-By Political Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -28.Jan.2025, 10.45 PM) The Tamil community in Sri Lanka, historically united in its quest for rights, justice, and recognition, now finds itself embroiled in a leadership crisis. The long-standing aspiration for Tamil nationalism has been clouded by internal divisions, accusations of foreign interference, and growing disenchantment among the younger Tamil generation. At the heart of the turmoil lies a critical question: who can legitimately lead the Tamil people?
This debate is fueled by ideological conflicts, allegations of betrayal, and the rise of alternative political forces like the National People’s Power (NPP), which is capitalizing on the leadership vacuum. Amidst this chaos, the voices of influential figures like Seeman from Tamil Nadu and a wave of accusations directed at Tamil leaders such as Sumanthiran and Dharan Divakaran have amplified the crisis.
Seeman, a controversial Tamil nationalist from Tamil Nadu, India, has been a vocal advocate for Tamil identity politics. His ideology emphasizes Tamil unity and self-determination, resonating with sections of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora. However, Seeman’s rhetoric often clashes with the more pragmatic and politically cautious approaches of Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka.
Critics argue that Seeman’s brand of nationalism is rooted in emotional appeals rather than actionable political strategies, leading some to question its relevance in the Sri Lankan Tamil context. Others believe that his willingness to directly confront the Indian government for its alleged role in suppressing the Tamil cause sets him apart from Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, many of whom are accused of aligning too closely with New Delhi.
Sri Lankan Tamil leaders like M.A. Sumanthiran and Thivakaran have come under fire from sections of the Tamil community, particularly the diaspora. They are accused of cooperating with Indian intelligence agencies -RAW and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s ruling party, to undermine Tamil nationalism.
A significant portion of the Tamil diaspora views this alleged collaboration as a betrayal of the Tamil struggle. They argue that these leaders are advancing India’s agenda to fragment the Tamil community by promoting puppet leaders instead of uniting under a single Tamil nationalist banner.
Thivakaran , being a newphew of the late Velupillai Prabhakaran, the iconic leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), finds himself in an even more precarious position. His critics accuse him of dishonoring Prabhakaran’s legacy by engaging with Indian political forces perceived to be hostile to the Tamil cause.
India’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict is a contentious topic within Tamil political discourse. While the Indian government has historically positioned itself as a mediator, its role during the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka remains a source of bitterness. Many Tamils view the IPKF’s actions during the late 1980s as a betrayal of their trust, with widespread allegations of human rights violations and atrocities committed against Tamil civilians.
The Tamil diaspora has not forgotten these events. This resentment fuels skepticism toward any Tamil leader seen as being too close to New Delhi. The perception that India is planting proxy leaders to dilute Tamil nationalism exacerbates divisions within the community and creates an environment of distrust.
Amidst the fragmentation of Tamil leadership, the National People’s Power (NPP), led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is emerging as a unifying force. The NPP’s appeal lies in its broader, inclusive approach to national governance, which resonates with younger Tamil voters who are increasingly disillusioned with traditional Tamil leaders.
For these youth, Tamil nationalism no longer holds the same allure as it did for previous generations. Years of political stagnation and unfulfilled promises have led many to look beyond ethnic identity and seek solutions to economic and social issues affecting the country as a whole. The NPP’s emphasis on equality, transparency, and progressive policies provides a stark contrast to the fragmented and seemingly self-serving Tamil leadership.
The legacy of the LTTE looms large over the Tamil political landscape. For many, Prabhakaran remains a symbol of Tamil resistance and determination. However, his absence has left a void in leadership that no single individual has been able to fill.
The division among Tamil leaders today underscores the lack of a unifying figure who can carry forward the Tamil cause in a cohesive manner. Leaders like Sumanthiran are seen as technocrats rather than revolutionaries, while figures like Divakaran are criticized for failing to live up to their familial legacy.
Meanwhile, voices from the Tamil diaspora, including former LTTE members and their associates, continue to call for stronger, more principled leadership. Newton a former LTTE leader now living in the UK, has openly questioned whether any current Tamil politician in Sri Lanka can emulate Seeman’s boldness in holding India accountable for its historical actions.
One of the central conflicts within the Tamil leadership debate is the distinction between Tamil nationalism and Tamil identity politics. While nationalism focuses on the broader goal of self-determination and sovereignty, identity politics often devolves into fragmented, localized issues that fail to address the community’s larger aspirations.
Seeman’s emphasis on Tamil nationalism appeals to those who believe in a unified Tamil cause, transcending geographic boundaries. In contrast, Sri Lankan Tamil leaders are often accused of engaging in identity politics, focusing on individual constituencies and short-term gains rather than long-term goals.
This ideological clash fuels division and weakens the Tamil community’s ability to present a united front in addressing its grievances.
For the Tamil community to move forward, it is imperative to address the divisions that plague its leadership. This requires an honest acknowledgment of past mistakes, a commitment to transparency, and a willingness to collaborate across ideological lines.
1. Rebuilding Trust: Tamil leaders must rebuild trust with their constituents by prioritizing the community’s needs over personal or political gain. This includes addressing the grievances of the diaspora, who remain a powerful voice in Tamil politics.
2. Engaging the Youth: The younger generation must be actively involved in shaping the future of Tamil politics. Their disillusionment with traditional leadership should be seen as an opportunity to foster fresh ideas and perspectives.
3. Balancing Local and Global Interests: While Tamil nationalism remains a core aspiration, leaders must also address pressing domestic issues, such as economic development, education, and employment. Striking a balance between local and global concerns is essential for long-term progress.
4. Rejecting Foreign Interference: The Tamil community must remain vigilant against attempts by external forces, including India, to manipulate its leadership for geopolitical purposes. A truly independent Tamil political movement can only emerge when it is free from foreign influence.
The divisions among Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka are symptomatic of a broader identity crisis within the community. As the debate over leadership continues, the Tamil people face a crucial choice: to remain fragmented and allow their cause to be diluted, or to unite under a common vision for the future.
The road ahead will not be easy, but with resilience, determination, and a renewed focus on unity, the Tamil community can overcome its challenges and reclaim its rightful place in Sri Lanka’s political and social fabric. For now, the ball is in the court of Tamil leaders—whether they rise to the occasion or succumb to division will determine the future of Tamil nationalism in Sri Lanka.
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by (2025-01-28 17:29:04)
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