Federalism.
In defining it we say fulfilling the rights of people and
making arrangements to federalism and fulfilling federalism to geo graphically
non-linked areas is called geo graphically non- linked federalism. Many
countries have succeeded in attaining this, for instance countries like Canada , Belgium ,
and Switzerland .
Even in Pondichcheri there’s a non geo graphical federalism linking three
territories. In federalism compromization should be made regarding borders,
cultural inter changings, and regarding distributing economical resources. If
there are more than one territory one state shouldn’t begin to have influence
over the other territories just ‘cause its geo graphical area is vast and the
population of that territory is vast. The states should work unitedly for the
pur[pose of financial assistance, border limits, cultural integrity and
economical strength. States can’t separate itself from the central government
nor it’s allowed either. If the states go against the central government it has
a threat of being afraid of the states. Then it becomes difficult to the
central government to control the entities or in other words the central
government loses its influence over the states. Further it’s a mandatory fact
that in federalism the states can’t separate themselves from the central
government. In working as states and central government the two parties should
have a mutual independence and mutual link should be considered in financial
and administrational affairs. In countries like Switzerland ,
America , and Australia
the power is given to the states than the central government. There are many
advantages and disadvantages in federalism. The central government can assist
the states regarding education, affairs of defence and further the relationship
between the two parties should be preserved well. When the entities does not
have financial power to fulfill its necessities it has to rely on the central
government. Even in countries like Canada ,
America
where its mentioned federalism is maintained well there are defects regarding
mutual independence, and mutual compromization. So for a successful federalism
these conditions should be fulfilled or at least to a certain extent. Further
in federalism the uniqueness and independence of the states should be preserved
and strong and deft operation of the central government is needed
simultaneously.
In federalism the states can’t separate itself voluntarily
is a positive phase. If the states decides to separate itself it should be
based on its strength ‘cause obviously if the states are less less powerful or
has lack of financial facility naturally it can’t operate pon its own. It can’t
be considered legal that the central government refuses to give the rights of
separating ‘cause even if the states separate itself from the central
governmentit does not lose its sovereignity altogether. When various faith,
ethnicities and cultures are joined in federalism they should be respected
mutually. The necessities of each state should be considered and an acceptable
and reasonable stewardship should be there. Counties where federalism worked
out very well are Malasia , Nigeria , Belgium ,
Switzerland , Canada and America . The advantage in
federalism is when the states can’t operate itself on its own it can get the
assistance of central government. So federalism is a nice concept not only to Sri Lanka
but also to countries where multi ethnic and multi religious groups live.
NATIONALISM
Nationalism is a concept which emphasizes a group of people
who consider themselves as connected together by archaic history, culture, and
common tradition. This is a concept which originated in early 19th
centuries. Always Nationalism aims at
preserving the good will of the nation. In other words Nationalism is a concept
which includes external factors like a language, a religion, common generation,
and internal factors like awareness of the people towards the nation and love
for the nation. All in all it emphasizes the loyalty where people are ready to
sacrifice their lives for the country.
Factors like religion,culture, Hinduistic, social and
economic influenced the origination of Tamil Nationalism. Sir Pon. Arunachalam
cmade together Sinhalese and Tamil Nationalism , jointly Sri Lankan nationalism
, not Sinhalese or Tamil Natiolism alone.
He was a mediator to gain common purposes. Sinhalese leaders
were giving promises like we shall preserve the racial representation in the
parliament. But in reality these were rejected by Sinhalese. So Sri Lankan
Nationalism did not come into reality.Sri Lankan Tamil League was originated in
1923 by Sir Pon. Arunachalam.
The Arrival Of
British.
On the arrival of British our country was under three
kingdoms, kotte kingdom, Jaffna
kingdom and Kandian kingdom. The British in order for their easiness to reign
they united all three kingdoms under one kingdom. When giving independence to India they
considered its neibour country as well and gave freedom to our country as well.
But during their reign Tamils were more proficient in English than Sinhalese.
So they recruited more Tamils to government service than Sinhalese. This
aroused a fear in Sinhalese’ mind. When the British went away they never
separated the single kingdom as earlier into three kingdoms. The problem began
at this stage. Sinhalese didn’t like that more than half the population of
offices were Tamils and there began the problem. Then there were introduction
of ‘Quota’ system to encourage the enrolment of rural students to who got
medium results into universities. And the urban students had to score high
Z-Scores in order for entering the university. This discouraged Northern and
Eastern students that they couldn’t enter universities though with high
results. Thus gradually the Sinhalese population, their contribution in
educational activities and their job opportunities were gradually raised up.( I
don’t mean Sinhalese should stay backwards in education. Most of my teachers
are Sinhalese and they were my examples. But when it’s planned and done it’s
not a good phase.) This aroused a fear in Tamils’ minds. Both the ethnicities
taking the role of getting fear over the other ethnicity there’s not a bit of advantage. We achieved
nothing but sheer destruction.
Which caused the pathetic destruction in this beautiful
island? Beginning thus in job opportunities and educational activities and fear
of being neglected , in 1956 July 7th an agreement was signed
between Sir Bandaranayake and father Selvanayaham. (Banda- Selva agreement-
1956 July 7th) and it was said that activities regarding
agriculture, education, and emigration will remain in govenments’ hands.(It’s
notable that he made a reasonable effort in solving Tamils’ problems). In 1958
there was an ethnic tension. Tamils were killed in multitudes and properties of
Tamils were destroyed.(my intention is not spreading racism but sharing some
historical facts will do). Following this in1977, and1983 there were riots
against Tamils and further 5500 shops in Colombo ,1150
houses, 153 factories, 63 garments, 18 temples were burned by Sinhalese thugs.
Tamils’ economy was destroyed completely. 150,000 employees lost their jobs and
Tamils tended to emigrate to Western countries like British, Norway , German, and Switzerland . In 1987 an agreement
was signed between Mr. Rajiv Gandhi and J.R Jayawardane and the arrival of
Indian Army( Indian Peace Keeping Force) took place. They arrived in the
purposes of providing protection, creating administration and protecting
natural life of civilians of North and East. In 1987 a war was waged between
Indian Army and LTTE. Then J.R. Jayawardane government insisted that Indian
Army should leave and we shall achieve the solution ourselves. And peace talks
were held in Hilton Hotel for 14 months. Tin 1994, Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranayake
Kumarathunge became the president ans she promised Tamils’ problem will be
solved. She insisted saying the criminals of 1981 and 84 riots will be
identified and punished and compromization will be given to those affected . In
2002, while Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe was the prime minister and Mrs. Chanrika
Bandaranayake was still the president
peace talks and cease fires were carried out by the government with LTTE
to get a reasonable solution. But LTTE leaders were persistent in getting
Thamizh Ezham only and they refused any other solutions. So ultimately they
were uprooted altogether.
How so ever the golden moment has arrived to reap a harvest to
the long drawn issue of ethnic trouble. Really saying Tamils and Sinhalese(ordinary people) do
not have any problem. They’re already concordant and harmonious towards each
other. So as Sri Lankans let’s begin the journey and make a new, harmonious and
problem free Sri Lanka .
Viva Sri Lanka!!!
