In Retrospect

by Chandi Civa

Often in war-torn countries the war ravaged people are left with unanswered questions. A few have asked me at different times: Did the Sri Lanka Armed Forces win the “Tiger war”? My usual response to such an enquiry is to reply with another question. Did Sri Lanka manage to win the hearts and minds of the Tamils? 

Yes, that is right — even today Tamils talk about war crimes perpetrated against. Scores of innocent civilians died and multitudes of sons, daughters, men, women, and children are remembered. The agony and pain of these people cannot be fathomed unless you were there, going through their sufferings and fears, vicariously entering into their death. The Tigers too inlicted such suffering on the people.

Now, ask the question again: Did the SL Armed Forces win the hearts and minds of the Tamils?

Sri Lanka under President Gotabaya gives the media image of harmony, reconciliation and development. The educated classes are talking about the “Debt Trap” saying that Lanka is riddled with the Chinese. That essentially must mean the island is sliding gently into the hands of foreign powers.

Tamil politicians as usual are talking about the well-worn subject of Federalism. Tamils know it is just rhetoric. It’s been tried previously numerous times and failed. There are a few home-grown young Tamil politicians who have become part of mainstream Sinhala political parties. They believe neither Federalism nor Separatism could work. Both have ended in failure. It is a thing of the past. These young leaders tend to lean on trusting Sinhala leaders with great ambitions in order to come to an amicable settlement. Will the Tamil population trust Nationalistic Sinhala leaders?

There is however one dominant thought among Tamils. They wish to live in peaceful habitations — they do have that fundamental unalienable human right: Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness. If equality is yet to be achieved, the minority rights have to be honoured. Minorities must not be trampled upon by the Armed Forces. All else is pure hot air and flummery. The sad fact remains a few Buddhist clergy behave in an appalling racist manner. They have the protection of the Police, one can witness such behaviours in Batticaloa. 

Finally, we return again to the Question: Did the SL Armed Forces win .., Win the hearts and minds of the Tamils? (It is NOT a rhetorical question.)

“It’s only in the mysterious equations of love. That any logical reasons can be found”A Beautiful Mind / John Nash