The United States Tamil diaspora community expresses deep concern over the scheduled meeting between UK High Commissioner Andrew Patrick and Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran, as reported by Tamilwin.
Lack of Tamil Support
Mr. Sumanthiran, a prominent figure in the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), has faced significant opposition within the Tamil community. In the most recent elections, he was not elected, reflecting a substantial lack of support from Tamil constituents. This outcome indicates a disconnect between Mr. Sumanthiran’s actions and the aspirations of the Tamil populace.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
Concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Sumanthiran’s representation of Tamil interests. Allegations suggest that he has misled the community about proceedings in Geneva and has promoted constitutional proposals that do not align with the collective will of the Tamil people. Such actions have reportedly eroded trust and confidence in his leadership.
Appeasement and Residency
Residing in Colombo, Mr. Sumanthiran is perceived by many as being more aligned with Sinhalese political interests than those of the Tamils. This perception is exacerbated by claims that he engages in appeasement politics, potentially compromising the genuine needs and rights of the Tamil community.
Historical Context and the UK’s Role
The Tamil diaspora recalls the historical context in which the United Kingdom, upon granting independence to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), left unresolved issues concerning minority protections. This oversight has, over the past 75 years, led to systemic discrimination, violence, and significant human rights violations against Tamils. The community emphasizes that the UK’s historical role carries a responsibility to engage with authentic representatives of the Tamil people.
Call to Action
In light of these concerns, the US Tamil diaspora respectfully urges the UK High Commissioner to reconsider engaging with Mr. Sumanthiran in the upcoming UN Human Rights Council sessions. Instead, it is recommended to consult with Tamil representatives who have garnered genuine support from their community, such as elected Members of Parliament Mr. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam and Mr. S. Sritharan. Engaging with these leaders would ensure that the true voice and concerns of the Tamil people are heard and addressed on international platforms.
Contact:
Tamil Diaspora News
news@Tamildiaporanews.com
This press release is issued on behalf of the United States Tamil diaspora community.
