North and East Bid Farewell to Rhetoric Tamil Nationalism

I have a dream that my children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the race, religion, or caste of their ancestors but by the content of their character.

The following article is the editorial of the Jaffna Mirror, a regular publication focused on socio-political affairs in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has undergone a seismic political transformation unparalleled in its modern chronicles. The Parliamentary Elections of 2024 will be immortalized as the epoch when the populace obliterated the deeply entrenched ramparts of ethnicity, religion, caste, and class. In a thunderous proclamation, they affirmed with unyielding conviction: We are Sri Lankans.

For decades, Jaffna has been regarded as the citadel of Tamil nationalism, with a longstanding history of electing exclusively Tamil parties. Yet, in a tectonic shift, 80,830 votes—a remarkable 24.85% of the electorate— catapulted the Sri Lankan nationalist National People’s Power (NPP) to the forefront, making it the leading force on Jaffna’s electoral list and securing three Members of Parliament from this historically symbolic soil. A similar trend emerged across other Tamil-speaking districts, with the notable exception of Batticaloa, marking an unprecedented realignment of political allegiances.

The winds of change blew even stronger in Trincomalee, where a young Tamil comrade, Arun Hemachandra, an indefatigable JVP volunteer—achieved a historic victory. His triumph was not anchored in ethnic loyalties but was instead secured through the overwhelming support of Sinhala and Muslim voters. Given that the electorate had already elected an ITAK MP from the same district in this election, it was mathematically impossible for the Tamil vote alone to secure another Tamil MP for Trincomalee. It is, therefore, clear that Sinhala and Muslim voters played a decisive role in elevating Arun Hemachandra as their Member of Parliament, heralding a remarkable shift towards inclusive and collaborative politics.

But the crown jewel of this election lies far to the south, in Matara—a district predominantly Sinhala, with only a minimal Tamil presence. Here, history was made as Saroja

Savithri Paulraj, a JVP Central Committee member, became the first Tamil Member of Parliament elected from the Southern Province. Backed exclusively by Sinhala votes, Saroja’s victory stands as a profound testament to the evolving ethos of the Sinhala heartland. Joining her from the same district is Arkam Ilyas, a Muslim candidate under the NPP banner, further signaling the inclusive and pluralistic future Sri Lanka is poised to embrace.

In the upcountry estates, a quiet revolution unfolded as Krishnan Kaleychelvi from Nuwara Eliya and Ambika Samuel from Badulla—true children of the grassroots—emerged to represent the Malayaha Tamil community. In stark contrast to the elite gatekeepers of their community, who studied in English-medium opulent boarding schools in Tamil Nadu and whose politics often reek of extravagance and Tamil cinema theatrics, these leaders embody the sweat, resilience, and toil of estate laborers.

Sri Lankans have accomplished what many believed to be unthinkable—they have transcended deep-seated divisions to elect a government driven by collective aspirations rather than archaic allegiances. Yet, the lesson for the NPP is unequivocally stark: this very electorate once propelled the SLPP to unparalleled heights in 2020, bestowing it with 6,853,693 votes, 59.09% of the mandate, and a commanding 145 seats. Fast forward four years, the same populace dismantled that dominance, slashing the SLPP’s support to a meager 3.14% of the vote and a humiliating three seats. The message is crystal clear: power resides with the people, and they will not tolerate betrayal or hubris. Their trust is a privilege—precious yet perilously fragile. Tamper with their faith, and the fall will be unforgiving.

As we stand at this juncture of hope and history, I invoke the immortal words of Martin Luther King Jr., reimagined for our beloved Sri Lanka:

“I have a dream that one day, from the tip of Jaffna to the bottom of Matara, little Tamil boys and girls will join hands with Sinhala, Muslim, and Burgher boys and girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream that my children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the race, religion, or caste of their ancestors but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one day, in the lush estates of Nuwara Eliya, the bustling streets of Colombo, and the serene shores of Batticaloa, every Sri Lankan will be free to dream, thrive, and contribute without fear of discrimination.

I have a dream that the wounds of the past will no longer bleed, and the scars of war will transform into symbols of resilience and reconciliation.”

I have a dream!

In the Spirit of Reconciliation



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