Sri Lankan New Constitution Needs To Unify All Communities

Intent on pushing through its planned constitutional reforms, the government is putting the final touches to the proposed legislative amendments. The amendments are said to be planned in three stages.

Several reforms, including the eligibility of a person to seek a third term presidency, expunging constitutional obstacles to the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution and some radical electoral reforms, are being considered by the government to be incorporated in the new constitution.

Intended Reforms
The government needs a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament to put into effect any constitutional reforms of this nature. Although it is only five votes to command that two-thirds majority, as things stand now it looks like it will be a light matter to harness those five vital votes from opposition benches. But if the government could push through the intended reforms with some help from various parties in the opposition it will have some positive effects in the area of national economic development.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), which are the major parties representing the minority communities have already flashed a green light for the proposed constitutional reforms.

Both parties have decided to back the constitutional reforms provided however that the government treats the urgency of a solution to long outstanding Tamil ethnic grievances on a top priority rating.

Ambitions and Agendas
The government would do well at this point in time to acknowledge the conditions stipulated by these two political parties, mend fences with them and then move on smoothly to the business of pushing through the planned constitutional reforms.

When new constitutions were introduced in the past they reflected the policies of the parties and personal agendas of the leaders of those parties who introduced those reforms. Those were the very reasons why the country could not sustain any meaningful long-term development strategy.

The first constitution of the country drawn up by Sir Ivor Jennings did not reflect the expectations and aspirations of the people of this country. He framed the entire thing without consulting as much as one other person.

The 1972 constitution which was introduced by former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was also drawn up in a manner that secured her personal ambitions and agendas.

So, also was it with former President J.R. Jayewardene when he introduced the 1977 constitution to promote his personal ambitions.

Recurrence of Tragedies
All these constitutions failed to address the aspirations and grievances of minority communities in the country with the cumulative effect of disastrous repercussions on the entire nation. The disasters and scale of destruction let loose in the wake of these constitutional changes put back the country's development clock by several decades. Preempting the recurrence of the tragedies of the past now rests wholly in the hands of today's political leaders.

Different communities namely the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers are domiciled in Sri Lanka. They speak the Sinhala, Tamil and English languages and following different religions.

In the circumstances, the constitution of the country should be such that its provisions proactively foster the welfare and wellbeing of all communities in the country.

There is no need for hasty constitutional reforms. A general consensus approval of all sections of the people would be essential before such reforms are implemented. In order to fully exploit the potential of the opportunity now at hand, President Mahinda Rajapaksa would do well to first of all introduce constitutional changes, which will promote national harmony.

This will need an in-depth study of the constitutions of neighboring countries. For example, the Indian constitution was prepared only after multi-ethnic and multi-religious factors had been exhaustively studied. This is the basic reason why there has been a vast improvement in race relations in that country.

Extensive Deliberations
Today, the South African constitution is hailed as the best in the world. The Constitution of South Africa was also prepared after having extensive deliberations with different religious as well as ethnic communities in the country.

If Sri Lanka follows in their footsteps there will be nothing to prevent us seeing a new constitution that will unify all communities in this country.

Indian Bona Fide’s Questionable in Sri Lankan Issues

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao recently said India stood ready with more funding for Sri Lanka's rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in the war affected northern region.

India has continued funding the northern reconstruction and economic development process ever since the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was concluded on 18 May 2009. India has poured in billions of dollars for Northern Province reconstruction and rehabilitation projects undertaken by the Sri Lankan Government and recently announced more funding for the reconstruction of the Palali Airport in the Jaffna Peninsula and development of the Kankesanturai Harbor.

Victory Over LTTE
There is no gainsaying the fact that India's liberal assistance for the economic restoration effort in the Northern Province, which was completely devastated by the three-decade long war, deserves commendation. But the dominant question that begs an answer today is whether her liberal funding for the development and reconstruction projects in the north will in any way help restore an enduring peace in this war-torn nation. It is an open secret that India extended to the Sri Lankan Government her unreserved support to help bring the war against the LTTE to a decisive end.

The Sri Lankan Government would certainly have not been able to so conclusively deal a death blow to the LTTR militarily had India's unreserved support not been forthcoming on all fronts. The Sri Lankan Government celebrates the first anniversary of the military victory over the LTTE on 18 May. But the same government has not taken any credible action to resolve the enduring ethnic grievance which in the first place triggered that brutal war.

President's Personal Commitment
At the outset President Mahinda Rajapaksa publicly held out a personal commitment to unveil a solution to this outstanding issue after the holding of the presidential election. Then, after the presidential election was concluded, he modified that commitment to say he would iron out an agreement on an equitable solution through negotiations with the Tamil MPs who would be elected to parliamentary in the parliamentary general elections. When that point was reached he then said the negotiations with the Tamil MP's would begin after his return from the SAARC Summit in Bhutan.

The SAARC Summit is also past us. Instead of inviting the Tamil National Alliance for talks to explore a solution to the grievances of the Tamil community, the government seems to be instead occupied with attempts to weaken the Tamil National Alliance politically.

Implementing 13th Amendment
Earlier official commitments to implement a 13th Amendment plus solution to remedy all Tamil grievances are now in limbo and the government is guardedly tight lipped on the 13 plus topic.

At the time that the government emerged the victor in the war against the LTTE in 2009, India was actively pressing for a solution based on the 13th Amendment. India also insisted that the solution offered now should surpass the provisions of the 13th Amendment.

However, what has happened now? We see a subtle yet unmistakable change of attitude on the part of the Indian Government toward the nature of a solution to the grievances of the Tamil community. While India is at pains to compete with China and Pakistan in helping Sri Lanka on several fronts, Delhi does not now seem to be concerned about a settlement to the ethnic issue that will satisfy the aspirations of the Sri Lankan Tamils living in the north and east. Instead, India seems content to be a mere unconcerned listener to all that is said by the Sri Lankan government.

Establishing Permanent Peace
Peace and harmony cannot be ushered in purely through financial assistance extended by the Indian government to Sri Lanka. India's contribution is more direly required to bring about a lasting solution to the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. India should understand this reality. Her current backing of Sri Lanka will never help establish a permanent peace in the country.

India should also understand that all the economic development in a country which lacks peace will not only be an illusion of a solution, but will ultimately prove to be a wasted effort.

Time Opportune for Concerted Tamil Speaking Communities’ Force

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa through his convincing victory at the presidential election proved that he could win an election even without the support of the minority communities. Similarly, the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) led by President Rajapaksa has proved through its resounding victory at the just concluded general election also that it could form a government without the support of minority communities. The landslide victory achieved by the president at both elections exposes the bitter fact that the bargaining power held by the minority parties has slipped out of their hands.

Representation of Minority Communities
Considering the victory by the majority parties in their attempts to slash down the representation of minority communities in Parliament, these communities are now plagued with the fear that the prevailing trend against them might take an ugly turn in the future. Confirming the accuracy of their fears the government recently revealed intentions of proscribing parties of minority communities which harbor aspirations for securing devolution of powers.

Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had expressed sentiments to this effect relating to parties that insist on devolution of powers. Mithripala Sirisena, general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has shown the green light to the proposal advanced by the defense secretary.

Broad Political Alliance
Therefore, as far as the minority parties are concerned the need of the hour is unity among them selves in order to safeguard the survival of the communities they represent. At this juncture the views expressed by Mavai Senathirajah, senior parliamentarian of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) relating to the formation of a broad alliance covering all minority parties gains significance.

In the circumstances, the TNA plans to form a broad political alliance comprising representation by Muslim as well as hill country Tamils to hold talks with the government. The formation of such an alliance will create a status quo which cannot be ignored by the government in carrying out its functions relating to concerns of the minority communities.

The TNA will submit its proposals along with the proposals submitted by the other parties in the alliance, to the government. This development would pave the way for the international community to speak to the government. The government is now under heavy international pressure. If President Rajapaksa fails to hold talks with this proposed broad alliance we will press on with our democratic struggle of non violence, mobilizing our people to achieve our legitimate objectives. The views expressed by him on behalf of the TNA are healthy and commendable.

Forming New Alliance
Meanwhile, we could also be positive about the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) readily coming into such a broad alliance. The SLMC has expressed its support on several occasions in the past for an alliance of Tamil speaking people. In the course of private discussions the writer has held with SLMC leaders, they have expressed their willingness to form such an alliance.

We should also not fail to underscore here the fact that SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem in the run-up to the elections often said that only a joint struggle of the Tamil and Muslim communities would help politically win the rights of both communities, either through agitation via Parliament or through joint struggles from without.

If he acts in keeping with his stated intentions, the possibilities of forming a wide Tamil alliance are not unrealistic. It is also essential to reckon with the upcountry political forces in this context.
When the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) dominated the political scenario through their armed struggle, the Muslim as well as up country parties were hesitant to work in tandem with the TNA. But the atmosphere now obtaining is different following the defeat inflicted on the LTTE. There are no such obstacles now to minority parties closing ranks with the TNA. The time would then seem opportune for the country political leaders to join such a mega political alliance.

Follies Committed in Past
The greatest folly committed by the LTTE and parties like the SLMC was their belief that they could win the rights of the communities they represent by waging independent struggles. But the Tamil and Muslim parties have now realized the error of their past convictions and it augurs well that they have now changed that mindset.

World history has recorded several incidents in which minority communities which once stood divided joined forces later to successfully win back their political rights.

Learning lessons from history the minority communities namely Tamils, Muslims, and upcountry Tamils should come together in a collective force with the aim of winning their political rights. Such a Tamil speaking alliance is an indispensable body for the objective of ensuring the political rights of minority communities.

Minority political parties have hitherto made gestures of agitation for their rights only during an election campaign. But there are no possibilities of an election being held in the new future. It will take another six or seven years for elections to be held. As such, coming out of the election myth, minority parties could now unite in a permanent entity on behalf of the communities they represent. The time is now most opportune for them to unite and work for the well being of the communities they represent.

The parliamentary election is now over and the UPFA is poised to form the new government without the support of the minorities.

The moment is also opportune for opposition MPs to join the government. As such there are possibilities for the UPFA to get strengthened further.

Against this backdrop the government would face no obstacle to fulfill its ulterior objectives such as proscribing the parties which clamor for devolution of powers, colonizing Sinhala people in the traditional homelands of Tamils, abolishing proportional representation and so on.

A single Tamil political party can never stem such destructive plans of the government against the minority communities. It would be possible only by a broad Tamil alliance.

Leaning on the government by certain Tamil, Muslim, and hill country parties is essential because this will help them to fulfill the expectations of their communities. We might even brand it as a kind of diplomacy.

If proposals such as a university in Vanni, houses for estate laborers, development of harbor in Oluvil, swift development of the North as envisaged by certain MPs are to take shape it is certainly necessary for certain MPs of the minority communities to back the government. This strategy will help develop Tamil areas while struggles are pressed to get the rights of Tamil people restored.

It does not mean that minority communities should give up their demands for their rights. Certain factions may not respond to our opinions. When we analyze the election results of the North and East we could see that minority communities have voted for the development of their regions.

Therefore, while leaders of minority communities focus their attention on our development they should also not give up their demands to fulfill the aspirations of their people.

Against this scenario, if the minority parties were to decide that they will not assist in the development process until they attain a federal system of government or the right of self-determination, it will not be a conducive approach. Therefore, while fine-tuning their struggles to thwart conspiracies hatched against the minority communities with the support of the international community on one hand the broad based alliance of minority parties should also concentrate on social development.

Sri Lankan Election Pledges Solution to Ethnic Issue

In view of the conclusion of all elections including presidential and parliamentary elections, it appears that the people are very anxious to now see the fulfillment of all the election pledges which were made to them from sundry political platforms. Development, salary increases and holding talks with Tamil parliamentarians to explore a political solution to the ethnic issue are the significant pledges under reference.

Possible Government-TNA Talks
In this context, responding to a media query as to whether the government was willing to hold talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on the ethnic issue, former Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the government was prepared to hold talks with the TNA on northern development plans and other issues but the TNA on its part would also need to be realistic in its aspirations.

Viewed against the fact of a majority of TNA MPs being elected from the North at the just concluded general election, the government can't avoid holding talks with the TNA regarding the development projects to be implemented by the government in the North and other issues. It is with their cooperation that the planned economic development projects will be implemented, Minister Samarasinghe said.

Resolution to Ethnic Issue
Meanwhile, Tissa Vitharana, All Party Representative Committee (APRC) chairman, recently said that an invitation would be extended to the TNA to join APRC sessions in future. He said he believes that reconciliation could be reached with their cooperation in the future.

The failure of the government to invite the TNA to participate in APRC sessions which discussed proposals to evolve a political resolution to the ethnic issue and their boycotting of the committee in the past had caused serious concern and provoked intense criticism within the Tamil community.

However, several politicians have opined that there now obtained a conducive atmosphere to convert the APRC process into a meaningful one. They contend that should the committee press ahead with its search for a solution and builds up confidence among the Tamil people, then the search for a lasting solution to the ethnic problem could be a tangible and realistic one and not a mere pipe dream.

Problems take critical turns when they are dragged out without a resolution over a long period of time. It was within the capabilities of successive governments to resolve this long standing issue amicably and it was their failures which paved the way for the people to suffer the colossal miseries they had to suffer. Realizing this fact, all factions concerned should make full use of this opportunity to reach agreement on an equitable solution to the ethnic issue.

The time is opportune for the government to build confidence in the Tamil psyche that the Tamil community could realistically expect a prosperous future in the country. As a result of the war that continued for decades the Tamil community in the country was plunged into untold misery, losing all that they possessed. If they are to have the chance to live happily and at peace, their basic problems should be resolved as early as possible.

Suffering of Internally Displaced Persons
The people who were languishing as internally displaced persons for over two decades as a result of high security zones being established in their places of residence, are even today trapped in the vice-like grip of the continuing anxiety over whether the atmosphere up north will return to adequate normalcy to enable them to return to their native places in the not too distant future.

Lands which were used to cultivate agricultural crops in the past have deteriorated into neglected, barren lands due to these high security zones. By returning these lands to their owners they could be encouraged to engage in cultivation which in turn will help boost the economy of the country.

Cooperative Effort to Develop Region
While the government takes every step to develop the North which has been deprived of development for the past three decades, it is imperative that the newly elected parliamentarians from the north now focus their efforts on helping execute the government's plans to launch the development thrust in the north.

The war was advanced as the cause for northern development to be held back by successive governments and obstacles were placed to thwart all progress for the people. Now that the war has ended a climate conducive to rapid development of the Northern Province has offered itself for exploitation.

In these circumstances, every one should join hands in a cooperative effort to develop the region. The government should also ensure that it now honors all the pledges given to the people without dragging its feet on the issue. It is through taking such decisive action that the government can hope to win the hearts of the people permanently.

Future of Tamil Politic and Parties

No matter how terrifying the cobra might look, only a few people would be afraid of it, if it was known that its venomous fangs have been removed. The armed struggle of the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Ealam (LTTE) became intense only after its mentor S.J.V. Chelvanayagam said, that only Almighty God can save the Tamil nation. However, it was seen that the decades-long struggle of the LTTE did not see any salvation in the end. In the meantime, emerging facts indicate that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the only progeny of the LTTE is also becoming weak and diluted especially at a time when it should be fortifying itself.

Soon after Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa emerged victorious in the 2005 presidential election, his party launched a number of 'divide and destroy' ploys, which turned out to be very successful. Many political parties that were majestically portraying themselves as strong representatives of minorities, soon started to deflate. Many United National Party (UNP) front liners succumbed to this ruse and left the party to join the ruling regime. UNP deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya also left the party to join the government.

Trap of Divide and Destroy
In this backdrop, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) buildup great hopes of becoming the next major opposition party and moved ahead accordingly, only to be ensnared in the government's trap of divide and destroy. Subsequently, Wimal Weerawansa, the JVP's pinup boy and stalwart of the party, left the party along with some senior members and formed the National Freedom Front. This dealt a considerable blow to the JVP and weakened it to the core.
At this juncture, an important matter should be pointed out. In the past, Karuna Amman, one time Eastern commander of the LTTE, left the movement after a conflict his peers. Present Eastern Chief Minister Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, a hardcore member of the LTTE, also followed Karuna's footsteps. Both Karuna and Pillayan announced later that they are entering the path of democracy by forming a political party.

In fact, the objective of this article is not to explore the developments of their party but it is well known that the newly formed party was grounded even before take off mainly because of the disagreements of its founders. Karuna and Pillayan then openly expressed conflicting views and this situation developed into mini-warfare in the East. At present, Karuna and Pillayan have joined the government representing two different factions.

Dominance of LTTE
Amid this chaos, the TNA somehow held itself together and chugged along in its chosen path without falling prey to the ploy of 'divide and destroy' for some time. However, the clout that the TNA wields at present is a far cry from its original depiction. The alliance had been a group that was controlled by a remote device, which was operated by the LTTE leadership. The LTTE decided and finalized the next move of the TNA. Noticeable objections did not spring from the TNA when the LTTE had been a formidable power to reckon with. This submissiveness of the alliance toward LTTE had been a public secret.

There was another reason for this attitude of the alliance. The popularity of the LTTE played an illusive but large role in all the political successes of the TNA. The dominance of the LTTE was directly seen in the political pursuits of the TNA. There was a time when the TNA enjoyed the most numbers of seats among Tamil parties in Parliament, thanks to the awe-inspiring influence of the LTTE.

It is a thought whether the elimination of the LTTE is the reason for the present downfall of the TNA. Desertions and disagreements are accepted norms in any political party. Take for instance, the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are constantly crossing over fences. Intermittently, someone would start new political parties too. However, the consequences of these crossovers and counter-crossings would only reflect within the respective parties and rarely would affect the public in the Tamil Nadu.

Situation in Sri Lanka
Unfortunately the situation in Sri Lanka is different. Which Tamil political party can call itself influential to exert any pressure on the government? The Sinhala majority is well aware that TNA is representing the Tamil community to a considerable extent with its 22 MPs but if it becomes defused and dissolved, no one would seek its support during an election.

It is well-known that the TNA's decisions had wielded lot of influence in the recent presidential elections. However, after the results were announced, certain disagreements that had been lurking inside the alliance have now come to light. One wonders if this situation would have come into being if General Sanath Fonseka had won the presidential elections. If the alliance had left the decision to people without taking sides, it had to lean on the winner and claim it is him they had been supporting. But the alliance did not employ this tactic and this proves that TNA was not able to prudently handle an intricate situation to its advantage.

The TNA is not a children's club. It is party that has intellectuals and weathered politicians in its membership. Therefore, everyone in it should be held responsible for not being able resolve their disagreements. While it is indisputable that this is a setback for the TNA, the results of the forthcoming general election will prove the real strength of the TNA.

The LTTE could not attain a sustainable victory, even with the use of air and sea attacks. Even the movement's formidable international network failed disastrously. In such a context it is highly questionable if the alliance could achieve anything by being a mere political party which too had become shaky with disunity. However, the nature of the outcome of this situation largely rests with the decision the Tamil community would eventually make at the coming general elections. The fact that some front liners of the alliance have left the party also gives dejection to its supporters and makes the party look desolate.

It was a noticeable fact to a certain extent during the recently concluded presidential elections that the Tamil community was not in any way influenced by the disagreements that prevailed within the TNA because it had been a contest that presented a simple choice of selecting between two major contestants. Huge campaigns were not needed to convince the people as to whom they should vote for. Merely following the media reports was sufficient to make decisions. Moreover, there was an attitude of indifference in the air especially among the Tamils over this election and it was obvious that whatever the outcome of presidential election, it was not going make any big difference in the outlook of the alliance. Ironically, even though the TNA supported General Fonseka, it also indirectly benefited when the general lost the fight.

However, it should be understood that parliamentary elections is total different ballgame. Even a small slip in this contest would lead to a major loss for the alliance and could in turn mar the future survival of TNA. As a result, the alliance has been pushed into a corner and it has the irrefutable duty of providing the correct guidance for the Tamil community in this election. Undoubtedly, the TNA supporters would be confused, if totally different views are presented by the members who remain in the party and by those who have deserted the same.

Anyone's opinion could emerge victorious. The success lies in the way opinions are handled and presented. But no one can deny that the political clout of the Tamil community would be eventually mutilated by this type of in-house clashes. Some of those who left the alliance and pledged that they would contest as a separate party have ultimately joined the ruling party.

Tug-of-War Game
If few players leave their side in tug-of-war game that has an equal numbers of contestants, the team that lost its players will be affected. It would not make any difference if the players who abandon their side did not join the opposition. The side that loses players invariably would become weaker because of imbalance.

In the meantime, the issue of internal displacements, along with the present state of inactivity confronting the Tamil expatriates after the defeat of the LTTE, has constituted a major blow to the Tamil political parties. However, it is small consolation that certain groups are still fighting to preserve their Tamil identity with never ebbing zeal.

However, blending the efforts of local as well as expatriate Tamils is vital to make the strife of establishing a Tamil identity really productive. These factions have the paramount responsibility of rebuilding regional nationalistic attitudes while reviving the diminished fortitudes. For instance, it would not be very prolific talking about liberation and freedom to a person who is worrying about his next meal. In addition, the local factions as well as the Tamil Diaspora, who are striving for a Tamil nationalistic identity should realize that a community that had been suffering with basic livelihood restrains would not have the inclinations to think about colossal issues such as political rights, freedom, liberation, etc.

Therefore, parties that have nationalistic aspirations should try to shred their differences as much as possible. They should also be attentive in trying to provide immediate solutions to the basic problems of the people. At the same time, they should prepare themselves to address broader issues in due course. This is relevant to expatriates as well.

If the Tamil parties continue to be at each other's throats, they will eventually fall into the 'divide and destroy' trap. Ultimately, the political apparatus of the Lankan Tamil race would irretrievably fall into a bottomless pit.

India’s Intervention Indispensable To Resolve Lankan Ethnic Issue

It is learned that India has impressed on Colombo the importance of initiating the process for a political solution that will be acceptable to all other communities including the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. Responding to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna has said that since the military option had been accomplished in Sri Lanka, the present environment has presented an opportunity to initiate a sustainable political solution in Sri Lanka.
He has added that there is a possibility of establishing a political solution through discussions built upon a structure of a united Sri Lanka which would be acceptable to every community.

Prevailing Military Conflict
Meanwhile, even during the conduct of military operations in Sri Lanka, India has been constantly driving home the fact that a political solution was imperative to implement a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the country's ethnic issue. But, he added, this request does not appear to have produced any tangible or credible response and this has triggered a wave of exasperation among the Tamil community as well as among its various political leaders.

The people of this country know very well that this crucial national issue has been dragged along endlessly for several decades and Sri Lankans have had to pay a heavy price for it. It is now very evident that the Tamil people are earnestly with renewed anticipation awaiting the elusive political solution that could be worked out in the prevailing military conflict free atmosphere in the country.

Meanwhile, while speaking at a campaign meeting held recently in Trincomalee, R. Sampanthan, the foremost candidate of the Tamil National Alliance and a prominent leader of the Tamil community has said that the Tamils cannot hope to achieve a resolution to their grievances without India's intervention. He warned that this parliamentary election was a crucial one, particularly at this moment of time, when India as well as the global community had adopted clear stances on a political resolution to Lanka's conflict especially now that the military question was out of the way. Sampanthan further stressed that this was a moment in time when the Tamil people should articulate their demands loud and clear.

National Ethnic Issue
Against a backdrop, in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged that he would hold talks over the national ethnic issue with the Tamil representatives who will be elected in the forthcoming contest, the Tamil community has to think about their utmost need to elect a parliamentary representation that has ample clout.

Looking back over the past 60 years of the bleak history of the Tamil struggle it could be seen that they have done all the running but discover that they are still at first base. Therefore, it is now the hope of the Tamil people that the international community including India announces their interest in the ethnic issue of Sri Lanka and call for a truly productive response from the government in Colombo.

No one should forget that everyone involved in this crisis has the moral obligation to create conditions in Sri Lanka which would be conducive to facilitating the Tamil community to live a peaceful and independent life by delivering them from their present despondent situation and restoring to them all that they have lost in the past. The Tamil community has suffered incomparable losses through the misery and destruction of the past.

The Tamil ethnic question has been made an international issue and every one should be focused on the fact that the Tamil people have lagged behind by several decades in many aspects of development due to the unending anguish they have faced during this long struggle. Therefore, the paramount responsibility of making the essential moves at this point rests on the shoulders of the Tamil leaders. They too need to be sensitive to their own responsibilities. Only then can the international community be able to act upon a clear cut rationale set forth by the Tamil Diaspora.

Selfish Political Atmosphere
In the meantime, it is being pointed out that the main reason for the unspeakable miseries and difficulties of the Tamil people which later mushroomed into unprecedented proportions is the disunity that prevails among the Tamil leadership. It is this attitude of tit-for-tat. The Tamil leadership should understand that if existing conditions are permitted to continue, the Tamil community will not benefit in any way at all. Sadly, this message has not been fully understood.

Although it is being widely proclaimed that a strong Tamil leadership is essential to initiate a sustainable solution to the deep seated problems of the community, the Tamil people at large are clueless as to how a strong leadership could be established in a selfish political atmosphere among Tamil politicians where everyone is reaching for each other's throats. Most are convinced that the rivalry prevailing among Tamil political parties has already paved the way for the Tamil national issue to be dragged on indefinitely.

It should be also born in the mind that if this opportunity, which has given an opening to approach the national issue with intelligence and sincerity in an atmosphere free of armed conflict is missed, it could only be the start of another round of curses to fall upon the Tamil nation.

Role of International Community
Political analysts opine that if the international community, including India, is actually sincere in their intentions to help work out a lasting solution to the national issue of Sri Lanka, they should provide their fullest cooperation instead of withdrawing themselves after submitting a few cursory suggestions. Therefore, everyone involved in this issue should stop repeating the same ineffective mantras and approach the issue with constructive and practical proposals.

We would like to impress, in the name of humanity that it is vital that this attitude of sacrificing an entire community in exchange for mere political benefits should be jettisoned completely.

Global Tamil Forum Conference

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.

Would Presidential Election Result in Significant Changes?

The largest ever number of presidential candidates in the history of this country is contesting the coming presidential election to be held on 26 January. Nominations for the election were accepted on 17 December. The Election Commission announced nominations had been registered from 22 contenders with one being rejected.

Significant Election
The coming presidential election in considered to be significant in several aspects. The United National Party [UNP], which has contested all elections since independence has for the first time in its own history not fielded a party candidate to contest the election, but is instead supporting a common candidate of an opposition alliance led by the party.
The contest at the election is set to be a close tussle between two main candidates who have emerged as the most powerful contenders. This has turned out to be another crucial aspect of the election. It will be no surprise if this election runs into the second count of preferential votes to come up with the winner.
As far as the election law of Sri Lanka is concerned, if a candidate fails in the first count to secure 50 percent of the votes polled, the second count of preferential votes has to be done to decide on the winner. This would be a new factor in the election history of Sri Lanka because there has been no precedent for a need of a second count. The previous highest number of presidential candidates at one election has been 13.
Thirteen candidates contested presidential elections in 1999 as well as in 2005. Only three candidates contested the 1988 presidential election. This is the lowest number of candidates at a presidential election. Twenty-two candidates contesting the presidential election to be held next year is a new record. Of the two main presidential candidates Mahinda Rajapaksa or Sarath Fonseka will win the election and the other 20 candidates are well-aware of this fact.
Then, why are they contesting? There are several reasons that can be attributed for this, the most important one being that of splitting votes to deprive both leading candidates of a majority in the first count.
Their next objective is that no other candidate or party should get votes from their electorate. Their thinking is that the votes, which could be potentially polled against Mahinda Rajapaksa should not be secured by Sarath Fonseka and those votes of supporters of the UNP and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna [JVP] who do not want to cast their votes to Fonseka should not vote for Rajapaksa. It is on the basis of this train of thought that a large number of candidates is contesting the coming presidential election.
Although a large number of candidates is contesting this election it is very doubtful as to whether they will be able to even save their deposits or at best draw 100,000 votes each.

Tamil Vote Bank
The Tamil vote bank has become indispensably valuable to two main candidates. There is a reasonably conducive atmosphere, in which Tamils can go to the polls as compared with the atmosphere that existed back in 1988.
While the chief presidential candidates are in the field exploiting the military victory, the main question that begs and answer is : For which candidate will the Tamil people, who are subjected to the miseries and sufferings of war, vote this time.
The number of registered voters in the north is 1 million. Similarly, as per the census conducted in the year 2007 the number of registered Tamil voters in the east is 400,000. Therefore, approximately 1,300,000 voters are eligible to cast their votes in the North and East. Leaving them aside there is also a considerable number of Tamil voters living in Colombo and its outskirts.
In these circumstances, election analysts say, the candidate who secures the Tamil vote will win the election. But Tamil voters have no particular desire to have any truck with either of the two main candidates. Both of them have earned a good measure of animosity and hatred from the Tamil community. It is against this backdrop that every one awaits anxiously the decision that the Tamil voter will finally take.
Sivajilingam, Tamil National Alliance [TNA] MP, is also contesting the election as an independent candidate and his objective might be that of securing the votes of Tamils who are in the bitter grip of hatred toward the two main contenders. Similarly there are also three Muslim candidates in the presidential election to further divide the votes of the Muslim voters who do not favor the candidacy of both Fonseka and Rajapaksa.
Former MP Illiyas is contesting as an independent candidate. Myown Mustapha, who was holding the portfolio of deputy higher education minister, is also contesting as an independent candidate. He crossed over from the UNP to the ruling party. As such he might divide the Muslim votes of the UNP.
In addition to these two candidates another Muslim candidate called Ismail is also contesting the election on the Democratic United National Front [DUNF] ticket.
Since three Muslim candidates are contesting there is a possibility of the Muslim votes being split. Another fact with regard to the main Muslim parties is that they are either with the ruling alliance or with the UNP. Meanwhile, Wickremabahu Karunaratne, leader of the New Left Front, will also divide the votes of Tamils.
In sum, there are Sinhala candidates to divide the votes of the Sinhala people and Tamil candidates to divide Tamil votes. As such, the possibilities of all votes being divided are many. The minor candidates can only hope for creating a negative impact only at the point of the first count. It is at this point that the second count becomes significant.
In the face of the claim made by the main political parties that they will abolish the presidential system of government this could well turn out to be the last presidential election we will see. A total of 14,088,500 persons are eligible to cast their votes at the election this time.
Of these voters 1,955,312 voters do not have identity cards. The relevant statistics are for districts other than Jaffna.

Election Law Specification
The election law specifies that those who do not possess identity cards cannot cast their votes and should this be rigidly applied a large number of Sri Lankans would be deprived of their right to vote. Similarly, 190,000 easterners also do not have national identity cards. Meanwhile, 42 percent of the voters in Vavuniya District is said not to have identity cards.
However, the election secretariat states that action is being taken to issue special identity cards to those who do not have national identity cards. We, however, do not know how far this would be fruitful. Tamil voters might especially be deprived of voting or they would deliberately give the election a miss.
Although there are more than 20,000 displaced civilians in Jaffna, less than 1,000 voters have applied to cast their votes. This is a clear example to show Tamil voters are not keen on the election. The international community is as keenly interested as we all are to know, which way the Tamil vote will go. This election will help all concerned to arrive at conclusions about certain long outstanding doubts and questions.

Scrapping of Executive Presidential System in Sri Lanka

There is an imperialists' conspiracy by the US Government to get General Sarath Fonseka-now on a private visit to the United States-to give evidence against Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, to draft a charge sheet against him. Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has most courageously informed the United States that he was the commander-in-chief who gave orders to execute the war, so the United States should inquire from him, if they had any questions about the war matters in Sri Lanka.

Courageously speaking on behalf of the army commander, president has said that he would make himself accountable for the good as well as ill effects of the war. It is clear that the president is not prepared betray the valiant military officers. This is the first instance where a sacrifice of this nature has been made in the recent history of the country.

Support of International Community
Several Asian countries such as India and China and Russia along with a few European countries are pleased to see a united Sri Lanka. Imperialist countries and colonial, capitalist groups want to see Sri Lanka split into two regions or at least they want to see a divisive, federal state established in this country.

Let us start this comment reminding the fact that war victory was achieved with the aid of the Executive Presidential System. It is a duel knife that sharply cuts through on both sides, and if effectively maneuvered, it could cut through the most needed thing in the most desired way.

Lately, the most vociferous demand of the opposition has been about getting the Executive Presidential System abolished. There are many other problems that beset the country today. The first of those is the cost-of-living. Development of the country is the next. The main concern of post-war Sri Lanka is how to resurrect the country from its current plight.

However, in Sri Lanka politics has painfully become an abhorrent "belly-filling" concept. Therefore, resurrection of the country naturally gets undermined. Slogans are being voiced highly nowadays, that Executive Presidential system should be scrapped.

History of the Presidential System
Let us leave talking about those vociferous slogans aside, and analyze the history of the presidential system.

President J.R Jayewardene introduced the Executive Presidential System hoping to rule the country forever, under the United National Party (UNP). Jayewardene obtained undated resignation letters from his own MPs to "break their legs" in case they disobeyed him. He exercised his powers to get 'Gonawela Sunil' (an alleged criminal) released from jail and made him a justice-of-peace. Apart from that, we can't recall anything important Jayewardene did using his executive powers.

However, President Premadasa did not need executive presidential powers carryon to do what he wanted, but used other methods to get the work done. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) knows more about it than us.

Later, Chandrika Kumarathunga came to power saying that the presidential system would be abolished, but this slogan was swept under the carpet, when her government formed an alliance with the JVP. Amazingly, one morning, the JVP was rudely awoken to their old slogan of scrapping the Executive Presidency when they got up to find themselves chased from the United People Freedom Alliance government.

In fact, President Rajapakse is the only leader who prudently used his executive powers. Rajapakse used the executive powers even before the war, in a productive way. One example for this is, when he scrapped the cease-fire agreement which had been signed with a terrorist who had demarcated the boundaries of the country for a separate ethnic state.

The president as commander in chief used executive power to forge ahead in commanding the forces in the battlefield, in spite of strong objections from the UNP and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) against the war.

Some ask why executive powers are now necessary since the war is over. No sane men would go out, as soon as a spell of torrential rain has ceased. They will take an umbrella when they go out in readiness to protect themselves from another downpour.

End of LLTE
Although the power of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] in Sri Lanka has been crushed, operations of their international network have still not been controlled.

According to information confessed by the leader of the LTTE international network, Kumaran Pathmanathan, Prabhakaran has made enough cadres to last for seven more generations.

Because of this very reason, we would like to clearly and briefly state that Executive Presidential Powers should be in force for a considerable period of time in the future. There is an ancient Sinhalese adage that goes as "even if you betray the king, don't betray the country".

Repugnant Quagmire
Looking at the situation in all these aspects, trying to chase the commander-in-chief away and thereby isolate the defense secretary is an attempt to betray the country.

Politics in this country is in a muddy mess. Vengeances, greed for power, cruelty are part and parcel of this repugnant quagmire. We need to have a united and independent country to turn this muddy quagmire into a limpid lake, replacing it with fresh water, to have flowers bloom in it.