| numbers who were powerful enough to be even king-makers. And, many Sinhala leaders have been far more sympathetic to Tamil autonomy then than now.
Today, Sri Lanka’s all-powerful executive president is of the opinion that there’re no minorities…we’re all Sri Lankans. MR wants to build a country where all citizens are equal in a unitary state. [So, whose ‘autonomy’ is Dayan talking about?] Also, today Sinhala majority’s self-confidence is at an all time high. Their mood won’t be conducive for any kind of autonomy. Pillayan, Karuna or Douglas will only be tolerable to the extent they abide by the Centre’s command. That’s the reality.
So, it’s high time we all learn the real lessons: Without wasting time, all communities should unite to democratically transform the centre. A United Front of all progressive Sinhala/Tamil/Muslim political parties must be formed on a mutually agreed agenda to structurally transform the Centre. Regional democracy can only be part of that change. Sinhala majority will happily participate in such a project, because that won’t threaten their most venerated aspiration i.e. making sure the country is in one piece for the protection of authentic Buddhism – which they firmly believe Lord Buddha expected them to do. This, they see as their historic duty that cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
13A will not only be a timewaster, it’ll be a recipe for disharmony and conflict – possibly leading to more war & misery in the future, not autonomy.
So let’s keep in my mind what the old anti-war song says: “When will they ever learn?”
- LankaEye |
