The Tamil diaspora in the United States expresses deep skepticism about the JVP’s ability to earn Tamil trust. This skepticism stems from a history of actions against Tamil interests.
They state trust won’t emerge until past injustices are reversed. He must reverse policies and actions implemented by former Sri Lankan leaders. These leaders include Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe. A Troubled History of Betrayal:
Tamils vividly recall how the JVP opposed Tamil aspirations.
This includes:
Advocating against the unification of the North and East as per the Indo-Lanka Accord.
Opposing the peace agreement during the ethnic war.
Blocking foreign tsunami aid from reaching Tamil areas.
Contributing to political decisions that undermined Tamil interests.
With such a history, Tamils question how they can trust the JVP now.
Past attempts to trust Sinhalese leaders through pacts have resulted in betrayal.
This has left Tamil leaders disillusioned.
Key Demands for Rebuilding Trust:
For trust to begin, US Tamils insist that Anura address the following critical issues:
Bring Back Enforced Disappeared Tamils:
Return the forcibly disappeared Tamil youths, particularly the boys and girls who were between 10 and 15 years old in 2009 and are still alive. The diaspora asserts that individuals such as Douglas Devananda and Karuna are aware of their whereabouts, as noted by the U.S. State Department. These youths must be returned to their families immediately to heal decades of trauma.
Cease Encroachments on Tamil Lands:
Stop interventions by the Archaeological, Forest, and Mahaweli Departments in Tamil areas. Buddhist monks must refrain from intimidating Tamil communities and disrupting cultural heritage.
Dismantle Military Camps:
Remove military camps from Tamil areas and redeploy personnel to the South. These camps have caused social issues, including exploitation and youth addiction. Reports of abuse and land grabs have left the Tamil community in distress.
End Sinhalese Colonization:
Stop colonization projects. Return occupied Tamil lands to their rightful owners.
Remove Buddhist Symbols:
Take down Buddhist temples and symbols in Tamil-majority areas. These constructions are erasing Tamil cultural heritage and damaging ancient sites.
Restore Manal Aru:
Return the Manal Aru region, renamed Weli Oya, to the Tamil people. Reunite the North and East.
Repeal the PTA:
Eliminate the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which suppresses Tamil voices.
A Call for Accountability:
The Tamil diaspora emphasizes that unless these demands are met, Anura will follow the same pattern of empty promises seen from past Sinhalese leaders. There is a widespread belief that Sinhala Buddhist elites and the rich Sinhala diaspora back Anura. This support perpetuates aggression against Tamils under the guise of unity.
Why Tamils Voted for the JVP:
The Tamil vote for the JVP is not unprecedented. In the past, Tamils have elected representatives to Sinhala-majority parties like the UNP and SLFP. The election of three Tamil MPs under the JVP banner should not be misconstrued as trust. It is simply another attempt by Tamils to seek solutions within a flawed political system.
Conclusion:
Before Tamils can trust Anura or the JVP, these demands must be addressed urgently. These actions are critical before any meaningful discussions about the future can begin. The diaspora calls on Anura to take decisive action within one month. Concrete steps and announcements must be made to both Tamils and Sinhalese. These steps must demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice and equality. As the saying goes, “trust, but verify.” Only through immediate, transparent, and verifiable action can trust be rebuilt. This is the only way to begin healing the long-standing wounds of the Tamil community.
