The Tamil demand for sovereignty is not just grounded in our ancient history — it is driven by present-day oppression, obstruction, and deep-seated ethnic discrimination. Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayagan recently shared with Norwegian Deputy Ambassador Marianne Amdahl Bottheim that, even today, when a few roads and lands are released from military control in the North, southern Sinhala politicians protest loudly and oppose the move.

This is not just resistance to de-militarization — it is a continuation of the Sinhala nationalist belief that Tamil lands must remain under military occupation. Tamil civilians are treated as subjects to be controlled, not citizens to be empowered. This ongoing militarization blocks development, discourages investment, and stifles hope. It is precisely this environment of injustice that fuels the Tamil people’s rightful demand for sovereignty.

We Tamils know our history. The entire island was once inhabited and shaped by Tamil civilization. But we are not calling for the whole island. We are only calling for self-rule in our traditional homeland — the North and East. That alone will bring lasting peace to the island. Only sovereignty can ensure that future generations — both Tamil and Sinhala — live without war, foreign military interventions, or systemic ethnic dominance.

In the meeting with the Norwegian delegation, Governor Vethanayagan outlined several critical issues plaguing the North:

• The severe shortage of clean drinking water in Jaffna, and the high costs of desalination as a solution.
• The complete absence of wastewater treatment infrastructure, especially as tourism grows in Jaffna and surrounding areas.
• The need to move beyond raw exports in agriculture and fisheries, and instead create value-added industries — a path blocked by a lack of autonomy and investment.

His message was clear: Even the most basic development efforts are being politicized and obstructed by Sinhala leaders who fear Tamil progress.

This is not sustainable. These are not just economic obstacles — they are symptoms of a deeper political crisis. The Tamil people, both in Eelam and across the diaspora, are calling on the international community to support a political solution based on justice, equality, and self-determination.

We thank the Norwegian delegation for their engagement and urge the global community to recognize: Tamil sovereignty is not a divisive demand. It is a peaceful, necessary path toward dignity and stability after decades of war, genocide, and denial.

Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News,
May 28, 2025