The Tamil community does not have a credible leadership at home – the quislings are not trusted, the TNA is intimidated and marginalised – hence the diaspora will have a special responsibility for some years to come. …This responsibility necessitates unity of diverse sections, non-LTTE, post-LTTE and new-LTTE. …I do not underestimate the difficulties because the sins of the fathers are visited on the heads of the children, or to say it more simply, the crimes and errors of the Prabaharan era will take a lot of undoing. …(more)
…….Paying for the sins of their fathers…… DIASPORA: RELEARNING DEMOCRACY
July 7th, 2009 by Kumar DavidHere come the archeologists in robes
June 25th, 2009 by James Chance
The question: What place will there be for Tamils and Muslims in the new “Rajarata civilization” about to be (re)constructed? ______
Facelift for Northern archaeological sites — PM to appoint expert panel
by Chamikara WEERASINGHE
Daily News, 25 June 2009
A committee comprising leading archaeologists in the country, representatives of ministries and directors of Cultural and Archeology Departments, will be appointed by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka, to protect and rehabilitate archaeological sites in the North. ….(more)
Dance rhythmless
June 18th, 2009 by Desh Balasubramaniam[i]
The trespasser as you would call
is not here to hang
on husk of your oppression;
scream above your vilified broadcasts;
paste posters––expose
your false impressions;
march with banners
stomp down your entrenched doctrines;
build coffins for my brothers
ease your slaughtering schedule;
meek on controlled radio for the ones you stole;
search for buried smiles
in morgue of open wounds;
paint my face melancholy
dance––rhythmless
in rain of despair
[ii]
No Sir, no
I come only to ….(more)
THE CAMP AT MENIK FARM AND THE STATE OF EXCEPTION
June 12th, 2009 by Suvendrini PereraThe novel concept of rape as a form of “fun,” whether for the military or NGO workers, once again suggests that the camp is a space where what is possible and what is forbidden depends on the good will or otherwise of those who exercise power within it. In the case of bare life, “rape” and “fun” become interchangeable when the power to distinguish between them is no longer a matter of law but of the opinion of those who possess sovereignty over the space of the camp. …(more)
Deportation of Bob Rae: Some Fundamental Questions for the future of Minorities in Sri Lanka.. -UTHR (J)
June 11th, 2009 by lines magazine
The recent denial of entry to the Canadian Parliamentarian Bob Rae, a long time champion of democracy, requires particular attention by those who care about the future of Lanka. His deportation reflects the paradox of continuing internal repression and unhealthy xenophobia despite the end of the war. It reflects a mindset that bodes ill for the minorities and the democratic rights of Sinhalese. It is a government that wants everyone else to conform to its own agenda and is hostile to discussion of any kind based on rights….(more)
Statement of Group of Concerned Tamils of Sri Lanka
June 9th, 2009 by lines magazineWe appeal to all concerned to attend to the pressing needs of the time. We appeal to the government of Sri Lanka and all other concerned parties to allay the fears of the Tamil people and to address the dire needs of all those affected by the recent onslaught of war. To avoid further conflict erupting and to assist in nation building, the causes of the war need to be addressed effectively and without delay. ..(more)
Doctors on the Battlefield
June 5th, 2009 by Vasuki Nesiah
Over the last few months doctors were amongst the few non-GOSL/non-LTTE voices that were audible despite the restrictions on media access. Dr. Varatharajah, Dr. Sathyamurthi and Dr. Shanmugarajah not only took care of the war wounded but they were eye witnesses to a war with few witnesses. They gave interviews from the wanni where they reported civilian casualties and the shelling of hospitals in the no-fire zone. These contradicted government claims that there have been no civilian casualties - zero, nada, none whatsoever! 
They were taken into custody as soon as they left the Wanni. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Human Rights, says they may be detained (for human rights reasons no doubt) for up to a year. ….(more)
Can the Sinhala-Tamil ethnic conflict ever be sorted out?
June 2nd, 2009 by Kumar David
By “ever” I mean within a foreseeable time frame like five-plus years, and given the concrete ground situation to be what it is – we are not living in an ideal world. I will give the case for the two sides in the contest as fairly as I can, and it would be useful if bloggers could wade in with inputs. …(more)
What Are We Celebrating?
June 1st, 2009 by Alli
May 20th was declared as a national holiday in Sri Lanka. President Mahinda Rajapakse in his speech celebrating his military victory said “We have removed the word minorities from our vocabulary three years ago. No longer are the Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and any others minorities. There are only two peoples in this country. One is the people that love this country. The other comprises the small groups that have no love for the land of their birth. Those who do not love the country are now a lesser group.” ….(more)
“We Are Sorry”
June 1st, 2009 by James Chance
Bit by small bit, the black and white stories of guilt and innocence, and the identification with the gun- and bomb-wielding states or para-states on all sides must be dismantled. Perhaps saying we are sorry, however inadequate and however faulty the historical and political understanding that informs it, is one of the only places we now have to start? ….(more)