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North 'not just for Tamils'- Gota
Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said it is not appropriate to view the north of the country, over which a separatist war was fought, as a predominantly Tamil area.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who many credit with defeating Tamil rebels, also told the BBC there were few civilian casualties in the war's closing phase.
Human rights groups say tens of thousands died at the end of that war.
He also cast doubt on accounts of enforced disappearances after the war.
Mr Rajapaksa, brother of Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, portrayed a normalising Sri Lanka with opportunities for all regardless of ethnicity.
But he firmly declined to discuss Sarath Fonseka - the man at the helm of the army at the end of the war and who later fell out with the president - who was released from prison last Monday.
The army defeated the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels after 26 years of a bloody civil war in May 2009.
Meeting Mr Rajapaksa in his heavily guarded office near the Colombo shorefront, the BBC asked him about a recent local government reshuffle in the north which has seen some senior Tamil officials replaced with Sinhalese personnel.
"Earlier before the war, all were Sinhalese," Mr Rajapaksa said. Just as "a lot of" Tamil officers worked in southern districts, Sinhalese and Muslims should be able to work in the north. "It is part of Sri Lanka."
So were Tamils correct to view the north as a predominantly Tamil place?
"Why should be that? Why should be that?" Mr Rajapaksa said. "If you are a Sri Lankan citizen you must be able to go and buy the properties from anywhere. I'm not talking about the forced settlements, I'm talking about the freedom for a Sri Lankan to live anywhere in this country."
Many Tamils favour provincial devolution to give them a greater voice in areas where they predominate.
The government and the largest Tamil party have been holding talks on this issue, but these have currently stalled.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa commented on the contentious subject of civilian casualties in the final stage of the war - one factor that prompted a critical resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council in March.
A recent government census, given little publicity, suggested some 7,400 northern Sri Lankans were killed during the last months as a result of the fighting.
But Mr Rajapaksa said only a few of these were civilians and most were Tamil Tiger fighters.
"Do you think it was a battle between the Sri Lankan army and civilians? It's a battle between the army and the terrorist group which were equally armed like the military," he said.
"Within this 7,000-odd number that includes the combatants as well!"
Six thousand army soldiers had been killed in this period, he said.
He said the census-takers had visited family after family and taken the names of all those who died. There might have been "certain" civilian casualties but "not in the numbers you quote".
If there were proven violations of the laws of war "then we can punish, no problem, but you have to prove that".
The army had defeated a terrorist group that killed innocent people, destroyed property, buses, trains, hotels and many other targets, he said.
"All this we have stopped... but you don't talk about that. You are supporting the terrorist cause!"
'Suddenly freed'
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa gave scant comfort to the families of people who have recently disappeared.
Human rights campaigners documented 32 such disappearances between October and February and several more since then.
But Mr Rajapaksa dismissed this as "wrong allegations".
"These are lies... to prevent the visitors coming into Sri Lanka, the investment coming to Sri Lanka, to give a wrong image of Sri Lanka by the rump of this LTTE which is remaining outside and trying to damage the image of Sri Lanka," he said.
Recent cases include Ramasamy Prabagaran, who was abducted before he was due to testify on police torture and remains missing; and Sagara Senaratne, who was suddenly freed after his brother-in-law, a minister, reportedly contacted top government figures.
But Mr Rajapaksa asked why the authorities should want to victimise such people and said many recorded as missing were criminals who had escaped abroad.
In the north, he said, life was getting back to normal - fishing restrictions had been lifted, the army had moved out of contentious areas such as running restaurants, and anti-LTTE Tamil groups had now been disarmed.
In the country as a whole, he said, the government had opened a window to progress by ending the war.
"This is a time that... irrespective of whether Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim, you as a Sri Lankan move forward."
Comments - 150
Comments - North 'not just for Tamils'- Gota
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Caesar Monday, 28 May 2012 08:20 AM
Well said sir, my hats off.
Eelamists myth that they were originated in North can never be proved true, we Sinhela lived all over the island long before ( over 30,000 years) which is now not only historically but scientifically proved by the West itself.657 547
Mifaz Monday, 28 May 2012 08:21 AM
Please ensure that Sinhalese dominated areas like Kelaniya, Kadawatha, Kiribathgoda, Some southern areas and also including so called sacred area of Dambulla is available for Muslims & Tamils, that they can converse in their own language, do their business, participate in public activities and also represent in political social governance without any discrimination
105 330
DCOL Monday, 28 May 2012 08:23 AM
Well said...!
For nearly 30 years LTTE prevent communities living in harmony. They spread the violence and hatred.
Why so called HR activities not talking about Tamils living in Colombo (probably the biggest of Colombo Population).56 120
Dinesh Monday, 28 May 2012 08:31 AM
Sorry that even buddist religion is brought to Srilanka from India.Further there were people in SRILANKA even before that but I dont undestand why people segmented on Lanuguage,religion ???
6 121
ponna ponniah Monday, 28 May 2012 08:33 AM
Nothing is gained by distorting facts. you only become further blind.
20 86
Greed Blood Monday, 28 May 2012 08:33 AM
what kind of fool are you ? I'm from Kelaniya and there're many muslims living here, your comment shows the size of your brain .....
226 199
WISEMAN Monday, 28 May 2012 08:34 AM
well said Gota...we need fearless leaders like you & your brother Mr.President...
168 102
BOOBEE Monday, 28 May 2012 08:36 AM
Do you know 60% of the people live in colombo are tamil speaking community?...
29 227
GodayaG Monday, 28 May 2012 08:34 AM
South is also not only for Sinhalese
29 207
roshan Monday, 28 May 2012 08:38 AM
30,000 years???? which planet do you come from
379 443
Kondebandapucheena Monday, 28 May 2012 08:37 AM
This was big News for This morning BBC news,Very well said Mr. Secretary SRI LANKA is belongs to All whether it is North,South east or West,
52 105
Dinesh Monday, 28 May 2012 08:40 AM
Out of all the comments Mifaz''s comments look big .So he must be havinga big brain :)
39 162
MOHAMED ASFAR Monday, 28 May 2012 08:43 AM
sir, we Sri Lankans with you. you gave us freedom from terrorism. you are answerable to us. we appreciate your services. god bless you sir.
89 96
Kondebandapucheena Monday, 28 May 2012 08:43 AM
Godaya If you start from Beruwala,Aluthgama then Weligama,Dickwella towards Hambanthota you will see it is not belongs to Sinhalese
26 110
Gayan Samarasekara Monday, 28 May 2012 08:52 AM
Entire country belongs to all the people irrespective of gender, religion or ethnicity. We are Sri Lankans, having a rich Sinhalese, Tamil or other heritage.
14 108
Coconut Donkey Monday, 28 May 2012 08:59 AM
Well the historic 'Balangoda Man' is suppose to be from about 30,000 years ago, no one apart from that, since common sense is not common practice, i will also clarify that at that time there were no such thing as Sinhalese, Tamil or whoever else..
18 306
Samantha Monday, 28 May 2012 09:00 AM
Yes ... North to South, West to East all for all Sri Lankans No matter Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslims or any Others.....
14 92
lankashantha Monday, 28 May 2012 09:02 AM
Ok sir as a good gesture take 10,000 Tamil families from the North and settle them in your home town in the south.
29 129
Imran Hussein Monday, 28 May 2012 08:59 AM
Let me correct you. Dont assume that all Muslims speak Tamil (we dont at home, but we know tamil). Nothing against the Tamil language but to be honest, Muslims (now) prefer to speak Sinhalese. My personal openian is that all Muslims in Srilanka must speak the majoroty language. Tamils in the past draged the Moors in the island as part of their community. Our stupid forefathers made a big mistake by giving into it.
97 164
buffaloa citizen Monday, 28 May 2012 09:15 AM
Did you ever wonder why? Is it because of the multitude of inconveniences they face in their original areas or the pleasant and welcome attitude of the sinhalese in southern areas?
22 68
Mifaz Monday, 28 May 2012 09:16 AM
What are you trying to say??? 40% Muslims??
33 25
freelanced Monday, 28 May 2012 09:16 AM
Well said Mr Secretary. We need to bear in mind that the good majority of the Tamil people live peacefully in the rest of the country with Sinhalese, Muslims & Bugers. There is no logical or geographical need to call the north province as a "Tamil Dominated" area. Will the Tamils like the rest of the country be called a "Sinhala or Muslim dominated" areas ? There no such areas either. Accept the reality.
32 77
Fusion Monday, 28 May 2012 09:19 AM
No doubt any Sri Lankan citizen must be able reside, purchase land any where within the borders of this nation. Northern province does not belong to any particular race just like Southern or any other province is not exclusive to any race. This whole racial division is the biggest curse this country has. Race/religion/caste should be totally separated from government/state and left purely at an individual level.
15 67
rajen Monday, 28 May 2012 09:21 AM
If you are there we have no doubt about country
18 39
Cyril Alwis Monday, 28 May 2012 11:20 AM
Under any circusmstances, Pls don't give any part to Tamils in the North or East.They have already taken the good parts of Colombo, Galle and Kany. Either they have to live with Sinhalese, Muslims, Burghers and so on, or they must leave our country.
Cyril52 18
thegalleofit Monday, 28 May 2012 11:24 AM
So the majority of the people believe this guy ? Like he has a track record of honesty ?
"there are no white van abductions" who apart from himself is he trying to fool ?
From the census it would appear the north is mainly a Tamil area (fact) but I do not recall any restictions on sinhalese living there I thought the problem was the army in occupation ??
All origin inhabitants of this country came from India as did your religion so why this great divide ?From the census it would appear the north is mainly a Tamil area (fact) but I do not recall any restictions on sinhalese living there I thought the problem was the army in occupation ??
All origin inhabitants of this country came from India as did your religion so why this great divide ?...')" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px">Reply 10 47
truth Monday, 28 May 2012 11:24 AM
Its not practically using in SL.Very few ex. is Dabullah. If we live as Sri lankans..we will never be in trouble water this way..
2 27
Independent Observer Monday, 28 May 2012 12:02 PM
Could a Sinhalese buy land in Jaffna?
14 33
sundram Monday, 28 May 2012 12:18 PM
So why are you trying to demolish the mosque at dambulla
16 54
Rohan Monday, 28 May 2012 12:50 PM
Yes North is for every Sri Lankan. There is no separation at all. There should be forces - army, navy, airforce and police guarding the north as there are tamil terrorists who are hiding in tjungles. British managed to divide and rule and ruin the economy, separate the races and they would still love if this happens so that they can get their hands on to create chaos.
29 16
sam Monday, 28 May 2012 12:59 PM
Yes Tamils 800 ys. back forced sinhalese to celebrate hindhu new year instead of Wesak day as sinhala new year.. sinhalese also gave in to them, Talking about descrimination?
34 7
jaya Monday, 28 May 2012 01:18 PM
YOU CREATING MORE ETHNIC CLEANSING THIS IS ONE COUNTRY FOR ALL
KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT PEOPLE HATE YOU24 38
Noor Monday, 28 May 2012 01:20 PM
Can you give a prove copy to DM to publish please!!!!!
6 73
wernie Monday, 28 May 2012 01:26 PM
Freelanced comment summarised the facts.Even it is difficult or bitter ,accept the truth.Since atleast 3000 years humans were there(according to our history they were srilankans /sinhalese)Our kings allowed the foreigners to visit here,and those willing to live and do their buisnesses,to buy land.Mainly tamils ,some muslims and a small population of burghers too(e.g.Webers,Wandots).All main towns (Colombo,Jaffna,Trinco,Beruwala.etc.)in SL all the 3 main communities live.What Def.Sec.has said is true and correct.We all are srilankans .we all can live in any part of SL.
26 12
Noor Monday, 28 May 2012 01:29 PM
Yes i agree with Mr. Gota, as a Muslim i feel living with Sinhala community is much better than living with Tamil (Hindu) community in Sri Lanka. Muslims are facing problems even in Sinhala areas, but not like problems facing / faced in Hindu Tamil dominated Areas.
I dont undestand one simple logic, why most of Hindu Tamils still asking / waiting for a TAMIL EALAM!!!! Have you forget about Muslims???? as long as Muslims are there, it will be remained in the Dream for a Tamil Ealam.47 28
danu Monday, 28 May 2012 01:55 PM
well said sir ,we are with you
30 21
Manna Monday, 28 May 2012 01:57 PM
A scary point of view from a public servant. Go to any government department and see the discrimination against Tamils by the lack of any notices or announcements in Tamil. This is deliberate discrimination as it would require only a minimal effort to remedy this issue. It's the same everywhere in the country. That's why Tamils want an area where they can converse and carry on with their regular activities in their own language without being regarded as second class citizens. Are people aware that a Tamil's identity card has his/her name in both Sinhala and Tamil, whereas a Sinhalese person's identity card has it only in Sinhala. Does it mean that there is never going to be any Tamil in a responsible position, who is going to read the ID? BTW, anybody who has been to Singapore will know the ease with which an official multi-language system has been working there. Don't ever confuse the deliberate discrimination in SL against Tamils with anything else.
19 60
Lalith Monday, 28 May 2012 02:00 PM
Well done Sir !!! You are a True Leader,we need Bold People like you ! This country is for all should not be singled out !!!
Keep it up SIR !
Lalith Unambuwe48 24
Cynic Monday, 28 May 2012 02:02 PM
Exactly Pol Booruva. It is now time that all people started thinking like Rabindranath Tagore the Great Bengali Poet, who said that in order to progress we should not be limited by 'Narrow Domestic Walls' but think and behave as brothers and sisters in this Whole Wide World of ours. After all we are all Human Beings!
4 169
Mohammed Monday, 28 May 2012 02:08 PM
My dear Mifaz, If you do not have common sence and do not know what to comment & write, please keep quiet. It's better for all.
18 12
Aberatna Monday, 28 May 2012 02:09 PM
we must make one race mixing Sinhales,Tamils and Muslims.and One religen mixing all riligens.
20 11
LASANTHAV Monday, 28 May 2012 02:27 PM
you know ? columbo is sri lankan capital city . if is capital
city all community come and do some thing4 33
tamil citezen Monday, 28 May 2012 02:33 PM
well... they bought it... we are so happy to for them to come and life with us legally.. not by governments force.. what about stopping forced settlements on north and east.. what about stop renaming the roads and villages to singhalese names.
14 58
tamil citezen Monday, 28 May 2012 02:36 PM
exactly ..as do it in the north..what about take some tamils to south on governments good gueture
13 45
Farzan Monday, 28 May 2012 02:33 PM
Can't Tamil speaking people live in Colombo. Please don't make another ethnical crisis. Whatever the language we speak, we all human beings. No one will live permanently in this world. Try to understand the truth.
8 60
human Monday, 28 May 2012 02:35 PM
Old capital city Anurathapura , Polannaruva , Kandy have
tamil kindam so lot of tamils lived there . but no body there . now , some body thinking , same to columbo . what
a racial peoples.10 47
tamil citezen Monday, 28 May 2012 02:38 PM
yap why not.. as long as you have the money
14 45
sundram Monday, 28 May 2012 02:39 PM
Are you saying that 800 yrs ago the tamils dominated SL.
7 34
Ajith Monday, 28 May 2012 02:43 PM
Greed Blood, just check if its easy nowadays to buy a property or establish a business in Kelaniya if you are a non Sinhalese... Who ever would have settled earlier yes, not any more....if u hv muslim friend or tamil friend , speak to them and see if there are truth in what we are saying... You will know the ground reality
20 78
Wasps Nest Monday, 28 May 2012 03:02 PM
This article certainly stirred it up. Though there are voices to the contrary, the dislike of one community for another is evident.
3 15
firefly Monday, 28 May 2012 03:05 PM
After the death god will shuffle you guys and will give a re-birth to Cyril Alwis as Sundram, Sundram as Rohan, Rohan as Mifaz. There you go again!
4 34
Yehiya Monday, 28 May 2012 03:16 PM
Minister of Defence is too heavy to you. Work some time under a civil servent.
18 37
Ravi Monday, 28 May 2012 03:16 PM
If you have money, you can buy in moon as well.
5 16
Ravi Monday, 28 May 2012 05:03 PM
Good principle, if all Lankan adopt this mentality!!!!! Then our politicians will become unemployed!
1 27
Saskia Monday, 28 May 2012 05:19 PM
Well said lankashantha, I see here lot of people saying that whole nation is for all people, so then first prove it by taking 10000 tamils to south.
5 44
Saskia Monday, 28 May 2012 05:21 PM
Who are you to say that tamil poeple should leave the country? Yes, one day tamil people will leave Srilanka but not the tamil eelam.
20 34
Saskia Monday, 28 May 2012 05:25 PM
Are you muslim? then what is your native language? arabic? can you speak arabic flutently?
9 30
Fair N Square Monday, 28 May 2012 05:38 PM
our country? The last time PRESIDENT said SL is a Multi -ethnic country.. PEOPLE LIKE YOU is the reason SL had to endure a 30 yr old war...Shame on you... further Arahath Mahinda aka Buddha CAME to SL from India, Along with him came BUDDHISM.. before that there were Yakshas and Naghas...
13 24
Fair N Square Monday, 28 May 2012 05:48 PM
I am a muslim myself. I am ashamed by ur comments. MY religion do notlet me discriminate. YES read the scriptures.. I bet you are a Malay and have the nerve to discriminate.. TO me all are Sri-Lankans, we have the good bad and the ugly in all communities YES I didnt say 3 communities coz there are others in a small percentage like Burgers, Colombo chetty's, Borah's, Malays, Memons etc... SL is for all.. for, IF at all any has to make a claim It's the NATIVES aka Veddah's , Yakshas and Nagas.. Like the Aborigines in Australia and the RED INDIANS in USA/Canada...
4 22
Independent Observer Monday, 28 May 2012 05:49 PM
Mr. Tamil Citizen
I think you are'nt correct .
According the the Thesavalamai law , the owner of land has to first offer it the the owner /owners of the land immeditely adjecent to it , who are, invariably , Tamils . So no person of another community could purchase land in Jaffna . Please correct me if I am wrong .8 24
Rodda Monday, 28 May 2012 05:56 PM
Dehiya
If he can manage the security of the country and develop the city and also a party to defeat the LTTE, does anything else can be heavy??27 16
union Monday, 28 May 2012 06:01 PM
From Kingdom of Ape
26 139
lovenation Monday, 28 May 2012 06:17 PM
in my experience i can tell that If Sinhalese against us they will show openly but If Tamils against us they will laugh openly and will plan secretly
18 21
sano Monday, 28 May 2012 11:43 PM
Good one... yo the point.
0 8
Lion Monday, 28 May 2012 11:45 PM
Excellent statement howe ever much I disagree with the way he talk of General Fonseka.As he said Jaffna is not only for Tamils it is for other nationals as well.This home land concespt is not valied srilanlakans must be abled to live any where they like.He correctly said force settlement is wong and every one agrees with that.Tamils can live any where they like so why cant others.Ethinic cleansing was done By Prabakaran much earlier than Solbadan Molsawich in yogoslavia.
5 5
marina Monday, 28 May 2012 11:47 PM
Mr Gota is right in saying that as Sri Lankans we should be able to settle down anywhere in the country we wish. However, it is not ethically right for government controlled colonization of Sinhalese in Tamil areas or Tamils in Sinhala areas. Such settlements can be allowed only if someone wants to buy a property in order to settle down as a personal decision. This is already happening in places like Wellawatte.
2 28
Gokarella Monday, 28 May 2012 11:55 PM
Mifas,
Your name and your idiotic ideas suggest that you are not a Sri-Lankan, probably belonging to some primitive Middle-Eastern couintry. I think Saudi Arabia also has got a thing called Macca - sacred area, where I hear non-muslims cannot visit. Dambulla is a designated sacred area and every citizen must abide by that law of the land, yet any muslim or anybody can visit or do any legal business there. Yes Sinhalese have dominated whole of Sri-Lanka for millenia and Muslims have lived closely among Sinhalese for a very long time. So for the benefit of all Sri-Lankans, try not to disturb the sensitive and stable relation-ships among all communities.16 10
Godzilla Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:00 AM
Oi just stay where you are. That's simply all you get in this country.you guys invaded enough. If you not happy go to a muslim country. Fist.
13 3
Rom Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:08 AM
What ever said and done the fact of the matter remains,
Terrorism Segregation Greed Power thirst within the government remains...let's wait and see for the near future, SL will be another Libiya , Egypt , Tunissia, Greece ,3 5
Godzilla Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:10 AM
Well said. We might have economical Issues now, but it is more important to protect your freedom in your own country. A great respect to all brave sinhalese leaders for what they did. FYI tamils and muslims, you guys are enjoying the freedom now due to hard effort of sinhalese to save the country from para demalas. so shut up and stay where you are now. don't act fool.
16 4
Jithendra Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:24 AM
Sundram,
Please don't mislead the population by twisting the truth, the World and God will hate you and your family for such dreadful actions. First understand the meaning of "Sacred Area". Also don't show your stupid ignorence by mis-quoting. The government will never intend to demolish any mosque or any other religeous entity, but will certainly protect with due respect. The govt. only suggested to relocate the mosque to alternative place, but out of the Buddhist Sacred Areas. Hope you will give more careful in the future public expressions!12 8
jorhoo Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:43 AM
body magic will fail in cooperation with the lack of proper foreign objectsThe perfect ratio is often not a number but a chemical reaction
1 2
anton Tuesday, 29 May 2012 02:31 AM
" North not just for Tamils"
Well Said Gota.Well Said Gota.')" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px">Reply 23 19
Bobby Pereira Tuesday, 29 May 2012 02:34 AM
Dear Mr. Gotabaya,
Thank you very much for being there for us. In addition to all the great qualities and all the great things you did, I really admire your fearlessness when talking to these westerners. By invading and holding our beloved motherland for almost 500 years, the white people managed to create a class of Sri Lankan cowards who tremble with fear when they see a white man. You have guts Sir, You have balls. I salute you for that. You are a national treasure. May the triple gem and gods protect you.
Bobby Pereira, Sydney.35 22
Kiwi Tuesday, 29 May 2012 02:40 AM
Do you know of any sinhala person who says "Mage gama Yaapane"??????
31 50
Kamal Tuesday, 29 May 2012 03:34 AM
Dear Noor,
Do not come to a common understanding with an experience of one person you faced. I had same experience with few Islamic, But that is not meant all Islamic are same.
Sri Lanka most of the Tamil are Hindu, Islamic and Christians and even few buddhist
Kamal1 9
Tamil citizen Tuesday, 29 May 2012 03:46 AM
Ethnic crisis in srilanka started in 1956. Wel before LTTE era
10 35
Ind Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:11 AM
There are more Tamils living in southern areas already. Anyway anyone wish to come can come, buy and live there without any fear. Can Sinhalese do it there as well ??
16 4
chat Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:12 AM
I know many !!! Please do not say if you do not know the facts !!
22 38
Ind Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:15 AM
Are you mad. Now due to ethnic percentage, (Sinhala - 6, Tamil - 2, Muslim - 2 ect. )lot of qualified Sinhala people don't get jobs in government sector. There are enough Tamil speaking people in most of the institutes. You are talking about 1980s !
12 5
buffaloa citizen Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:18 AM
OK, then why not remove Buddhism as State religeon and also remove the lion, green, bo leaf, saffron from the national flag and create one that does not personify any religeon or race?
4 19
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:20 AM
are they allowed to run businesses in thise areas. As far as I know they are not allowed to. Do you remember what happened when Bairaha tried to open a super market there
2 23
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:23 AM
when did you conduct the census to arrive at these figures.
If there is any truth in your claims we would be having a Tamil mayor for Colombo now from TNA4 11
buffaloa citizen Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:26 AM
The sinhalese race is a product of dravidian settlements. Go to Kerala watch kathakali and see kandyan dancing...many sinhalese words are from telegu, sinhala script is a mix of malayalam, telegu and tamil. Celebration of Hindu new year is only by tamils and we know tamil civilisation is thousands of years b4 sinhalese...so in short, the sinhalese are actually dravidians trying to claim they are aryans though having dravidian culture / customs and even skin color.
3 18
Hildon Hamangoda Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:26 AM
If the demanded North is declared as Tamil area: (a.) Will all tamils living peacefuly & doing business among Singhalese outside North such as Colombo move into the new Tamil land? (b.) If they are not willing, then is the demand for a Tamil land made only by few Tamils in Jaffna? We can not give a tamil land and yet have the tamils among us.Because, where is the guarantee that they will ask for a 2nd tamil land in future? They can not have the cake and eat the cake simultaniously.Ghota R. is correct. Let everyone live anywhere in SL. Thesawalamei law should be revoked. Community based ethnic political parties who encourage racism should be rejected.Problem came so far 'cause there wasn't a single sinhala politician with a back born to say what Ghota R. said boldly. Wounds will take sometime to heal. Deffence should be carriedout around the Island. North can not be spared especially when we have already learnt a lesson.
7 7
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:28 AM
please include Matara, Anuradhapura, Dambula
5 12
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:29 AM
then what about Dambula
5 16
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:31 AM
who the hell are you to decide where and how the Tamils should live and to ask them to leave the country. The Tamils will do it their way
4 19
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:34 AM
why not.
In fact the former Speaker in the previous Chandrika's govt. even did his schooling in Jaffna2 6
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:35 AM
hiding in the jungles? Does'nt the GOSL make loud noises that they are eliminated, and make an annual thamasha at Galle Face about this achievement
1 9
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:38 AM
who is stopping you from reverting back to celebrating the new year of your choice.
Don't talk from your back side4 2
Sagara Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:36 AM
Damn it, all of us have fallen into the trap of BBC, to stir unrest in the country again.
2 6
roshan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:40 AM
yes you are absolutely wrong. May be your interpretation of the Thesavalami is correct. But that is not what is practiced.
2 9
jegan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:44 AM
Remove HSZ and give back the land to the owners, lets see if tamils if live in colombo after that..
6 8
jegan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:44 AM
like where??colombo is not south,its west..
3 5
jegan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:45 AM
Then remove buddhism as state religion and remove the symbols in national flag,so srilanka is for all.
9 9
Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:46 AM
Gota's words after Gota's war hard facts with a tinge of arrogance.
7 4
jegan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:47 AM
um remember sarath foneska??nobody fought the war alone..
4 5
ase Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:46 AM
meet two tamil friends, they speak tamil, two muslims, they speak tamil, two sinhala ? they apeak engilish or worse singlich, why they ahame and hide there origine want to show the world that thea are "kalu suddas" , if we sinhala can be proud about us, then we can change many.
6 6
ase Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:51 AM
ja, this is great but the rest ???
2 1
ase Tuesday, 29 May 2012 04:51 AM
do you tamils have those privilages in canada, aussie or in europa ???? so do not say bullswhit ok.
8 5
simple mind Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:09 AM
Very Funny commenting while living in a white dominated and ruled country. why dont you come back to SL if you care about the country so much
4 13
kiribath Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:10 AM
still not understand the problem,
1 7
vignaish Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:12 AM
Can Sinhalese man live in area which has Tamil houses left and right...
4 7
Ind Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:18 AM
From one incident cant measure the total issue. Those things can happen in any part of Sri Lanka for any race. Not for Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims.
4 4
RAJU Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:19 AM
SAME SONG WE HEARD IN THE PAST SEVERAL DECATES, NOTHING HAD CHANGE D IN THE HEART AND THE MINDS OF THE SINHALESE LEADERS.
7 13
kingBarnet@wonderlan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:23 AM
U have nuts also,sir. Be patience. Who is angry?. The person who raise the index finger. We don't want thousands of years of old Ruhunu,Maya,Pihiti again. Ruhuna fully accomplished now with Ports and Airports for u to rule in case of a calamity unexpected. We are in the mid country trapped within two borders, Nort & South (bentara belt) and will sing while traveling to open visa Ruhunu rata ...."North/South of the border, down Mademulana way........."
4 3
Fusion Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:26 AM
It should be removed! State must be separated from Religion/Race.
3 10
Fusion Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:31 AM
When did I ever try to demolish the mosque at dambulla? That mosque should be exactly where it is. The freedom to practice ones religion must apply to all citizen EQUALLY. Unfortunately with idiots like you who can't even comprehend a simple comment about separating Race/Religion from state, I don't thing this country will ever go forward.
3 7
Ranjith Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:35 AM
Well said Sir, We salute your straightforwardness & transparency
13 9
Guruge Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:41 AM
Congratulations for telling how the future ethnic balance should be
maintained. Sri Lanka is owned by all communities. There is no permanent place for Sinhala, Tamils, Muslims etc. All are children of this country.There were many traders from Matara who were living in Jaffna for decades. They were fluent in Tamil much more than a Jaffna Tamil. They loved Jaffna/Tamil culture very much.There was late Mr.Sawodis, Owner of Ananda Bakery, Point Pedro, from Matara, who lived there for 40 yrs and wanted to die there which he did. Th Best of Tamil Govt. Officers,
Civil Servants, Engineers, Doctors etc were working in Matara and Hambantota and they loved to live with us. We should have in future the same ethinic distribution in all parts.6 11
balu Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:42 AM
well said bobby!
4 4
Rizvi Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:45 AM
Read and understand what mifaz wrote, read many a time then you will understand.
3 16
sujeewa p Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:48 AM
Well said Gota. You are a brave son of this motherland.You have proved that not only by word like others but by real deed in the battle feild.
17 8
balu Tuesday, 29 May 2012 05:46 AM
pls ensure east is available for other communities & not only muslims & roads are not turned to arabic names. also same to beruwala areas. pot calling kettle black
4 4
Godaya Tuesday, 29 May 2012 06:18 AM
Looking at comments here I can see that most people stick to their beliefs and never tried to think out of their own thinking boundaries. I think everyone should forget about the dark past and look forward positively as one nation to progress individualy and as a country.
3 17
Fusion Tuesday, 29 May 2012 07:32 AM
Huh?
1 1
Amila.G Tuesday, 29 May 2012 08:12 AM
BBC is hurt ,that the war is over.
8 8
SRI LANKAN Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:37 AM
Well said sir!
8 6
SRI LANKAN Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:44 AM
If Tamils can live here in south with Sinhalese houses from left right front and behind why can't Sinhalese live with tamil houses left and right my dear brother
2 8
Saskia Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:45 AM
Those tamils living in south were not brought by the government but, in case of sinhalees, the government brings them to north as new settlement. What is the motive of this act?
3 9
henry Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:44 AM
well said sir!
thank god you as a Sinhalese have the courage to say it.10 8
shantha madawela Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:03 AM
war has finished, but not end...
2 10
AFAS Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:02 AM
Muslima can live in colombo. but can not open a shop in kiribathgoda junction?? if you help me to open a shop in kiribathgoda then i can predict the size of your brain???
1 6
Srilankan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:46 AM
No one said that the Sinhalese can't live in the north but Tamils are against the enforced colonisation, I am sure no one would like this in their back yard! Tamils who are living in the south aren't assisted by the government.
2 11
kassa Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:58 AM
Well said Mr.Gota. But who will agree to do practically this. I think personally I can not do this.However, We just travel to jaffna, after 30 year war situation.
5 3
anil.Hewawasam Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:59 AM
We are saddenned by the racist comments of people writing their comments. The racial and ethnic politics practiced and preached by the Rajapakse's has soaked into the Sinhala community. Islanders cannot surview in a ethnic and racial environment. They will starve to death. Today the country is dependent on the middle east for oil, tea exports and expatriate earnings. Similarly the country is dependent on the west for Garments and technology.
This does not mean the Sinhalese must become Christians or muslims. They need to understand that they need to co exist with other minorities . Although the principles behind Mugabe's actions are right, the method of implementation is flawed. THE RAJAPAKSE's ARE GOING EXACTLY THE MUGABE route and that is sadly the route to nowhere.4 12
rehan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:19 PM
SRI LANKA ZINDABAD.
3 6
dev Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:28 PM
Actually This land belongs to all of us. politicians are making religious issues and rassism/ language problems.
Sinhalese muslims and the tamils as a people don't have problems.
Private sector in all companies all language speaking people working to gather, but in government sector its selective.3 9
Kumar Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:31 PM
If Govt. is genuine pls drop sinhalese,Tamils & muslims & identify only as Sri Lankans
3 14
pee da mossa Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:33 PM
Well, Kiwi, there were many such Sinhala persons before they were either killed or chased out by your leader, Pirabaharan.
12 9
lochana Tuesday, 29 May 2012 08:19 PM
all these fellows are posting useless comment
0 7
Hassan Tuesday, 29 May 2012 08:54 PM
Enough racism by Tamils. We should all be able to live, work and invest in the North and East.
10 4
aj Wednesday, 30 May 2012 04:47 AM
i am a tamil and i strongly support Mr.Gota's views. These BBC idiots didnt have a problem when the LTTE carderers were all over north forcing their children to join terrorism - they have a big problem now when the official forces of this country are there providing security. These tamils they can live all over sri lanak do any busienss build flats, have shops, have temples, have festivals on galle road and fort and all over the country but sinhalese can't do anything in north. guys don;t mistake the tamils - this tamil MPs are terrorists they are not normal original tamils. this is one nation and we all must live together where ever we want.
22 13
Sumedha Wednesday, 30 May 2012 09:15 AM
Do you know how much more advance all those countries are compared to us? Lol. We'd be lucky to advance industrially to their level
1 0
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