 www.tamileelamnews.com TNS Corner
By B.V. Singh
A Referendum among the British Tamils is to take place upholding the values of transparency, authenticity and democratic principles on January 30th and 31st, in all the major U.K. cities.
The question on the ballot would be whether the overwhelming mandate obtained through the 1977 General elections is still valid and the future security of the Tamils in Sri Lanka could be realized from that foundation.
The 1977 general elections is the last to be held under peaceful conditions, and the Tamils gave an overwhelming majority as a mandate to the Tamil parties, giving permission to negotiate an autonomous region for Tamils encompassing their traditional habitats. It is also noteworthy to remember that this mandate was initiated as a result of almost 30 years of unfruitful negotiations towards federalism and confederation with the successive Sinhala political hierarchies.
As a matter of fact, the Sinhala rulers unleashed State violence every time the Tamils proposed a peaceful resolution to end the impasse of second class citizenry. The Tamils fled to Western countries as refugees; especially after the 1983 State sponsored ethnic riots. Today, almost half a million Tamils live in the mostly Western hemisphere.
Though it is a tragedy that the ordinary people from all walks of lives in our habitats, were forced to bear the brunt of upholding the language, heritage and the home land, on behalf of all of us, it should be stressed that without that umbilical cord of a homeland, the Diaspora would be assimilated in no time loosing with them the ancient language and culture.
This referendum is a golden opportunity to voice your opinion – the least that could be done by the Diaspora. Your identity in this country and your life line in the homeland depend on your willingness to stand united at this time of desperation. Our people have gone though the atrocities of brimstone in hellfire. A safe and flourishing homeland is still possible. Are you ready to do your historic duty?
Here is the Text from British Tamils Forum (BTF) Calling on British Tamils to vote on the Referendum on 30th Saturday and 31st Sunday January 2010:
Please show your solidarity to the world by making all effort to vote on 30th Saturday and 31st Sunday January 2010, just as the people of North-East of Sri Lanka showed their solidarity in the presidential election on January 26th. It is your duty to make this a success and please make sure every Tamil or their descendent you know who are 18 years or over to take part in the Referendum this weekend. Please let all the Tamil speaking people know about this date by sending email, text or by phone.
Take any document as proof if you meet one of the three eligibility criteria details below to Vote:
The voter must reside in Great Britain (England, Scotland & Wales) and must be at least 18 years old. In addition they should meet one of the following criteria: a) Born in Sri Lanka and has Tamil as the mother tongue. Please use the link below additional information on polling stations:
NORTH EAST | NORTH WEST | SOUTH EAST | SOUTH WEST | OUTER LONDON
In side M25, Saturday 30th of January 2010 from 9:00am till 8:00pm and Sunday 31st of January 2010 from 10:00am till 6:00pm. (Outside M25 Saturday 30th only)
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