Sri Lanka:
One Island, Two Nations Presentation for:
Tamil Americans and Friends (TAaF) 1
Srilanka-Ilankai (in Tamil) / Lanka (in Sinhala) • An island located in the Indian ocean, off the southeast tip of India • Three times as larger than the state of New Jersey 25,000 sq miles in area • Shared History Dates Back to 500BC. • •
Sinhala-speaking people - 77%, Tamil-speaking people - 23% 2
History • When Portuguese took possession of the island in 1505 there were 3 Kingdoms Kingdoms • Tamil Tamil Kingdom in the North-East - Tamil Homeland - (yellow) • Sinhalese Kingdoms in the South-West (grey). 3
History The Cleghorn Minute In 1799 June, Sir Hugh Cleghorn, the first British Colonial Secretary wrote to the British Government…
“
Two different nations from a very ancient period have divided between them the possession of the Island. First the Sinhalese, inhabiting the interior of the country in its Southern and Western parts, and secondly the Malabars (Tamils) who possess the Northern and Eastern Districts. These two nations differ entir ely in their religion, ely r eligion, language language and manners. entirely
” 4
History • 1505 -1658: Portuguese held the island • 1658 – 1796: Dutch usurped control • 1796: the British took over • Portuguese and Dutch ruled the Tamil Tam il and Sinhala Kingdoms separately, but, the British artificially joined them for their administrative convenience convenie nce convenien ce only in 1833. • On Feb. 4, 1948 - British left the Island leaving it as one countr y, CEYLON, leaving political political power in the hands of the country ‘majority’ Sinhalese. 5
6
THE PROBLEM
Three Fundamental Elements
7
THE PROBLEM: First Element 1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups
•Tamils in the North-East (Yellow) •Sinhalese in the Central and South-West (Gray)
8
THE PROBLEM: Second Element •
Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.
•
Centralized Unitary Government. Citizens are not treated equally… …Rights of the Tamils are violated ‘Mistreatment’ of Tamils – 60 years! 9
THE PROBLEM:
Third Element
•
Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.
•
Centralized Unitary Government.
•
Constitutionally entrenched Sinhala Rule. SINHALESE COMMAND ABSOLUTE POWER …and, it is PERMANENT!
10
THE PROBLEM: ‘Mistreatment’ of Tamils •
1948 – 1 million Tamils declared as non-citizens
•
1949 – Sinhalese colonization in traditional Tamil homeland
•
1956 – Sinhala made sole official language of the country
•
1970 – “ethnic standardization” slashes university admission to Tamils – same entrance exam, but Tamils need to score 30% more
•
1972 – New constitution without Tamils participation – Unilateral name change from Ceylon to Sri Lanka – Declaration of Srilanka as a republic – Buddhism made state religion
•
1977 - Prevention of Terrorism Act
• State-sponsored anti-Tamil violence in 1956, 1958, 1961, 1974
11
TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION Tamils Response to State Discrimination:
NON-VIOLENCE (1948 – 1976) 12
TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION NON-VIOLENCE Tamil Political Political Leaders protested protested against the “Sinhala only Act”, in front of the parliament (5 June 1956) Sinhalese assaulted the picketers and the attack spread the whole island.
13
TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION NON-VIOLENCE School Girls Marching against ethnic based standardization (1972)
14
TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENC NON-VIOLENCE E
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:
VIOLENCE (Since 1956)
1. State Organized Sinhala Thugs: •
Repeated Anti-Tamil Pogroms: Ethnic cleansing
2. Government Security Forces: •
killing Tamils with impunity99% of the Armed Forces are Sinhalese 15
Systematic Genocide of Tamils 1956.. 1958.. 1961.. 1974.. 1977.. 1979.. 1981.. 1983.. .. 2008
Anti-Tamil Pogrom 1983 Government sponsored Sinhala Thugs tortured a Tamil Man, then poured gasoline on him and burnt him alive (July 1983)
16
TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCE
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE : VIOLENCE
TURNING POINT - 1976 17
TURNING POINT - 1976 • Resolution for Independence: Vaddukoddai Resolution – 30 year struggle for equality denied. – multiple pacts for regional autonomy not honored. – non-violent agitations by Tamils met by State violence – The Elected Tamil Political Leaders convened and resolved to restore Tamil Sovereignty Sovereignty by declaring an Independent Tamil state in in the the North-East of Sri Lanka. – 1977 Election: Tamils ratify the call for independence by 82% popular vote
• Tamil Legislators thrown out of parliament by the government. • Tamil Armed Rebellion takes hold Lead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) • 1983 – State Sponsored Anti-Tamil Pogrom 18
Thimpu Talks Declaration – July 13th 1985 Mediated by Indian government failed Statement by the Tamil Delegation (Elected and Rebel)
“
Any meaningful solution to the Tamil national question must be based on the following four cardinal c ardinal principles: •Recognition of Tamils as a Distinct Nation. •Recognition of the Tamil Homeland and its Territorial Integrity. •Recognition of the right of Tamil National Self-Determination. •Recognition of the Right to Citizensh Citizenship ip of all Tamils. 19
”
1983 - 2002 – Entire Tamil Nation rallied behind LTTE and carry out armed struggle for independence. – 75,000 civilians died: 97% of them were Tamils, T amils, killed by the Sri Lankan armed forces. – Tamils sacrifice 18,000 youths to achieve parity of status with Sri Lanka. – LTTE becomes a formidable Tamil military force and the sole-representatives sole-representativ es of the Tamil people, gains control of significant areas of the North- East, and establishes civil administration services. 20
TAMIL NATIONAL MILITARY (LTTE) Today, a Conventional Tamil Armed Force. (Ground Forces, Naval Force, Air Force, Police, Intelligence Service)
21
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 2002
Ceasefire Monitored by Scandinavian Countries (Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission - SLMM)
Direct Dialogue Facilitated By the Royal Norwegian Government 22
CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT Signed by the SL Government and the LTTE on 22 February 2002
“
…forward defence localities (borders) have been established, the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Liberation Tigers’ fighting formations shall hold their ground positions… …Neither Party shall engage in any offensive military operation nor shall move munitions, explosives or military equipment into the area controlled by by the other Party.
”
LTTE Northern Com. Col. Theepan & SL Northern Com. Com. Maj. Maj. Gen. Fonseka [at the northern FDL February 2002]
23
THE OSLO DECLARATION: Signed by the SLG and the LTTE on 25 November 2002
In the presence of US Deputy Sec. of State Mr. Richard Armitage, Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Petersen, UK Sec. of State Ms. Claire short, Japan Special Envoy Mr.Yasusi Akashi
“
…the parties have agreed to explore a political solution founded on the principle of internal self-determination in areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking people, based on a federal structure within a united Sri Lanka.
”
LTTE’s Dr. Anton Balasingham, SLG’s Prof. G.L.eiris, at the Oslo Conference, 25 November 24
BROKEN AGREEMENTS Within 3 years… 2002-2005
•
Dissolving High Security Zones – Withdrawing military Dissolving from Houses, School, Worshiping places (February 2002)
•
Sub-Committee for Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Rehabilitati on Needs in the North and East (SIHRN) (February 2002)
•
North East Reconstruction Fund (NERF) (November 2002)
•
Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA)
•
Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure (PTOMS) (June 2005)
(31 October 2003)
25
November 2005
Election of President Rajapakse Campaign promises: • No recognition of Tamil Homeland or right r ight to Self-Rule. • No to Federal Solution • No to International Mediation Rajapaksa was elected as President by the Majority of Sinhala people . 26
November 2005 Election of President Rajapakse Supported by Extremist Buddhist Monks Party (JHU), view Srilanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation, Burning Norway Flag
Associated Press Photo November 2005
27
After the Election of President Rajapakse ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE by the SL Armed Forces and Government sponsored Paramilitary. •
47 humanitarian workers were kidnapped and killed.
•
5 Tamil Parliamentarians were assassinated.
•
Many leading Tamil Journalists were murdered.
•
Hundreds of Tamils were abducted for ransom & killed.
•
17 Humanitarian Workers of a French NGO (AFC) Murdered by SL Army in an execution style on 5 August 2006
Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring mission Maj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson told: "I have experienced this in the Balkans before. b efore. When you're not let in, it's a sign that there's something they want to hide". [ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006]
28
Violence after Election of President Rajapakse Targeted Killing of Tamil Civilians
Mother raped and killed. Children brutalized and Hanged. Father forced to see all these, and shot dead. (Venkalai, 9 June 2006) 29
Violence after Election of President Rajapakse Targeted Killing of Tamil Civilians • Sri Lankan jets bombed a children's home in Mullaithivu • 67 schoolgirls and 7 teachers were killed • 129 were wounded when (14 August 2006)
A Government minister acknowledged it, and argued, ar gued, argued, “There is nothing wrong in killing future child soldiers”. 30
After Election of President Rajapakse:
Current Situation
SL government de-me de-merged rged the Tamil Homeland. (North-East)
Sri Lanka government officially unilater ally abrogated Ceasefire ally unilaterally Agreement from January 16, 2008
Sri Lanka government is intensi intensifying fying a full scale war on the Tamil Homeland to impose Military Solution & calling it as “War on Terror” Terr or”
No credible political solution is under discussion by SL government.
Tamil civilians being targeted: Disappearances, Disappearances, Daily aerial bombings, Road-side bombs, Shelling, Extra-judicial killing.
Over 5000 Tamils have been killed since election .
Average of 77 Tamils Average Tamils killed killed daily
31
US Foreign Policy & Role Toward Sri Lanka and Tamils
32
US Policy & Role •
In 1996 Sri Lanka influenced US to designate LTTE as FTO.
•
In the post 9/11 scenario US sort partners for War on Terror.
•
SL depicted the Tamil armed struggle as acts aacts cts of Terrorism.
•
SL declared its human rights violations as inevitable occurrences in the War on Terror.
•
US promotes democracy and freedom, and acknowledges Tamils’ legitimate aspirations for freedom.
•
In 2004 elections, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepted ac cepted the LTTE accepted as the National Leadership of the Tamils, and won 97% of Tamils’ votes.
•
However, since LTTE is in its FTO list, US US is in a paradox that it is unable to treat both parties equally and help hhelp elp Tamils achieve their legitimate aspirations for freedom. 33
The USA had placed LTTE on the FTO list R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, (Colombo, Sri Lanka - January 23, 2006)
“
We brand LTTE as terrorist organization for using us ing violence as a ‘political weapon’. But the Tamil population has legitimate grievances, and they must be respected by the majority population, and there has to be aa way for the Tamils to be able to articulate those grievances. I must say that this long conflict aan n conflict is only going to come to an end when the LTTE and the government sit down d own and down and find a way forward to end this conflict.
” 34
US ROLE 1.
Military Assistance to SL Army •
2.
Financial Aid to SL Government •
3.
Monitor it
Public Statements •
4.
Stop It
Be fair to both nation
‘Diplomacy’ •
Treat both parties Equally 35
US CONGRESS Rep. Frank Pallone – On Autonomy of Tamils: •
“I echo this sentiment and support a solution that grants a level of autonomy to ethnic minorities like the Tamils. We have seen very similar successful situations throughout the world. Places like Quebec in Canada, Wales and Scotland in Great Britain are all part of their Federal Nations but have significant autonomy. “ (September 2006)
Rep. Rush Holt – – On Human Rights Violations Against Tamils •
“I urge US Secretary of State Dr. Rice Ric e to appoint a special envoy to emphasize US's commitment to peace in Sri Lanka and to include in the t he envoy's mandate efforts to increase monitoring of human rights violations," (September 2006)
36
US GOVERNMENT Mr. Richard Boucher Assistant US Secretary of State [Colombo; 26 June 2006]
Though we reject the methods that the th e Tamil Tigers have used, there are legitimate issues raised by the Tamil community and they have a very legitimate desire, as anybody would, to control their own lives, to rule their own destinies, and to govern themselves in their homeland, in the areas they’ve t hey’ve traditionally inhabited. -
37
US GOVERNMENT Richard L. Armitage Deputy Secretary of State [December, 2002
“
… the United States is greatly encouraged that the LTTE LTTE has made a commitment to the political solution and has agreed to settle this conflict through peaceful means... … the United States government is also encouraged by the the vision of the LTTE as a genuine political entity . If the LTTE can make a convincing case that it is committed to a political solution, the United States will certainly consider removin removing g the LTTE from the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, as well as any aany ny other terrorism-related... … A US – LTTE direct contact is worth Trying.
” 38
EU followed US and placed LTTE on the FTO list Maj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mission. [ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006]
“
EU can't say they didn't know or at least have any signal about what could happen, I think the EU thought that the government of Sri Lanka was a responsible government, who could take the appropriate decision and work for peace instead i nstead of war... …I would say, EU’s decision to ban the LTTE is a mistake, mistake , it was a wrong wrong decision, because the LTTE and the government have signed the ceasefire agreement as equal eq ual partners.”
”
39
US DIPLOMAT Teresita C. Schaffer Former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka (June 2005)
“
The United States’ designation of the LTTE a ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ has affected U.S. diplomacy in Sri Lanka… …The effect of U.S. terrorism law and of the terrorist organization list has been a problem for U.S. diplomacy, and one that has not always been wisely handled.”
” 40
US CONGRESS Rep. Brad Sherman March 15, 2006
“
I’ve urged the State Department to design a road map for the Tamil Tigers, so that they would know what steps they would need to take to t o get off the terrorist list… …What is the difference between terrorism on the one hand, and waging a legitimate guerrilla struggle on the other?.. Seeking some degree of autonom autonomy y for North-East Sri Lanka is not a terrible objective.
”
41
US DIPLOMAT Jeffrey Lunstead Former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka [May 2007]
“
…Direct US-LTTE links would have helped in convincing the LTTE to move away from terrorism… … direct communication with the LTTE would have had concrete benefits including the ability to deliver a clear U.S. message about possible delisting of the LTTE as an FTO (Foreign ( Foreign Terrorist Organization)
” 42
60 Years... The result: •
More than 100,000 Tamils Killed and Disappeared Dis appeared
•
More than 20,000 Tamil orphaned children
•
More than 35,000 Tamil widow widows s
•
Hundreds of Thousands of schools, houses, hospitals, churches, temples, villages and livelihood livelihood destroyed. destroyed.
•
More than 600,000 Tamils Internal Refugees R efugees
•
Nearly 1 Million Tamils made to flee the country
If this is not ETHNIC CLEANSING, then what is?
Fighting for Survival is NOT Terrorism… 43
•
Two Ethnic Nations, separated by – History, Language, Culture, Economic Life, Territorial Homeland.
•
A Tamil Conventional Military fighting the Sri Lankan Military. – Defense against genocide of Tamils
•
A large enough Tamil Territory – Defensible and sustainable for self governance – Roughly the same size as Israel or Kuwait or Slovenia. – Bigger in area (19,509 sq. km.) than at least 41 countries in the UN (including Singapore)
•
A De facto Tamil Government – Police, Judicial, Finance, Economic-Developments,etc, …in existence. – Bigger in population (3.6 million – in 1979 - ) than t han at least 59 countries in the UN
A Struggle for Freedom – NOT Terrorism 44
The Future… If the Sri Lanka government does not accept Tamil Homeland, Homeland, Tamil Nationhood and Tamil self-rule , the basic and cardinal principles, that have been guiding the Tamils in their struggle to find a peacefully-negotiated political arrangement…and… arrangement…and… If the Sri Lankan government not willing to share power with the Tamils under a Con-Federal system or some form of a twostate solution…
Tamils will be forced to continue their struggle for their National Self-Determination Self-Determination and a Separate State.
45
Kosovo & Tamil Eelam What is good for Kosovo is good for f or Tamil Eelam
46
What the Tamil Americans expect from the Government of the United States:
Play a leadership role to find a political solution to the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil People.
Remove the LTTE from the Foreign Fo reign Terrorist Organizations list, and Treat both parties equally.
Recognize the Tamil National Self Determination. Recognize
Permit Tamil people to choose their destiny in internationally supervised plebiscite.
Facilitate the birth of the Tamil Nation, Tamil Eelam 47
48
