No Tamil settlements in North before 12th Century: Prof. Jayasumana

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

There had been no Tamil settlements in the North prior to 12th century, SLPP MP Channa Jayasumana told Parliament yesterday.   

Professor Jayasumana made this remark in response to a sentiment expressed by Tamil National People’s Front MP S. Gajendran who said that the North is the traditional homelands of Tamils.    He said the large amount of funds which have been allocated to the ministry of defence and the ministry of Buddha Sasana might be used to suppress the people in the North.   

“I would like to request the opposition MP to read the report written by Professor Indrapalan who was the first Dean of the History section of the University of Jaffna which revealed that there had been no Tamil settlements in the North prior to the 12th century,” Professor Jayasumana said.   He said funds have been allocated for the development involved in other religions as well, in the vote on account.