The Menace of Sinhala-Buddhist Fundamentalism: A Call for Awareness and Unity

Many Sinhala-Buddhists fail to speak out against Sinhala-Buddhist fundamentalism due to the mistaken belief that it only affects minorities and not their own community. However, history teaches us that fundamentalism ultimately destroys one's own people and culture more than any other group. Fundamentalism does not really care for any culture or religion; it only manipulates them to serve its ends. Fundamentalism can never be the guardian of faith; it is the arch-enemy that goes all out to destroy a religion. An example of this can be seen in Islamic fundamentalism which was initially seen as a reformist movement protecting Islam from outsiders but has since restricted women's rights, influenced education systems to prioritize a narrow interpretation of Islamic teachings, suppressed cultural practices, free speech, and stifled artistic expression and promoted violence and intolerance.

The delusion that Sinhala-Buddhist fundamentalists hold about religion, race and history is similar to that of all fundamentalists: the belief in their superiority and the fear that their enemies aim to erase their glorious past. This type of thinking forms the foundation of fascism. Regardless of its basis in religion, caste, language, race, or nationality, fundamentalism always carries a destructive force within it. All forms of fundamentalism prioritize ideology over the well-being of their own people, leading to destruction in the long run. The loss of numerous innocent Sinhalese individuals, as well as the casualties suffered by Sinhalese soldiers in the civil war is a byproduct of the actions of Sinhala-Buddhist fundamentalists since independence. The Presidential Commission on the Easter attacks of April 2019  blamed the anti-Muslim violence as the trigger for the terrible Easter Sunday attacks which killed hundreds of Tamils and Sinhalese. Fundamentalists are willing to justify any number of casualties to uphold their ideology, perpetuating a catastrophic cycle of violence throughout history. 

Fundamentalism shares certain characteristics. It places its core ideology beyond question, labelling those who deny or disagree with it as enemies to be destroyed. It constantly creates new enemies to defend itself against and bases its actions on countering perceived threats. Thus fundamentalism is never motivated by positive ideals. Furthermore, fundamentalism promotes certain individuals as perfect representatives of its ideology, granting them immense power and idolizing them, demanding complete faith and adulation from their followers. 

Fundamentalism is opposed to democracy. Democracy thrives on debate, deliberation, and the freedom to accept or reject ideas. It seeks to include diverse perspectives and resolve contradictions through consensus. In contrast, fundamentalism consolidates power around its ideology, rejecting any dialogue or aspects of the past that do not serve its power politics. 

It is deeply frustrating to witness so-called educated Sinhalese individuals supporting Sinhala-Buddhist fundamentalists. Such individuals, in my view, lack genuine education and intellect, despite their degrees. When moderate Tamils stand up against Sinhala-Buddhist fundamentalism destroying Sri Lanka, it is not just for their own sake, but also for those Sinhala-Buddhists who remain silent today. Fundamentalism will only bring about absolute economic ruin and eventual war—history does not have a single exception to this rule.

Note: The insights and perspectives presented in this article draw inspiration from the concepts explored in Jeyamohan's article on fundamentalism. While specific references to Jeyamohan's work may not be provided, the ideas discussed here reflect the broader discourse on fundamentalism and its implications.

Unraveling the Consequences: The Ill-Fated Quest for a Sinhala-Buddhist Sri Lanka

I actually feel sympathy for those individuals who desired to transform the entirety of Sri Lanka into a Sinhala-Buddhist nation. Over the past two months, I have been researching instances of similar attempts to engineer societies in other countries and examining their ultimate outcomes. Such endeavours yield both short-term and long-term consequences in other countries. We have already witnessed the successful realization of the short-term consequences: civil war and economic deterioration. Looking at the long-term implications in such countries, there are two possible scenarios. 

The first involves the fragmentation of the country into two or more separate nations, while the second entails being absorbed or annexed by another country. In the case of Sri Lanka, this could manifest as the country splitting into two states or India annexing Sri Lanka. Both outcomes are equally plausible, although I believe the latter is more likely. Several indicators point towards this possibility. In a contemporary context, three indicators are present before a country is annexed. Firstly, there must be internal divisions within the population. Secondly, the economy must be failing. Lastly, a rising superpower in close proximity is necessary. In Sri Lanka, all three indicators align. All indications strongly suggest this inevitable long-term outcome. 

Generally, individuals tend to have difficulty envisioning events beyond their own lifetimes. In the grand scheme of history, a human lifetime is merely a fleeting moment, during which significant changes rarely occur.  It saddens me that I won't be alive to witness the moment when these Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists realize the consequences of their actions.

Note - I have previously written an article exploring the geopolitical factors that impact the sovereignty of Sri Lanka. For a clearer understanding, I encourage you to give it a read (link).

Challenging Sri Lanka's Archaeological Narrative: Towards Inclusive Governance

The resignation of the DG of the Archaeology Department brings a bittersweet relief. After 75 long years, a Sri Lankan head of state has finally acknowledged the existence of Tamil Buddhist sites in the country, a historical fact that should have been recognized earlier. However, there is still so much more that needs to be addressed. In present-day Sri Lanka, archaeology predominantly serves the interests of contemporary Sinhala Buddhist nationalism. Archaeological research must avoid using modern ethnic labels imposed by European colonialism to describe events of the past, as it distorts historical accuracy.

The conflict surrounding the discovery of Buddhist sites in the North and East of Sri Lanka stems from the attempt to intertwine religion and ethnicity as inseparable. The presence of Buddhist archaeological sites in the regions where Tamils reside today does not automatically prove the presence of Sinhalese in the past. Unfortunately, many Sinhala-Buddhists maintain the belief that Buddhism in Sri Lanka is exclusively for the Sinhalese, refusing to accept that Tamils were also Buddhists in ancient times because the majority of Tamils now identify as Hindu or Christian.

The past is not a singular entity; it comprises diverse narratives within an archaeological site. However, the work carried out by the Archaeological Department in Sri Lanka predominantly seeks to construct an imagined Sinhala-Buddhist past, neglecting the changes in identities that have occurred over centuries due to political, economic, cultural, and ecological factors. This narrow view of associating a specific site with a particular community in a timeless manner is not an act of scholarship but rather a manifestation of racism.

The modern scientific investigation of archaeological sites in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the British colonial era. The study of the island's historical sites was not solely driven by the pursuit of knowledge; rather, it served as a means of exerting control over the present through understanding the past. Regrettably, the Sri Lankan state continues to employ similar tactics today. A mere glimpse at the Department of Archaeology's emblem reveals the type of historical site that receives state support, often at the expense of other archaeological sites. This prioritization reinforces a Sinhala-Buddhist narrative of Sri Lankan history.

Under the guise of archaeology, minority communities are being deprived of their cultural and religious spaces, as well as their livelihoods. This blatant discrimination is nothing short of racism. The centralized and militarized approach to archaeological work in the country must come to an end. The Archaeology Department has perpetuated and enabled Sinhalization for decades, with racism and disregard for the law deeply ingrained in its institution, processes, and practices. The actions of the Director align with the organization's ethos and practices, emphasizing the need for institutional reform.

The Archaeology Department collaborates with the Wildlife Department and Forests Department to seize private lands in the North and East, as well as lands historically used by local communities for agriculture. It is crucial to move beyond the grandstanding of presidents and sporadic orders for release, towards comprehensive institutional reform. Presidents may change, but the system and institution remain constant.

We can only hope that the forthcoming national plan for archaeology conservation and restoration, which the President has assured, will finally address these long-standing issues. Unfortunately, certain individuals on social media continue to make baseless claims, suggesting that Ranil intentionally undermines the Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka to appease Tamils. Such racist and misguided sentiments exemplify the challenges faced by Sri Lanka as a whole.

While I acknowledge Ranil's efforts in this matter, they lack effectiveness without comprehensive systemic and constitutional changes in the governance of the country. These decisions are transient, much like certain positive steps taken for reconciliation between 2015 and 2019 that were later reversed by subsequent leaders. Even if Ranil were to halt land grabbing today, there is a risk that another president, capitalizing on Sinhala Buddhist support, might reintroduce such practices tomorrow, discrediting Ranil's actions as mere attempts to gain Tamil votes. 

That is why it is crucial to implement comprehensive systemic and constitutional changes in the governance of the country. Merely addressing isolated issues or relying on the actions of individual leaders will not suffice. To truly bring about lasting change, the entire system needs to undergo reform. Without such fundamental changes, the cycle of discrimination and marginalization will persist, undermining any progress made in the name of reconciliation.

Review: மலர்த்துளி: 12 காதல் கதைகள் [Malarthuli]

மலர்த்துளி: 12 காதல் கதைகள் [Malarthuli] by Jeyamohan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ஜெயின் மற்ற கதைகளில் இல்லாத எளிமை இதில் கைகூடியிருக்கிறது. ஜெயின் கதைகளில் பொதுவாக உள்ள அலையலையென விரியும் உள்மடிப்புகள், எதிர்பாராத நுட்பங்கள் ஏதும் இல்லை. இந்த மனநிலையோடு இந்த கதைகளைப் படிப்பது அவசியம். இது எளிய கதைகள் என்று ஜெ முன்னுரையில் சொல்லி இருந்தாலும் முதல் கதையை வாசித்தவுடன் குழம்பிப் போனேன். இது ஜெ கதை போல் இல்லையே. ஜெ அப்படியெல்லாம் நினைத்தாலும் எளிய கதைகளை எழுத முடியாது அவரையும் தாண்டி சில உள்மடிப்புகள் இருக்கும் என்று ஒரு நம்பிக்கை. உடனே ஒரு வேளை எனக்குத் தான் கதையின் உள்மடிப்புகள் புரியவில்லையா என்று என் வாசிப்பின் மேல் கோபம் வந்தது. புத்தகத்தைத் தூக்கி வைத்துவிட்டேன். புத்தகத்தைத் திருப்பிப் படிப்பதை நினைக்கவே எரிச்சலாக இருந்தது. பின் முதல் கதையை மீண்டும் படிக்க வேண்டாம். இரண்டாம் கதையான "கருவாலி" இருந்து தொடங்குவோம் என்று முயன்றேன். கருவாலி கதை விறுவிறுப்பாகச் செல்லும் போது காதல் தோன்றும் ஒரு கணத்தில் சட்டென முடிந்துவிட்டது. ஒரு கணம் ஒரு குறிப்புணர்த்தல் மட்டும் தான்.

இந்த தொகுப்பின் கதைகள் எல்லாம் அப்படி காதலில் கணத்தைத் தான் சொல்லிச் செல்கிறது. இருவருக்குள் காதல் எப்படித் தோன்றுகிறது என்பது எப்போதும் யாராலும் புரிந்து கொள்ளமுடியாத விந்தைதான். ஒரு கணம் அவ்வளவு தான். அதற்கும் தர்க்கத்துக்கு எந்த தொடர்பும் இல்லை. காதல் தோன்றிய பின் நாம் அதைத் தர்க்கத்தை வைத்து விளக்கிக் கொள்கிறோம். காதலில் ரகசியங்களை, தவிப்புகளை, பாவனைகளை, பரவசங்களை நுண்மையாகச் சுட்டி செல்லும் கதைகள் இவை. இந்த சிறுகதை தொகுதி ஒரு ஒரு மயிலிறகின் வருடல். ஒரு இனிமையான கனவு கண்ட நிறைவு.

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Solution to Sri Lankan Ethnic Crisis

My Sinhalese friend angrily suggested that the ultimate solution to Sri Lanka's ethnic tension is eliminating all the idiots on both sides. I couldn't help but smile and responded, "How on earth would you go about identifying who falls into the 'idiot' category and who doesn't?" To my surprise, my friend quipped that anyone who believes in Tamil nationalism or Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism is automatically labelled a fool. 

With an even bigger grin, I recounted a funny tale from my early days on Facebook back in 2008. You won't believe it, but when the platform asked about my political views, I filled in "Tamil Nationalism"! And guess what? Before we met, you were convinced that power devolution would divide the country—a tale straight out of the Sinhala-Buddhist nationalist playbook.

Now, imagine if your plan had been executed around that time. According to your standards, we would have been deemed fools and targeted for termination! But hey, since 2008, I've interacted with many Sinhalese folks and delved into Sri Lanka's history and the underlying causes of the ethnic crisis. Those experiences have steered me far away from those earlier political views.

Sure, there might be plenty of idiots on both sides who stubbornly refuse to listen to other perspectives. I completely understand your frustration, and I won't deny that I haven't experienced similar feelings of anger as you have today. However, there are also many like us who are simply misinformed. That's precisely why I find Gandhi's wisdom incredibly valuable. He said, "I wish to change their minds, not kill them for the weaknesses we all possess." That, my friend, is the only way to overcome the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka— by seeking to educate and change minds rather than resorting to violence. 

Violence only perpetuates more violence, providing no lasting solution or real victory for either side. Temporary successes achieved through violence often come with long-term consequences. Moreover, violent conflicts leave deep emotional scars that become the very source of future cycles of violence. This repetitive loop can only be broken if we actively strive to address and heal the wounds of the past. Healing the emotional scars requires embracing truth and accountability while fostering reconciliation relies on implementing power-sharing mechanisms. There are no alternative paths to break free from the vicious cycle of violence. The sooner we come to realize the significance of this, the better it will be for our beloved country.

Advice for Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists

Listen up, Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists, because I've got a hilarious newsflash for you. Your self-proclaimed Sinhala intellectuals are spreading the idea that even entertaining the notion of power sharing is like bestowing upon the Tamils a luxurious, VIP favour, all while leaving the poor Sinhalese in the dust! But what your brainiacs fail to grasp is that power sharing is not just important to the Tamils, it's actually more important to the Sinhalese. Talk about a plot twist! Sri Lanka's post-independence policy was all about making the Tamils suffer while the Sinhalese got a free pass. This tremendously backfired on your face when Tamils took up arms against discrimination. Then your brilliant plan seemed to be, "Who cares if the Sinhalese lose an eye, as long as the Tamils lose both their eyes!"But little did you know, karma had a hilarious surprise waiting for you. It turned out that your "genius" plan backfired, and the Sinhalese ended up losing both their eyes too. Ouch! That's gotta sting! Today, our beloved country is walking around with its begging bowl in hand, asking for a little help.

You had this brilliant idea: "Tamils are our sworn enemies! We must safeguard the Sinhalese nation, language and culture from them!" And guess what? The majority of Sinhalese folks just sat there, some even clapping their hands in excitement, while the Tamils faced oppression. But your master plan ended up doing the exact opposite of what you intended! Today, the economy takes a nosedive, and as a result, several hundred thousand Sinhalese dudes and dudettes pack their bags and search for greener pastures abroad. Their kids will be growing up in some far-off land, struggling to pronounce "ayubowan" or completely clueless about the awesomeness of traditional Sinhalese customs. It's like a disappearing act, poof! This is the magnificent outcome of your grand plan to bring back Sri Lanka's Sinhala-Buddhist glory! It is nothing short of enraging that any educated Sinhalese would choose to support Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists. Such individuals, in my eyes, are simply fools parading around with their degrees, devoid of any genuine education or intellect. 

Unlike our dear Sinhalese counterparts, Tamil identity, language, and culture don't rely solely on the future of Sri Lanka. Tamils aren't confined to Sri Lanka alone. They've spread their wings and made their presence known in multiple countries. We're talking about close to a million or more Tamils chilling in four nations and more than 100,000 Tamils in 16 other countries. Tamil communities can be found in approximately 180 countries. So, unlike a Sinhalese wherever a Sri Lankan Tamil goes now, their offspring have all the opportunities in the world to keep their Tamil identity intact. They've got Tamil language schools and fine arts institutes in every major country around the world, ready to keep their culture thriving.

Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists trying to turn Sri Lanka into a solely Sinhala-Buddhist nation is nothing short of a hilarious fantasy. Both the Tamils and Sinhalese have equal historical claims to call it home, you know!  Oh, and let's not forget the whopping population of approximately 2.3 million Sri Lankan Tamils within the country itself. You can't just wave a magic wand and make them disappear, no matter how hard you try. Just think about the economic powerhouses like Singapore, Malaysia, and India, where the Tamil community is recognized and valued as friends rather than enemies bringing about some pretty impressive economic outcomes. Now that's what I call a power move! They're proof that embracing diversity leads to progress. Take notes, folks!

To all, you Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists out there, go ahead and continue pushing your agendas, but let's be real here. Before you roll the dice again, maybe take a moment to consider the absurdity of the situation. Tamils have reached the point where they've got nothing to lose except their lives, while the Sinhalese have everything on the line. This is a lopsided gamble! You are just engaging in a conflict you can never win, risking everything you got. 

Any person who approaches this matter with a logical mindset and a solid understanding of world history would recognize the inherent risks and negative consequences associated with engaging in such a conflict. The potential outcomes of such a conflict are limited to two possibilities: impeding the progress of the Sinhalese community in the best-case scenario or leading to the complete collapse of Sinhalese civilization in the worst-case scenario. Innocent Sinhalese people simply desire to live in a prosperous homeland with happiness and peace. Your actions only serve to jeopardize that. 

Once upon a time, before borders became a thing, civilizations were doing their thing, chilling without any divisions. Then along came the British, leaving us with these boundaries we're all stuck with now. Back in the day, Sri Lanka was buddy-buddy with Tamil Nadu, part of the Madras Presidency of British India. Imagine if the British had just left it like that. Sri Lanka would be part of India, and both Tamils and Sinhalese would be swallowing Hindi whether we liked it or not.

Oh, I can already predict the heroic proclamation about to burst forth from your lips! "We are the proud offspring of Dutugemunu and Vijayabahu, invincibility runs through our veins!" But here's the hilarious truth: back in his day, everyone had swords and shields. Nowadays, if we were pitted against a technologically superior opponent, we'd be as helpless as a squirrel trying to outrun a cheetah!" Don't forget what happened when European colonizers came to our shores armed with fancy ships, cannons and muskets. 

Sri Lanka's independence is just a blip in history's eye. Seventy-odd years? In the grand scheme of history, that's just a blink of an eye. So, let's keep it real and remember that the world keeps turning, history has seen bigger things, my friends. Will you choose the path of reason, or will you keep pushing your luck and end up being the punchline of this tragicomedy? Only time will tell.

Hey there, my moderate Sinhalese friends, let me drop a truth bomb on you: The secret recipe for a prosperous Sri Lanka is mixing all the ingredients of power-sharing in a giant cauldron, stirring it with unity, and simmering it on the stove of cooperation. Power sharing is not synonymous with dividing a country; it does not involve giving undue preference to one group over another or promoting favouritism. Rather, it is a mechanism through which a country with diverse ethnicities can peacefully coexist, ensuring harmony and stability for all. It recognizes the importance of granting decision-making power and the ability to govern one's own life to every ethnicity, rather than solely concentrating it in the hands of the majority. In this way, power-sharing promotes inclusivity, equality, and a harmonious society.

It's time to roll up your sleeves, put on your superhero capes, and do this for our beloved motherland! If the mighty lions and fierce tigers join forces and let out a thunderous roar together, there's no stopping Sri Lanka! With our combined strength, wit, and charm, there's no challenge too big and no stage too grand for us to conquer.

பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்து

நீண்ட நாட்களுக்கு பிறகு நான் எழுதிய மரபுக் கவிதை. இது அறுசீர் விருத்தம் என்ற வகைமையுள் வரும் கவிதை. தமிழின் பாவகைகளுள் ஒன்றான ஆசிரியபாவின் இனங்களில் ஒன்று. இது அளவொத்த நான்கடிகளில் அமையும். ஒவ்வொரு அடியும் அறுசீர் கொண்டு அமையும். மோனை வெளித்தெரியுமாறு அடிகள் இரண்டாக மடக்கி எழுதப்படும்.

காரையம் பதியில் தோன்றி

    கவின்சுவிஸ் வாழ்க்கை கண்டு

பாரையும் விண்ணும் சேர்த்து 

    பண்பினால் ஆளும் அண்ணன்

மோரையும் ஒத்த வண்ண 

    மனதினை கொண்ட மன்னன்

சீரையும் சிறப்பும் கண்டு 

    செகந்தனில் நிறைக மாதோ!

- குகதாசன் குமரன் (06/05/2023)