Let Us Resolve Not To Be Asses To Each Other
This US Resolution bulldust has stirred up a lot of a lot of anger and hatred. Here's a list of people that are getting vilified that don't deserve to be. Seriously guys, it's unbecoming, on all sides. We can disagree about stuff, but at the end of the day we all live here, or at least I do. The point, the point of all this – be it war or negotiations or Eelam or whatever – is for everyone to live with dignity on this island. So let's be dignified.
People That Should Not Be Blackguarded
CPA, Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, NGO types – because I sometimes support the government, or government candidates, these guys blackguard me, but what the government is doing to them now is dangerous. Yes many people did campaign for this resolution against the GoSL. I don't agree with them, but I can live with that. So let them be in peace.
America: I grew up in America. It's hypocritical, violent and bossy – like any other country would be if they had the money and guns. I still think America's heart is in the right place, even if its brains and bombs often aren't. The American people are friends and they're still our biggest trading partner. And I'm not boycotting Google anytime soon.
India: As Mahinda says, India is family. Bit of an abusive uncle, but that's family. I think our relationship is more chilled now and they send the most tourists here. Plus I like going there. So, yeah, however they vote, still family.
Diaspora: A slice of the diaspora supported this and is crowing about it. Fine. A lot of these people were hurt or had their dignity disrespected. I'm not saying their reaction is productive or good, but we're family and we need to stop fighting about little stuff.
The Rajapaksas: Mahinda is the President and Gotabhaya serves the country, as best they know how. I won't necessarily vote for them, but I am loyal to my elected President. Vilifying them just isn't productive. Criticizing can be.
Anybody: Seriously, no one should be black guarded. Except maybe Louis Farrakhan. Like, if you want to have black guards I guess that's fine.
Seriously though, this UNHRC resolution is not a big deal, and certainly not worth being asses to each other over. And for most people on the street, I really don't think it is.
You know what I saw on the street? People gathered around the TV stores watching the Asia Cup final (cricket). I caught a bit in a Wellawatte pharmacy and we were all rooting for Bangladesh. Seriously, the worst thing that happened on the subcontinent yesterday was Bangladesh losing to Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Unless you're Pakistani I guess. Let's all just chill out and get some perspective.
Hibuddy	 9 years ago
"Let's all just chill out and get some perspective"… India messed up Pakistan and Bangladesh and to a lesser extent Sri Lanka, we're right to be cautious, for whats at stake could be the coerced resumption of violence and insurgency, not something the people who actually live inside Sri Lanka want.
Sometimes family can stab you in the back too… and that's what happened yesterday. So India can go f' themselves for all I care.
veedhur	 9 years ago
I agree! Good post. Wish everyone takes a step back and look at it objectively.
Ok, rereading your post… you are right about one thing.
Innocent people should be left alone and out of anger we shouldn't act out with violence. What I proposed was more of diplomatic f' you… no one is against the people of India or the USA, but government to government, hell yes, India should go f' themselves. Business and economic concessions, not for India. We should reply in kind.
the way of the dodo	 9 years ago
The country is better off without the NGOs it's not like they do anything to help anyone, other than pay rent for fancy colombo apartments.
I meant to say offices
sack	 9 years ago
i am much more worried about the attention v r getting from America and why?I don't think think it's about HR since most Americans want even know where SL is (many want even know if there is a country called SL).
I think America (US) is like a rapist. When "He" is interested in you, you know you are going to get fucked.
Carasek	 9 years ago
the way of the dodo… I think the joke, if that's what it is, is misplaced in this environment. While some NGOs seek mainly to give themselves something to do, there are many thousands of Sri Lankans who would be even more screwed without them. One in particular stands out (as I know some who work for it):
http://www.cambodiatrust.org.uk/what-we-do/physical-rehabilitation
They are working with the govt here to build expertise and capacity for the rehabilitation of people who have lost limbs, most of whom have had at best rudimentary treatment to date. Their aim is to leave SL self-sufficient in its ability to assist these people within a relatively short period of time. Low-grade sweeping generalisations don't shed light, and risks these people remaining in pain, unable to walk or work.
Years ago, a lot of NGO types pissed me off with a somewhat worthy, 'we're here to save you poor people' attitude. I don't see too much of that anymore. I do see local NGO workers scared of their own govt when they have the cheek to seek justice for people tortured in custody, for example. If true, the 'traitor' line being pressed against Lankan journalists is deeply troubling, not least given the spate of 'disappearances' recently:
http://www.cpj.org/2012/03/sri-lankan-government-calls-journalists-traitors.php
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/03/18/then-they-came-for-the-writers/
Carasek,
There are two types of NGOs in this country there are aid workers & there are activists. The former does a lot of good work in remote places, under very trying conditions. The later simply lounge around in colombo wining & dining.And occasionally flinging mud at the government. We don't need the later. What the hell does amnesty international do anyway.
Aid workers are also not so confrontational with the government. They know that they have to cooperate and actually make things better. The activist livelihood depends on being confrontational & critical.
Gungan	 9 years ago
Good post Indi. Govt needs to be magnanimous at times like this to promote reconciliation and reduce the ethnic polarization. But we all know how politics works in this country. :(
You have a point about the activists, though I can't agree entirely. There are many Sr Lankan activists who do the work on the ground. No one else stands up for the victims of torture and the families of the disappeared in what is a very hostile environment.
Amnesty steams in a bit too much in a counter-productive manner from time to time, but its remit is sound. I know of their work in highlighting political detention and torture, both of which shouldn't be tolerated. The work they have done to bring to attention the plight of rape victims sentenced to death in Iran and political persecution in Russia, for example, is incredibly valuable. They also campaign against unjust sentencing policy in the US.
I think that in the rush to condemn attacks on Sri Lanka's sovereignty, many genuine issues are lost. Foreign activists supporting the recent resolution have been naive in that regard and, as I think you are suggesting, have probably done more harm than good in the short-medium term.
For an amusing aside on the simplistic sanctimonious potential of foreign activists, have a look at this short piece from Channel4's 10 O'Clock Live:
Jack Point	 9 years ago
Given the number of buildings coming up I think the landlords will be pretty grateful.
After the number of NGO workers diminished from 2005 there was a steep drop in rentals and in vehicle hire charges.
F.M.	 9 years ago
Indi, super post.
Hibuddy, its a good thing you are not running our country. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do to India or the US to impact them but there is a hell of a lot that they can do to us. I am not saying that we must bend over and get effed by any of them but we must understand where we stand and act strategically.
India really had no choice but to vote against Sri Lanka as the allies of the congress in the south had threatened to walk out of the government. I really dont think that Sri Lankan government would have acted any differently if they were put in this position.
the way of the dodo; i am pretty surprised at your statement; "The country is better off without the NGOs it's not like they do anything to help anyone, other than pay rent for fancy colombo apartments". Shocking!!! Surely, you are discerning enough to understand that you cant generalize something like this. Its almost like saying all Tamilians are LTTE'ers or Muslims are terrorists. And as far as activists goes, I am sure there are some who suck, and there are some whose views you dint prescribe to but I took you for one who would be willing to give everyone a chance for their voices to be heard. I agree with you that some are critical just because that's how they can make money but your generalized statement puts down so many people who are really trying to make a positive impact.
Like indi says, this resolution is not a big deal at all. They are pretty much asking the government to implement the constructive recommendations from the LLRC report (something they were apparently going to do anyway), present an action plan and encourages the UNHCR, in consultation and concurrence of GOSL, to provide technical assistance and advice. This is all positive in my opinion and my only beef with it is that i feel that true reconciliation must come from within and any progress from here will be looked as a result from this resolution which may not have necessarily been the case.
Man, too many of us having become extreme; like the extremist cases belonging to the Tamil Diaspora. This is scary to me. Some bad shit happened during the war and must be investigated. If anyone is found guilty, they must face the consequences. No one in this land should be above the law; not even the army who I am grateful to for crushing terrorism. Having said this, doesn't mean I am sympathizing with the LTTE leaders who were apparently tortured and killed. For what they put our country through, they deserve it in my opinion. But all actions have consequences and we all should be treated equally. Its like someone killing a member in my family; I maybe pushed to an extreme measure in retaliation but I am fully aware that I will have to face consequences and that is something I am willing to deal with.
Patriot	 9 years ago
A very sensible article, well done.
I don't think anyone in the Diaspora is "crowing" over this resolution. This is about liberty and justice for so many innocent civiliands who were killed. It's too solemn a cause to "celebrate".
I think that this doesn't have to be a zero sum game. The US clearly doesn't see it that way either. They fully expect to preserve their long standing relationship with Colombo, even while pursuing an agenda that will be beneficial to the Tamil cause.
I think a lot sinhalese need to do some soul searching and ask a simple question of themselves: What rights and privileges do I enjoy now, that I will not enjoy if the NE was independent? It's not a zero sum game. The independence of the NE is not going to be at the expense of the Singhalese.
Ananda Jayasundera	 9 years ago
I agree with you, Indi wrote a good article !!
Now the world is saying to Rajapaksa Government that it will not put up with his lies. I did stupidly voted for Rajapaksa, I trusted him. Why Rajapaksa killed so many innocent people to achieve this hollow victory ? I did not sign up for this !! Not in my name !! On many of my travels abroad, Tamils would shun me upon finding out that I'm Sinhalese. Now many Indians avoid me and are calling me a Child Killer. I did not kill anyone. Rajapaksa Government did. But blame is on All of Us.
the NE is not going to get independence, that's a foregone conclusion. Sri Lanka will be one country. Frankly, how on earth will NE independence resolve the ethnic problem when just as many tamils live in colombo? how will their rights be guaranteed?
Well said: we, the sinhalese need to do some soul searching, after all this shame in United Nation is self-inflicted !!
Omr	 9 years ago
You sound an awful lot like, say, a Tamil person who is pretending to be Sinhalese. Just saying.
FM, you're right, it was wrong of me to generalize like that. But i have yet to see activism amounting to anything positive here. Although they do run up substantial bar tabs on weekends. They can write their little fiction as much as they like that's clearly their right, but i don't consider them a welcome presence.
I wonder what type of indians you're dealing with. Maybe the fictitious sort.
David Blacker	 9 years ago
Actually, there's a lot of crowing. Go over to the Sri Lankans Without Borders page on FB and have a look. They just banned me ;)
Jabba the Hut makes his stand clear:
Tamil Eelam is my unrealised dream: Karunanidhi
Chennai: DMK president M Karunanidhi on Thursday termed 'Tamil Eelam' his unrealised dream and said he will fight for its realisation.
Asked by reporters in Chennai on his reaction to passing of US-backed resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and whether there is a possibility of Tamil Eelam in the future, Karunanidhi said, "As far as I am concerned that is the goal."
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-eelam-is-my-unrealised-dream-karunanidhi/241811-37-64.html
Then the south indian stance is clear on this.
It pisses me off that people who dont even live in Sri Lanka want ealam. That will never happen and frankly, I am yet to meet anyone who actually lives in Sri Lanka wanting this. If Karunanadhi wants eamlam, he should seek that in India. I am all for reconciliation, accountability etc; we can even debate and discuss devolution and its implication, but splitting up my country…. lets not even go there.
not even the TNA wants eelam
Dinuka	 9 years ago
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but could it be that Tamil Nadu wants Ealam to happen in SL so bad because if it ever does then they can fight for Tamil Nadu to be separate from India?
If I may paraphrase Samuel Johnson, "National Sovereignty is the last refuge of the scoundrel".
My position and that of many others is that Human Rights should transcend national sovereignty.
Why should Rajapaksas who don't care two hoots about human rights, good governance and the rule of law become hysterical about the watered down and mild UN resolution ?
Perhaps Marx had it right (Groucho, that is): "I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member"
Ananda, what are you on about?????
Calm down man, ealam will never happen. Trust me, I am as moderate as they come but even I would go on the streets to make sure that never happens.
Also, by your comments, it appears that you are pretty " hysterical about the watered down and mild UN resolution"
bonchi baba	 9 years ago
lol…they banned you? useless buggers
It is NOT the South Indian stance… This is a simple mistake many Sri Lankans make – equating Tamil Nadu with South India. It's like saying all Tamils are the LTTE or that all Muslims are Al Qaeda. South India is made up several states – Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the union territory of Pondicherry.
Tamil Nadu is just one state in South India but because of Tamil chauvinism/nationalism and the SL issue they get the most media attention and hence seem to appear as South India itself. But it is not all hunky dory between the South Indian states. Tamil Nadu has regular fights with Kerala and Karnataka and the Malayalis (majority ethnic group in Kerala) and the Kannadigas (majority ethnic group in Karnataka) are often demonised, just like the Sinhalese and Sri Lanka are. Also, it should be noted that the Telugu people of Andhra Pradesh outnumber Tamils.
The same nationalistic drivel that Tamil groups in Sri Lanka expound such as "the Sinhalese language came from Tamil, Sinhalese were all Tamils once, Tamil is the oldest and grandest language in the world, all archaeological remains are the remnants of ancient Tamil kingdoms" are used against the Kannadigas and the Malayalis. The Tamil groups are afraid to mess with the Telugus though, because they have a much larger state and a larger population, so they pick on their smaller neighbours as a matter of pride.
It is important to remember that the vast majority of South Indians are not Tamil and they have no issue with Sri Lanka or the Sinhalese people. Infact, many of them aren't fans of either Tamil Nadu or the Tamil community in general. Sri Lanka needs to cultivate warm and friendly relations with all the other South Indian states because they also know what Tamil chauvinism is like. Unfortunately, however, this has been neglected because – due to ignorance – most Sri Lankans think Tamil Nadu is the be all and end all of South India. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Another interesting article:
Chennai forces India to split from Asia, censure Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka became the lastest victim of the UPA government's coalition compulsions, as India voted against one of its closest neighbors at the UN Human Rights Council today on alleged human rights violations in a development that may have larger implications.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chennai-forces-India-to-split-from-Asia-censure-Sri-Lanka/articleshow/12373578.cms
Karunanidhi's 'Eelam dream' is a curse on Lanka Tamils
by Venky Vembu Mar 23, 2012
Among politicians in Tamil Nadu, there is now a headlong scramble to claim credit for the Indian government's vote against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council proceedings in Geneva on Thursday.
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/karunanidhis-eelam-dream-is-a-curse-on-lanka-tamils-253154.html
sach	 9 years ago
india didnt mess this country, it is we who are responsible for the downfall. SL gov had many chances to prevent such a situation. they were not ready to do that. they were very arrogant, thought finishing ltte is enough. They always do what must NOT be done., just look at the tamil language national anthem. I wonder how many sinhalese even know whther it is scrapped or not. Totally unnecessary and these ppl are talking about reconciliation.
Had the gov acted wisely in the last 3 years we would not face such a situation. Idiots.
Just look at what mervin has said today. isnt there anybody against this thug? why are people silent on this? cant the gov understand that most damage for the gov is done by idiots like mervin and not by activists. This mervin's speech is even in foreign media. just see how this man create problems.
after all i look at this resolution positively. It will compell the gov to take necessary actions.
Check out Mervin Silva's comments today. He's done more damage to SL in a few words than 10 resolutions.