History of Ethnic Strife in Sri Lanka

by Se. Ganesalingam, The Hindu, Chennai, June 6, 2008

THAMIZHELAM — Varalattru Thevai; Vazhkaiyin Kattalai: Thiagu; Thamizh Thesiya Viduthalai Iyakkam, 1434 (36/22) Rani Anna Nagar, Chennai-600078. Rs. 40.

THIS BOOK is a collection of 17 articles by the author published in the monthly, Thamizh Thesam, and four in Thamizhar Kannottam.

In the introductory article, the author states that even a federal constitution will not be accepted by the majority of Sinhala politicians in Sri Lanka, and until they accept it the Tamils will have to continue patiently to accept the oppression.

The author narrates the history of the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka since freedom from white rule and the subsequent changes made twice in the Constitution, and is all for a unitary form of state. Hence, if a federal form is not acceptable with an amendment with two-thirds majority, the only alternative is separation, he says.

He narrates the freedom struggles in Cuba, East Timor and other Latin American countries, and is fully committed to a separate Tamil Eelam even as the President has aligned himself with the Sinhala political parties with whose support he came to power.

The author also states that a solution is possible only on the basis of a national identity for the Tamil people with the North and the East in Sri Lanka as their homeland and the right of self-determination and equal rights in every aspect. This is the basic principle of the Thimbu talks held by all Tamil parties in 1985.

The author is critical of all the media who are against the freedom struggle of the Tamils.