A Story of Eelam Tamils

Recently on December 30th, the BJP President, J.P. Nadda, unveiled a commemorative stamp, celebrating 200 years of the enchanting tale of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. However, the shadows of their challenges and struggles are often obscured by the celebratory light, beckon acknowledgment. Seizing this moment, I embark on narrating the often overlooked history of challenges faced by the Tamil community in Sri Lanka—an issue that tends to find little space in the mainstream world.

Sri Lanka has always been a vital part of Indian civilization, akin to Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nepal. However, its connection lies more with the southern Dravidian culture, unlike the Prakrit culture predominant in the north. Under the reign of the Tamil kings of Chola and Pandya, dating back to the 3rd century BC, Sri Lanka found itself within the cultural embrace of mainland India.

During the 9th and 10th centuries CE, the Chola Empire expanded its domain to include the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka, a subplot beautifully depicted in the movie “Ponnyan Selvan.” This annexation accelerated the migration and assimilation of Tamils in those regions, resulting in a predominantly Hindu Tamil population that endures to this day.

Enriching this tapestry of history, in the 19th century, the British dispatched laborers from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka for work in tea plantations. These laborers formed a distinct Tamil community in the central hill areas of Sri Lanka.

But the trajectory of Tamil lives in Sri Lanka was poised for a disconcerting shift in the modern era. Sri Lanka gained its independence on February 4, 1948, and the legacy of British “divide and rule” policies cast shadows over the nascent state. The newly empowered Sinhalese majority government, long denied their due by British policies, sought to assert their rightful positions. This quest triggered the passing of discriminatory laws, such as the Sinhala Citizenship Act of 1948 and the Sinhala Only Act of 1956.

Tensions simmered over these policies, erupting into widespread riots and acts of violence now etched in history as the 1956 anti-Tamil pogrom. Thus commenced a harrowing chronicle of state-sponsored violence against Tamils, met with retaliatory acts from the Tamil community and vice versa.

The post-independence era in Sri Lanka unfolded against a backdrop of political maneuvering and communal strife, shaping a narrative of discord that would reverberate through the years. The scars of this turbulent history continue to influence the socio-political landscape of the island nation.

Tamils and Sinhalese, who had peacefully coexisted for centuries, found themselves thrust into sudden animosity. The general trend goes like this: Confrontational and discriminatory policies spark protests organized by prominent Tamil political parties and pro-Tamil groups. Regrettably, these demonstrations occasionally escalated into violence, with pro-Sinhalese and pro-Tamil mobs engaging in destructive rampages, looting, and tragic acts of violence.

But as the Sri Lankan government which was majorly Sinhalese remained largely indifferent, the situation took a darker turn over time. The government not only failed to alleviate the tensions but also actively participated, exacerbating hostilities. These regrettable chapters in history are now remembered as the 1956 and 1958 anti-Tamil pogroms, marking a period of strife that left an indelible mark on the relationship between the two communities in Sri Lanka.

While the real intention behind the government to do so is up for speculation. It is undeniable that these government decisions exacerbated situation to a much larger extent. As time passed, both sides became increasingly extreme and violent. The emergence of numerous Tamil militant groups reflected the escalating tensions, and gradually the Tamil society started losing trust in both the parliament and judiciary. This trajectory of events painted a grim picture, with the polarization deepening and the political landscape becoming increasingly fraught.

Since the enactment of the Sinhala Only Act in 1956, Tamil politicians have advocated for increased autonomy in the northern and eastern regions where Tamils form the majority. However, over the years, as the situation deteriorated and pressure mounted from Tamil militant groups, the political landscape took a drastic turn. The tipping point came after the 1977 general election, marked by the devastating anti-Tamil pogrom of 1977.

In response, most of the pro-Tamil political parties, despite having Members of Parliament in the Sri Lankan Parliament, collectively decided to focus toward the establishment of a separate country Tamil Eelam, in the north and east independent of srilanka. It was a strategic move, necessitated by the ominous circumstances. Despite this pursuit, each time they were re-elected, these Tamil leaders had to take an oath to uphold the integrity of Sri Lanka. This created a de facto deadline of five years for the realization of Tamil Eelam. Unfortunately, this pursuit culminated in a manner that defied hopes, resulting in a devastative outcome.

As the 1983 general elections loomed, merely two months away from voting day, the nation was thrust into chaos. A large-scale riot, marked by looting, rampaging, and an intense pogrom, erupted across the entire island. In the devastating wake of this violence, thousands of people, predominantly Tamils, lost their lives, while tens of thousands were displaced. This tragic episode, etched in history as the Black Friday and Black July events of 1983, stands as the most horrific act of violence the island has ever witnessed.

The aftermath of these events triggered a colossal wave of Tamil migration to foreign countries, surpassing previous instances. Those who remained faced grim choices, with many joining militant groups to safeguard their local areas. This marked a turning point as the situation descended into a brutal civil war, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of Sri Lanka.

The onset of the civil war marked the start of an unavoidable and harrowing sequence of events, unspeakeable events that would only be comparable to Bosnia in 1992-95, Syria from 2011…..

The war was a unfortunate and regrettable beginning. All the attempts and hard work of politicians and social activists to make the situation better had failed. And Sri Lanka desended into darkness.

Despite numerous attempts to halt the war, it Persisted for a staggering 26 years. The scale of destruction and loss of human lives was unparalleled, with cities and villages in Tamil-dominated areas bearing the brunt of the devastation.

But over the course of these tumultuous years, several laws were enacted to grant equal status to The Tamil people, recognizing their language and culture within the Sri Lankan government. The 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution designated Tamil as an official language alongside Sinhala, while the 16th amendment extended Tamil representation in administration. Today, every Tamil person is largely regarded as a Sri Lankan citizen by society.

The contemporary narrative of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka serves as a reminder that justice can prevail in a democratic society, illustrating the enduring potential of dialogue and inclusivity.