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Eric A. B. Fernando A.C.M.A, A.T.F.A., Kandy, Sri-Lanka, 26 August 2003 : The core issue today is whether there is in fact an ethnic problem in this country. One can not attempt to hide that Sri-Lanka is a multi ethnic Country. It is equally correct to say “ Me singhala apage ratai, api ipaduna Marena ratai”. The Singhalese have lived with minorities quite happily for centuries. There is no ethnic problem in this country but only a terrorist problem. It is unfortunate that governments blow their trumpets with different tunes to suit their continuance. Objectives must be compatible. In any case, devolution, based on ethnic proportions is an invitation to the various elements of the population to regroup to pursue their own interests and objectives at the expense of a central objective of a united Lanka.
I agree that any devolution of power based on an ethnic basis is racists and will lead to non-ending conflict. In all countries there are minorities and the solution to minority rights should be through various institutions such as the Equal Opportunity
Commissions, Anti-Discrimination Laws etc. Devolution of power should only be on a geographical basis and the regime in power in that geographical entity would be the one voted in by the majority. If an ethnic minority happens to be the majority in that region and they are able to win the votes of the people in that region then so be it.
- Anil Amarasekara, Wed, 30 Jan 2002 00:07:37 +1100