5 hours 46 minutes ago
“My dear Tamil diaspora and their children and grandchildren…” / "எனது அன்பான தமிழ் புலம்பெயர்ந்த மக்களே, அவர்களின் குழந்தைகள் மற்றும் பேரக்குழந்தைகளே..." “When I say Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa—your heart feels pain. You remember massacres, burnt homes, destroyed temples. Some of you think, ‘Why should we go back there?’ But I am here to tell you—that is exactly why you must go back. ”Visiting the North and East of Sri Lanka is not just tourism. It is a duty—cultural, political, economic, and spiritual. / "நான் யாழ்ப்பாணம், முல்லைத்தீவு, திருகோணமலை, மட்டக்களப்பு என்று சொல்லும்போது - உங்கள் இதயம் வலிக்கிறது. படுகொலைகள், எரிக்கப்பட்ட வீடுகள், அழிக்கப்பட்ட கோயில்கள் உங்களுக்கு நினைவிருக்கிறது. உங்களில் சிலர், 'நாம் ஏன் அங்கு திரும்பிச் செல்ல வேண்டும்?' என்று நினைக்கிறீர்கள், ”இலங்கையின் வடக்கு மற்றும் கிழக்குப் பகுதிகளுக்குச் செல்வது வெறும் சுற்றுலா மட்டுமல்ல. அது ஒரு கடமை - கலாச்சார, அரசியல், பொருளாதார மற்றும் ஆன்மீகம் ஆகும், அதனை, ஏன் நீங்கள் பயணிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதை, நான் இங்கே கீழே விபரமாக ஆங்கிலத்தில், - காரணம் இது புலம்பெயர்ந்த மக்களின் குழந்தைகள் மற்றும் பேரக்குழந்தைகளுக்கும் சேர்த்து என்பதால் - பதிவிடுகிறேன் 1. Cultural & Historical Continuity The Tamil people have lived in the North and East of Sri Lanka for more than two millennia. Ancient travelers, inscriptions, and chronicles such as Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa record the existence of Tamil and Nāga kings who ruled these lands. Despite this deep history, post-independence Sri Lanka (1948 onwards) brought systematic discrimination, ethnic riots (1956, 1977, 1983), mass displacement, and finally the devastating war that ended in 2009. Today, while many Tamils live abroad due to forced migration, their connection to the homeland must not fade. One powerful way to maintain this connection is regular visits to the North and East of Sri Lanka. Visiting these lands keeps alive the visible presence of Tamils. If diaspora Tamils don’t go, the government and others may claim, “Tamils have abandoned it.” Example: In Jaffna, many ancient temples (Nallur Kandaswamy, Ketheeswaram, Naguleswaram, Thirukoneswaram) are living testimonies of Tamil heritage. When diaspora families visit and worship there, they affirm that these are not “abandoned ruins” but part of a living culture. 2. Counteracting State Narratives Successive governments have promoted “Sinhala-Buddhist heritage” in Tamil areas, often erasing or overshadowing Tamil symbols with new Buddhist statues or army-built structures. Example: After 2009, many Buddhist shrines were erected in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Trincomalee where no Sinhala people live. In brief, The Sri Lankan state has tried to erase Tamil heritage by replacing temples with Buddhist shrines and by changing place names. Regular visits by diaspora Tamils challenge this narrative by showing the world community and local Sinhala authorities that Tamils abroad have not forgotten or surrendered these lands. In brief, When Tamils visit in large numbers, it challenges the narrative of abandonment and sends a message that the land is still ours. 3. Support for the Local Population. In other words , Strengthening the Local Economy Tourism dollars spent in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya directly support Tamil businesses, helping communities recover. This reduces dependency on state-driven projects that often marginalize locals. For examples, Tamils who remain in the North and East still face: Military occupation of land Lack of job opportunities Psychological trauma of war Diaspora visits bring not only emotional strength but also economic support. Tourists spend money on hotels, guides, transport, small businesses — strengthening the Tamil economy rather than making it collapse. Example: In Jaffna, during Nallur festival, diaspora visitors boost the entire city’s economy, helping small traders, food stalls, transport workers, and local hotels. specially staying in Tamil-owned guesthouses, using local guides, and buying from small traders sustains the Tamil economy. 4. Global Awareness, Documentation & A Political and Cultural Statement Every diaspora family that visits, takes photos, writes blogs, or shares experiences on social media. This creates a counter-narrative to government propaganda. Example: If Tamil Canadians, British Tamils, and French Tamils post about their visits to Mullaitivu massacre sites, Thileepan memorials, or burned Jaffna library grounds, the international audience sees the truth. This keeps Tamil suffering and history alive beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Every diaspora visit is a subtle reminder to the government and the world that Tamils have not forgotten their homeland. It is similar to how Palestinians, even if exiled, insist on returning to their villages to show ownership. That is, Diaspora visits remind the world that Tamils are alive and present, not forgotten. 5. Generational Identity & Education Children born abroad may grow up knowing only Canada, UK, Switzerland, Australia, etc. Without seeing Jaffna or Batticaloa, they may believe “we are outsiders.” Many second-generation diaspora youth have never seen their ancestral villages. So Visiting allows them to connect emotionally, bridging the gap between exile and homeland. For Example, Visiting the homeland allows them to: See their ancestral temples, schools, and villages. Hear Tamil spoken in its natural setting. Feel the soil of their forefathers. Example: Many Tamil families take children to the Jaffna Public Library site to teach them about its 1981 burning. This ensures that Tamil memory continues beyond one or two generations. 6. Diplomatic & Political Message and World Historical Examples When diaspora Tamils travel back in large numbers, it sends a message to: Sri Lankan government: “We still care for this land.” International observers: “Tamils are not a disappearing minority; they are a global people tied to their homeland.” Example: During Nallur festival, thousands of diaspora Tamils return. Even Colombo newspapers report: “Diaspora floods Jaffna.” This cannot be ignored by authorities—it proves Tamil homeland identity is alive. Jewish diaspora: For centuries, Jews visited Jerusalem despite displacement, keeping their bond alive until Israel was established. Armenian diaspora: Armenians dispersed after the genocide still regularly visit Armenia to strengthen ties. African diaspora: Many African Americans visit Ghana and other African countries as “homecoming” journeys to reclaim identity. Similarly, Tamil diaspora visits maintain ownership and memory. 7. Preventing or Protecting Land Grabs & Countering State Narratives of Development Government often justifies army occupation by saying, “No Tamils live here anymore, so we will develop it.” If diaspora visits increase, they strengthen claims of ancestral ownership. Example: In Mullaitivu, army-run tourist resorts have been built on seized Tamil lands. If diaspora visitors insist on staying in Tamil-owned guesthouses and demand access to Tamil lands, it resists this land-grab silently but effectively. The Sri Lankan government promotes "development tourism" in the North and East to justify Sinhalization. Diaspora visits counter this narrative by prioritizing Tamil spaces, schools, temples, and villages. 8. Healing and Remembrance Many Tamils lost loved ones (1956, 1977, 1983 pogroms, and the 2009 Mullivaikkal massacre). Visiting those lands is a pilgrimage of memory. Example: Visiting Mullivaikkal on May 18th, lighting candles, and praying together sends a message: “We have not forgotten our dead.” It also heals families abroad who carry grief and trauma. 9. Religious & Spiritual Duty For Hindus, Saivaite temples of the North-East (Thirukoneswaram, Naguleswaram, Ketheeswaram, Nallur) are among the oldest shrines of Tamil Saivism. For Christians, churches like Madhu shrine hold deep meaning. Visiting is a spiritual reaffirmation—keeping the faith alive in Tamil soil. that is, Visiting preserves faith and spirituality on Tamil soil. 10. Examples or Lessons from Other Nations Jewish diaspora: Even after 2000 years of dispersion, Jews regularly visited and prayed towards Jerusalem until they regained Israel. Armenians: Spread worldwide but maintain pilgrimages to Armenia, keeping alive their claim to history. Kurdish diaspora: Visits Kurdistan regularly to strengthen its recognition. Similarly, Tamil diaspora must visit Sri Lanka’s North-East to ensure homeland identity is not erased. Conclusion Yes—diaspora Tamils must regularly tour the North and East of Sri Lanka. It is not just tourism; it is: A political act of resistance A cultural duty of remembrance An educational investment for future generations An economic lifeline for local Tamils A global declaration that the Tamil homeland is alive Without diaspora visits, silence and absence will allow governments and international allies to say: “Tamils don’t care anymore.” With regular visits, the truth remains visible—both to Sri Lanka and to the world In brief , For Tamils abroad, visiting the North and East of Sri Lanka is more than a holiday. It is an act of cultural preservation, political resistance, and emotional healing. Each step taken in Jaffna, each prayer at Trincomalee, each embrace with local relatives echoes across history, reminding both the Sri Lankan state and the world that this land is still Tamil land. If we do not visit, silence may slowly erase us from memory. If we do visit, we prove—like other displaced peoples throughout history—that our roots cannot be cut. The North and East are not just geography; they are identity, memory, and future. Before I conclude, let me share a few key historical facts, briefly but meaningfully, for you to remember. / Historical Context (Brief but Essential) 1. Ancient Tamil Presence Archaeological and literary evidence confirms that Tamils and Nagas (Saivite-related communities) lived in Sri Lanka long before Vijaya’s arrival (around 500 BCE). Stone inscriptions, Brahmi scripts, and Sangam literature refer to Tamil-speaking peoples in the island. Ancient texts like Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa—though written with Sinhala-Buddhist bias—acknowledge the existence of Tamil kings and Naga chieftains. Major Saivite temples—Ketheeswaram (Mannar), Naguleswaram (Keerimalai, Jaffna), Thirukoneswaram (Trincomalee), Munneswaram (Chilaw)—all existed from early centuries and prove the depth of Tamil religious civilization. Thus, Tamils are not “immigrants” but one of the founding civilizations of the island. 2. Medieval Tamil Kingdoms From 10th century onwards, the Chola influence spread into the island. By the 13th century, the Jaffna Kingdom (Arya Chakravarthi dynasty) was firmly established, ruling from Jaffna over much of the North and parts of the East. The Jaffna Kingdom maintained Tamil literature, culture, and trade until its fall to the Portuguese in 1619. This period solidified the North-East as a Tamil homeland, with its own rulers, coinage, temples, and laws. 3. Colonial Period (1505–1948) Portuguese, Dutch, and British successively colonized Sri Lanka. British rule brought the North-East Tamil regions and Kandyan Sinhalese regions into one administrative unit in 1833 (Colebrooke-Cameron reforms). This was the first artificial unification of the island. Tamil Saivite revival movements flourished (e.g., Arumuga Navalar in Jaffna). Tamils gained prominence in education and administration due to missionary schools and British appointments. 4. Post-Independence Betrayals (1948 onwards) When Sri Lanka gained independence (1948), the Sinhala political elite began to sideline Tamils systematically: 1948–49: Citizenship Act disenfranchised nearly 1 million Indian Tamils (plantation workers). 1956: Sinhala Only Act imposed Sinhala as the sole official language, sparking anti-Tamil riots. 1958, 1977, 1981, 1983: Large-scale anti-Tamil pogroms killed thousands and destroyed properties—especially the burning of the Jaffna Public Library (1981) and Black July (1983). 1972 & 1978 Constitutions: Elevated Buddhism and Sinhala primacy, sidelining Tamil rights. Standardization (1970s): Denied Tamil students equal university access. Thus, Tamils realized they could not secure justice within a Sinhala-majority framework. 5. Civil War (1983–2009) The Tamil struggle turned into an armed conflict, led by the Tamil youth groups. Tamils sought to protect their homeland in the North - East from state oppression and colonization. For 26 years, the North - East experienced war, displacement, and destruction. 2009 Mullivaikkal massacre: Tens of thousands of Tamils were killed in the final months. Even after the war ended, justice was denied, and militarization continued. 6. Post-War Situation (2009–Present) High militarization: The Northern Province has the highest soldier-to-civilian ratio in the world. Land grabs: Army and state acquire fertile Tamil lands for military camps, Buddhist shrines, and Sinhala settlements. Demographic changes: Sinhala colonization schemes continue, particularly in Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, and Batticaloa. Cultural erasure: Ancient Saivite temples are replaced or overshadowed by new Buddhist constructions. Economic suppression: The North-East lags in investment and jobs, forcing youth to migrate. Psychological trauma: War survivors live with grief, disappearances, and unhealed wounds. 7. New Rulers & Political Climate Different governments (Rajapaksas, Sirisena, Gotabaya, Wickremesinghe) promised reconciliation but failed to deliver justice or political rights. International pressure (UNHRC reports) highlights human rights violations, but Sri Lanka resists accountability. Current rulers speak of “development,” but often it masks Sinhala-Buddhist expansion in Tamil areas. Without diaspora presence, the North-East risks becoming a “museum piece,” where Tamil culture exists only in books, not in living communities. 8. Why Diaspora Must Visit North & East Now connecting history to present: To show unbroken connection. Tamils have lived there for 2300 years. Visits prove this continuity to the Sri Lankan state and to the world. To prevent erasure. If diaspora Tamils stop visiting, the government may argue: “They left permanently; this is now Sinhala land.” To educate the next generation. Children abroad must see Nallur, Jaffna Library site, Mullivaikkal beach, Trincomalee temples—otherwise, they risk losing homeland identity. To support local Tamils. Tourism brings money to Tamil-owned businesses, strengthening local survival instead of depending on state or army establishments. To preserve memory & justice. Visiting massacre sites, memorials, and destroyed villages keeps international awareness alive. Silence benefits only the state. To mirror global examples. Jews, Armenians, Kurds—all maintain ties to their homeland through visits, even when they lived in diaspora for centuries. Tamils must do the same. 9. Practical Outcomes of Regular Visits Each diaspora visit is not just a holiday but an act of political resistance and cultural reaffirmation. It sends a strong message to: Sri Lankan rulers: “This land still belongs to Tamils.” World community: “Tamils are not erased; we are alive.” & Future Tamil generations: “This is your motherland, never forget it.” — Kandiah Thillaivinayagalingam, following my last visit to Sri Lanka in August 2025 -- “My dear Tamil diaspora and their children and grandchildren…” / "எனது அன்பான தமிழ் புலம்பெயர்ந்த மக்களே, அவர்களின் குழந்தைகள் மற்றும் பேரக்குழந்தைகளே..." https://www.facebook.com/groups/978753388866632/posts/31322667227381849/?
