GTF President urge Tamils to support the candidates or parties loyal to the fundamental aspirations of all the Tamils
[Mar 10, 2010, 08:56], [TNS]
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) President, Father S.J. Emmanuel, while in the first place expressing the GTF’s compassion and solidarity to the brothers and sisters still struggling to survive on the island of Sri Lanka urging Tamils to not to support pseudo political leaders who betray the Tamil cause for liberation but to support candidates or parties who are loyal to the fundamental aspirations of all the Tamils within and without Sri Lanka in the upcoming Parliamentary election. The Global Tamil Forum President, Father S.J. Emmanuel says the GTF is mobilising the varied resources and aspirations of the Tamil Diaspora and will support and work with Tamil political leaders and parties who on the basis of inherent right of self-determination, adhere to the fundamental aspirations of the Tamils and courageously stand up for the nationhood, homeland and autonomy of the Tamil people.
A Life Well Lived - Nagaratnam (Siva) Sivalingam: 1940 to 2010
[Mar 3, 2010, 18:20], [TNS]
For Close to 45 years, Canada was home to Nagaratnam (Siva) Sivalingam. The Canada he left behind this week is drastically different than the Canada to which he immigrated in 1966. At that time, he was a minority – there were very few people who looked like him, spoke like him, dressed like him, and prayed like him. He would be a transformative force in the Tamil community. He would go onto build a community, the Tamil community, so that all of us can embrace the great things about Canada, while, proudly, holding onto our roots and values. He was not just a pioneer; he was a community builder.
Over the course of these four and a half decades, he built one institution after another, most of them standing tall today as the servants of this community and as monuments to the enduring work of Mr. Sivalingam and his peers. Amongst his many achievements – he was the founding president of the Tamil Eelam Society of Canada (TESOC), an advocacy, turned, social service agency serving the community for over 30 years, a founding director of the Canadian Foundation for Tamil Refugee Rehabilitation (CAFTARR), a Registered Canadian Charity assisting refugees in Sri Lanka, and a founding trustee of the Hindu Temple Society of Canada, the largest Saiva Temple in North America. In between building these institutions, he represented the interests of Tamil Canadians at numerous municipal, provincial and federal community service meetings, including, the South Asian Consultative Committee (Toronto Police Services), Canadian Immigration and Citizenship forums, and City of Toronto and York Region Race Relations and anti-racism conferences.
UK calls for constitutional reform in Sri Lanka
[Mar 2, 2010, 18:09], [TNS]
conference of the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) last week in United Kingdom. Opening address at the conference was delivered by Rt. Hon. David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, in which he called for constitutional reform in Sri Lanka to facilitate an inclusive political process. “We continue to make the case that the President should use his mandate for a real drive for national reconciliation, a real drive to respect the rights of every single Sri Lankan, a real drive to fulfil the commitments, constitutional and other reforms, that would make a difference”, he stated.
The Tamil delegates from around the world held internal discussions last Thursday, 25 February and Friday, 26 February in which a five year work programme was agreed to take forward the vision and mission of the GTF.
Speaking on behalf of GTF a senior delegate said “It is end of the war but not the end of the conflict. We reflected a lot on the developments since the end of the war before agreeing the work programme for the next 5 years. GTF will be pragmatic in its approach to realising its vision and mission - freedom for Tamils in the homeland”.
Addressing a gathering of more than three hundred British Tamils and the GTF delegates from around the world, Rev. Jesse Jackson shared an inspiring message of hope and lessons from history. He reminded the assembled audience of his personal journey to achieve equality and justice for African Americans. Rev. Jackson said that Tamils should learn from history that the struggle is hard but not to let go of the dream – be prepared to fight for their homeland. Referring to Rev. (Dr) S.J. Emmanuel, President of the Global Tamil Forum, Rev. Jackson said that “Father Emmanuel is the Archbishop Tutu of the Tamil struggle”.
Resounding 98.2 % Denmark Tamils Mandate Tamil Eelam
[Mar 1, 2010, 08:04], [TNS]
Resounding 98.2 % people who have voted in the referendum polls in Denmark on Sunday gave the mandate that they support the independent Tamil Nation and reaffirmed the Vaddukkoaddai Resolution of 1976, which was mandated by Tamils in the north and east of the island of Sri Lanka in the 1977 general election.
The referendum conducted by a third party professional institute and 98.2 percent of them voted yes for the formation of independent and sovereign Tamil Eelam in the contiguous north and east of the island of Sri Lanka. Denmark is the eighth country in the West where Eezham Tamils have overwhelmingly demonstrated their aspiration for independence through a series of referenda conducted among the Diaspora. Even though the population of Eezham Tamils in Denmark is relatively small, since their number is known with fair accuracy, the turn out and poll results are very significant in silencing detracting campaign against the very democratic process of Tamil referendum, Diaspora circles said.
India remains silent over Eelam Tamils (Opinion)
[Feb 27, 2010, 08:42], [TNS]
After Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa won in the elections, held in January this year, for the second consecutive time. Indian leaders issued statements congratulating Rajapaksa. India, too, requested that Rajapaksa carefully handle Sarath Fonseka, the former Sri Lankan army general, who contested as the main oppositing candidate against Rajapaksa. The Indian leaders’ statements were in empathy on the arrest of Fonseka and the victory of Rajapaksa and the elections manifested India’s real motives in dealing with Sri Lankan affairs.
Political observers view India as a sleeping ‘king cobra’ in the Indian sub continent, especially in the affairs of Sri Lanka. When Eelam Tamils were facing disastrous military overtures launched by Rajapaksa in the first term of his presidency, India was supporting Rajapaksa’s regime. Even when hundreds of thousands of Tamils were putting pressure upon the international community to punish Sri Lanka for launching genocidal war against Tamils, India came in support of Rajapaksa, along with China and Russia, in the UN’s human rights body. As a result, the attempt made by the U.S, U.K, France, Germany, and numerous other western countries went without any success to bring the Sri Lankan leaders who ordered for the ethnic cleansing of Tamils to book.
As to the statement of the former UN envoy to Sri Lanka, nearly 40,000 Tamils perished in the last phase of the Eelam War IV, especially in the first five months of 2009. Even after the victory over the LTTE in the war, the Sri Lankan armed forces still continue to abduct, kill, and rape Tamil civilians in the Northeast.
CWVHR Documenting Sri Lanka’s war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against Tamils
[Feb 23, 2010, 00:51], [TNS]
The Centre for War Victims and Human Rights (CWVHR) Calling for Documentation on Human Rights Violations and War Crimes The Centre for War Victims and Human Rights (CWVHR) is established in Toronto Canada, to protect the rights of War Victims and promote Human Rights. The Centre uses an internationally (Human Rights Information Documentation System –HURIDOCS) approved data gathering system to document and analyse evidence as reported by individuals about their kith or kin that may have been victims in the recent war in Sri Lanka, as well as war crimes committed since 1948. This internationally approved system enables (CWVHR) to collect evidence on a uniform and consistent basis, which assists us to do quality cross referencing. The Centre for War Victims and Human Rights implores/ invites people who are aware of such incidences in Sri Lanka to come forward and provide the Centre with the information that will enable it to document war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Fonseka’s arrest is testimony to the fate of those who earn the wrath of the Rajapaksa brothers (Opinion)
[Feb 17, 2010, 07:41], [TNS]
The arrest of the former Sri Lankan army commander who also contested in last month’s presidential election, Maj. General Sarath Fonseka, shows that the Sri Lankan State apparatus will be activated to its fullest to ruthlessly crush anyone who dares oppose Mahinda and Co. While in his Colombo office Fonseka was arrested in the most ignominious manner like a common criminal undeserving of a former army commander. Only a few months ago, Fonseka was looked upon as a hero. On February 8, he was punched and dragged before being abducted into a van by the Sri Lankan military police.
It has been announced that they would charge Sarath Fonseka of conspiracy against Sri Lanka’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, while Fonseka was leading the Army in the war against the LTTE. After the end of Eelam War in May last year with the LTTE, Fonseka was appointed to head the newly established position of Staff of Defence, a nominal position with no real power. Fonseka, slighted, decided to contest in the presidential election retiring from his new military post in November last year.
Accusations made against Norway in the interview are not correct - Norway
[Feb 12, 2010, 19:27], [TNS]
Norway, Friday said, there is no truth in the accusations made against Norway in the interview by the Sri Lankan Defense Secretary, that the Norway provided financial support to the opposition candidate in Sri Lanka’s presidential election.
We would like to point out that the accusations made against Norway in the interview are not correct. Norway has never and will never interfere with other countries’ elections or in any way try to undermine or oust a democratically elected Government and President, Norway's press release stated..
The Norwegian Ambassador has brought this issues up today with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
There is no truth to the Sri Lankan Defense Secretary’s claims that the U.S. provided financial support to the opposition candidate - U.S.
[Feb 12, 2010, 18:19], [TNS]
There is no truth to the Sri Lankan Defense Secretary’s claims that the U.S. provided financial support to the opposition candidate in Sri Lanka’s presidential election. As noted in previous U.S. Embassy statements, the United States backed no candidate but strongly supported a free, fair, and credible democratic process. In that spirit, we now urge the Sri Lankan Government to protect the rights of those who supported the opposition or other candidates in the election and to ensure the safety and security of representatives of the press. The free expression of opinion and peaceful participation in the political process are fundamental democratic rights, which all citizens of Sri Lanka should enjoy.
Sinhala nation justifies the human rights abuses by electing Mahinda for second term (Opinion)
[Feb 6, 2010, 03:08], [TNS]
When the Tamil nation was at the height of facing military onslaught by Sri Lanka on the final phase of Eelam War - IV, the world community at least shed a crocodile tear. But the neighbouring Sinhala nation celebrated the deaths of thousands of Tamils with fireworks and worshipped the Gautama Buddha preaching victory for Sinhala soldiers who trespassed into once-flourishing Tamil kingdoms who became voiceless after they fell into the hands of the European powers in the 1500s A.D. Yet, the Eelam Tamils are facing untold sufferings with their plights kept secret inside Sri Lanka.
However, when the Tamil Tigers were seriously committed to the ceasefire agreement brokered by the Norwegian government and even when the Tamil Tiger fighters captured the areas controlled by the Sri Lankan armed forces in Trincomalee, they were asked by the international community to return to their barracks, as it was in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
When the Sri Lankan armed forces took control of the LTTE-held areas in the East, the international community maintained silence. The LTTE fighters tactically withdrew from the region to safer places without showing their military prowess.
Looking for the Pony in 2010 (Opinion)
[Feb 1, 2010, 20:28], [TNS]
There is an old story about a young boy who bounds down the steps on Christmas morning only to find the living room brimming over with horse manure. Ever the optimist, the boy finds a shovel and starts digging with enthusiasm. When asked why he seems to be so excited, the boy cheerfully replies, “With all this manure, there must be a pony in here somewhere!”
In a world full of geopolitics and national interests, thinking or commenting about the future of Tamils is challenging. With the moribund political climate in Sri Lanka – almost everyone in Tamil Diaspora is confused by what’s in store for Tamils in Sri Lanka. I would argue that if you’re not confused, you probably haven’t been paying attention.
I believe, more than money we need unity – which we lack. The events of this year in Sri Lanka should have certainly increased our ability to unite together – but it hasn’t. Unity will always be a magical commodity that is difficult to attain and easy to lose, and its badly needed at this juncture of our history to help us avoid getting conned, because Sri Lanka is always prone to deceive others.
Similar to financial markets, the political arena sometimes rewards contrary thinkers handsomely. It seems this very strategy by Tamils needs to be explored – at least for now. "The world," as philosopher Wittgenstein once noted, "is non-stationary.
Over 64,000 British Tamils say yes to Tamil Eelam
[Feb 1, 2010, 19:06], [TNS]
The British Tamil Diaspora overwhelmingly endorsed the principle of Tamil Eelam in two days of polling this weekend. With over 64,000 votes cast, over 99% voted in favour of an independent and separate state of Tamil Eelam.
British Tamils were asked if they endorsed the principles contained in the Vadukkoddai Resolution that was first put to a democratic mandate in 1977. In that historic election the Tamil polity in Sri Lanka voted overwhelmingly for an independent and sovereign state of Tamil Eelam in the traditional Tamil homelands.
At the final count on Sunday night 64,692 votes were cast with 64,256 (99.33%) endorsing the Resolution and 185 (0.29%) against. 251 (0.39%) votes were spoilt.
Polling took place in sixty five booths across London and in major towns and cities throughout the UK.
Brisk early voting in UK referendum; Thousands Votes in first hour
[Jan 30, 2010, 23:56], [TNS]
A Referendum among the British Tamils is taking place upholding the values of transparency, authenticity and democratic principles on January 30th and 31st, in all the major U.K. cities. Initial reports indicate close to a thousand votes have been cast in the first hour of voting in the referendum. British Politicians crossing the part lines strogly supports the referendum on Tamil Eelam by the British Tamils and they urged the British Tamils to voice through this referendum for the voiceless Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Tamils are holding the referendum to re-mandate the Vaddukoddai Resolution passed in 1976, demanding an independent state of Tamil Eelam for the Tamils living in the island of Sri Lanka. 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.
Tamils of Britain, it is our turn on the Tamil Eelam Referendum - TYO-U.K.
[Jan 30, 2010, 23:55], [TNS]
After three decades of futile efforts to negotiate with Sinhala leaders an end to the relentlessly deepening state discrimination, the venerated Tamil leader, SJV Chelvanayagam, turned the 1977 election into a referendum on an independent state. When the Tamil people overwhelmingly backed the demand for Tamil Eelam, many believed our collective wish was seen to be now beyond doubt.
Yet our democratic voice was first ignored, then violently stifled. Another three decades and over a hundred thousand lives later, the Tamil nation is once again uniting to reaffirm our commitment to political independence. This time however our nation’s voice is being heard clearly around the world. A global chorus of referendums that started in Norway and gained momentum in France and Canada, is now upon the UK.
Unabated persecution means that Tamil Eelam is our only guaranteed protection against a state that is obsessed with Sinhala supremacy. Yet the Tamil nation is not against the existence of a Sinhala nation or people. A referendum on Eelam is not a vote against tolerance or liberal values, but a vote for freedom, equality and self-governance said Ms Rajamanoharan of TYO-UK.
Journalists in Sri Lanka face intimidation, censorship
[Jan 30, 2010, 00:54], [CPJ (D)]
New York, January 29, 2010—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by reports that journalists in Sri Lanka have been subjected to government intimidation, arrests, censorship, and harassment in the aftermath of this week’s presidential election.
“We are receiving reports of government retribution against journalists who sided with the opposition in the election. Given the ugly history of attacks on journalists in Sri Lanka, we call on President Mahina Rajapaksa to ensure the safety of all journalists in Sri Lanka, and to use his new mandate to reverse the repressive trends of the past several years,” said Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator.
At least 10 security agents were deployed outside the Colombo offices of Lanka eNews, a Web site critical of Rajapaksa’s government, on Thursday night, according to CPJ sources. One source reported that authorities padlocked the gate to the premises before leaving late Thursday.
Prageeth Ekneligoda, a political reporter for Lanka eNews, remained missing today after disappearing on the night of January 24.
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