Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 18 November  2015

St John's College - Jaffna

Reconciliation & Human Rights

Nagadeepa the First Test?

The meeting of the Sri Lanka Reconciliation Forum, Sydney – at which Dr. Deepika Udagama – the newly appointed chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Sri Lanka spoke, attracted most attendees. Two former Attorneys General of Sri Lanka – one of Sinhalese origin and the other of Tamil origin were seated next to each other towards this Common Speaker. That is the power of Commonness. Back then, Dr. Udagama was seen as the Head of Law at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

We have seen some friction between Former Judge – the Hon CV Wigneswaran – now the Chief Minister of  Northern Province and the Hon M.A. Sumanthiran – now part of the National Leadership as Active TNA member of Parliament. I see similar reasons for conflict in the case of Dr. Deepika Udagama also.

The Law helps us to maintain our Rights only to the extent someone from our home Group/ Community – has contributed to the Truth on which that Law is based. Ultimately it boils down to work and sacrifice of earned benefits to raise that work value to the structural level and beyond as ‘Rights’.

The Island has highlighted this difficulty in its article - Accountability issues should be probed in line with domestic laws - New HRC Chairperson on Geneva resolution:

‘Asked whether the HRC could thwart the Northern Provincial Council from removing the name Nagadeepa, Dr. Udagama said the HRC would look into the matter. The HRC had the authority to inquire into Provincial Councils, too, she said, adding that all communities should enjoy equal rights.’

As a law expert – Dr. Udagama may view the matter in one angle. As a Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Udagama may need to go beyond the law to uphold ‘rights’ earned by a Community over long period of time. The Hon CV Wigneswaran who continues to refer to the Hon MA Sumanthiran as his student – would have taken a different stand in the case of the Tamil Political Prisoners – had he not been the Chief Minister of Northern Province. It’s about positions through which we work. We have the DUTY to pay Royalty to those who gave us the Structures and therefore the positions through which we work and earn a living. I foresaw the above conflict between our Tamil leaders back then when Mr. Wigneswaran was about to set foot into Politics:

[Recently I was asked by a fellow member of the Tamil Community, the question as to why there was criticism of the nomination of retired Justice Wigneswaran for the position of Chief Minister of Northern Sri Lanka. I responded as follows:

‘Personally I do like Wigneswaran for a couple of reasons. His commitment to Thesawalamai is the first one. Next is he is guru of Manoharan – Param’s friend who is our lawyer in Colombo.  According to Manoharan, Wigneswaran is a good man and I accept that.

Now coming to his nomination as CEO of North – it is a matter of principles.  Those of us who criticized the Government on the issue of Dismissal of Chief Justice – Dr. Shirani Bandaranaike - claiming it was in breach of Doctrine of Separation of Powers – between the Executive Government and the Judiciary – have the responsibility to do likewise within our own side.   Hence we are not allowed to consciously support this nomination of a Judicial member to the Executive. 

On the other hand, we may discipline and accept our side.  If we do not discipline – we have the responsibility to stay away from them.  I do that with family also. 

Given my investment in Public Administration including in Northern Sri Lanka,  I believe I need the Administrative Power more than Political Power.  In fact I believe that this intellectual investment in Public Administration is our Tamil Community’s greater asset.  This to me is what brings us the clout at international level .  If we criticize our own side – we win credits with the global community – especially in their minds which would later translate as votes at UN level.  If the Sinhalese pick that up before us – then we lose that opportunity in the vertical system – to them.

In terms of what happens at the physical level  – it is up to the people in North. I am not openly  influencing them either way. 

Yes, Wigneswaran is the best looking candidate – but we need to first do our own clean up in relation to Doctrine of Separation of Powers before showing support as a Community.

 Eventually the genuine person’s energies would influence the outcomes one way or the other – even though the current manifestation may not reflect it.  My energies are with Wigneswaran due to his higher contribution to Public Administration through his position as a Judge of the Supreme Court.’] Chapter 13 Naan Australian

The Body, Mind & Soul of Governance is the Individual, Position and Commonness. The Tamil Community that supported my development gave much importance to Positions. Not so the current Tamil Community of Sri Lanka. Today, I received from an Australian Tamil leader the pdf version of the Anandarajan Memorial Lecture by Dr. Daya Somasundaram – Professor of Psychiatry – University of Jaffna.  Mr. Anandarajan was the principal of St. John’s College – where my brother also studied due to my parents’ commitment to providing us with the best possible education. Dr. Somasundaram says:

[Although Anandarajan resisted and eventually paid the supreme price, militants had a fairly free run of schools and other public places to carry out their meetings and videos to recruit students. Whole batch of students joined overnight or ran away from home, leaving a note in the sugar bottle for their mother. They were lured by the pied piper to their doom, to become cannon fodder on frontlines across the northeast. A considerable portion have migrated or had to flee to escape death, conscription or detention and possible torture. Their desperate journeys took them across the Palk Straits to India, continents and seas in rickety, sinking boats; through freezing forests in Northern Europe, jails in South East Asia, Africa and Latin America and international borders, hiding as human cargo in containers and undercarriages of trucks, seeking refuge and asylum. The result is a world-wide diaspora of Tamil youth, some discontented with homesickness and acculturation stress, others doing well in their host countries. The surviving, present day youth in Northern Sri Lanka face a grim future. Society is just recovering from three decades of devastating civil war.

Adoptive behaviours

Many youth were at the forefront during the war and Tsunami to save and care for those who were injured, had lost limbs, or were separated, and lost. Where elders had died, been injured or were unavailable, youngsters took the responsibilities and leadership of mature adults to fill that gap and fulfil their role effectively and successfully. They took part in many essential activities fulfilling family and social needs, taking people to safe places, giving first aid to those who were injured, helping the handicapped, caring for patients and transporting people. Sadly, the youth are not provided with such opportunities or responsibilities at present. They wander around without jobs and healthy hobbies; at times they are induced to involve in antisocial ‘rowdy’ activities. If responsibilities are given to youth, they will show interest in their duties and carry them out effectively.]

If Education was respected as the most valuable investment by the Tamil Community – we would not have succumbed to this pressure for quick outcomes of ‘freedom’ that the LTTE was promising. Today, there is hardly any Australian Tamil celebrating the life of Mr. Anandarajan who sacrificed his life to uphold the value of Education. But many are celebrating Great Heroes Day year after year. In terms of heritage value – the position held by Mr. Anandarajah has much deeper value than the combatants who died by seeking to ‘show’ merit. The benefits come with the weaknesses in their structure. In terms of LTTE – there is little leadership value in terms of Higher Education. A pro LTTE person may have a PhD – but the value would be limited to one generation. Not so those to whom Mr. Anandarajah was real principal. The position of Principal of a school needs to be higher in the Tamil Community than the position of  Head of  Armed  group that LTTE was. Recognizing this is of utmost importance for us to preserve our Traditional Values and our struggles for Self-Governance as a Diverse Community.

This is where places like Nainatheevu whose name is being changed to Sinhala version – Nagadeepa – by Central Government – is of great importance to developing our higher thinking order. During the meeting in Sydney, I asked Dr. Udagama whether there were plans to introduce Equal Opportunity Laws in Sri Lanka. As per my recollection – Dr. Udagama said that we already had the parallel laws towards this.

The provision that comes to my mind, is the 13^th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution under pressure from India. As per that Amendment – Tamil is also an official language. As per the principles of Democracy – in which I have invested through deep sacrifices here in Australia – majority rule must apply in the case of official names. Hence due to heritage Udagama cannot be Udayar when Dr. Udagama visits Jaffna nor would we call her Deepika when the lady is active in her current position. One may use the parallel to relate to the value but not make it Common official terminology. The folks of Thunaivi-Vaddukoddai call me – ‘Ammah’ –meaning mother. Some young ones refer to me as ‘Madam’. I am promoting the latter due to identity with their need to merge with wider world. If Nainatheevu has such a secular purpose – then we need to use the link language – English.

I do not identify with some of  the stands Mr. Wigneswaran takes and he may not identify with any of mine. I do not for example – consider what happened to Tamils - as Genocide. But at the same time, without such strong expressions of Diversity – the ethnic issue would be Generalized and that would be an insult to those who died due to the inability of the leaders of both ethnicities to come together for the Commonness of Sri Lanka.

When someone dies/gets killed  and there is another who holds common belief as that person but is away from the area of physical activity – the investment in that belief by that person who died takes on Absolute value and empowers those alive to take on the leadership role of that person who died. That is the true memorial service to those with whom we shared common belief – even though we may never have met them in person. Hindus chant Sivapuranam to clear any blocks in this passage of inheritance. Clearing Nagadeepa is the responsibility of this Government that claims commitment to Commonness.

Truth needs no Reconciliation. The way we interpret that Truth through what happened needs reconciliation where two different pathways/laws are used. The Provincial Council has the lawful  right to name Nainatheevu to its original name. Some may still call Chennai,  Madras. But the official  name is Chennai and by using Chennai – we are showing valuation to Tamil Nadu’s Diversity – which cannot happen without Sovereignty. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 17 November  2015

The Island

Money Rule = Majority Rule

“Banning alcohol and cigarettes can even topple the government: President…… The President said that the government annually gained a tax revenue of Rs. 1150 million from taxes on alcohol and cigarettes…… He added that although he is willing to ban alcohol and cigarettes from the country it might perhaps topple the government as there is a significant majority who drink and smoke.” – Daily News, Sri Lanka.

“Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran says that his party Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi was "deliberating" on what disciplinary action to initiate with regard to Northern Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran’s refusal to go to Canada and raise funds.” – The Island

The ethnic problem in Sri Lanka is about majority rule. Tamils & Muslims who have truly suffered due to majority power – would have been cured of money based discrimination. It is understandable that the President of Sri Lanka who is of  majority race, would be driven by money. It is understandable also  that a young Politician of  minority community would be even more driven by money. But it is not admissible that disciplinary action would be taken against any Sri Lankan for lacking in money and/or ability to collect money. Article 9 of the Sri Lankan Constitution states:

‘ 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).’

As per my knowledge of  Lord Buddha – he renounced money attachment to make Policy / Sasana. Hence the above statement by the President could be considered to be in breach of the requirements of  Article 9 of the Sri Lankan Constitution.

In terms of Tamils:

Article 10 states:

‘Freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

10. Every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.’

Article 14(1)(e)  states:

‘14. (1) Every citizen is entitled to -

 (e) the freedom, either by himself or in association with others, and either in public or in private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching’

The Hon CV  Wigneswaran – the Chief Minister of Northern Province where majority are Hindus – openly upholds that he is a Hindu. As per Hindu Lord Krishna – one must do one’s duty and this is facilitated when one is independent of  benefits. When one recognizes money first – then both sides are given form. Belief is one sided. Money is two sided. Truth is no sided.

Recently, we Hindus celebrated Navaraathri / 9 Nights - the festival dedicated to Education. The first three nights are dedicated to Mother Kali whose vehicle is the Tiger. During those 3 days  we celebrate Courage. Belief gives us courage. Politics is one sided. Hence Belief based Politics would render courage from within. Recently – the Hon Rajavarothiam Sampanthan – the Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lankan Parliament – was reported to have stated in relation to the Tamil Political Prisoners – that the Government needed ‘courage’ to take a stand. When belief is stronger than external knowledge – the right political decision would evolve. It would be right for Good Governance.

The next three days are dedicated to Lakshmi – the Goddess of wealth, including money wealth. This has two sides. In democracy, one has to be able to produce visible / objectively measurable outcomes to be successful in Administration. Hence, when there is manifestation at public level – the other side must be taken to complete the ‘project’ / picture for Public consumption.

The last three days are dedicated to Saraswathi – the Goddess of Education. Truth is discovered through the path of Research and the Discovery is shared through teaching. I was arrested by Australian Police under the instructions of the Vice Chancellor of the University of NSW on 22 October 2004 - Saraswathi Pooja day.  That was the true manifestation of the University’s weakness in relation to the core purpose of its existence - Research until one finds the Truth and then sharing that Truth through Teaching activities. I was able to invoke this manifestation on Saraswathi Pooja day due to my Belief in Education as the highest pathway to fulfilment. I believe that because I did not consciously calculate and plan – I naturally accessed the powers of all those who have genuinely contributed to this Global pathway – including from within the University of NSW but not limited to it.

In her/his  yesterday’s editorial ‘Combatting terrorism and extremism’ the Editor of Daily News states:

‘sometimes awareness is not enough and States have to implement various laws to stamp out intolerance. Terrorism happens to be an extreme form of intolerance and the international community must strengthen anti-terrorism laws and actions through the UN Security Council. International cooperation is essential in this sphere now more than ever. Terrorism must be rooted out for peace to return to the wider world.’

This to my mind is the educational pathway. Intolerance happens when a primary level believer tries to enforce her/his form in the territory of  people using another form of belief for the same value. ‘Sinhala only’ as the official language was of this kind. Given that Tamils opposed it – they completed the lesson through their opposition. In terms of knowledge – this picture was completed  through the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution which recognizes Tamil also as the official language and English as the link language. . . But, the pathway was set to be that of Courage – Kali’s pathway – due to Sinhalese attacking Tamil civilians in the Capital of Colombo. LTTE gave form to this. The first three days dedicated to Kali – translates as ‘local’ due to physical attributes. LTTE therefore ought to have been limited to Defending its local territory and would have if it was truly of the belief that it was fighting for self-governance.  In true self-governance one does not find fault with others but highlights how one sees the other for the purpose of Defence. One has jurisdiction only over those in one’s territory.

The Hon M.A.Sumanthiran’s Political Territory is Jaffna. It is his duty to uphold the belief of majority in his constituency – when he is acting as a Politician. Yet – Mr. Sumanthiran spoke in Sinhalese to the Colombo Media yesterday when 8 of the Political Prisoners were released. http://www.dailymirror.lk/95497/eight-ex-ltte-detainees-released

If it was for Common purposes – English the link language should have been used. Like with the University above – Mr. Sumanthiran has proven that he is in the wrong position. Doctrine of Separation of Powers need to be upheld between these three territories in the one mind – Emotions, Knowledge for Money & Status and Truth to connect to one’s inner-self. My Spiritual Guru – Sri Sathya Sai Baba (who strictly rules out ‘asking’ for money in His name) expresses them as – Concentration; Contemplation and Meditation. In terms of Governing a State  - One needs Concentration in Politics, Contemplation in Administration and Meditation in Governance.

LTTE failed due to losing concentration on the target of Self-Governance and went into money-area where those of wider world – including India,  were willing to dump their excessive money for quick access to status. Now Mr. Sumanthiran is doing likewise on behalf of the People of Jaffna and as a Native of Jaffna contributing to Jaffna through the Educational pathway – I am offended. Jaffna means Education to majority Sri Lankans. Let’s not demote ourselves to the lower pathways and disrespect our Elders.

Like our body Money and Majority rule are most temporary. We need them only to give form to our work and environmental structures. If there is more – it must never leave home – but needs to be burnt as mistakes so we do not repeat them in the future. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 16 November  2015

Armed Officers used for lower purposes by the Australian Judiciary colluding with
the University of NSW 

  

Deaths in Custody – a Tamil inheritance from India?

In August last year, the Times of India reported that One prisoner died in Tamil Nadu jails – every 4 days. In my book Naan Australian I highlighted the negative Energy from unregulated relationships as follows:

‘To my mind those Tamils who entrusted their struggle for independence to the Tamil Tigers were actually embracing  the Tamil Nadu leaders as their leaders.  LTTE leader Prabaharan addressed  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran as `]f]a / Anna – meaning Big Brother. But at the same time, he is known to have stated in relation to the Indian support for other armed groups – that that was inappropriate because we needed to Do It Ourselves.  The Tamil Tigers received funding from MG Ramachandran and in one of his public  statements,  Tiger leader Prabaharan says that if not for the handsome cash contribution by MG Ramachandran – they could not have continued with their fight for separation. The same MG Ramachandran failed to publicly share his political status with the Tamil Tigers. To my mind status is of higher value than money. Goodwill confirmed by status has ownership value. The above statements by the Tiger leader contradict themselves. Tamil intellectuals ought to have addressed this at that stage.  Even now, many of them are not able to recognize the contradiction.  The problem with lateral spread is this ‘business’ attitude that works against ‘family’ attitude and therefore against ownership through the hierarchical path of faith and gratitude.’ – Chapter 13, Naan Australian

In yesterday’s edition of Ceylon Today, Ms Sulochana Ramiah Mohan also confirms the main funding source of the LTTE to be the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu – MG Ramachandran through the article headed -MGR was Prabhakaran’s ‘Cash Machine’.

Recently, the TNA MP – the Hon Sumanthiran expressed dissatisfaction over the Chief Minister of Northern Province (the Lankan parallel of Tamil Nadu) for the latter’s failure to raise funds for the TNA before the Parliamentary elections. (Sumanthiran also told the SBS that Wigneswaran who refused to go to Canada with a lame excuse during the parliamentary polls campaign period had travelled to the USA and UK ridiculing the TNA leadership………) .  One could therefore  conclude that the TNA leadership was driven strongly by Cash. Is it an inheritance from the LTTE which inherited from Tamil Nadu – this ATM gene? Is this why TNA MP is here in Australia? If yes, we have some serious thinking to do – about what we Australian Tamils want for ourselves and our children. Cash on its own is like an orphan and is divisive and Truth based Policy is cohesive.

Thesawalamai – the Customary Law of  Northern Sri Lankans is a rich source through which we could check whether an action is in order. The regulated mind promotes harmony. At social level Thesawalamai provides strong basis for us to follow the regulated pathway. The Hon CV Wigneswaran, the Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province is reported to have written to the President as follows, in relation to the Political Prisoners:

[நீங்கள் முன்னர் விடுதலை செய்த 31 அரசியல் கைதிகளில், 7 பேர் சிங்களவர்கள். இங்கு கூட ஒரு பாரபட்சம் காட்டப்பட்டுள்ளது அத்தோடு பிணையில் விடுதலை செய்யப்பட்டவர்களுக்கு நீதிமன்றத்தால் விதிக்கப்பட்ட அதி உச்ச தண்டனையைக் கூட அவர்களின் குடும்ப உறவுகளால் புரிந்துகொள்வது கடினமாக உள்ளது.

Out of the 31 Political prisoners already released by your Excellency, 7 are Sinhalese. There has been favoritism here also. In addition – the Bail conditions under which the next group of prisoners have been released are beyond the comprehension of  the relatives of those released]

It is understandable that the relatives of those released – be they Sinhalese or Tamil – would not understand the order of the Legal mind. It is this deficiency that led to ambitious young Sri Lankans to take the law into their hands and rebel against the Government. The Government earned it by bringing the ‘logical connection’ to the lower level – for purposes of cheap acquisition of votes. This is like the Cash component in the casual forces. The only ‘right’ reasoning above the law is Truth. Customary laws particular to a group / community when artificially raised to the National level – would lead to negative returns. Sinhalese leaders did this through the ‘Sinhala Only’ Language Policy – and Tamils reacted hastily and copied the Sinhalese and declared ‘Eelam Only’. The lack of commitment to stated Cause – of Self-Governance – is confirmed by the demotion of policy.

Most of us do not understand the Policy behind Traffic rules. Yet we do follow them. When we so follow – there is connection to the Common Mind of makers of the policy as well as users. Hence the higher the law applied or followed – the wider the coverage of mind power. Truth at the end  is Universal. Hence in this instance, it was the Duty of the President of Sri Lanka to apply the law before using Discretionary Powers.

TNA MP the Hon Saravanapavan is reported to have stated that the Government that came into power due to Tamils – is now not doing the right thing by Tamils in relation to Political Prisoners. It would be more difficult for people to relate to the claim that Tamils were the marginal force that brought this Government into power - than making  the legal connection to the Bail conditions imposed.  Not one person has shown identification with my claim that I was the marginal force that toppled former Prime Australian Prime Minister John Howard. But I believe due to my EXPERIENCE. This helped me bring about closure.

If such quid pro quos are used in return – then the person/s so expecting is/are NOT part of the force that caused the change at the highest level. Laws and Business agreements are relative. Truth is absolute and when our work and its outcomes are submitted through our heart we have the power to work the whole. THAT is what spirituality is all about.

I was declared a high performer by the beneficiaries of my services – the Faculty of Medicine – at the University of NSW.  When – as per the Chancellor’s suggestion I assembled peacefully to talk to the Vice Chancellor – I was arrested for Trespass. I studied the legislation  AFTER that and realized that the Police and the Government were acting unlawfully. The Courts even though they released me after a year of hearing in which I represented myself – failed to uphold the unlawfulness of the Police and the Government. But my mind connected to the architects of that 1901 Legislation and I now feel strong ownership in Australia. Due to my commitment to Family structures – I undertook bail conditions that I would not set foot in  University of NSW. Even though there are no supervisors monitoring me – I have honored my own undertaking. To my mind the Bail  ‘conditions’ representing the ‘punishment’ in my case are much stronger relative to my investment in family, community and society – as a law abiding member. If I think about it without recognizing the Divine returns I got – I would easily sit and cry for myself. But due to my belief in Truth / God – I kept recognizing the higher opportunities to have the EXPERIENCE at the higher level. Now I feel so very grateful to the system of Truth that helped me COMPLETE the Australian experience and get promoted to International level.

MGR was born in the land called Ceylon/Sri Lanka. As an Indian he had no right to interfere with another nation. Given that  he was born in Sri Lanka – he ought to have been more respectful of the Sovereign powers of that Land. By giving money to be called ‘Anna’ – Big Brother – MGR contributed to the weakening of the investment that Tamils had made in the struggle for Self-Governance. Gandhi renounced to become India. MGR tried to ‘buy’ status. He thus inherited the lower mind order in Politics. Prabhakaran inherited that when he accepted funding from MGR and called him ‘Anna’.

 When we manifest outcomes there are many forces that add themselves to the manifestation. The seen connections die fast unless you keep manifesting more and more of them. They are like rubbish in and rubbish out. The most powerful reasoning flows from Common Values. The highest Common value is the form given by us to our own Truth. That is when we are self-governing – even in prison. If these prisoners are true to themselves and are giving it form through their fast – then even if they die their minds will remain with other heroes fighting for self-governance.

They say in Hinduism that one should aim for no-birth. When we look at karma – an action / manifestation could be cause or effect. If the prisoners die due to their failure to value their own lives, they would be reborn as lesser humans. If the prisoners die in their quest to uphold their Truth – they are actually attaining Mohtcham/Nirvana/Eternity. Some sections of the Australian Tamil Community are getting ready to celebrate Maaveerar Day / Great Heroes’ Day on 27^th of this month. Did all of them not die due to their ‘position-imprisonment’ within the LTTE? We are all in our position-prisons when we are attached to ‘outcomes’. Truth alone releases us from those prisons. Hence Lord Krishna says to Prince Arjuna to cut off the trunk of the wish-fulfilling tree which has its roots in Heaven and stands upside down – with the fruits accessible from Earth. . Once we lose consciousness of the benefits – and costs – we have the Heavenly Policy Experience. The condition is no cash no status benefits for renunciation through fasting. Just the Experience. So long as there is unearned cash and status there is rebirth of  outcomes as causes or effects. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 15 November  2015

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, second right, and Immigration Minister Scott Morrison (second left) during a ceremony commissioning two Australian-gifted naval patrol boats

Disturbance to Self Governance of  Australian Tamils

The latest Terror attacks in France have strengthened the need for Self-Governance in Democracy which opens the door to early freedom of expressions. The conduct of young Tamils during the visit of Tamil National Alliance spokesperson the Hon M.A. Sumanthiran has been questioned by SBS Radio through an interview with Mr. Yogarajah who is described as an Activist. One of the problems on the side of Mr. Sumanthiran seemed to be this premature ‘freedom’ which led to him criticizing the Chief Minister of Northern Province of Sri Lanka – the Hon C.V. Wigneswaran – here on Australian soil.

Ceylon Today, through its article ‘Rift in TNA reflects in Down Under’ reports as follows about a similar incident in Paris:

‘A couple of weeks ago Deputy Chairman of Committees in Parliament, Selvam Adaikalanathan, who is a TNA Parliamentarian from the Vanni District, came under attack by a group of angry young Tamil men in Paris, because of the recent attitude of the TNA in the North and East politics.

Paris problem
Following the skirmish in Paris, Selvam Adaikalanathan and those who accompanied him from Sri Lanka had to be escorted, outside the auditorium where they held a meeting, by French policemen.
The incidents in Paris and Sydney have highlighted the internal 'brawls' which remain within the TNA.’

In my yesterday’s article Nainatheevu or Nagadeepa? Eelam or Lanka? Sri Lankan or Australian?, I stated my discovery about the way of the Lord’s system as follows:

‘Land holds that heritage value as Energy. Good as well as bad are carried as Energy when they are upheld beyond their physical life. Earth as well as Humans carry this Energy. True believers invoke these positive  Energies.  The negative Energies invoke the negative powers of those who activate disbelief’

The Sydney incident as well as the Paris incident involving Tamil Politicians confirm the above discovery. The question is who the bad Energy was in both instances – the Politicians or the young Activists?

As per the above article:

‘According to Sumanthiran, he had travelled to Canada along with his Leader R. Sampanthan to collect funds for the Northern Provincial Council poll. Sumanthiran also told the SBS that Wigneswaran who refused to go to Canada with a lame excuse during the parliamentary polls campaign period had travelled to the USA and UK ridiculing the TNA leadership………
As far as the political entry of Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran is concerned, R. Sampanthan and M.A. Sumanthiran were in the forefront to field him as the Chief Ministerial candidate at the Northern Provincial Council poll two years ago.
Wigneswaran had even said at a recent meeting in Jaffna that after his retirement from the Supreme Court, he was happy engaging in his spiritual activities, and it was on the insistence of the TNA politicians that he entered politics.’

I am able to identify with Mr. Wigneswaran’s self-assessment in this regard, due to being in the same stage of life as he. The contributions we make to others’ lives are of the following three categories:

1.      Money

2.      Relativity

3.      Ownership/Policy

Taken at face value (I do not know Mr. Wigneswaran on personal basis to think otherwise) – Mr. Wigneswaran claims that he was at Policy stage. He may have entered Political life but he is naturally a person who contributes to Policy – be it positive or negative. But Mr. Sumanthiran confirms that he was  expecting Mr. Wigneswaran to collect funds for the election campaign. That kind of money business might suit Mr. Sumanthiran who practices law in addition to being a politician. But it is not a fitting job for Mr. Wigneswaran. As a Tamil in tertiary life – I myself am committed to sharing directly at Policy level. Gandhi gave up Money and Status towards strengthening Policy. Truth goes directly into Policy of the group that we are Naturally a part of. Strengthening Law and Order is a deeper need in Jaffna than accumulating money and status. The results are indicated by some manifestations.

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the day Mr. Wigneswaran as Chief Minister of Northern Province of Sri Lanka received the Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Cameron, in Jaffna:

‘On the 15th of November 2013, he received the Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Cameron, in Jaffna. It was the first time the political head of another country had visited Jaffna since independence from colonial rule in 1948.’ - Wikipedia

 Mr. Wigneswaran  earned that recognition due to his deeper investment in the Judiciary which deals with English law also. Hence the cultural connection and the quiet sharing of respect. When the time is ripe – the manifestations happen. This brought much strength to the self-esteem of the People of Northern Province.

To my mind, if Mr. Wigneswaran had gone along with money collecting responsibilities – he would not have invoked this policy level recognition from the British Prime Minister.

In contrast, the report about our then (2014) Immigration Minister was: ‘Australia's Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has reportedly made a secret visit to the war-torn Sri Lankan region of Jaffna during his whirlwind stop in the South Asian nation’

During his recent visit - Mr. Sumanthiran met with the Australian Government which includes Mr. Morrison and therefore his negative contribution to Tamils. When we are active at money level – we would change sides as per the money benefits for us. This is fine – so long as we do not take it upon ourselves to find fault with others who do not follow us in our money based activities.

One supporter of Mr. Sumanthiran wrote to me yesterday:

‘Australian Tamils do not understand what is going on in Sri Lanka at the present time? Would you please keep quiet until December 2016.’

Tamils as a Community expect the UN to take action against wrong-doers so that our path to self-governance would be clear. But unless we ourselves follow global principles and values in relating to each other and wider world – we would not recognize the opportunities at global level. Policy is at ownership level and this would not be influenced by money or other relative value. Like Spirituality, one cannot own for another.

Our returns would be as per the level at which we paid the costs. Australian Aid in breach of UN Policy would negate the contribution we have made to raise the problem to UN level. Every investor in this issue, who contributes at UN’s Policy level will identify with the outcomes as per her/his level of contribution. Mr. Scott Morrison obviously is not one of them. We, the Australian Tamils as the community directly affected – have to make additional sacrifices to negate these blockades to us developing as a self-managed independent Australian Tamil Community. My contribution is largely through Equal Opportunity Policy. Unlike our Australian Government, I do not need to give any aid to any Sri Lankan and/or Tamil to do this. No I do not know what is going on at Political level – be it here in Australia or over there in Sri Lanka. But I do recognize that the above person and Mr. Sumanthiran are seriously lacking in self-governance Policy.

The young ones who protested were expressing their emotions but did not act in breach of the law. I recognized former Councilor for Holroyd City – Mr. Vasee Rajadurai’s influence in this regard by continuously warning against any damage to Public Property. I identify with the claim of Mr. Yogarajah mentioned above – that the young activists  had the right to protest. The style may not have been attractive to some – but the Political Leaders within the Australian Tamil Community have to take responsibility for this kind of conduct which is common after the LTTE led uprising against any government / management that one disagrees with. Sri Lankan Tamils come with that karma – be it positive or negative. Mr. Sumanthiran failed to respect Mr. Wigneswaran’s natural position as being that of a senior due to Mr. Wigneswaran’s investment in the judiciary and Mr. Sumanthiran therefore earned the return karma – when he stepped on Australian soil Energized by some of us who have completed the experience of self-governance with the little resources available to us . Our returns will be through the strengthening of global values of the Tamil Community by sharing our true experiences – directly at Policy level. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 14 November  2015

Nainatheevu or Nagadeepa?

Eelam or Lanka?

Sri Lankan or Australian?

“Since the names Nagadeepa and Nainathivu are both used for the same place, it should not be used to incite racist sentiments” -  member of the Northern Provincial Council, M.K. Shivajilingam of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)

One would therefore conclude that as per this TNA member – it matters not whether we call Ceylon  - Eelam or Lanka.  What was LTTE then fighting about? – Is it not about this mental picture of ownership? The above picture says it all. If a Buddhist  could identify with the above picture with feelings as would a Hindu – then it matters not whether we call it Nainatheevu or Nagadeepa.

At the age of 4 our daughter Gayathri protested when two South  Australian grandmothers called her Gay. Gayathri said ‘If you can call my brother (Pradeep) and my sister (Uma) by their names then you ought to call me also by my name!’  The grandmothers themselves shared this with us, in appreciation of Gayathri’s high self-esteem.

When I was arrested by Australian Police for Peaceful Assembly – they listed me as ‘Sri Lankan’, despite my strong protests that for legal purposes I was Australian. The Courts did not see anything wrong with it. One leading lawyer claimed that there was nothing wrong in referring to people by their nationalities of origin. That was confirmation that there was no separation of powers between social values and legal values when the person listening seems to be of minority power. The stronger powers then get ‘free listeners’ to talk down to. In an Equal Opportunity system – this Common start is essential to eliminate Racial Discrimination. But despite my protests – the Government as well as the Courts failed to identify with me as an Australian. Hence the Truth that they considered me Sri Lankan was recorded in legal documents also. This gave me the ticket to live like a Sri Lankan here in Australia and ‘retired’ me as an Australian for official purposes. One must read the judgement as per the combined Truth. Now there is no controversy. I take higher authority than any other Australian – in Sri Lankan issues.  I take the position allocated – however small that position may be. Often the other side feels ‘free’ to express their true-selves to this nobody. Truth to me is more valuable than pretense however good-looking the pretense may be. The lifetime of pretense is relative to its commonness. Truth is Eternal.

The rule of majority must be upheld wherever there is firm diversity. Within our own local cultural groups we could use our ethnic names. But where there are challenges to ownership – one has to use the Common terminology. In Democracy – this measure is majority at current times at that place. Once this majority is officially recognized – that is the lawful name. Mr. Wigneswaran is developing this official system as per his position duty.

Logically this means that there would be greater harmony if the name in the language of majority of current times is used. In terms of total values – one needs to also consider carefully the Traditional values. As the picture reflects the priest is following rituals of ancient times – confirming the strong value of heritage. Land holds that heritage value as Energy. Good as well as bad are carried as Energy when they are upheld beyond their physical life. Earth as well as Humans carry this Energy. True believers invoke these positive  Energies.  The negative Energies invoke the negative powers of those who activate disbelief.

Mr. Sivajilingam may not believe in these Traditions. But majority Tamils do. Most of us do not know the workings of Truth except when we identify with our own Truth and have an experience that we cannot logically explain. But once we identify with our own Truth and then seek through the experience – we would make the connection between this Energy and the effects that happened. That was how I made the connection between my investment in Equal Opportunity Laws and our former Prime Minister Howard’s fall preceded by his presence at the center of 9/11  manifestation.

Closer to home – the strong protests against Mr. Sumanthiran during his recent visit to Australia – to my mind happened due to his disconnection with the roots of the Tamil pain. We may give it different forms but the connection must be ‘felt’ – as if we were having that pain here and now. The question was raised by the protestors as to what Mr. Sumanthiran was doing here when young Tamil prisoners were resuming their fast. To ‘own’ we have to be like them. This is why Gandhi renounced his excess status to become part of them and connect to the problems felt at the root level. He activated his solution of non-cooperation after that – so they also could participate in developing the solution.

In the case of Tamil Politicians – whether Mr. Wigneswaran renounced or not – it so happened that he lost his Colombo life for Jaffna life – whereas Mr. Sumanthiran is doing the other way around. Given that the source of the opportunities in both instances is this pain at the root level – it was Mr. Wigneswaran who represented the families of the young prisoners to the President. I feel that Mr. Wigneswaran successfully communicated with President Sirisena – who is a good man.

 Mr. Sumanthiran – as per his role was talking logic but to the wrong group. A group like Sri Lanka Reconciliation Forum, Sydney would have brought about more rewarding outcomes for him and those driven by democratic principles of multiculturalism. Talking  logic to the emotional ends up in chaos. Emotions need to be matched by emotions. Mr. Sumanthiran and his Sponsors  needed to listen to the woes of these refugees who have their own kind of pain. Mr. Sumanthiran became a target due to the organizers who are more interested in playing their own politics and being seen to be in the company of high status Australian officials than in feeling for the refugees as if they were the refugees. Sometimes the connection is not direct. But once we identify ourselves as part of their group – we would do the right thing by them – which would also be right for Australia. But like Mr. Sampanthan’s advice to the Sri Lankan Government – these Tamil leaders also lack the courage to risk their own Australian status for the needy in Sri Lanka. They are relatives and not yet family.

The simple rule is that the source of our benefits must also be the receiving vessel of our costs.

Each Community has its own unique structure. It is the primary duty of that Community to maintain this diversity if the source of its benefits cannot be identified fully or largely with current identities – for example Nainatheevu & Nagapooshani  are inherited names just as Gayathri is. The longer the name is carried with belief the stronger is its Energy. Legalizing it for that area is giving recognition to our Diversity officially and helps raise our self-esteem as Tamils and Hindus. A person of high self-esteem would not easily be swayed by external temptations. Those who followed LTTE Leader Prabhakaran as a person – may not appreciate the deeper values of Hinduism because Prabhakaran became a Christian at some stage. If Mr. Sivajilingam is one of them then it is understandable that he would not appreciate this deeper Traditional value that goes to the roots of our Community. But it would be wrong of him to  express while in office as a Tamil,  opinions that dilute the work of any Tamil who contributes to Common Belief of that Land area.

We Tamils render value to Vastu in architecture and horoscopes in terms of the person. We Northern Tamils continue to carry the customary law of Thesawalamai as part of our legal system – even if we live in Australia – seeking outcomes in a Northern Sri Lankan Court. These are due to the powers of the Land. Without this Belief there is no claim for Separation of Powers. Cleverness in use of arms alone does not render that entitlement.

The Tamil Community itself is multicultural due to diversity of Land and the origins of our cultures. We must develop high enough structures that would accommodate all such diverse forms of belief – including those of Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. We must respect other cultures but not become one generic mix. Without the traditions maintained by temples such as Nagapooshani Amman temple – Tamils have little grounds on which to claim self-governance on the basis of Diversity.

We are born as individuals and we leave earth as individuals. When we are born we are not aware of our commonness with others. The extent to which we feel commonness with someone who is physically far away from us – is the confirmation that we have realized the core purpose of our life in this particular form. That person is the source of  Common Energy that benefits all. Such Energy is Universal. One who identifies her/himself with those physically closest to her/him – and finally only her/his physical self – would die without experiencing the sweetness of higher life. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 13 November  2015

Australian Tamil or Jaffna Tamil?

On Deepavali day, a fellow member of the Sri Lankan Reconciliation Forum, Sydney asked me about an alleged attack on Mr. Sumanthiran in the Sydney suburb of Homebush which includes considerable proportion of Tamil population. I did not know anything about Mr. Sumanthiran’s visit to Australia until this morning and hence I asked for more details. Then I went about my own work – sharing my feelings with others who felt for the Tamil Political Prisoners and at the same time looking for the lasting solution in my own way. Accordingly  I continued to write my articles on this subject matter, in the consciousness that every genuine identity works the system of Truth.

This morning I read the news in Colombo Gazzette that Mr. Sumanthiran had met with our Government. Then I searched through Google and learnt about the commotion in Homebush during which Mr. Sumanthiran was called a traitor. The very question that rose in my mind was asked by one guy who asked Mr. Sumanthiran as to what he was doing here when the young ones who were in prison because of the Tamil struggle – had resumed their fast? A very valid question.

Politicians have to be physically present to ‘show’ their support to their side. The Chief Minister of Northern Province – the Hon Wigneswaran is reported to have done just that – not only in meeting with the families of the prisoners but also handing over  a written submission to the President, in person along with members of the Northern Provincial Council Cabinet. As per Uthayan report – the President has promised a response by Monday, regarding Amnesty.

The treatment that Mr. Sumanthiran received from Tamil victims of war – confirms further that we the Tamil Community are also suffering from the weaknesses in the Sinhalese Community. The fundamental reason is that lawyers who are part of the judiciary are also law makers as politicians. One who makes is at the beginning and one who concludes at national level is at the end. Except in individuals of high mind-order – the two need to be strictly separated to prevent stagnation – of the kind demonstrated by Mr. Rajapaksa.  

If Mr. Sumanthiran came here to Australia as leader of the Sri Lankan Tamil Community – then he should not have met with the Australian Government in their territory. The Australian Tamil Congress which seems to have organized the meeting has erred in this regard. The Colombo Gazette which publishes Sri Lankan news highlighted the meeting with the Australian Government but not the meeting with the Sri Lankan President.  

It is more and more obvious that Mr. Sumanthiran is failing as a Politician due to his interests in ‘international affairs’. The same way there needs to be Separation of Powers between the Executive and the Judiciary – there needs to be Separation of Powers between Local Politics and Foreign Politics. I have lived as Australian Tamil and have not faced  this kind of attack. From time to time, I receive expressions of appreciation from such groups whom I comforted during their difficult times. I do have different interpretations to most of the Tamil leaders with position and I do express them at common meetings especially with the Australian Government. They are however at policy level. Mr. Sumanthiran’s is seen as being at Business level.

The Separation of Powers between Rights based Authority and Outcomes based Business is important. Those of us with strong Business skills – including through the legal profession – need to renounce the comfort of judgmental  positions and v.v. Hence in a ‘free’ world  those who are business driven would stay away from Rights struggles. The problem often is that leaders want both. This Australian experience is necessary if Mr. Sumanthiran is to challenge the Government on Budgetary issues now that the Government has moved towards a Zero Base Budgeting system – which is another way of describing Business base.

Majority leaders of the Australian Tamil Community are driven by position power and hence get lost when it comes to minority powers trying to express their views. They continue to make speeches as if they are politicians. The Truth came out during this meeting organized in honor of Mr. Sumanthiran. The Truth is that the Australian Tamil Community is not bound by common institutional values. We continue to carry the ‘attitudes’ that we had when we left Sri lanka. This was also Mr. Sumanthiran’s problem. The gap between haves and have nots – was highlighted through these minds. To them Mr. Sumanthiran with Leadership position in Sri Lanka has what they do not have here in Australia nor are they able to go to Sri Lanka to enjoy it in their home-environment. A Tamil Congress member said to me that he was advised by Australian authorities not to go to Sri Lanka yet.

Instead of meeting with the Australian Government, Mr. Sumanthiran would have been better off meeting with the very individuals who accused him and shared his new status with these refugees who have left behind their own contribution to self-governance. If this is not possible due to his own circumstances then he must stay in Colombo – where he is naturally accepted. This kind of living in the past is not unique to Australian Tamils. Malaysian Tamils practice some ceremonies that are more traditional than those practiced in Jaffna. Likewise, the value of Tamil struggle for self-governance in the mind of today’s Australian Tamil is different to that in the mind of Jaffna-Tamil. That’s our diversity which Mr. Sumanthiran failed to recognize. 

Gajalakshmi Paramasivam – 12 November  2015

Non-Violent Non Cooperation with the UN?

The matter regarding Tamil Political Prisoners becomes complex once it goes to Courts due to theories that the prisoners cannot reconcile with – largely due to lack of knowledge about the way of wider world. The Prisoners who are largely activists  do not want Rehabilitation. The way I read that is that they are not able to reconcile their assessment about themselves through the laws  they were exposed to, with the judgment of the Armed Forces and the Courts. The successful escalation of war-crimes charges to the UN level happened due also to the suffering of these prisoners shared by the Diaspora Activists.  

Leaders amongst these prisoners have demonstrated greater order of the mind than many ministers in the current government who keep changing their views. It is the duty of the Tamil Community to support the actions of these prisoners who uphold their self-assessment. Fasting with belief that one has been wronged steadies the mind of the person abstaining and all those who feel the pain of that person. Given that these prisoners have blamed TNA also – one could conclude that the first group targeted by these prisoners is the TNA.  

TNA now has the responsibility to work towards a Policy level solution to the – Application of the PTA – Prevention of Terrorism Act. Activists would continue to produce outcomes at their level. A Political answer would rob us of the opportunity to contribute to National and Global policies. Our contribution to policies strengthens our mind-order towards real self-governance.

The example that comes to mind is a common family related one. Recently, when I was minding two of my granddaughters, one of them announced that she was making tea for herself. Usually I make tea for her at her request and if she said ‘please’ – but this time the seven year old wanted to make it herself. I did not object but when she failed to make one for me – I pointed out that she had demonstrated poor hosting skills. The little one said ‘You should have asked’. I said ‘the policy of this family is for the host to ask the guest’. As grandmother I had the position responsibility make tea for my granddaughter – provided she respected my higher skills. But in their home when she took the ‘self-governing’ position – I had to use her position to place myself as an equal and therefore it was a question of  whether offering or asking was of higher value.  The Political answer would have been for me to turn a blind eye to the actions of the seven year old and be popular with her. But that would meant a lost opportunity to uphold policy and bring upon the little one the blessings of all good hosts. The Lesson - I did lose popularity to invest in Policy; I dismissed selfishness to transfer the net value to Commonness – beyond the individual to the  family and through family to wider community. Once we are natural at this level – we invoke Universal powers and that is the real power that would bring us the help needed to lead a life in harmony with our environment. At the primary stage we directly enjoy benefits – for example the taste of tea by ourselves. At the secondary level we enjoy others physically related to us enjoying the benefits we produce – the tea we make. At tertiary level we enjoy benefit/tea making itself – whether we make it or someone else makes it. At that level when we are wholesome and when we bless a junior and the junior receives it humbly – the mind order of the junior is connected to us and our Policy automatically supports the junior from within.

Applying that to the TNA’s positioning in this issue – I go to the following example as reported by Daily Mirror Editorial of 11 November - Democratic Rights of Prisoners and the National Security :

[On November 6, one day prior to the deadline, a high level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to release some suspects straight away and a ministerial committee would study the cases of the others and find ways to release them. Accordingly, the Justice Ministry had announced that 32 out of more than 200 suspects would be released on November 9 and another batch of 30 suspects on November 20.
It was against this backdrop that the LTTE suspects have started a fresh hunger strike. They demand that all LTTE suspects irrespective of their alleged offences be released forthwith]

Under these circumstances – the Prime Minister when he released the first group through due administrative processes – was taking the position I did with my granddaughter. We were Service Providers. When the prisoners declared they were fasting – they were helping themselves to the position of judge – which meant the Prime Minister was treated as an Equal – a Guest in their territory. If that were endorsed by the TNA without taking a position or without stated policy base – then it Naturally dilutes its power as Leader of the Opposition – in National Parliament –a higher position that the Tamil Community has invested in. By adding itself to the Prisoners through that position - the TNA is raising the issue to the National level. Then the TNA is the Guest and the Government led by the Prime Minister is the Host.

As per the above editorial:

[Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran while speaking in Parliament last week said that some suspects had already spent 20 years in prison for alleged offences for which they would be sentenced, if convicted, only to a few years imprisonment. However, in spite of the presidential intervention for the first time in this issue, authorities seem to be facing legal constraints in releasing all the LTTE suspects as cases have been initiated with regard to some of them. Only a political decision at the highest level would resolve that matter. ]

The Prime Minister has the responsibility to uphold the Doctrine of Separation of Powers and allow the Judiciary to follow Due Process. In a subjective system –  Judges have high level powers to be used at their discretion and the Judiciary must be trusted to use them with care. Where Political answers  are delivered in breach of the Judicial process – those prisoners are denied the blessings of the Judiciary and the wider world that respects the law. If TNA supports this – then we have the responsibility to return the UNHRC decision – through commitment to Non-Cooperation with the UN. THIS is the real solution if one wanted Eelam only opportunities. If one sought opportunities in wider world – then the TNA must state its policy that would be applicable to all Sri Lankans – including JVP members arrested for their actions against the Government. The above statement by Mr. Sumanthiran is that the punishment is excessive. To my mind that is advice to the Judiciary – inappropriate in Parliament.

TNA needs to educate its side – especially the prisoners by sitting down to listen to them as if their problem is the TNA’s problem. Then explain that if the Prisoners were released without Due Administrative Process – the TNA would need to renounce the global opportunity to participate in the solution to the ethnic problem. Separating the two would effectively mean using the UN for our selfish reasons. We must first invest in the UN at policy level – before having ‘rights’ – as per the system of Democracy. UN must not be used as a doormat for selfish self-rule. 

Our personal Truth must be stronger than the outcomes of the Administrative and Judicial systems for ‘fasting’ and ‘non-cooperation’ activity  to go directly into policy. Given that we now have the UN’s support – TNA must connect its statements to Global Policy and do the needful to become the sole representatives of the prisoners. Political actions at the local level by the prisoners should be raised to the global level by those who are dissatisfied with the Government’s Administrative actions. That ball is really in the Tamil Diaspora’s Court.