A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
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Thiranjala Weerasinghe sj.- One Island Two Nations
?????????????????????????????????????????????????Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Kumaratunga: Reconciliation will bridge Tamil-Sinhalese gap

- R. RAMABHADRAN PILLAI- November 24, 2015
Says the exercise would go a long way in establishing harmony in Sri Lanka.
Bridging the gulf that divides Tamil and Sinhalese population in Sri
Lanka is essential for the wellbeing of the country, former President of
Sri Lanka, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has said.
Ms. Kumaratunga, who was on a private visit to Alappuzha, told The Hindu on
Monday that she was involved in the national unity and reconciliation
initiative being undertaken by the present government as part of
confidence-building measures.
“There is a huge gulf between Tamils and Sinhalese. There are schools
for all communities and there are also schools of different communities.
Many Tamils do not speak Sinhalese and vice-versa. Earlier, English was
not encouraged or rather downgraded in the country. Unlike India, there
was no link language,” she said.
The reconciliation exercise would go a long way in establishing harmony, she said about the recently started process.
‘Unique experiment’
Recalling that there was a time when her life was in danger, Ms Kumaratunga said, “My phones were tapped. My house was watched. A lot of people did not have freedom. Things have changed since the new government took charge. The ruling alliance is a unique experiment in Asia as parties with opposing programmes have come together. Members of former extremist groups, who have given up violence, have also joined the system,” she said.
Recalling that there was a time when her life was in danger, Ms Kumaratunga said, “My phones were tapped. My house was watched. A lot of people did not have freedom. Things have changed since the new government took charge. The ruling alliance is a unique experiment in Asia as parties with opposing programmes have come together. Members of former extremist groups, who have given up violence, have also joined the system,” she said.
Asked whether women were enjoying freedom in the country, Ms.
Kumaratunga said: “Certainly. More women are getting into jobs than men.
But when it comes to politics, there is no quota. But the new
government is going to implement a regulation that at least 25 per cent
of the nominees in elections should be women.”
Having had overcome half-a-dozen attacks on her life, she is much more
confident than ever. “I am an atheist; but I believe in my principles, I
have never violated basic principles. That has given me a lot of
confidence,” she said.