The British Tamil Forum (BTF) has issued a crucial call for Tamils living in the North-East of Sri Lanka to forge a strategic alliance and face future democratic processes as a unified force. This appeal comes in the wake of Anura Kumara Dissanayake's election as President of Sri Lanka, raising concerns about the implications for Tamil rights and autonomy.
In a comprehensive statement released today, the BTF emphasized the critical need for unity among Tamil political representatives, particularly given the historical context of the newly elected president's political party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).
"The arrival of the newly elected President with promises of radical changes may seem a relief to many in Sri Lanka, but we must examine the implications for the Tamil community carefully," a spokesperson for the BTF stated. The organization highlighted the JVP's track record, noting its consistent opposition to devolution of power and international mediation in Sri Lankan affairs.
According to the BTF's analysis, the JVP, under Dissanayake's leadership, has historically taken positions that conflict with Tamil aspirations for autonomy. From 2000 to 2005, the party actively opposed various peace initiatives, including the Norwegian-mediated peace process and constitutional reforms aimed at devolution.
The Forum outlined several key requirements for any future political solution. These include the recognition of Tamils' inherent right to self-determination and the establishment of a federal framework. "Any negotiated political solution must be conducted through international arbitration," the statement emphasized, calling for guarantees from a core group of nations including India, the USA, the UK, the EU, and Canada.
The BTF stressed the importance of international oversight, advocating for a time-bound implementation plan to ensure equitable and sustainable peace. "The international community must play a crucial role in guaranteeing the implementation of agreements to prevent the recurrence of civil strife," the spokesperson added.
Addressing the elected Tamil representatives from the North-East, the BTF commended their recognition of victim priorities and concerns. The Forum urged these representatives to maintain their commitment to federal principles in any future negotiations. The statement reminds the Tamils that their community's strength lies in its unity, and only through collective action can they effectively advocate for their rights and future.
A. The elected Tamil representatives from the North-East of Sri Lanka have recognized and addressed the concerns and priorities of the Tamil victims. As requested by these representatives, any political solution must acknowledge the inherent right to self-determination of the Tamil people and be based on federal principles.
B. A negotiated political solution has to be conducted through an international arbitration process. The implementation of this solution must be guaranteed by a core group of nations, including India, the USA, the UK, the EU, and Canada, to ensure a sustainable, long-term political settlement.
C. International arbitrators must guarantee the implementation of subsequent agreements, to ensure non-recurrence of civil strife and cycles of violence, to attain equitable and sustainable peace, and to establish and maintain the geo-political stability of the region.
D. The international community must set up a time bound implementation plan for all the above objectives.
The full statement can be found here.
