Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

22  May 2017

The Right to Mourn

Last night’s emails included one on  the subject matter of  ‘Tamils’ Right to Mourn’:

[The International Truth and Justice Project calls upon the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that their police immediately desist from threatening and intimidating Tamil activists and their families, after banning them from commemorating those who died in the civil war by carving their names on stones in Mullivaikkal.

“The right to mourn is universal; you cannot prevent mothers and fathers from mourning their children even if they are LTTE cadres which we don’t know in this case,” said the International Truth and Justice Project’s executive director, Yasmin Sooka. “This is criminalising Tamils even beyond death; it’s utterly absurd and more so in a country that talks all the time about reconciliation.”]

As I write I hear the funeral music from next door where a grandmother has passed away. Last week when I heard that she was unconscious and was still kept at home – I advised the son-in-law through my position as his employer – to take her to the Jaffna hospital – saying she was entitled to be treated there. Eventually that did happen and the lady passed away there. During the time of her sickness, hardly anyone came to see her. But since yesterday, I have been hearing loud cries of mourning – known as ‘Oppari’ and right now there is funeral music including ‘para mehlam’ / drums beaten by Pariahs.

To my mind, much of it is to ‘show’ that the family has honored its mother. In terms of sharing what they had – at the primary level – this family did share their food and space with their mother. But as the mother aged – she was confined to a shed. Hence my suggestion that she be taken to the Public hospital. In terms of this family, their Natural / Universal right to mourn is limited to the degree of care provided to the old lady when she was alive – relative to the common member of the family which may be a grandchild. It is when we are free that our Truth is transparent. Hence confidential voting.

The family’s right to mourn is determined by their ‘inclusiveness’ as part of themselves, the person who has passed away. So long as they do so – within the boundaries of family and their natural community – they are well within the law. But beyond that it is very much a Public issue and the government has the responsibility to take care of the Common interest of the Public in that part of the nation. How we feel is our right. How we express that feeling is limited by the contribution we make to commonness in that environment.

Last evening for example, I noted a young guy sleeping at our temple. Limiting access to the temple for prayers and meditation has been a major task through which I have been contributing to Postwar healing and development in this part of Sri Lanka. People come to the temple regularly to cry their hearts out and ask for redemption. I believe that by feeling for them – I mourn with them. During post-Tsunami Reconstruction work in Eastern Sri Lanka, also we met at the temple for Reconstruction work but the folks cried their hearts out over children lost by joining the LTTE. The LTTE leadership understandably did not honor them at the highest level – for example by the leader signing the death certificates issued by the LTTE.  In that kind of movement, self-management of mourning is part of the deal. Otherwise they are NOT freedom fighters.

When I walked up close to the guy sleeping at the temple – I realized that he was the one sourced by us when they staged ‘Kathavarayan Koothu’ – a folk dance drama that seems to be part of them. I ‘toned down’ my expression and said in common terms – ‘please do not sleep here nor leave your slippers here. Please remove the bicycle from the premises. The temple is for prayers and meditation related activities.’ So saying I walked back to my cottage. A few minutes later the guy asked to speak to me and I opened the gate for him to come in. He said not rudely but more factually – that as a child he had been in and out of the temple to play and did  as he pleased until I came from Australia and now all that privilege is gone. He said he was now 30 years of age and it is frustrating to be so regulated. I said I am now 67 years old and it was understandable that until about 10 years ago he had not seen me coming to the temple. I said we regularly  came over from Jaffna town to celebrate festivals at the temple and that even when we did not come we had caretakers to take care of the temple. I said if he thought that I was being unjust – to make the necessary complaint to the authorities concerned. They do have village level administration and governance and hence my suggestion. He soon left – saying yet again that I had come from Australia and limited their freedom.

I was already feeling low, due to having to monitor at base level the record keeping without which overpayments are likely to happen. The camera people also have been slow in their response and all this were already making me wonder whether my ‘project’ had been completed? I felt sad as well as relieved that I did not have to do all the menial work with least facilities here, on top of my ‘training work’ at Vaddukoddai. Then another lady from Thunaivi rang and wanted to come over and talk to me. I said ok. The lady’s problem was that the Court had ruled against them using a particular pathway and in favor of a later resident. Neither has lawful title. The latter had ‘told’ them not to use the pathway and this upset this lady to whom that area had been ‘home’ since her marriage. Then the penny dropped! I had to have the discomfort of being disobeyed despite being and known to being the lawful owner of our property. When this lady whose son is now training to be a Policeman – lamented – I shared my experience with her and she said if they could do this to me – a lawful owner and one who has provided so much common facilities  – then hers was less painful. The lady said that she came to the temple often to cry her heart out. This time also she felt relieved.

I asked the lady as to how the Court could have ruled in favor of the other guy who was also not the lawful owner and a later use of the pathway – the lady promptly said ‘Arak & Gold-leaf’ / Alcohol & Cigarettes. Again, I felt that my problems with the Northern Courts were weaker relative to this which affects the local status of the victims. When they come to me and I mark them ‘right’ they feel even, less emotional and more rational.

Those like Ms. Yasmin Sooka, who are recommending global privileges to our local folks need to first invest in the deservedness of these folks to public mourning – especially considering that LTTE are very much part of the Tamil Community and they would labeled those who mourned the relatives killed by the Tigers ‘traitors’.

Like these local folks who were not there for the old lady once her ‘use by’ date had expired, the LTTE also were not there for the families that lost sons and daughters. The LTTE leader who broke his own rules in relation to family life, lost the ability to develop family based governance. Likewise, Ms Yasmin Sooka who is using her association with the UN – is losing her credibility by using the ‘Universal’ to a statement of principle which does not apply to this particular part of the globe. 

Local folks here need their own measures to manage their pleasures and pains within their own affordable rights. Over-enthusiastic global players need to respect that privacy they need – including in mourning. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

21  May 2017

Eelam Tamil Nadu Armed Corpse

ANZAC & ETNAC

On 25 April we celebrate ANZAC day, the significance of which is explained by the officials as follows:

[When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world. When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers had died in the campaign. Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy. What became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future.]

Considering that the LTTE were a minority group within minority Tamils in Sri Lanka, technically speaking they could easily have been defeated by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Like the 8000 plus soldiers who died in the war against Turkey, the level soldiers who died in the Sri Lankan war was far above that which could be projected as per the ‘seen’ power of numbers. Until therefore the Sri Lankan Government asks itself as to WHY that was the case, the problem will remain and grow itself in the Sri Lankan Government’s mind and the minds of those who rely on the government to find the solutions. In any case, celebrating a victory on that basis is to fool oneself.

The Sunday Observer Editorial under the Subject Heading ‘ One War Many Memories’  

states as follows:

[Last Friday, President Maithripala Sirisena, in his speech at the Remembrance Ceremony of the Armed Forces, emphasized both, the need for a nation’s military strength as well as the need that is expressly symbolised by the remembrance of this particular war – the need for inter-ethnic reconciliation after a war over inter-ethnic problems.

The ethics and political professionalism of a governmental leadership that directed the armed forces in the final years of this war may be questioned. After all, the Rajapaksa regime – while thriving on massive corruption partly benefiting from armaments – adopted a crude, simplistic strategy of ultra-nationalist ethnic mobilization that focused on the military defeat of the insurgency without any political management of the motivations of those Sri Lankan citizens active in the insurgency or who supported it. The resultant defeat of an insurgency fought by and supported by a section of the citizenry, while certainly being a heroic success for the Sri Lankan armed forces, is more a challenge to the nation as a whole rather than simply a ‘victory’.

That is why Remembrance Day is one of remembering the human sacrifice and bravery rather than a celebration of a victory.]

This ‘enlightenment’ does not appear to have come from admitting to the injustice meted out to Tamils – including the LTTE over whom Armed Soldiers who deviated from the laws of disciplinary action as internals and/or war as externals – did not have any authority to attack.

To know why something that affected us happened we need to seek and find the source of our motivation. ANZAC purpose is highlighted as follows:

[in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world]

The Battle of Vanni happened at that time at that place due to the desire of the Government to ‘show’ victory. The soldiers died so Politicians could get a name. Not many would have been motivated by the grand aim of ‘protecting the nation’ from an enemy. To the extent they did – they were fighting against LTTE to protect the Sinhala Nation and not to Defend Sri Lanka in Common. Whether we like it or not – as per the law, LTTE are Sri Lankans. As per their Truth – LTTE fought also to empower those who resourced them – primarily Indian Politicians. Mr. Modi  as per his Natural makeup – assumed that position and hence the recent declarations here in Sri Lanka.

Recently, an American Academic of Lankan origin – asked during discussion: on Reconciliation and in response to a Sinhala National presenting her side and me the Tamil side  :

 [With such opposite viewpoints, one is entitled to ask where is the common  ground for the much vaunted Reconciliation between Tamils and Sinhala (and Muslims)?  

Are all these "unity and peace" do-gooders living in a delusionary and hallucinatory world?

Isn't Reconciliation a mirage, a distraction, and a waste of time and resources, as Sri Lanka totters on the brink of bankruptcy?]

I responded as follows:

 ‘Yes, the differences are irreconcilable. But those who have benefits from making those promises – do not want to accept that reality. It’s like Budgets with no reference to Actuals’

The American asked:

[But whose fault is that? Tamils' fault, fair and square.

Why aren't rich Colombo Tamils and rich Tamil diaspora not investing in Jaffna? Do they only go to Jaffna for a  "good time"?  Then write scathing reports about Tamil neglect by the Center?

This constant moaning and groaning has to stop. Sri Lanka is tottering on the brink of sovereign bankruptcy, and it is now in everybody's interest and future to stop the bickering.  Unite, they must, to save the country. The alternative evokes a vision from Hell!

How many Tamil MPs are dual citizens? With Swiss bank accounts like MP Geetha? Geetha ought to face a firing squad for blatant hypocrisy and double standards.

Don't bank on Reconciliation, Mr Prime Minister.  Get real!  Enough of this game of smoke-and-mirrors played out by the previous rogues' gallery of Mahinda Rajapakse.]

To the above response was annexed the Colombo Page article ‘Northern economy must be developed for Sri Lanka's growth – PM’

My response was:

[That is Jaffna. We are law unto ourselves.  Those who want to invest in Jaffna take on that risk – that the Jaffna man would take the benefits if the game is brought down to lower level. They are ‘free’ of the Central Government’s influence over them. The Tigers wrote the last chapter of that. One who comes to Jaffna largely for economic purposes is likely to be disappointed or even feel cheated. One who comes for that Independence – will be rewarded. The source of that are the intellectuals like Prof. Satha’s ancestors to whom Jaffna was also home]

They say that we get the behavior we reward. Once the Activity / Game is brought down to the direct level – we often fail to pass them through laws/plans/budgets. If we do not consciously ‘think’ and feel ‘free’ we end up showing our Truth. Where one does not have influence over minds of those whom s/he is managing, that Truth would guide the manager in good order. The Truth about Jaffna is that there aren’t enough managers because majority are driven by outcomes they think they are entitled to. The targets outlined by the Prime Minister are listed as follows:

Special focus to develop economy of North and East 

1,000 state sector jobs to Jaffna grads 

Expressway system to be developed in the North with Indian assistance

Tourism Task Force to visit Jaffna to explore new opportunities 

Read with focus the essence of the above message is to announce the entry of Indian investors in Northern Sri Lanka.  State sector jobs carry the risk of heavy idleness due to serious lack of order in State enterprises in Northern Sri Lanka. Jaffna needs investment in serving ‘outsiders’ including those from Colombo as per the standards of the higher side – especially when it is the Customer. This has been part of my ‘service’ here in Jaffna town. I reward those who connect to my mind more quickly than other service providers. So, having a good time is ok – so long as the higher standards that the Diaspora has to provide in Western Nations are shared here in Jaffna. Indians discarded by their government will pollute Jaffna – the example being IPKF – Indian Peace Keeping Force. We do not want another Indian Politician getting killed due to collusion between armed Tamils and Sinhalese.

Our parallel of ANZAC is ETNAC Eelam Tamil Nadu Armed Corps. When I honored Australian soldiers on ANZAC day – I honored also Tamils who suffered and paved the way for Peace for their heirs. Those who died in May 2009 – in Vanni contributed to Independence – some through Conscious purpose and others like the ANZAC legends, by becoming  the victims of lack of that Independence. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

20  May 2017

Mr. Australian Border Force,

Stay within your position borders please!

As per latest Hindu report headed - Australia exploring options to rehabilitate Lankan Tamils, Australian Border Force is representing Australian Government in relation to Tamil Refugees. The position taken by any official needs to be within the borders of her/his position. Does Mr. Roman Quaedvlieg APM, Commissioner, Australian Border Force, have the authority to discuss refugee issues relating to a  Community which includes the LTTE who have been labeled as Global Terrorists as per the influence of the Sri Lankan Government, with the Chief Secretary of  India’s Tamil Nadu – as if we Tamils are Stateless orphans. To the extent LTTE were judged through International laws, we Tamils who include them as part of our Community – are entitled to global status including as refugees.

Yesterday, in response to my article ‘One Indian Doesn’t  Sri Lanka-Indian State Make’ a  leader who to my mind is Sinhalese loyalist wrote:

The unpalatable truth is

* Indians were imported by colonials to work as slave labor on Sri Lanka’s plantations.

*  They were granted ‘stateless persons’ citizenship by Sri Lanka after independence.

* India does not officially recognize Sri Lankan Tamils as Persons of Indian Origin inspite of being originally born in South India. 

* Sri Lankan Tamils are granted asylum under ‘strategic, political & humanitarian grounds’ not because they originated from India. 

* Sri Lankan Tamils are NOT entitled to residence permits in India.

* Sri Lankan Tamil refugees CANNOT own land, houses or vehicles in India. 

* Even a request by Tamil Nadu in 2009 to grant Sri Lankan Tamil refugees Indian citizenship was turned down by the Indian Centre.

so what is India upto?

Tamil Nadu leaders are likely due to their emotional and cultural commonness to push their Central Government to accept Tamils of Sri Lanka. To the extent these moves are Belief based – it is healthy for India even if the requests are officially refused. But such is not the case with Australian Administrators. Did Mr. Modi who is the leader of that Central Government earn the credit of Stateless Tamils of Indian origin residing in Sri Lanka after the Central Government declined parallel status to Sri Lankan Tamils who fled Sri Lanka due to the war? We earn credits through our positions when we forego immediate benefits. Those who enjoy status benefits beyond their position borders are demoting the issue to lower levels – depriving those affected of their rights at global level until proven otherwise through those very global measures.

Tamils of Sri Lanka whose militants have been judged as Terrorists by the custodians of Global Power – are entitled to the same treatment as their opposition – the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Since we were listed as Terrorists first – the opposition also needs to be ruled through the same measure. A mistress  becomes a wife only due to her commitment to her position which is part of the big picture of Sovereignty. A wife by name becomes a mistress by enjoying immediate pleasures through activities where she is the boss. By naming the LTTE Terrorist through International laws and principles – the LTTE has been elevated to the official position – albeit as a terrorizing wife. In turn, the Sri Lankan Armed forces have been neglected and allowed to deteriorate to their individual positions as mistresses.

The natural authority to be wife /  official comes from our commitment to the position in its current form  and/or  those who originated that position and its big institutional picture. The example that comes to mind is as per the following report:

[UPFA Parliamentarian Dullas Alahapperuma today charged that thousands of disabled war heroes are suffering in the country and that none of the current Cabinet Ministers remembered to even offer an almsgiving on their behalf. 

However, they very eagerly gave the opportunity for the people in the North to remember their dead relatives, he said, speaking at a press conference held at the Abhayaramaya Temple, Narahenpita]

 Mr. Alahapperuma is a former Minister confirms that he did not use that opportunity to develop higher thinking of Common Minister. As per the system of Democracy, a politician is entitled to articulate as per her/his elected position on behalf of that part of the whole. To earn the ‘right’ to express on behalf of the whole nation, the Politician needs to include all People as part of her/himself. In this instance, Northern Sri Lankans are alienated by Mr. Alahapperuma. Hence Mr. Alahapperuma needed merit based measurement to express rights and wrongs. Otherwise, the group on whose behalf he expressed earns the debits through the system of Natural Justice. Expressions of alleged belief when used hastily – invoke the other side when the person who so expresses invades the space that the other side is entitled to.

The Commissioner, Australian Border Force, did not have the authority to discuss Tamil Refugee issues with Indian Tamils. By doing so – the Australian Official has confirmed that in his mind Tamils are all Indians. After all, that was how I was listed by the Australian Police when I was arrested for exercising my lawful rights as Australian, to speak to the Vice Chancellor of the University of NSW about the work I had done as per the position for which I was recruited.

When Australian officials stay within their earned borders – as per the laws that gives them the higher status at international  level, Australian borders would be protected by Natural Forces of true Australians to whom that part of the world is ‘Home’ including by the Truth they / we surfaced about our own failures to govern justly. If  Mr. Roman Quaedvlieg admired Mr. Malcolm Turnbull the individual and Mr. Turnbull in turn admired Mr. Modi – then the official borders are diffused – to make the areas ‘free’ – as if we are all children of One World. At primary level such ‘freedom’ causes disorder unless we all have equal status. At tertiary level – such ‘freedom’ comes perfect order because someone has sacrificed earned benefits to become Common. Gandhi earned British benefits but sacrificed them to become Common to both nations. One who invokes Gandhi with belief – will naturally be global. To such a person matter / visible outcome would rank last – certainly below mind / Due Process common to all. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

19  May 2017

http://austms.blogspot.com.au/

One Indian Doesn’t  Sri Lanka-Indian State Make

I learnt from Dr. Christopher Pulle the saying ‘One Swallow Doesn’t a Summer Make’. Was reminded of that this morning when reading the Hindu article The Long Journey of a Forgotten People by Ms Meera Srinivasan.

Ms Srinivasan states:

[Several decades of neglect by the plantation companies and the state, that earned huge profits and export revenue from the estate workers’ cheap labour, have pushed hill-country Tamils to the margins of society. Northern Tamils underplay their sacrifices in the armed struggle, forgetting that many of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam cadre who died in the final offensive in May 2009 were those who migrated from the hill country.]

The question is the inner purpose that brought the Hill-country Tamils to Northern Sri Lanka. Did they come for employment purposes or did they come as representatives of Hill-Country Rebels against the Government? If latter – who was their leader – as Karuna Amman was of Batticaloa Tamils? Like elected leaders, one needs particular ‘form’ to show their specific contribution to an outcome. That group is limited to the credits and debits of the leader for particular ownership. The rest is Common which is most effective when least shown.

Land is the basis of ownership form in this instance. Hill Country Tamils have to first become Jaffna Tamils in their own minds – to be entitled to equal share of credit as a Jaffna Tamil in the struggle to maintain our Independence at earned levels. Armed struggle is truly secondary to Jaffna Tamils in our investment to maintain that Independence earned especially through our investment in higher education. In terms of Natural challenges, Jaffna is dry while Hill country is cool. Those to whom Jaffna is ‘home’ accept the discomfort of extreme heat more readily than others. The investment in Independence by Jaffna Tamils is preserved in this Land as Energy – and that Energy raises Itself to support anyone fighting for Independence through any pathway and to whom Jaffna is home. Armed Tamils are known to have killed some of those who were seeking through other pathways – for example, Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam. Often it happens when armed leadership is accepted by the general public to whom it does not matter whether Rama or Ravana rules Sri Lanka. Hence they are comfortably subdued until the problem is at their own doorstep and/or inside their own homes. Jaffna Tamils are now experiencing this.

Now, living in Vaddukoddai which was represented by the Hon Neelan Thiruchelvam, why we could not invoke the powers of Vaddukoddai to protect us from the Government Forces. The vision of the folks here – to whom Vaddukoddai is now home are not able to invoke those higher level powers to seek Independence on behalf of all groups. The lower the pathway, the more limited the partnership. The folks here change the rules to suit the outcomes they desire.

I feel that Dr. Thiruchelvam would have been better off following through the legal pathway. Recently I was surprised to learn the following from a Tamil lawyer in a Colombo law firm to whom I wrote inquiring about representation in a Colombo Appeal matter:

Colombo Tamil Lawyer:

[I am sure that you must be having a Lawyer already representing you.  We are reluctant to take over a case handled by another Lawyer.]

The ensuing communication went as follows:

Gaja:

Yes, I had Mr. Manoharan as the instructing solicitor and Mr. Parathalingam as the Barrister. But Mr. Parathalingam undertook without any advice to me,  to represent our opposition in a Testamentary matter here in Jaffna. I was very upset by this and asked Mr. Manoharan to terminate the services of Mr. Parathalingam. Mr. Manoharan withdrew stating health reasons but I feel that it was because he did not want to upset Mr. Parathalingam. I have since then represented myself.

After hearing this if you are still reluctant to take on the matter – I would conclude that you are also not committed to professional ethics.

Colombo Tamil Lawyer:

Dear Ms. Gajalakshmi,

I refer to your e-mail of 15^th May 2017.

What do you mean by stating that “I would conclude that you are also not committed to professional ethics”.  Is ‘not’ erroneously used.  Please clarify.

Gaja

Thank you Mr. ……..

No, the word NOT is not erroneously used. It is in its right place. The clarification goes as follows:

You state as your ‘ rule ’ – whether it is based on a legal principle or not - :

“I am sure that you must be having a Lawyer already representing you.  We are reluctant to take over a case handled by another Lawyer.”

If in your mind, a lawyer cannot take on the case handled by  another lawyer, without going through DUE PROCESS – then  a lawyer also has the duty as per that ‘ rule ‘ to not take on an opposition as a client while representing one client, during the period of that representation. Mr. Parathalingam did not have even the courtesy to inform me or our instructing solicitor Mr. Manoharan, leave alone following Due Legal Process.

To my mind, a lawyer is a combination of a Judge and the Litigant represented by her/him. When the mind of the lawyer is ‘opposed’ to her/his client – the lawyer loses her/his capability to represent that litigant during the period the first matter is active. If Mr. Parathalingam sought to represent our opposition in the Jaffna matter – he had the duty to first excuse himself from our Colombo matter. He failed in that duty as a professional. We have this kind of process in Auditing services and I was trained by M/S Satchithananda Schokman Wijeratne  & Co and even now Mr. Paupati refers to me as a star student.  

It is my understanding that as per Due Process the Judge who heard the case has to deliver judgment. But as per Due Process  - another judge of a higher court does have the authority to rule in that  matter after the matter had been completed at the primary level. My request to you came along that process.

In your case,  the Public have priority access above fellow lawyers, to your loyalty to the profession. To my eye,  your response seemed very similar to that of Mr. Manoharan who did not want to get a debit point from Mr. Parathalingam.  Being committed to Due Process, we both filed the papers confirming the termination of services of the lawyers. I have been representing myself since then. I am ‘free’ of any obligation to those lawyers who were scratching each other’s back.

Hope this clarifies.

Dr. Thiruchelvam died because he sought the higher pathway of the Constitution-making when the lower pathway of armed struggle was still active. International leaders keep finding fault with the Sri Lankan Government for not abiding by International laws. The way the Sri Lankan Constitution has been crafted – it following some provisions would defeat the parallel International law. When the Constitution becomes a summary of Political promises – it distracts the citizen from her/his own natural Constitution. Such a Constitution becomes a pleasant dream when one has custody of power and nightmare when one loses power.

The claim that Hill-country Tamils are entitled to Equal  share in the investment made by Jaffna Tamils in self-determination -  is such a dream. As per true contribution including through the higher pathways – Hill-country Tamils are the most junior section within the  Sri Lankan Tamil Community and they are not yet mature enough for equal leadership of the whole – no more mature than LTTE was to lead intellectual Tamils. If indeed the LTTE had not been defeated – Tamils of Sri Lanka would have been limited to lower pathways to enjoy ‘freedom’ the physical cost of which is much higher than the intellectual pathway. Pushing the Indian Tamil mandate is likely to kill more of them.

Premature assumption of leadership limits one’s vertical development towards higher pathways. It’s by foregoing the benefits when we reach the milestones that we make ourselves ready to the next stage of the pathway to the goal of Independence for ALL. One who limits shrinks her/his world. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

18  May 2017

Jaffna the litmus test for Democracy in Sri Lanka

I arrived at around 1300 hours at our Vaddukoddai training Centre. The current training is how to be an orderly customer. Kajani, one of our regular trainee customers arrive about 10 minutes after my arrival and said words to the effect ‘Ammah (Madam) is late today’. It was quite annoying given that I had to clean the place, arrange the goods and look ready for the students who would arrive around 1300 hours. In the olden days, Kajani would have been part of the workforce doing the above jobs. But now, to pave way for democracy, it is largely ‘Do It Yourself’ by the Australian Tamil Management Service. I reminded myself that I was in Vaddukoddai not because Kajani asked me to go there but because I chose to be there. I said to Kajani that it was a Service and not Business and hence the start time is the time I arrive there. I reminded her that the center was to Train (especially students like her daughter who is now studying at Jaffna College) and not to trade. I said if she did not follow the rules set by me – I would seriously consider closing down that project. Kajani became quiet and ‘waited’ for me to announce when I was ready. But that experience reminded me about the need to write my own reports about the value of my work. Further  reminder about the costs to me came last night when we had a blackout. If not for my mobile phone, I was completely cut off from the even the folks on the other side of the road who do not like coming onto our side which is considered Toddy Tapper village. Kajani’s attitude confirmed the risk of reverse discrimination to the extent I was seen to be of higher caste. When the higher caste ruled officially, many used the lower castes for menial jobs and then discarded them. Now in reverse discrimination the lower castes who are ‘compensated’ use the likes of me and then start ‘telling us’. I kept vigil in that consciousness and then resumed my paperwork once electricity was restored.

This morning brought news report headed : International Crisis Group: Sri Lanka's Transition to Nowhere.  The opening paragraph goes as follows:

[Two years into President Maithripala Sirisena’s term, Sri Lanka’s fragile hopes for lasting peace and cooperation across party and ethnic lines are imperilled. Despite significant achievements in the coalition government’s first nine months, progress on most of its reform agenda has slowed to a crawl or been reversed. As social tensions rise and the coalition slowly fractures, it is unclear whether it can push its signature new constitution through parliament and to a national referendum. Neither the president nor prime minister has made a serious attempt to win support for a more inclusive polity or to reform the national security state to tackle the institutionalised impunity that has fed ethnic unrest and harmed all communities. To protect democratic gains, enable lasting reforms and reduce risks of social and political conflict, the “unity government” should put aside short-term party and individual political calculations and return to a politics of reform and openness.

Ambitious promises to improve the economy, eliminate corruption, restore rule of law, address the legacy of war and write a new constitution remain largely unrealized ]

The above reminds me of Lawrence Pathinathar’s question to me at our last gathering of Engineers’ of Sri Lanka in Sydney. I said to Pathi that these days I say to Param that I felt led down because when I married Param, I thought he was very intelligent!  Pathi smiled and promptly asked me ‘Did Param  ever say to you that he was clever?’  We ask the International Crisis Group  and indeed the so-called International community – Did we Sri Lankans say that we were clever economists, clean of corruption, followers of Law & Order and wrote our Constitution to preserve our heritage also? Did other nations not have these problems? This morning’s news all the way from Australia, for example included the following:

[One of Australia's most senior tax officials is entangled in a major fraud investigation involving his son in which $165 million was allegedly stolen from the Commonwealth.] ABC News

In democracy, the election promises are to voters and not to others – including those who fund governments. Did Sri Lankan voters of majority race expect the promise of Peace? NO. Minorities who earned Peace by not taking eye for an eye – became the media of those who were entitled to but were denied their leadership positions in Sri Lanka. That happened through the system of Truth. The International Crisis Group is one such source, to the extent it forewent earned benefits for its work in Sri Lanka for Sri Lankans.

Not only the Government but all those who take on management positions are part of the Management that has the duty to uphold democracy by limiting their shown judgments to 50%. The rest has to happen bottom up including by Management becoming part of the managed. As I said recently to one of my clients, if I do for someone that which s/he could do, then I take on their weaknesses. If for example, I do for the folks of Vaddukoddai – that which they themselves can do – I take on their weaknesses. Likewise, the international community that does what Sri Lankans can themselves do. When we share on the basis of Need – both sides become stronger.

Shamara Wettimuny of Ground Views for example poses the question ‘Sorting Bad Apples: Is Lustration the Answer to Sri Lanka’s Military Impunity?’ The response that comes from within me is ‘Apple does not fall far from the Tree’. Once the tree is taken to the grounds that is its ‘home’ its apples become harmless. Hence the facility to vote as per our belief and enjoy the values of Democracy. When Hambantota goes International the apples pollute the International Community that expected as per its own desires.

The Jaffna Apple Tree was also taken to India and hence this government is now considering bringing in Indian teachers to teach in Hill Country. Today is a day of mourning for many Jaffna Tamils due to Battle of Vanni in 2009.  Did Jaffna Tamils die to satisfy Indian Tamil expectations? Every Tamil who accepted armed struggle – killed the investment of fellow Tamils in intellectual pathway to freedom from desire for matter.

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

17  May 2017

Was Mr. Modi Messenger of Buddha?

Our debtor repeated the excuses he had been over many months now – to explain why he did not pay his loan installments and promising to settle during my next visit. I said finally, that what he does to me is done to Mother Kali with whom we shared common faith. He seemed a bit shocked. But the secular principles did not seem to have any effect on him. Hence I had to resort to Common Belief.  I have noted the deterioration of his personal business but did not want to make a connection between our debt and his failure in business. But this time I was determined to have my say through my system of belief. The guy left soon, promising to pay at least one more installment within a week.

Talking to most of these folks through the official laws would not work, for the simple reason that they have not invested much in the official system over the war period. Many within the Sri Lankan community of Sinhala origin seem upset by the recent Sri Lankan visit of  Indian Prime Minister the Hon Narendra Modi. Island Newspaper’s reporter Shamindra Ferdinando for example has expressed this through the article ‘Is security of India and Sri Lanka indivisible?’:

[Obviously, Hindu nationalist Modi has conveniently forgotten how India caused regional crisis by destabilizing Sri Lanka to such an extent to compel the then JRJ government to accept deployment of the Indian Army in the Northern and Eastern Provinces]

How far back does one go into one’s memory to attribute causal reasoning of a manifestation? As per the above, the time border seems to be drawn as PM Rajiv Gandhi’s rule. Rajiv Gandhi’s mind obviously would have been connected to that of his mother who is known to have supported the Tamil rebellion. Did Mrs. Gandhi have responsibility at regional level, to maintain general order at Governmental level?  When are leaders entitled to use discretionary powers on the basis of their personal belief? The personal mind-influence is indicated as follows:

[President J. R. Jayawardene did not enjoy the same warm relationship with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that he had enjoyed with her father, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Thus, with the outbreak of Black July ethnic riots, the Indian government decided to support the insurgent groups operating in Northern Sri Lanka.[citation needed] From mid 1983, on the instructions of Indira Gandhi, RAW began funding, arming and training several Tamil insurgent groups.] Wikipedia

Is one just in resorting to personal belief when the common law does not work? To my mind, it is a definite YES! – as stated above in relation to our debtor. In fact, the Sri Lankan Constitution provides for this through Article 9 which states:

[Buddhism

9. The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(1)(e).]

To be logical, the relativity needs to be to non-religious secular laws and principles. Hence, Article 9 permits the use of Lord Buddha’s mind the age of which is indicated as follows:

[The times of Gautama's birth and death are uncertain. Most historians in the early 20th century dated his lifetime as circa 563 BCE to 483 BCE]

Until therefore an Indian leader chooses the mind of a leader before Buddha – for example – Krishna or Rama to ‘show’ outcomes and reasoning, through that  measure of right or wrong in the case of Sri Lanka, that leader is not wrong in terms of India-Sri Lanka relationship. It is therefore understandable that Mrs. Gandhi acted as she did AFTER the open invasive entry of armed troops in Northern Sri Lanka which resulted in the 1983 program in Colombo.

‘Tradition’, Heritage and genes are all based on old minds activated in present. Once when I was discussing reasoning ‘beyond borders’ a nephew from Canada said ‘aunty please watch the movie 7aum Arivu’ (Tamil) which confirms that we bring forward our wisdom from past births.’  I did and it confirmed what others including academics at the University of NSW also commented on – that I was referring to a particular theory. To my mind, the soul is confirmed to be eternal when we are so supported by that which we are not conscious of but is within us. Taking knowledge to that level requires losing body/matter consciousness and identifying solely through minds and Energy.

Yesterday, as I invoked my family powers in support of my investment in a close relative who successfully underwent hernia surgery in Australia, I recalled with appreciation our daughters’ music teacher Mrs. Rita Ponnambalam who said to me that when her husband had a second heart-attack when she was away in USA for a family function, she did not come back rushing but prayed with her soul. Her husband Navam did recover and lived beyond the age of 90 to support and be supported by Rita and their children. Whenever I am physically away from family and they have health problems, I include Rita’s mind in addition to my own Parents’. Through my experience, I believe that we go into that virtual reality – as in meditation.

To judge Mr. Modi as per current measures of global democracy – the person doing so needs to have contributed more than Mr. Modi – in that current system – be it as a leader or as citizen. Where was Shamindra Ferdinando when Tamils were getting killed by Sinhalese in Colombo in 1983? We relied on our personal credit with the system of Natural Justice.

Sinhala Only, Buddhism foremost and Prevention of Terrorism are all confirmations that the Sri Lankan Government lacks the strength of Common Belief to cure ‘internally’. Hence they need to separate and that resulted in Tamils become leading Opposition in National Parliament. The more Sinhalese go back to Lord Buddha and King Dutugemunu the more they develop their other side – parallels. That is the way the system of Nature works and one who identifies with her/his own true position in the big picture – identifies with the other’s true position. When one takes that position (as I did at the University of NSW in relation to the Vice Chancellor, followed by the then Prime Minister of Australia) one takes the whole into that picture as virtual reality. Then the Energies influence beyond time and place borders – to empower the real senior in that relationship as if s/he were the whole power. In Mahabharatham the chariot driver Sanjayan gets insight to see from far, the proceedings of the war which the King did not get. This was because Sanjayan completed successfully his duty as chariot driver to the King. Sanjayan resigned when he could not see the King blocked by the father in the individual holding that position. Likewise, the ordinary citizens of Sri Lanka who complete their positions as part of minority have the insight that is lacking in those who support rulers who act more as individuals and less are common rulers.

The simple example that comes to mind is the picture puzzle (which our students here in Vaddukoddai like very much). The problem is one piece in the puzzle, which is our mind. If we fit that in its right place the picture gets completed. If not – we do not see the real picture and try to make that one piece the big picture. Neither Mr. Modi nor Mrs. Gandhi is part of Sovereign Sri Lanka of TODAY. We need to use UN laws and principles to define our borders of today’s big picture. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

15  May 2017

 

Tamil Royalty of Ceylon

Prevention of Terrorism &

National Reconciliation in the One mind???

The visit by Indian Prime Minister – the Hon Narendra Modi, to Sri Lanka has resulted in senior Sri Lankans like Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke raising concerns about India’s expansionism. (Colombo Telegraph article The Modi Doctrine – II: The New Indian Expansionism & The Sinhala-Tamil Equation )

 If Dr.  Jayatilleke had been more focused, this concern would have arisen in 1977,  when Tamils won the leading Opposition position  in National Parliament or at least in 2015 when Tamils won that position again. Every Buddhist has the duty to examine these through the ‘present’ mindfulness. Such laws have the effect of hearsay. To the extent we genuinely invest in such laws – thinking they are relevant – we develop our own laws as per our own inner purpose at that time.  Laws that are irrelevant to a group will not lead them to the solution they need. Given that the wars against the Government in Sri Lanka reached grassroots level, it is important to know how natural forces influence manifestations.

Technically speaking there is an equal opposite to every physical manifestation. Hence the Equal status to leading opposition in parliament – even when that other side is held by a minority group. Taken at total level, mind and body / force and matter – are different forms of the one soul. If therefore Sri Lanka as a country is believed to be Sovereign, such a believer would be able to identify with this by filling the ‘gap’ at matter level, through one’s own mind.

As a Sri Lankan Tamil, I do not feel threatened by Mr. Modi’s distracting speech to the Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka. It is wrong for them because it carries the risk of  distracting  them from becoming Sri Lankans independent of India. To the extent we reap results on this soil for the contributions we make, this soil is custodian of our independent rights. In parts like Thunaivi, in Northern Sri Lanka, where the folks continue to live close to Earth – it’s easy to observe the other side of our genuine efforts to function independently. If we spend more than what these folks are capable of delivering – we do so out of our own desire to ‘show’ rather than feel. One who feels in an owner. 

In his Colombo Telegraph  article ‘National Reconciliation Policy’ Is A Welcome Initiative’

 Dr. Laksiri Fernando who to my mind  is more academic minded relative to Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke, states in relation to National Reconciliation Policy:

‘It is important that the Cabinet approval came on the 2nd May, just eight days before the Vesak day of this year. As predominantly a Buddhist country, the Buddhist philosophy could play a major role in reconciliation in Sri Lanka, if the right efforts are taken in that direction.’

When Tamils made their declaration of belief in 1976 through the Vaddukoddai Resolution, that happened on 14 May 1976 – also a Vesak day. If Buddhist philosophy of transcending the physical to fill the mind with the spirit of the issue – that declaration would have been received by at least one true Buddhist as it ought to have been – as Tamils stating that we are a Nation within Sri Lanka. If that was not the case Tamils would NOT have won Equal Opposition in National Parliament in 1977. What happened to Buddhist philosophy? Even now, I do not observe a single Sri Lankan Buddhist identifying with this Vesak Manifestation as being a Natural outcome.

As per article ‘Commemorating Vesak at ‘http://www.ft.lk/2015/04/25/commemorating-vesak/

a stamp was released in 1976 :

[After 1969 it was in 1976 that a special Vesak issue was released. It was a colourful set of six stamps featuring 18th century wall paintings from the Dambava Raja Maha Vihara at Vahakotte in the Matale District. The stamps are reproductions of six panels of paintings depicting the birth of Prince Siddhartha – conception, King Suddhodana consulting the astrologers, Queen Mahamaya being taken in royal procession to the parents’ home and the birth of the prince at Lumbini grove. The Dambava temple belongs to the time of the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe (1747-82) and the paintings are in the image house which is a ‘tampita vihara’ – a square structure raised on pillars. The paintings are considered one of the finest series on the birth of Prince Siddhartha. From 1978 onwards Vesak stamps had been a regular annual issue.]

As per Wikipedia account of  the king:

[Kirti Sri Raja Singha was the second Nayaka king of Kandy. He was a prince from the Madurai Nayak Dynasty and the brother-in-law of Sri Vijaya Raja Singha. He succeeded his brother-in-law to the throne in 1751.]

Madurai in Southern India is very much Tamil and is the origin of Manimekalai – a Tamil princess who became Buddhist by renouncing:

[ Manimekalai (Tamil: மணிமேகலை)  by the poet Chithalai Chathanar, is one of The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature according to later Tamil literary tradition. Manimekalai is a poem in 30 cantos. Its story is a sequel to another of the Five Great Epics, Silappatikaram, and tells the story of the conversion from Jainism to Buddhism of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi…….

The aim of the author, Seethalai Saathanar (or Cīttalai Cāttanār) was to compare Buddhism favourably with the other prevailing religions in South India in order to propagate Buddhism. He criticizes Jainism, the chief opponent and competitor of Buddhism at the time. While exposing the weaknesses of the other contemporary Indian religions, he praises the Buddha's Teaching, the Dhamma, as the most perfect religion……

The Epic

As a continuation of Silappatikaram (Tamil: சிலப்பதிகாரம்), this epic describes how Manimekalai, the beautiful daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi, follower of local deities later included in Hinduism, converts to Buddhism. According to the poem, Maṇimekalai studies the six systems of philosophy of Hinduism and other prevalent religions of the time and compares them to the teachings of the Buddha. She is most impressed with Buddhism which treats everyone equal with loving kindness and fraternity. Later, upon hearing doctrinal expositions from the Buddhist teacher Bhikshu Aravaṇa Aḍigal, she becomes a dedicated Bhikshuni or Buddhist nun. Manimekhalai fully practices the Buddha's teachings and attains the highest stage of Buddhist spiritual knowledge or attainment, i.e. she became an arhant. The Manimekhalai poem thus is an example of female spiritual empowerment within a culture wherein otherwise there were few options for women. Pandit Iyothee Thass (1845-1914) revealed more about Manimekalai as "Arachchelvi" (Female Arhant) and documented original poems written by Seeththalai Saththanar, which are not available in the Menimekalai edited by U.V. Swaminatha Iyer who allegedly left out some of the original poems.

The epic gives much information on the history of Tamil Nadu, Buddhism and its place during that period, contemporary arts and culture, and the customs of the times. The exposition of the Buddhist doctrine in the poem deals elegantly with the Four Noble Truths (ārya-satyāni), Dependent Origination (pratītyasamutpāda), mind (citta) and Buddhist practices like virtue (Śīla) and non-violence (ahimsa).

…..The poem is set in both the harbour town of Kāveripattinam, the modern town of Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu, and in Nainatheevu of NākaNadu, a small sandy island of the Jaffna Peninsula in modern Sri Lanka. The story runs as follows: The dancer-courtesan Manimekalai is pursued by the amorous Cholan prince Udyakumāran, but rather wants to dedicate herself to a religious celibate life. The sea goddess Manimegala Theivam or Maṇimekhalai Devī puts her to sleep and takes to the island Maṇipallavam (Nainatheevu). After waking up and wandering about the island Maṇimekalai comes across the Dharma-seat, the seat on which Buddha had taught and appeased two warring Naga princes, and placed there by the God Indra. Those who worship it miraculously know their previous life. Manimekalai automatically worships it and recollects what had happened in her previous life. She then meets the guardian goddess of the Dharma seat, Deeva-Teelakai (Dvīpa Tilakā) who explains her the significance of the Dharma seat and lets her acquire the magic never-failing begging bowl (cornucopia) called Amṛta Surabhi (”cow of abundance”), which will always provide food to alleviate hunger. The goddess also predicts that Bhikshu Aravaṇa Aḍigal in her native town will teach her more. Manimekalai then used the mantra which the sea goddess had given her and returns to Kāveripattinam, where she meets the Bhikshu Aravaṇa Aḍigal, who expounds her the Buddha's Teaching and advices her about the nature of life. She then becomes a Buddhist nun or Bhikshuni and practices to rid herself from the bondage of birth and death and attain Nirvana]

The Tamil connection to the Throne is further confirmed also as follows:

[Sri Vikrama Rajasinha (1780 – January 30, 1832, born Kannasamy Nayaka) was the last of four Kings, to rule the last Sinhalese monarchy of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka. The Nayak Kings were Telugu nominal Buddhists  who practiced Hinduism and spoke Tamil. The King was eventually deposed by the British under the terms of the Kandyan Convention, in 1815, ending over 2300 years of Sinhalese monarchy on the island. The island was incorporated into the British Empire, and Sri Vikrama Rajasinha was succeeded by George III, as monarch of British Ceylon.]

I felt that I received the blessings of the above King when I was looking for accommodation in Colombo a couple of years back and my usual host was away in London. I found the place called ‘Raja House’ along Rajasinghe Road in Colombo 6 – commonly known as Tamil suburb. The morning after my arrival – I discovered the pictures of Sri Wickrama Rajasingha wearing the ‘Pottu’ – representing the third eye and usually worn by Hindus. As per my experience, Sinhalese do not wear the Pottu and hence the Pottu became a feature through which Tamil women were identified more easily by attackers in Colombo. I recall that in 1977 when I was pregnant with my daughter Gayathri – I consciously removed the Pottu when going to work – so there was less risk of me becoming the target of those attacking Tamils. Had King Rajasingha manifested in Colombo as he was when he passed away on 30 January 1832, it is likely that he would have been butchered on the roads of Colombo while commuting between work and home. A true Buddhist is already and Hindu. I do not see the Pottu on the forehead of Dr. Jayatilleke nor Dr. Laksiri Fernando. They both depict Western Imperialism which took-over Sri Lanka. Hence neither has the insight I have – that 1976 Vesak Declaration was very much Hindu-Buddhist and anti Western living in the minds of politicians who desired the Western benefits enjoyed by Western rulers in Ceylon.

By paying our respects to that very Western Royalty for the positive values we derived – we own those values and make them Global – as I did in Australia – where I earned Global value on behalf of Sri Lanka by sacrificing those very benefits of the West that were irrelevant to me conscious of my  Sri Lankan origin in this lifetime. Once we own it is Common ownership. In terms of Buddhism and Hinduism it is largely regional and when we merge East and West through ourselves – we make Global contribution. If we replace – one with the other – we live at matter level – and that is ok so long as we do not claim to be Buddhist leaders!

Neither has demonstrated the insight that Tamils take the Prevention of Terrorism Act as yet another form of ‘copying the West’ menace that plagues Sri Lanka – including through academics who have little insight into who they really are but set out to preach to others about who those others are! Had they paid their due respects to their Western gurus – they would have become global and any place which is their home would be global. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

14  May 2017

Mindfulness Mr.Modi not Politics

It happened yet again!  Is it the Computer Energy or something deeper?  Yesterday I identified the main group that Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi met with and spoke to in Sri Lanka, as  Indian Tamils. Today, I had the return through the Indian Express article headed ‘Indian Tamils’ of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan Tamils: Here is the difference’.

During my adult years, like most in my family and community, I awarded credit to myself on the basis that I was  believer in God. Until recently however, I did not seek to find which part of a positive manifestation happened due to God? But now the main connection I see  between cause and effect is through this path of personal god – commonly known as the Driving Energy of  our Conscience. Hence when I saw the above article by Ms Nandini Rathi, I felt that the return happned through this least visible speediest pathway – of Common ownership. No, Indian Express did not publish MY work. But the common issue has been picked up by that institution. It’s as simple as saying ‘As you sow, so shall you reap’ or as complex as the ‘system of karma’ which goes deeper than the seen and/or  the known to include the ‘felt’.  

In terms of Nationality, I raised the parallel question in Australia – when the Police who arrested me for Peaceful assembly listed me as Indian (as per the seen) and Sri Lankan, as per the known – when they had knowledge that I was born in Sri Lanka. I was sent by the Courts to pro bono lawyers and the first one said to me he saw was nothing wrong with calling me Sri Lankan and went on to illustrate through his own examples – to how he called Croatians, Croatians.   That lawyer was a strong football fan. Hence to my mind,  it was understandable that he would take the path of least resistance to elevating his status relative to an opponent. When we proposed marriage for my sister, one party said that we were Indian Tamils and my parents had to explain through the family of former Government Agent – Jaffna and his wife – Mr. & Mrs. Srikhanta to confirm that my mother was their relative. In terms of area, the traditional hierarchy within the Sri Lankan Tamil community, known to me  is Jaffna Tamil, Trinco Tamil, Batticaloa Tamil and then Indian / Hill Country Tamil.

The above mentioned reporter asks:

[During his recent visit to Sri Lanka for UN Vesak Day celebrations, PM Narendra Modi made a stop at Dickoya in the central hills, home to many Tamil people of Indian origin, known as the ‘Indian Tamils’ by the Lankan state. In his address to the large gathering there, Modi said, “You kept your bonds with India alive, (I) assure you that India will support Sri Lanka’s efforts towards your socio-economic development.” But what community is this and what sets it apart from the Sri Lankan Tamils who until a decade ago were caught in the bloody vortex of a civil war with the Sri Lankan state?]

Yesterday, somehow I stumbled on Oru Indhiya Kanavu / An Indian Dream,  Tamil Movie,  as if the consolidated mind of that film wanted me to watch it. The village at the center of that story is in worse situation that any village I have lived in, in Sri Lanka, including here in Thunaivi – a toddy tapper village within Vaddukoddai District – where the first Political Declaration of Independence was made on 14 May 1976. To my mind, Hill Country / Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka have a different mind-structure to that of Jaffna Tamil – just as Australian of Sri Lankan origin has a different mind structure to that of Australian of British origin. Whether we express the difference as ‘Diversity’ or isolation is what makes our expressions just or unjust. As I said last night to a Vaddukoddai lady who has joined the religious group Brahma Kumaris before completing her role as Mother, we all have a duty to uphold the laws that supported us and pass on that value to our children. The law is the consolidated mind that we follow and are regulated by. Such a mind will bring us the support of other minds when we are in real need. Relative to other branches of the Tamil community,

Jaffna Tamils who also have their origin largely in India but are not conscious of it as Upcountry Tamils,  have sacrificed earned benefits to preserve their freedom. This did not start with LTTE. In fact there are stronger Tamil minds that have rejected all outcome based actions in preserving their Independence at mind level. As I said to a young Thunaivi leader this morning after prayers – many within Thunaivi do not attend the temple unless they have an audience. The greater the service component of our work, the higher the development of the Independent mind.  The average mind is driven by majority power and hence the moves towards separation. Thunaivi village is no exception.

Like the lead lady in the above mentioned film, I chose to live as part of the people here during my periods of stay. But there are cultural differences which would lead to unjust outcomes for either side if I expected to ‘show’ outcomes for my contribution here. Hence unlike the lead lady in that film, I do not intervene in the affairs of Indigenous Thunaivi folks but help them through counseling services to find their own solutions. After this morning’s prayers and advice to our young coordinator that I felt that I was being ‘used’ I decided to put on hold further development work but decided to keep reinforcing the values that we have common achieved – especially in terms of ‘security’, law and order. Later, I was walking to the bus-halt to go into Jaffna town. Then I heard the bus and started running. I noticed Kumutha – a young mother who was disciplined by me many times running towards the bus-halt. Kumutha came back and said ‘Ammah – the line-bus has gone – but the private one will soon come’.  I then asked whether she was also going into town? Kumutha said ‘No,  I ran to stop the bus for YOU’.  What more can one ask for? Further development to ‘show’ would dilute this consolidation. I thanked Mother Kali for guiding me from within.

Like the folks of Thunaivi, upcountry Tamils also will gradually merge with higher minds – culturally as well as through secular laws and principles, to become Sri Lankans retaining their own diversity.  This merger would be disturbed if those of higher status like Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi, distract them to ‘show’ quicker outcomes. Now that they are Sri Lankans by law, India has no right over them. If Indian leaders are looking to ‘show’ they have villages within their own territory towards such showing.

The American Vice Chancellor of Australian origin also tried to ‘show’ outcomes and thus failed in his duty to the University of NSW – an Australian institution. His negligence resulted in me being sent to prison and eventually he was dismissed by the Governing Council. Like the above Vice Chancellor, members of the Diaspora (Tamil as well as Sinhalese)  who return to Sri Lanka, to ‘show’ are as guilty as Mr. Modi in distracting the folks of lesser status from finding their own positions in the natural hierarchy in their CURRENT environment. Mindfulness is all about living in the present – without finding  rights and wrongs through outcome based relativity or opposition. That would have been honoring Vesak.  I realized during this period that the lessons I learnt through   my University of NSW experiences were to protect the Indigenous communities of Sri Lanka  from getting fooled by over-enthusiastic returnees who seek to ‘show’ more to impress their community in the countries they have migrated to. Our money based contribution must be limited to the level at which these folks are ready to receive the structures that gave us that income in those foreign lands. Our money based expenditure here needs to be limited to the Commonness we feel with the local community that we think needs it. Anything more would bring about internal disorder.