It is with regret, we note that the LTTE are pressing for a self rule, forgetting the fact that this country belongs to all communities, in particular the Sinhalese.
When Northern Tamils demand a separate State, it is fair for the plantation Tamils too to ask for a similar regime. The latter is a deserving one as they continue to contribute to the economic welfare of the country, unlike the Northerners who occupy highly paid posts in Government and private sectors including the media. Are you aware that Jaffna Tamils are the enemies of the plantation Tamils? The latter has a good rapport with the Sinhalese and not the former, as they are linguistic minded.
An Indian Tamil told me recently, how an Executive Tamil (Jaffna) officer (who is no more in the land of living) insulted him when the former tried to get his approval as teacher in a estate school. He (Indian Tamil) was branded as a slave imported to this country to serve the Northern Tamils, the executive had said. The latter had also said the Indian Tamil that professions like teaching, engineers, architects, doctors are the sole reserve of Jaffna Tamils and not for the Sinhalese or Indian Tamils. When the situation is such how would the Northern Tamils react when they are given self rule. I would ask you whether a Sinhalese, Indian Tamil of Muslim could walk the streets of Jaffna when self-rule is implemented?
Neither the Sinhalese, nor the Muslims nor the Tamils of Indian origin are prepared to subscribe to the ulterior motives of the LTTE. Therefore, whether the country is ruled by the UPFA or UNP they should not bow down to the pressure of the LTTE.
Therefore, the only solution is to crush the LTTE militarily and hand over Prabakaran to India, who is wanted for the killing of Rajiv Gandhi. This would also avoid the killing of innocent Tamils who are opposed to the views of the LTTE. Free movement of LTTE cadres in Colombo and outstations has been encouraged by the former regime. Now it is the duty of the present Government to curb it.
D. W. Gunawardena,
Yatiyantota.
(http://www.island.lk/2004/09/16/opinion2.html)
