What May Be The Mood Of Tamils At 2015 Elections
By S. Sivathasan –July 17, 2015
S. Sivathasan
The prevailing wish of the country is to put the past behind. A rare unity of purpose that obtained in January is needed again. For nearly a century, Sinhala Tamil ill-will, erosion of cordiality, loss of trust and growth of enmity have plagued the nation’s polity. Now they have begun to thaw. Making them thaw further needs a fresh political ethos.
The past was riven with debate as if arguments well phrased or ideally rephrased can change the course of the future. They were hurled at one another interminably bringing no benefit to anybody. The communities can remake their future if the leadership in the North and South begin to engage in an honest dialogue. The South to part with power and the North inclined to take it. Ask for more not like Oliver Twist but like Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman.
A Smart Turn
In a very remarkable turn of events, the bloodless change of January 8, 2015 thrust a glorious opportunity into the hands of the political leaderships of different hues. As of now even as a rare chance for a fresh beginning seemed slipping away, another occasion has arisen. To all political formations and ethnic entities, the day of decision is August 17. To the Tamils the challenge is to dispel diffidence, dissipate cynicism, forget impotent Boycott and forge a solid political unity among themselves. Respond to Sampanthan’s call and give the TNA 20 seats to parley with a sense of power.
“Know your friends, know your enemies”. This was a profound political verity advanced by Mao in trying times of conflict. Tamils too had challenges to test their political wisdom and they yet have. It appears that for a century, only slips and not success were overwhelming. Cataloging them all will only immerse the Tamils in despondency. Yet a few need mention. Through them all runs a single consistent thread. What is it? Looking afar outside of themselves and the country, spurning self-reliance and hugging phantasms that were external.