Post-War And The Contemporary Cold-War Against The Minority In Sri Lanka
M.N. Getaberiya
One way or another the Muslims of Sri Lanka encompass a colorful history at the back them marked by a long spell of hardship suffered during the Portuguese and Dutch occupation of the Island. It is much to their credit that they withstood the onslaught of economic constraints, political intrigues and religious persecution to stay behind and survive. Most other peoples may have packed their bags and left for good. They not only saved their religion from the Christian enemies but also rebuilt the economy, slowly and steadily, by the 18th century when the British took over control of the island from the Dutch. Having adapted to the local conditions in various ways and also contributing largely to the Islands economic prosperity, the Muslim community of Sri Lanka, unlike the Hindu Tamils of the Northern Province, has saved itself from any major clash with the Sinhalese population. There are many blames and misconducts done by the majority Sinhalese government and people as the Tamil community claim and to wage a civil war against the Sinhalese government by the Tamils by the leadership of the (LTTE). Perhaps Muslims were not much interested in political affairs then but later with the certain pressure and injustice that they may have felt made them form a unique Muslim political party (SLMC) Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to claim the right although prior to this and most of the Muslims are still allied with the two major political parties (UNP & UPFA or PA) Eastern Muslims were encouraged to form SLMC which really benefited them then somehow which is impotent contemporary political affairs.
