Former MP Navaratnam Warned: Federalism Was a Historic Mistake — Sovereignty Alone Can Protect Tamils
The US Tamil Diaspora draws fresh attention to the powerful warning issued by veteran Tamil statesman V. Navaratnam, one of the earliest and clearest voices to challenge the idea that federalism could ever safeguard the Tamil people within the Sri Lankan state.
Navaratnam argued that pursuing federalism was a fundamental political mistake, because the Sinhala-majority leadership would never grant real equality, even within a federal framework. He warned that the political structure of Sri Lanka — built on Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and racial majoritarianism — made any form of shared power inherently unstable and vulnerable to reversal.
According to Navaratnam:
Federalism will never be granted; Tamils must demand sovereignty directly.
He noted that even if a federal arrangement were agreed on paper, Tamils would still remain under the control of Sinhala-commanded armed forces, police, and state institutions, leaving them exposed to the same repression, discrimination, and demographic engineering they have endured for decades.
Navaratnam argued that only a sovereign Tamil state could guarantee:
- Genuine safety and dignity
- Protection from military domination
- Control over land and resources
- The ability to safeguard Tamil identity and political rights
Decades later, his warning remains tragically relevant. The Sri Lankan state continues to reject meaningful federalism, while sustaining military occupation, colonization, and systematic efforts to weaken Tamil political power.
The US Tamil Diaspora reaffirms Navaratnam’s message:
Peace, justice, and a secure future for Tamils are possible only when the Tamil nation regains full sovereignty.
Tamil Diaspora News
news@Tamildiaporanews.com
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News,
November 16, 2025