: The Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation founder, S.C. Chandrahasan, son of S.J.V. Chelvanayakam, says that the outcome of the Sri Lankan Presidential elections promises a “bright future” for those who wish to return to Sri Lanka and provides greater scope for creating equal rights and facilities for Tamils.
Mr Chandrahasan, who cast his vote in his native village of Thellipalai near Kangesanthurai on Thursday, says that as the Tamil National Alliance had supported the candidature of the winner, Maithripala Sirisena, during the elections, the likelihood of the new government addressing issues of the Tamils was high.
He pointed out that as Mr Sirisena had worked in his early years as a village official, he “knows what difference it would make if those Tamils who want to go back home are provided small pieces of land and houses.”
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Appreciating the election authorities and political parties of Sri Lanka for ensuring smooth and peaceful polling, he says that even this would send out a positive message to those Tamils willing to return.
Noted Sri Lankan Tamil writer Se. Ganesalingam says Mr. Sirisena has the huge task of balancing the aspirations and views of the Sinhala and minority communities of the island nation.
Historically, he says the Sinhala population has not taken kindly to any concessions given to the Tamils. “To begin with, the army should be confined to the barracks. This will provide much needed confidence to the Tamil population,” he says. Patience was crucial for any change, he said, adding that Mr. Sirisena should be given time to act.
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