groundviews » The unlearnt lessons of July 1983

The unlearnt lessons of July 1983

July 27, 2007 at 6:31 pm · Categories: Colombo, Human Rights, Peace and Conflict, Politics, සිංහල | by Janith Vipulaguna

මළ ජූලි හතකින්වත් පාඩමක් ෙනා ගන්නා…

Photo credit: Tamilnation.org

My article deals with the social and political after-effects of one of the most despicable episodes in Sri Lankan history - the ethnics riots of July 1983. I examine how in the intervening years, Sri Lanka’s political establishment has failed to address the growth of hate and violence, and how even certain sections of the religious establisment now see and promote war and violence as viable means to peace. Sections of the Buddhist clergy are notable in this regard.

We also see that in combatting the terrorism of the LTTE, we have now already unquestioningly entertained the growth of political terrorism. Terror against terror defines the age we live in - and I ask, have we really learnt anything from our sordid experience of ethno-political violence?

Read my article in full here.

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Melvin Ally said,

July 30, 2007 @ 6:40 pm

I think that it is fitting that the Head of State dedicates a monument to all the people who suffered during the ‘83 riots - be they from any ‘race’. We can have it right next to a monument dedicated to our Armed Forces (which might cool down our ‘patriots’). But a sincere apology must be made on behalf of all Sri Lankans and only then can we move forward as one nation.

Of course I dont have facts for this but I would imagine that most of the LTTE cadres have joined the LTTE because they still bear the scars and wounds of ‘83. Not that the monument will heal and wipe away all the hatred and anger, but its definitely a step in the right direction…

suntzu said,

July 31, 2007 @ 12:17 pm

Melvin Ally…You said…”I think that it is fitting that the Head of State dedicates a monument to all the people who suffered during the â83 riots - be they from any âraceâ.”
What do you mean by any race?
It was purely only the tamils who suffered during the ‘83 riots.

ps. All minorities (sinhala christians, burghers, tamils and muslims) have suffered since 1948 through the majority rule of the Sinhala Buddhists and it’s the tamils who have suffered the most. When the British left in 1948…it was like falling from the frying pan into the fire. I personally prefer being governed by the British or by some other First World Country rather than by the Sinhala Buddhist Majority! When the British left this country…they left it a Democracy…but today Sri Lanak has turned into Theocracy!

Sarath said,

August 5, 2007 @ 6:46 pm

But suntzu, the Sinhala Buddhists, Tamil Hindus and Muslims suffered under Christian rule when Buddhism and Hinduism and Islam were oppressed and attacked by Christians. The Muslims were attacked by the Catholics and sought refuge among Buddhistsand then the Catholics were attacked by the Protestant Dutch and sought refuge among the Buddhists. It was among the Sinhala Buddhists that there was true freedom of religion - certainly not under the Colonials who looked upon only Christianity as a worthy religion.

suntzu said,

August 8, 2007 @ 8:27 am

I agree Sarath that the Buddhists and the Tamils and Muslims from time to time were oppressed by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. But does that now give the majority Buddhists the right to impose their religious and cultural values (not forgetting the “Sinhala Only” disaster of 1956) on the minorities!

1. Under the Solbury constitution all religions were given equal status, but in the 1972 Republican constitution this was changed and Buddhism was given the foremost place. Itâs the same with the present constitution.

2. After 1956 people who worked in the public sector whoâs mother tongue was Tamil or English, had to learn Sinhala in 2 years time if they wanted to get a promotion.

3. The sale of meat and liquor was banned every full moon day, while all film halls remained closed and after television came along only religious programmes were shown on this day.

4. Private Christian schools were nationalized in the 1960s.

5. Buddhists and non Buddhists were forced to have the Sinhala âSriâ on their vehicles when the Tamils protested over this, they were beaten up by Sinhala mobs.

6. The university entrance exam in the 1970s was standardized and Buddhist students where given preference over Hindu students.

These are just some of the things perpetrated by the majority on the minorities (not forgetting the holocaust of the Tamils in July1983). Over to you Sarath!

[Editors note: Dear Suntzu, I have deleted extensive references to the religious texts and would encourage you to keep comments short and to the point. I trust the core of your submission is captured in the edited version above.]

suntzu said,

August 8, 2007 @ 10:42 am

WELL….hmmmm…if Sarath writes back could i use some of the religious text from the Bible and the Koran? Because followers of both these religions have been given the right to eat certain sorts of meat…though some Buddhist clergy try to say otherwise.