Rajasingham Narendran, in May 2013, responding to the President’s Victory Day Speech … courtesy of Colombo Telegraph where comments will be found
While the 4th February is often a moment for fanfare and pomposity, so too is the 19th May now celebrated in most (but not all) parts of Sri Lanka and the occasion for a display of leadership and sermons from above. But sermons and addresses can, in this democratic age, flow both ways. At a time when we are seeking pathways that will generate amity among ethnic and religious communities at loggerheads and acrimonious political rivalries at many levels it is advisable for us to take note of voices of dissent and caution that are not an integral part of these divisive forces, especially where those vices demand self-examination. As with the interventions of Izeth Hussain and Jayantha Dhanapala, the courageous efforts of Rajasingham in Narendran challenging various Presidential proclamations provide us, one and al, with food for thought… and, of course, debate – debate in the democratic manner that President Rajapaksa must perforce embrace. Unless our political associations and leaders look deep within themselves and re-examine cherished notions, the roads to reconciliation will remain blocked and potholed. Needless to say, this applies to the Tamil and Muslim political forces as well. Michael Roberts
I read with much interest the President’s ‘Victory Day’ speech at the Galle Face Green, yesterday, reproduced in CT. While I agree with much of his recount of recent history, there are glaring gaps in the story he recalled. Further, he has failed to address the current concerns of the victims his forces liberated at all. I have selected some sentences and sections from his address to express my concerns.
- “Today we have the fourth opportunity to celebrate with dignity the great victory of our Motherland.”
Mr. President, victory over whom? I raise this question in terms of the word ‘Conquered’ used in a war memorial in Mullaitivu. Was it a victory over the LTTE or the Tamils? Motherland! Whose? I did not see any opposition figures in the podium? There were also no representatives of the Tamils, who were liberated by the armed forces, on the podium. I also did not see any Hindu priests, Christian padres or Muslim Moulavis on the podium, except for a handful of Buddhist monks. The absence of Sarath Fonseka, the man who led the army from the front, at this function and his name and role not being even mentioned were glaring omissions that portrayed the smallness this great country is being reduced to. Continue reading →
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