Jaffna, Sri Lanka – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to the Tamil homeland brings nothing new but empty rhetoric about ending racism. If he truly wants to dismantle racism and Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinism, the first step is to undo decades of systematic land grabs, military occupation, and Sinhalese colonization engineered under the guise of development and archaeology.
Restore Stolen Tamil Lands
Sinhala colonization in the North-East was not natural migration—it was an aggressive state-sponsored demographic manipulation. Tamil lands were stolen through:
– Military occupation under the pretext of national security.
– Sinhalese settlements orchestrated by the Forest Department, Mahaweli Development Authority, and Archaeological Department.
– Falsified historical claims rooted in the Mahavamsa, used to erase Tamil heritage.
If Anura is genuine about ending racism, these stolen lands must be returned to the Tamils. The Sinhala settlers should be relocated to the Sinhala-dominated South, where there is ample land and lower population density than the North-East.
Political Sovereignty is the Real Solution
The President talks about economic development, but not a word about the thousands of missing Tamils, the unresolved Tamil national question, or the demand for a political solution. The Tamil people do not need state-controlled “development”—we need our political sovereignty. If the Sri Lankan state steps aside and allows Tamils to govern their own homeland, the Tamil diaspora, which controls trillions of dollars, will rebuild and develop the North-East independently.
Lip Service Without Action Won’t End Racism
- Anura’s statements about rejecting racism and political dynasties mean nothing if the status quo remains. If he is serious about change, his government must:
- Withdraw the military from the Tamil homeland and return all seized lands.
- End Sinhala colonization projects in the North-East.
- Recognize the Tamil people’s right to self-determination.
- Acknowledge war crimes and account for the missing Tamils.
Tamils and Sinhalese Can Coexist—But on Equal Terms
Tamils and Sinhalese can coexist peacefully only if there is justice and equality. The Tamil demand is clear: leave our homeland to us, and we will thrive on our own. If Anura does not act, his presidency will be no different from the failed Sinhala nationalist regimes before him.
For more context on Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s statements, read the original report here: Virakesari.lk.
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News,
February 2, 2025
