Time to remove blinkers and put thinking caps on

The recent pronouncements of the British government in proscribing 21 international terrorist organisations that included the LTTE, clarification of the US government policy on the Tamil problem by US Ambassador, Mr. Ashley Willis, and even the pronouncements of the Norwegian facilitator to the Sri Lanka problem, Mr. Eric Solheim would have removed the blinkers off many Tamils, particularly those of the LTTE.

They have been plainly told by western leaders and diplomats that there is no support for the creation of a separate state from the rest of the island but the Tamils as a national minority will have their aspirations and rights supported by them. This indeed has been the Sri Lankan policy of these countries all along although they have come down hard on Sri Lankan governments for what they perceived to be violation of human rights. But the sympathy that has been extended to Sri Lankan Tamils since 1983, including grant of asylum as political refugees, easy entry to the countries with welfare subsidies extended, a blind eye turned to their terrorist activities including collection of funds for terrorism in Sri Lanka, made the Tamils feel that they were receiving tacit support for their cause from western nations. The ban in the US a few years ago came as a shock to them but Europe showed no sign of changing their policies or being influenced by the US till recently.

In a world where terrorism was becoming common place and lone men being able to cause massive horrendous crimes, the west has changed its tolerant attitude and taken steps in view of the security of their own states. These decisions taken by the west have caught the LTTE flatfooted and deliberating on their next move. The enraged reaction of the LTTE is evidenced in a reply made to the US Ambassador Mr. Willis’ statement in Jaffna in the pro LTTE Tamil Guardian (published in London) where it is stated: The primary issue has been the summary reduction of the Tamils, who constitute a distinct nation of people to that of a mere ethnic minority in a Sinhala Buddhist country. Most importantly you challenged the Tamil people’s claim to their traditional homelands dismissing the notion as ethnic supremacy or chauvinism.' What had happened as a result of the western powers clear statement of: NO to Eelam, the entire edifice built up by LTTE theoreticians – Sri Lankan Tamils are a separate nation; they have a right to a separate homeland, they have the right to self determination etc – has collapsed like a pack of cards.

In the eighties and before, Tamils by and large did consider themselves an ethnic minority and wanted their rights restored and grievances addressed. But during this 18-year conflict, there developed the notion of a Sri Lankan Tamil nation whose principles were enunciated at Thimpu. This was quite a change from the demands made by them as well as the NGO sympathisers – Multi lingual, multi racial, multi religious nation. Now, who speaks of them?

Thus, the Tamil people have come to the cross-roads. Are they to chart a new course devoid of the leadership of young terrorists or are they to integrate with the rest of the population. The ordinary Tamils by mere force of circumstances, have escaped from LTTE held areas and are living amicably with Sinhalese in other parts of the country. To choose the gun will be to choose disaster for all.

Meanwhile, the Sinhalese leaders who are blaming every thing on the 'War' be it floods, drought, malnourishment, rising prices, crimes or sexual offences, too got to commence their thinking anew.

The PA and the UNP have come very close to agreeing on most of the basic constitutional issues but have pulled back for political expediency. But this game cannot go on for long. Fresh thinking is called for. Perhaps it will not be unwise to begin at the beginning itself – the first constitution known as the Soulbury Constitution.

It was by far the best constitution we had. If some of the provisions such as: No Community or religion will be conferred rights and privileges not conferred on other communities or religions was not removed in addition to other provision that was taken off: no discrimination against any race or religion, Sri Lanka would not be in the bloody mess it is in now.

This is the time to remove blinkers and put thinking caps on.

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