The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) has called on the Tamil Diaspora to support the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that has stepped forward to lead the community at a time when it is being subjected to continuing miseries and hardships.
Joint Statement
Following is the statement released by Ganeshalingam, secretary general of the Global Tamil Forum:
The political journey of the Tamil community has never been a bed of roses. Yet, despite the road to our freedom being thorny and strewn with roadblocks, we have never failed to persevere.
Former Federal Party leader S.J.V. Chelvanayagam launched the political struggle of the Tamil community through a non-violent approach. After his death, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Prabhakaran led a combined politico-military offensive to sustain the struggle to win Tamil rights. At present, only the TNA is in a position to take on the mantle of leadership and continue the struggle on behalf of the Tamil community. It is an undeniable fact that the Tamil Diaspora has remained a potent link with all these three forces which have successively led the demand for Tamil rights.
Tamil Community's Leadership
At present, it is only the TNA that is equipped and able to give leadership to the Tamil community that finds itself deeper in crisis. Therefore, the Tamil Diaspora should come forward to extend their total support to the TNA on whom the Tamil community's leadership has fallen.
Since the Tamil Eelam political atmosphere is in a destitute condition the Tamil Diaspora needs to strengthen the hands of the TNA and come under one umbrella. The Tamil Diaspora supported the LTTE economically to prosecute its armed struggle for the last 30 years so as to help win the political aspirations of the Tamils.
The Tamil Diaspora contributed to help the LTTE to emerge as a strong organization comprising three armed forces. When several elements in the past attempted to destroy LTTE organization it was the Tamil Diaspora that was in the forefront to thwart such attempts by staging powerful demonstrations and rallies. Their contribution is indispensable to continue our political efforts to win back our homeland. As such I call upon all expatriate Tamils to stand united to help achieve the political aspirations of our brethren in Sri Lanka.
Unpatriotic Forces Betrayed
It is true that the political journey of the Eelam Tamils has faced an array of defeats and disappointments in the past. Our community has been crushed as a result of betrayals committed in the past by various unpatriotic forces.
In whichever direction we turn, there are plots and betrayals being heaped upon our people. We know that we are not the root cause of all these unfortunate acts. Several countries and forces in the world are carrying out all forms of subversive suppression upon our community and they have often succeeded in their attempts.
Participants at the Global Tamil Forum said: "We are now facing a future that is potent with danger and need to be constantly alert to what's happening around us. Our race should not become a victim of the conspiracies plotted by external forces. Our combatants and politicians should stand up together against all elements which seek to undermine our objectives and destroy us. We must be on maximum alert therefore as we continue our struggle."
Political Change Needed
Considering this overall backdrop to our present position, let us, therefore, help the TNA to assume full leadership on behalf of the Sri Lankan Tamils. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder with the TNA and open the path for a prosperous future for our kith and kin living in our Eelam homeland.
Simultaneously, participants at the Global Tamil Forum will also make every effort to help bring relief to our people held in welfare camps and to create for them a bright future through a political change. We, the Tamil Diaspora, must work hand in hand to accomplish this task.
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