24  December 2023

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam

GTF DOCUMENT  PROPOSES DOWRY

 

‘It emphasizes on adhering to international obligations and pursuing an independent foreign policy to position Sri Lanka among peaceful, democratic nations globally. Additionally, it envisions a reconciled Sri Lanka that learns from its history, ensuring measures like accountability to prevent past suffering.’ – ‘Simplifying A ‘Himalayan Task’ : GTF & Bikkhu Group’s Commendable Approach ‘by KKS Perera

 

There is a distinct difference between the Dowry to daughters and Muthusum to sons in the Jaffna Tamil customary law of Thesawalamai. Whilst the money value of Dowry tends to be greater than the  money value of residual wealth inherited by the sons, the Equal Opportunity principles  are upheld at total level, through time and place. Time in terms of sons and place in terms   of daughters who have to adjust to new culture of the husband’s family.

Applying that to the community , those who emigrated to other countries, taking their money wealth from Sri Lanka, are like the daughters. Those who stayed back and/or leave behind their money wealth in Sri Lanka, are like sons, with first right to the Tamil Heritage and its development.

Mr Perera states about the reception to GTF:

‘These receptions might suggest a potential shift in attitudes or a willingness to engage in dialogue and reconciliation efforts, given the sensitive historical and political context surrounding Tamil diaspora organizations and their interactions with Sri Lankan authorities.’

 

Historical approach would be strongly influenced by our respective karmas. Political approach would be strongly influenced by Democracy of global standards. Hence international obligations, would need to be the responsibility of the Diaspora and Reconciliation needs to be the responsibility of Tamils residing in Sri Lanka.

Given that Buddhist Monks are leading this initiative, it might be an opportune moment to balancing the higher position afforded to Buddhism in the constitution. This is needed by Buddhists who benefit from taking senior position above religious minorities.

The essence of the inequality is residing as part of the political karma. Equal footing is essential in a democratic structure. The fundamental rights section guarantees Equal rights on the basis of belief. This is in natural opposition with Buddhism Foremost article in the constitution. If therefore a Buddhist parliamentarian takes higher position over a non-Buddhist parliamentarian, on the basis of religion, the result is damage to the democratic structure of the Parliament, by the parliament. Thus autocracy and democracy are in continuous conflict with each other within the parliament. This structural damage spreads exponentially through those who believe in the respective parliamentarians.  In Democracy, there needs to be separation of powers between two diverse cultures. With devolution of powers, this mental separation could be achieved. This has to be through Politicians and not Buddhist monks,