and embroil themselves in debilitatingly destructive conflict the rest of the world is in ferment over the federal idea. There was a time when federalism was seen as the ideal remedy for many of the world’s political maladies. It was perceived as the universal device to achieve unity in diversity. Experience has shown that this is not necessarily true in all situations. At the same time federal arrangements have certainly helped wield cohesiveness in many cases.
Twenty - Five Countries today have federal and / or quasi - federal structures. These range from the sole superpower USA to tiny St. Kitts and Nevis; from Canada in the north to Micronesia in the south; from India in the east to Switzerland in the west. The population in these countries together amounts to more than 40% of the world’s total humanity. In addition there are some countries that are not federal but have special administrative arrangements amounting to de - facto quasi - federalism.
Let us proceed alphabetically . Argentina, Australia,Austria,Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Comoros, Ethiopia,Germany,India,Malaysia,Mexico, The federated states of Micronesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, St. Kitts and Nevis, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates,United States of America, Venezeula are the Federal countries. While most are explicitly federal a few like Spain are not, but in actuality are federal in all but name.
Though federal none of these countries share the exactly same system.Each country has different administrative arrangements and internal structures.They also vary greatly in size. Russia has republics and many types of regions within: India has states and union territories; Switzerland has cantons while Germany and Austria have landers. Belgium has three regions and three cultural communities while Spain has autonomous regions; the USA has states , federacies , local home rule territories ,unincorporated territories and native american domestic dependent nations:Canada has provinces , territories and aboriginal organizations. Venezeula has states,territories,federal dependencies,federal district and many Islands.
Apart from federal and quasi - federal states there are also Countries having de - centralized unions with federal features.The United Kingdom comprising England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and five self - governing islands is the best - known example of this kind. Italy with 15 ordinary and 5 autonomous regions is another; Netherlands has 11 provinces and one associated state;J apan has 47 prefectures; Fiji Islands is a consociation of two ethnic communities; Colombia has 23 departments,4 intendencies and 3 commissaries. Ukraine has 24 oblasts,2 metropolitan areas and the autonomous republic of Crimea; The people’s republic of China has 22 provinces,5 autonomous regions,4 municipalities, and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
Another phenomenon is that of Countries with federacies and associative states. Bhutan is an associative state of India. Nine and Cook Islands are associative states of New Zealand. Netherlands Antilles, San Marino, Liechenstein, Monaco are associative states of Netherlands, Italy . Switzerland and France respectively. Puerto Rico and Northern Marianas are federacies of the USA. Madeira and Azores Islands are Portugese federacies.Likewise Greenland and Faroe Islands are Danish federacies.Britain has the federacies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Aaland Islands is a Federacy of Finland.
It could be seen therefore that the federal idea is not restricted to categorical federal or quasi - federal states alone. The federal idea is a free spirit permeating the body politic of many states. There is no “mono - principle” here. Each country has fashioned its own unique arrangement to suit its needs. Apart from administrative convenience and the imperative to provide citizens with the best form of government these Countries have also taken into account diversity of peoples, regional variety and imbalances, historic and geographic necessity etc as criteria to evolve systems of governance. There has been no rigorous dogma stifling aspirations of constituent peoples.
The federal idea has assumed a new importance and related vigour in recent times.There are a number of reasons for this Ronald Watts of Institute of Intergovernmental relations at the Queens university in Kingston, Canada is the author of “comparing federal systems”. An excerpt from that explains this global trend.
” Modern developments in transportation, social communications, technology, and industrial organization have produced pressures at one and the same time for larger political organizations and for smaller ones..The pressure for larger political units has been generated by the goals shared by most western and non - western societies today; a desire for progress,a rising standard of living,social justice and influence in the world arena, and by a growing awareness of world - wide inter- dependence in an era whose advanced technology makes both mass destruction and mass - construction possible.
The desire for smaller self - governing political units has risen from the desire to make governments more responsive to the individual citizen and to give expression to primary group attachments - linguistic and cultural ties , religious connections, historical traditions and social practices - which provide the distinctive basis for a community’s sense of identity and yearning for self - determination. Given these dual pressures, more and more peoples have come to see some form of federalism, combining a shared government for specified common purposes with autonomous action by constituent units of government for purposes related to maintaining their regional distinctiveness as allowing the closest institutional approximation to the multi - national reality of the contemporary world”.
Watts sums up the essence of the federal idea. On the one hand there is the tendency to form larger entities including supra - national bodies like the European union. On the other there is the need to accommodate different intra - national aspirations of an ethnic nature. So Belgium reverts to federalism to satisfy the Flemish and the Walloons while Brussels is the seat of the EU parliament. The Union Jack flag may have the crosses of St. George, St. St.Andrew,St. David and St.Patrick but merry England cannot hold the United Kingdom together without devolving power to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The on going war (declared or undeclared) and its brutal ferocity has distorted current reality in Sri Lanka. The consequences have gone far beyond the original causes. But the conflict has its genesis in colonialism. Modern Ceylon as Sri Lanka was known then is a British creation. The Island was unified administratively but the people were divided politically through representation on communal lines. What was “united” to exploit was “divided” to govern. In the absence of adequate and equitable forms of power - sharing the Island is wracked with post - Independence conflict within pre - Independence boundaries.
Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism is primarily reactive . The Tamils thought of themselves as being on par with the Sinhala people as co - founders of the modern nation of Ceylon. Universal franchise and territorial representation reduced them to a principal minority. The Tamils still thoughtof themselves as belonging to the Island in its entirety. So they wanted balanced representation and then adopted responsive cooperation as political strategies. When these failed came the Federal demand. Tamil self - perception now confined it to a regional minority. Even here the political leaders were prepared to compromise far short of federalism like regional councils, district councils etc. Finally came the desperate cry for separation and resultant armed struggle. Federalism if adopted at the appropriate time could have prevented the bloodshed and carnage.
Federalism is proposed even now as the possible solution. The greatest achievement of the Norway brokered peace process was the agreement in Oslo to explore federalism But people are wary, pessimistic, hostile and dismissive. The proponents of federalism are perceived as traitors to their own ethnicity by hardliners on both sides. The vanishing tribe of moderates on the other hand react by describing the so called patriots as extremists and narrow nationalists.
Whatever its merits or deficiencies federalism cannot be imposed on any people. The element of consent and mutual cooperation is essential for any system to work. If Sri Lanka is to become federal or quasi - federal or even have devolved powers within appropriate units in a unitary system the various segments of this nation have to work and live together as one country. For this a better understanding of the federal idea is required.
The proponents of federalism argue that adopting it will strengthen unity and territorial integrity. Switzerland, India, Malaysia, Belgium, Germany, Spain etc are cited as examples. But it cannot be denied that federalism has failed to prevent secession too. The disintegration of Soviet Union and Yugoslavia are well - known examples. The Malaysia - Singapore and Pakistan - Bangladesh splits of the past as well as modern break - ups of Czech - Slovakia, Serbia and Montenegro are also lessons. In Canada, separatism flourished in Quebec despite federalism. Britain devolved power to Scotland and Wales but secessionism seems to have gained ground there. Nigerian federalism did not prevent the Biafran civil war.There are however many nuances to take into account when analysing the countries in question.
At the other end of the spectrum is Belgium and Spain willingly opting for federalism as a solution to curb separatist tendencies. In Canada the equation is changing with the new leader of the separatist Parti Quebecois announcing that no referendum to facilitate secessionist “sovereignty” will be held in the near future. The three main Quebec parties are now for greater autonomy and powers within a united Canada. Recent amendments in Germany have strengthened federalism. India through its co- operative federalism model is becoming more and more federal in practice. The reverse is visible in Australia and USA where “centralised” authority is slowly eroding pure federalism
Federalism therefore provides no “one size fits all” type of solution. Each Country has to examine and adopt arrangements conducive and suitable for individual needs. Sri Lanka too needs to explore the federal idea intensively and fully before deciding whether to accept or reject it or adopt it with appropriate innovation. The federal idea is dynamic and constantly evolving. What we in Sri Lanka need to do is to explore the federal idea and have an informed debate about its pros and cons and also on deciding whether we adopt or reject it.
In spite of the heat generated in Sri Lanka by this “F - word” there is no denying that the Federal idea is catching on in a world of ferment. The Federal idea is impacting greatly on a world changing fast. In the words of Bob Rae -
” The resurgence of the federal idea has at its core many different causes. The vitality of the values of democracy, the revolutions in the politics of identity and human rights, the twin collapse of apartheid and bureaucratic communism, the impact of the technological revolution, the economic changes we associate with the word globalisation, all these have made their contributions.
This renewal is not at all confined to countries that have a federalist tradition. Countries have long had to struggle with the simple truth that geography is rarely synonymous with automatic homogeneity. Ethnic, linguistic, racial and religious conflicts have become the dominant issue facing the world order today. Wars after 1945 have been as much within countries as between them, with disastrous consequences for peace and security. It is no longer soldiers dying in the millions but civilians. From Rwanda to Cambodia, from the Balkans to East Timor the battleground is within countries that are unable to resolve the conflicts of what Michael Ignatieff has called ‘ blood and belonging’.
It is in this context that the federal idea is re-emerging.
Indeed, issues of federal governence are at the centre of active political and legal discussions in every part of the globe, particularly in areas where conflict resolution is a critical necessity.
National sovereignty is not dead and the age of the nation - state is not over. But the notion that these are exclusive or all defining is clearly outmoded. Governance practices within countries are inevitably subject to the scrunity of world political and economic opinion, and most important, to the rule of law itself.
The collapse of one party state, the demands of identity, the urge to local empowerment, the insistence on greater openess and transparency in government, and the recognition that in a smaller and much more inter-dependent world sovereignty is no longer an absolute, has brought the federal idea to the fore again.”
This then is what the federal idea is all about. Whatever the misgivings about the “F - word” in Sri Lankan politics dilly - dallying over a political accceptable settlement is a luxury we cannot afford. Drowning people will clutch even at straws to save themselves. Sri Lanka is submerging in an unnecessary and brutal war. The Oslo agreement provided a lifeline in the commitment to explore the federal idea.. Why not grab it?
DBS Jeyaraj appreciates your responses on the federal idea.
DBS Jeyaraj can be contacted on: djeyaraj@federalidea.com
Entry Filed under: Federalidea, by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
34 Comments Add your own
1. Ratna | June 2nd, 2007 at 9:35 am
Very good informative article. For long, my opinion was that it’s the media, not the politicians were prime responsible for the ‘collapse’ in Lanka. If only media had the courage and wisdom to educate the people on issues, people will not be listening to ‘communal’ politicians.
This kind of articles should be published all over to educate the mass, and taught in schools to educate next generation.
Good work.
2. Thanabal | June 2nd, 2007 at 10:21 am
Dear DBSJ,
If you think that you can change the GoSL by preaching Federalism in this decade, you are wasting your precious time and space in the web. You might as well hurd the cats but have the Sinhala government accept a federal structure is nothing but dream.
3. Arvinth, Trichy | June 2nd, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Mr. Jeyaraja is the only journalist can research this & can write, “From Rwanda to Cambodia, from the Balkans to East Timor - the battleground is within countries that are unable to resolve the conflicts”
*Belgium and Spain willingly opting for federalism as a solution to curb separatist tendencies.
*In Canada the equation is changing with the new leader of the separatist Party Quebecois announcing that no referendum to facilitate secessionist “sovereignty” will be held in the near future.
*Recent amendments in Germany have strengthened federalism.
*India through its co- operative federalism model is becoming more and more federal in practice.
*The reverse is visible in Australia and USA where “centralised” authority is slowly eroding pure federalism
As the writer say, “Federalism therefore provides no “one size fits all” type of solution. Each Country has to examine and adopt arrangements conducive and suitable for individual needs. Sri Lanka too needs to explore the federal idea intensively and fully before deciding whether to accept or reject it or adopt it with appropriate innovation. The federal idea is dynamic and constantly evolving.”
Yes, what the Srilankans need to do is to explore the federal idea and have an informed debate about its pros and cons and whether they adopt or reject it.
“Ellam Madkal kayil”
4. Thamarai K. | June 2nd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
This is very good and something intellectually challenging. Lot of facts, history, geography and political science. Not only the federal idea in a political context but the separate website idea itself for a federal idea is wonderful.
What is mind bothering is that these ideas will not be welcomed by those who still believe in arms. There are some Tamils who still believe that arms struggle shall continue. The only solution it could bring is the total eradication of the Tamils themselves in Sri Lanka. The militant groups still thrive among these believers because without violence these groups have no relevance in Sri Lankan politics.
I do not know why DBSJ is suggesting that federal idea is re emerging. It is there from day one but the Tamils dangled between the two extremes; separation and unitary state. May be that now the federal idea is crystallizing having seen and suffered the worst at both extremes.
The bottom line is that these ideas cannot be discussed with those ‘gun trotting boys’ who too would be making sound argument against these ideas. But the matured, educated, experienced and those who had the courage not to arm themselves shall know that we cannot satisfy all and the violence must be completely stopped at any cost and before it is too late.
Therefore while keeping this federal idea alive we have to find an idea to alienate all the militants from our political arena. Then and then only the federal idea will move to the next stage.
More later!!!
5. Gloria Abraham | June 4th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Detailed overview of what DBSJ calls federal idea. The idea is good and most suitable for mother lanka. But will our leaders on both sides accept federal idea> We hope and pray to almighty they do so.
6. KK Nathan | June 4th, 2007 at 2:41 am
Very good idea this federal idea. Bob Rae is right about what he says on federal idea. Let’s hope Sri Lanka accepts federal idea.
7. Bala | June 4th, 2007 at 3:43 am
Good work. I learnt lot about federal matters. Keep it up
8. Thillai.T.Thillaiambalam | June 4th, 2007 at 5:46 am
Very informative and interesting. I hope Mr. Jeyaraj can sustain what I think is a new column. The federal idea is something we can all appreciate. I hope Mr. Jeyaraj can impart his views on federalism to his readers in the future. I wish DBS all success in this
9. Vipula | June 4th, 2007 at 6:18 am
Conratulations DBS on federal idea. Federal powers to backward regions in Lanka good for Sinhalas, Tamils, Muslims and Indian Tamils. Keep up good work DBS and soon you will see results
10. Nanayakkara | June 4th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Federalism is OK. Nothing wrong. But in Sri Lanka where powerful separatist movement controlling territory exists majority Sinhalese have to be suspicious and worried. What if federalism leads to separation instead of strengthening unity? This is serious concern for us. Our Tamil brothers wanting to live in one country must understand this
11. Pothey Gura | June 4th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Fifty years ago LSSP leader Dr. Colvin R de Silva said like a prophet “One language two nations. Two nations one language”. Today reality is one unitary system two states. Two federal systems one Country
12. Guna. N. Gunaratnam | June 4th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
In marriage one party cant make other party stick to it by using force. Loyalty in a partner cant be forced by fear. it can exist only thru trust. If Tamils are to live in one Sri Lanka they cant be forced thru force. They must be made willing to live on their own. For this trust and confidence in Singalase necessary. To build this armed oppression must end. political solution wth federalism is needed.But I doubt that will happen. So Tamil Eelam becomes really necessary
13. Alex | June 4th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Any way DBS is DBS, only DBS know how to put in words by his writing, it’s little late (but not too late after all Tamils die/ disappeared from Lanka), but keep it up.
Alex.
14. Thamarai K. | June 4th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I agree partly with Thanabal. He says,
If you think that you can change the GoSL by preaching Federalism . . , you are wasting your precious time and space in the web. . . .but have the Sinhala government accept a federal structure is nothing but dream.
But before blaming the GOSL, what about our own ‘liberators’. Can DBSJ or even you make this proposal to them. That is why, I mentioned earlier that first we have to ‘deal’ with our own people. Until then, as Thanabal says, it may be a pipe dream.
15. Federalista | June 4th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
DBSJ
Salute for the thought!
It would be a good idea to ponder, if you can develop a dedicated site for the federal movement concept.
From the British colonial time, when Ceylon anti-colonial movement wanted to identify with India …1956 concept two language one nation, one language two nation…nationwide non-violent struggle…Muslim participation…excess violence unleashed on passive protesters….abrogation of pact after pact…Vaddukottai resolution…JR. Jayawardene’s challenge to the non-violent TULF(if you want war let there be war. If you want peace let there be peace)…International pressure on TULF…6th Amendment and political strangulation of federal idea and rise of militancy…Indian dimension and 13th amendment… Muslim dimension…to the present day concept of Internal self-determination at Oslo…expectation of IC…
…all pointing to the idea of federated solution.
16. carlo kovoor | June 4th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
A rational approach towards resolving disputes like that of the national question in Sri Lanka is very necessary. Rational human beings should avoid violence as far as possible and strive to seek a negotiated settlement. In Sri Lanka where two nations are warring within a single bosom the ideal solution would be that of equitable power sharing. Just as democracy in spite of defects remains the best form of government so is federalism with its flaws an ideal formula to share power. In that sense let us grasp the federal idea firmly and boldly
17. Sahadevan | June 4th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Very informative article about Federal setup.Even our federal party tried this in the early stages,but Sinhalese were very adamant both sides are adamant.So reasonable solution must come from outside through pressure because Sri lanka is not that rich to ignore international comunity.
18. S. | June 5th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Dear Mr. DBS Jeyaraj
you have written this introduction on federal idea very short and sweet. I have very much enjoyed.
19. Nihal. A. | June 5th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
DBS has provided informative overview of federalism and expressed hope that Sri Lanka should become federal. He will have to write more and more on this to convince those who dont want federalism in Lanka
20. Metha | June 5th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
I am sure DBS can’t Change GOSL and sinhala politician.It is not that they are not aware of these facts.
If DBS wants, this must be translated in Sinhala and Tamil.Masses must be educated, Not the politicians.Because of the English educated people-Intelectual- the problem is still remain.
What this American ambasidor has said. No Etinic Problem.
21. vijay.W. | June 6th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Toothpaste come out of tube connot be put back. milk from broken bottle cannot be put back in same bottle. Fish made into karuvaadu cannot be made fresh fish again.
Island of Sri Lanka look like one country. really it is two countrys. No system like even federalism can make the Island one country really again. if armed forces go away there will be different country in north - east. That is reality.
DBSJ dont waste your time with federalism. It wont work
22. Rama. Somasundaram | June 6th, 2007 at 11:23 am
federalism was at one time proposed by SJV Chelvanayagam but Singala politicians rejected it. Country suffering as a result. If politicians from Singala side accept federalism then Tamil side will too
23. Dalreen | June 6th, 2007 at 11:33 am
It was lovely reading about the federal idea in many different forms
24. Norman P | June 6th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Writer supports federalism as solution and gives many examples. Good to think about the federal idea
25. M. Sudalaimuthu | June 6th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Federalism may help Sri Lanka Tamils living in North - East but will not help Tamils in South Sri Lanka. Neither will it help Plantation Tamils living mainly in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces
26. SM Jainudeen | June 6th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I agree with Sudalaimuthu.That is case for Muslims too.Muslims in East and Mannar can benefit if Muslim rights are given in federal set - up. But Muslims in other seven provinces will not. Two - thirds of Muslims are living outside Eastern province. They are 8 or 9 % only in Kalutara, Puttalam and Kandy. They are scattered among Sinhala villages. What are they to do?
27. Aubrey | June 6th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
What about Burghers? Federalism will not help them in Lanka. That’s why they started migrating to Australia, Canada, USA, Britain and New Zealand from the fifties
28. Thuraisingham | June 6th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Thank You Mr. DBS jeyaraj for well - informed article on federalism. Please continue writing
29. sangilikkaruppu | June 6th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Thamizh people determined to have country of own. Nothing can stop it. Do not try to bring federalism into picture. It wont work and unnecessary
30. Arvinth, Trichy | June 7th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Today, Sri Lankan police swooped down on scores of lodges in Colombo and its suburbs at the crack of dawn, and whisked away hundreds of Tamil guests from the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Official sources said that 376 Tamils, including 85 women, were taken away in buses to be sent back to their homes in the North-East.
We can see this is the first time that Tamils from the North-East have been actually sent back to their homes forcibly. Earlier, small numbers of Tamil terrorist suspects would be taken to the police stations, investigated, and detained or left off. An all-city sweep of the sort which took place today has never occurred before.
Shame! To the GOSL, in a pluralistic society, a government should represent all the sections of people. GOSL should not claim they represent all. GOSL behaves like yet another gang opposite to LTTE. Rather doing all these things, GOSL should declare Srilanka is for majority Sinhalese. GOSL is doing mistakes after mistakes and never learnt any lessons from the past. GOSL will feel for this for sure in future. Only these actions further strengthens the hands of the Eelam fighters LTTE & it will make it further strong.
According to the news, these persons lodged in Colombo for medical treatment, travel, family re-union, study and in search of jobs, were packed in 8 buses and sent out of Colombo to the east and Vavuniya with Police escort.
And a 70-year-old man was among the oldest persons to be ousted from Colombo. He had gone to Colombo to see send-off his son to a foreign country. Both, he and his son were sent in the bus, persons who had medical appointment Friday were forced to board the buses.
While an Eelam Tamil Minister in the GOSL all this happening to the people who send him to the parliament to voice for them. But he decorate the seat & working for the President’s propaganda.
And there is another Eelam Tamil leaders like PLOTE Siddhartha who invaded Maldives, Statement leader TULF Anadasangaree, one time ruled the North & East with the safeguard of the IPKF & the only Eelam Tamil party who helped the LTTE to strengthen by numbers , made it further strong & who had connection with the naxalites in early years the EPRLF’s leader Sridhar (now spilt in 3, Human hedging leader Premachandran with the LTTE, Money maker Devananda with the GOSL & another leader Perumal still living luxury life in our tax payers money) all are in Colombo decorating as Tamil voices now just hiding in GOSL sponsored caves.
Can the GOSL stop the LTTE like this going into their capital city?
Where are the Eelam Tamil leaders?
Shame! Shame! Shame!
Only solution our political leaders & the RAW have to make a good decision to safeguard the innocent humans from the ruthless Sinhalese regime & the LTTE.
31. Damitha S | June 25th, 2007 at 8:13 am
very good information,
strictly looking in to the sri lankan scenario, in my oppinion it is not tamils who took up arms against a failed governing systems first it was the sinhalese in 1971 in the form of JVP the youth who were deprived of equal chance in education , economy and determining their future took up arms struggle against governemnt.
seperatist movement in north and east took the same line it is the lack of equal opportunity that drove them against the GOSL the “Tamil” is just the most common slogan they use to unite that cry.
so in my oppinion the central administration system adoptd by british to run the country as a “profit centre” does not work when you run the island as a ” country”, even in the past it was best administrated in divisions
should it be tamil , sinhala or muslim areas ( i dont think so ),
it should be based on the provincial system and the regional leadership can establish the way to run the economy , ( the GOSL has failed to put up at leaset 20 proper schools in the whole island after independant)
language usage should be same through out the island where a native speaker of Sinhalese or tamil should feel at ease when working in any part of the island ( at least Government institutions). so whether its sinhala, tamil , indian tamil ( who are these indian tamils - arnt they sri lankan now cos they have contributed to the economy more than most of the self proclaimed patriotic sinhalese and sri lankan tamils), muslim they feel that they are part of the country.
when it comes to religion what ever is said in the constitution Sri Lanka has religious freedom than most of the countries in the world so i dont think there is a need to devide people based on religion.
so will the political leaders agree to this ? leaders come from the people if people talk smart and there oppinion, well the leaders has to listen ……………………..
32. Jey | June 26th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Federalism would have worked if the Sinhalese had accepted the ISGA that the LTTE put forward in 2003 and then if the SL govt had not discarded the Post Tsunami aid sharing mechanism drafted by Norway. If the Sinhalese can’t share or agree to these simple things how are they going to share power?
The CFA has been violated by the SLA capturing large swathes of territory in the east. The IC have not showed their clout by forcing the SL govt to go back to CFA lines, therefore how can they (IC) guarantee safety for Tamils in a future negotiated settlement under a federal system? How can the Tamils even consider disarming now?
An independent and secure Tamil Eelam is best for all.
33. Richmansterror | August 2nd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
” the matured, educated, experienced and those who had the courage not to arm themselves” have spend 20 years or more to convince the Lion pretending to be sleeping, that Federal idea was the right thing …but it didn’t work. Now the hungry lion is wide awake and looking for a kill and everyone in the NE is a fair game. Even the Tamils in the south would be a fair game, if only the IC and donors do not mind the Lion doing its butchery. So, Thamarai , wake up, before the Lion gets you.
34. A.Rajasingam | September 16th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Federalism is the cure for Sri Lanka’s ills. Generally there is a general impression among the Sinhalese that federalism would lead to separation. Even some English Newspapers treat federalism is a flthy word when in fact in the western democracies federalism is treated as a sacred word. That is a mistaken assumption. Atleast at this critical juncture, leading Sinhalese lawyers and academics should come forward and make bold declaration about the merits of federalism. Of course, it takes time. Even in USA and in Canada federalism took its shape after some time and eventually paid dividends. Today those people are enjoying the fruits of federalism. This would be the impact of federalism in a changing world. What is vital as a first step is to experiment it. Leaders should demonstrate themselves as Statesmen by declaring that federalism is the only solution to diffuse the current tension. I think DBS has presented a balanced article.
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