Comments on: Why isn’t the south demanding federalism ?

By: Gayan

Gayan — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:34:19 +0000

Why isn�t the south demanding federalism ?.Coz the south knows whatever solution put forward will ultimatly be useless as long as LTTE terrorism exist.Defeat the LTTE & people in the south would embrace even more than federalism.

By: Devinda Fernando

Devinda Fernando — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:06:26 +0000

*** It is the GoSL that must bring in the change. ***

I agree, and they are, first by eliminating the cause of the problem… the LTTE. Then we can focus on Education, and Economic development and all the other wonderful things all Sri Lankans (not Just Tamils) deserve.

By: perera

perera — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:01:18 +0000

can someone tell us the advantages of federalism over other systems?

By: ilaya seran senguttuvan

ilaya seran senguttuvan — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:01:34 +0000

Devinda Fernando (#8)is not altogether wide off the mark in his comments. After all Tamils in the North-East born after
1980s know nothing but war, fire from the air, bombs, murder, killing, blood, enforced deplacement,
hunger, famine, death, disease and they perceive the Sinhala-majority armed forces around them to be the cause of all their tribulations. They only blame the Sinhala forces for having razed their sweet homeland to what it is. They blame the Sinhala Govt in Cbo for their denial of their agriculture, fishing and other avenues of livelihood. Naturally, they have only the LTTE, Prabakaran and the like to look upto and throw their lot with. As to the other Tamils of older vintage among them and the Tamils in the South, in the Hills and elsewhere they are “waiting for Godot” Let me tell you even the bulk of the Tamils holed up in Europe, Americas, Australia all pray to come back hoping there will be sense in our political leaders – Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim – to finally to separate truth from false patriotism. Forgive me, Sir, for if there is any “education” here at all, it is the Govt that must seek enlightenment and not the poor Tamils who live all over Sri Lanka still in fear, in insecurity and otherwise in darkness. It is the GoSL that must bring in the change.

By: Devinda Fernando

Devinda Fernando — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:39:59 +0000

The Govt should educate Tamils that the only reason they are unable to live in Harmony under one country is because they have been indoctrinated by 25 years of Racist Propaganda by their Nationalist Leaders and their HERO TERRORIST FREEDOM FIGHTERS called the LTTE.

By: dias

dias — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:22:44 +0000

Why isn’t the south demanding federalism? Because the southerners do not know the advantages of a federal-like system of governance!

In all fairness to Sri Lanka’s southerners – ordinary folks all over the world, and certainly in the US, have little idea about the differences between unitary, federal, Marxist and various other systems of governance. Ask an average American to describe its own federal system, and you will get a blank facial expression – after all, “political systems” is not a favorite subject discussed at family diner tables.

However, in hot spots of the world where political systems require face lifts for eventual conflicts resolution, it is the responsibility of respective incumbent governments to educate the masses about the available options, though more from an informational point-of-view rather than on a judgmental basis. The Burgenoff foundation in Colombo attempted to introduce the merits of federalism to the masses – but the program fell flat because of their prejudice to market it as the preferred option was mostly viewed as the bi-fucation agenda of federalists as opposed to to a genuine intent to enhance knowledge.

GoSL needs to undertake a comprehensive educational program that enlightens the masses about various systems of governance (including Ccommunism) and deliver these in a manner neutral without pre-conceived judgments of one over the other. Unlike a boring Poli Sci lecture, an exceptional educational / informational program that is effective and fun can be developed and delivered, but to my knowledge, no one has taken upon this significant, yet important undertaking.

Educating the masses (not just the southerners) on their knowledge of different systems of governance – would allow the people to be the final arbiters – which is the key to peace in Sri Lanka. This respondent had communicated this message in great length to the highest levels of the Sri Lankan government well over 18 months ago – regrettably, nothing has been done.

Submitted by – A US based Southern Sri Lankan expatriate.

By: Anton Norbert

Anton Norbert — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:59:24 +0000

Excellent piece.

By: Devinda Fernando

Devinda Fernando — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:56:22 +0000

The time for Federalism is over. That option is no longer on the table. Sri Lanka has for Two decades offered this out of guilt and Sympathy for all the Whining and Crying the Tamil Diaspora has been performing in front of the International community but they have refused to take it on every occassion it was offered. So guess what, offer revoked. Tamils never wanted Federalism before? They allowed the LTTE to reject every single deal on the table. Now that the LTTE are getting their Butts Whooped by the Mahinda Government they are Crying again…. this time FOR Federalism! Why? because that is the best they can hope to ever achieve under present day circumstances. However they fail to realize that they have expended the good will of the Sri Lankan people by constantly allowing the LTTE to engage in destruction while they paid lip-service to Federalism. Well two can play at that game.

By: dingiri

dingiri — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:01:34 +0000

There is another solution which although unlikely to be popular with either Sinhala or Tamil Nationalists will go a long way to addressing most issues.

That is to join the Indian Federation. N & E can join Tamil Nadu if they wish. Rest can remain separate like Sikkim which enjoys huge benefits in its partnership with India.

No Indian can legally buy land or businesses in Sikkim. But Sikkimese can do so anywhere in India and have reserved places in the top Inidan Universites. In return India gets to guard its borders with China and manages its foreign affairs. Imagine the savings we would make if we didnt have to pay for defense or for high comissions/embassies overseas?

I read that our High Comissioner in the UK had declared that her current London residence was not suitable for someone of her importance and is therefore now renting a posher house at £8000 per month. That is Rs. 23 million per year! Tho thirds of the “development” budget for the entire district of Hambanthota!!!

By: ilaya seran senguttuvan

ilaya seran senguttuvan — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:52:47 +0000

The writer’s analogy of the funds allocated to Hambantota and the actual development in the past many years in this backward District is the same story in every other Electorate and District – much money thus stolen is funnelled into private accounts of politicians. This, our highest literate population in Asia as we hoaresly claim, has begun to accept as the norm. Where is the accountability?
Should not some instrument be established for the people of an Electorate – drawn from the different political parties and civic groups to hold periodical meetings in the Electorate where the politicians and administrators are present where work done and monies spent could be transparently discussed in the presence of the media? Bangladesh, that was bled black and blue, by 2 merry widows in the name of “patriotism” and “fatherland” at last found its equilibrium and sent both women to jail with an almost civil society of lawyers, judges and neutral administraors taking over. One woman had demanded Rs3 million merely to meet a potential investor. Another President and former Army chief who ruled there in the name of Islam – was found to have had in his house crystal liquor glasses valued at over US$20,000. Why Crystal liquor glasses in an Islamic society that supposedly prohibits the consumption of liquor – at least where its leadership is concerned? I have heard many people in recent times lament we should get rid of all the politicians in our system (for god’s sake, I am not suggesting we kill them all) and had over the Govt to about 25 established honest civil society leaders and allow them to run the country for a few years. I know this sounds easy to suggest and perhaps difficult to really put to work. But it certainly is better than being bled to death by a set of thieves masquerading as political leaders. How about that suggestion by Wimal Weerawansa to the Speaker that a board be hung in Parliament giving a list of who defected from one side to the other etc so that actual count can be kept – because apparently poor Weerawansa also is being confused as to who is a Govt MP and who is not. I would add that not only the name but the date and time the man/woman “jumps” is also recorded. Some might even consider offering prizes to those who have criss-crossed the traffic in the floor of Parliament the most number of times.
“Great fun in Parliament” as the late Shanmugathasan, CP (China) was to remark once watching the depths to which our legislators were sinking to.