However, the year 1956 marked the first significant show of overt oppression against an ethnicity. (2)
Politicians of the day and those that followed, did not have the best interests of the country or its citizens, but had their own personal thirst for power and fame in mind. (3)
While claiming to act in the name of self-determination for the Sri Lankan identity, they oppressed and asserted dominance against minorities, and we embarked down the slippery slope that led us to where we are today. (4)
What started off with just politics and biased policymaking, led to inflammatory rhetoric, frustration and desperation, ultimately descending to terrorism and the resounding indoctrination across the nation that ethnicity was pitted ethnicity in a full-blown civil war. (5)
To address these whims, the citizens of Sri Lanka suffered. We all were affected and paid the ultimate sacrifice in our own way.
The Sinhalese suffered, the Tamils suffered and the Muslims suffered in equal measure. (6)
Once the military conflict concluded, despite everything that occurred, we Sri Lankans were given a novel opportunity - the golden opportunity to engage, discuss, address, relate and most importantly reconcile. (7)
To enable us to chart a new course for a sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future for us and future generations, together. (8)
But yet again, our leaders and our politics failed us.
What we have seen since 2009 is the opposite of reconciliation, harmony and solidarity. (9)
It has been the repetitive propagandizing of a military victory to compel a sense of unilateral bravado and nationalism, to address political expediency, as opposed to compassion, forgiveness and ultimately understanding. (10)
We have all made mistakes along the way. But it is never too late to sit at the table, discuss it and come to a compromise, together. (11)
However, not only have we seen an increase of oppression against minorities for political profit, we see now a resurgence of vile racism, prejudice and hate rearing its ugly head yet again. (12)
This is fueled by undesirable political elements, just like how it did before the climatic descent into civil war as we saw in the early to mid-1980s. (13)
Today, they are burning our bodies and bulldozing our memorials. While the physical scars may heal and disappear, the emotional wounds will remain. (14)
If we are to move forward as a peaceful, prosperous and united country, then at the very least we owe it to each other, to each of our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters to address our differences, understand each other, compromise, and most importantly move forward together. (15)
Is what you see today the Sri Lanka you want? Does it give you satisfaction that it would provide for the sustainable, bright and prosperous future we hope for our children? (16)
We are teetering on the edge of the precipice and undesirable elements are incessantly and desperately attempting to push us over, so that they may survive. So that their dark agendas will triumph. (17)
This is not us. This is not Sri Lanka. Let us stand strong. Let us stand united. Let us stand together. (18)
Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslims, Burghers, Malays etc. We are all proudly Sri Lankan. (19)
Hate can never be harnessed in a constructive way for good. Ever.
Let us join hands together for a better, brighter, united and peaceful Sri Lanka. (20)
Tomorrow I stand with my fellow citizens, not against the destruction of a memorial, but against hate, against racism and against division.
I stand for solidarity. For unity. For reconciliation. And for a lasting peace.
I urge you all to do the same.
(21)
Say No to Majoritanism, Say No to Prejudice, Say No to Racism, Say No to Hate!
Say Yes to Unity! Say Yes to Diversity! Say Yes to Peace! (22)
#MullivaikkalMemorial
#StopForcedCremations
