EPRLF-P Gen. Sec. Sritharan: We are not thinking of a separate state

(Interview by Ranjit J. Perera and Anuradha K. Herath)

The end of Sri Lanka’s long-running conflict in May this year has focused attention on the nearly 300,000 internally displaced persons and their rights. But for some Tamil politicians, it has marked the dawn of a new era of greater democratic space.

Among them is T. Sritharan, general secretary of the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Front (Pathmanabha wing) who condemns the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for brutally killing all Tamils opposed to it. In a candid interview with Sri Lanka News Network, he outlined the history and ideology of his party and the direction the country should take to forge ethnic amity in a pluralistic democratic society. The following is an edited version of Sritharan’s comments during the interview.

The Beginning

In the latter part of the 70s, I also became involved in politics, the General Union of Eelam Students. There were two categories of Tamil liberation movements that arose. One is absolute nationalism. Other category is some left ideology.

I was also very keen to participate. Not only right of self-determination or national liberation, we also go for including socialism, the social change – the caste issue, the gender issue, particularly class issue.

Our ambition is right of self-determination for the minority community, particularly Tamil-speaking, including the plantation area people (who are) also playing a very big role – the solid working class. We also link with some south progressive elements. We were forming the alternative viewpoint – that is the Vikalpe Kandayama. Dayan Jayatileka, Ram Manikkalingam and others also joined with us at that time. And John Seneviratna – one time Minister.

Ideological Shift

In the 70s, a lot of problems arose, communal thinking also arose here. Continuous communal riots. But in 1978, 79 – the Prevention of Terrorism Act and disappearing youths in the north, (brought about) tension and panic. I also saw with my eyes the police burning public library after whistling. I also see – on the spot witness – the police burning the Jaffna new market and other things also. After, our minds also changed. We, as well as our old leaders, even, also talking very emotionally – even [Appapillai] Amirthalingam.

In 1980, – two youths – Inbam and Selvam – were also killed by the Sri Lankan security forces. Their dead bodies (were dumped) in the Pannai causeway. But at the same period, one of the CTB bus drivers from (Punnalakadi) – this upper caste man – he also some terror affected man – but some caste issue arose, the caste element – the people also cut his neck and gave his blood to drink. This cruelty – this is one of the examples.

At the time, we put a poster in Jaffna. The Inbam-Selvam murder is also state terrorism – OK we accept. This [bus driver murder] is what kind of terrorism? This is local terrorism. This kind of mind set was dominant in the Jaffna mentality.

At that time, we were clearly thinking – one side national liberation is OK. One side socialism is OK. Other side – our society also wants democracy in our own struggle. We want democracy – that way we were thinking.

The LTTE

The LTTE was a pure military-minded organization. When I mention the Sri Lanka situation, some people say the LTTE is a disciplined organization. This kind of discipline – I also fear that disciplined organizations may be fascist organizations – that discipline means fascism – that way I am thinking. Even the JVP also, one time (people) mentioned as a disciplined organization. Discipline also a form of fascism. This armed struggle is a tragedy. The liberation struggle was over in 1986. This is fascism.

The LTTE also created another Welikada. LTTE massacred a number of people. We are thinking that democratic space is also our agenda. Last 20 years, after 1987and the Indo-Sri Lanka Act, we also really realized that eelam is bad and that we were also thinking in an immature way. But earlier also, with our socialism, we were working with Sinhalese people and everybody. We mention only right of self determination. We are not thinking of a separate state.

LTTE also deal with the ground. The government gave arms in the Vanni jungles to LTTE. We can’t exist. At the time, the LTTE also attacked our people. Our people also retaliated. We are not on the ground. We are in our offices, the towns. But LTTE on the ground like a guerrilla.

The government also has a very tough line against LTTE fascism. We are not against individuals, the particular elimination or other things. But the fascist phenomenon must be eradicated. Fascism must be eradicated. That way, the Sri Lankan government also played a progressive role.

The Way Forward

When President Chandrika came to power, we also had some kind of democratic space available to us. But at that time, everybody cooperated for some kind of devolution. We were also very keen on devolution.

Rajapakse’s historical contribution – he finished off Tamil terrorism. That is a good thing. Last 20 years, we can’t visit the people. People were in fear. Our comrades’ families also in fear. But now, during the election time, no problem. We also had a number of pocket meetings.

Now, [we’re] freely moving. We are also talking with the people.

We think that Sri Lanka must be established a multiethnic country. In India, people everywhere are Indian. We are talking Tamil and Sinhala. This is wrong. Any way, from the heart we are from Sri Lanka.