Sri Lanka: The Genocidal Imperative – Causes And Consequences
Ana Pararajasingham
Preamble:
Sri Lanka’s history since its independence from 1948 clearly demonstrates that all Sri Lankan governments were driven by the intent to destroy the distinct identity of the Tamils as a nation[1]. As these actions were underpinned by intent, they clearly fall within the definition of genocide as stipulated by the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide.[2]
The genocidal Imperative:
The causes:
Not all countries inhabited by more than one nation are torn apart by the spectre of the numerically larger nation seeking to eliminate the distinct identity of the smaller nation/s. There are many examples of multi-national states co-existing and prospering under political arrangements that recognise the distinct national identity of the composite nations. Canada, Belgium and Switzerland are examples of countries which have constitutional arrangements to co-exist as multi-national states. India is another country which, notwithstanding its diversity has forged ahead as a multi-national state
