Devananda tells Tamils politicians use them as bargaining chips

By Dinasena Ratugamage

The Tamil people had suffered for decades because they were represented by those who only thought of using them as bargaining chips, Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda said in Jaffna on Sunday.

Addressing an event organised by the Jaffna University, the Minister said that for many years Tamil politicians had not thought of improving the living standards of the Tamils.

“The Tamils have suffered more than anyone else in this country. Various leaders in the past, including those who represented the North, caused a bloody civil war. Northern leaders have always thought of increasing their power rather than helping people,” he said.

 Minister Devananda said that Northern leaders had made extravagant promises to the people, knowing full well that they could not be fulfilled. The Tamil had fallen for such pledges, the Minister said.

 “This led to the disillusionment of the youth who took up arms, causing harm to the entire population. The Tamil people must be clear eyed. They must no longer believe in promises that could never be met,” he said.