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Family Connection to the LTTE
Ramanathan shared insights into his family’s alignment with the LTTE, revealing that his father, a former Sri Lankan government police officer, joined the LTTE police in 1987. This transition occurred after the family relocated to Jaffna following the ethnic riots of 1983.
"My father was a police officer of the Sri Lankan government. He worked everywhere in the country. He moved to Jaffna after the 1983 riots and started a liberation from that time against the government due to racist treatment," he explained, contextualizing his family’s support for the LTTE.
Tribute to Velupillai Prabhakaran
In his remarks, Ramanathan
expressed his admiration for Prabhakaran, stating:
"Prabhakaran, my god, said that he is not against the Sinhala people but
only the Sinhala government which killed us."
He clarified that his tribute was not intended to incite division but to honor those who lost their lives during Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil conflict.
Reflections on Tamil Identity
Ramanathan emphasized that his comments were rooted in remembrance rather than hostility. He positioned his tribute as a call to reflect on systemic injustices faced by Sri Lankan Tamils.
"We are not racists. We are Sri Lankan Tamils. We remember the lives lost during the war this month," he stated, underscoring his intention to promote reconciliation and remembrance rather than deepen tensions.
Reactions and Implications
Ramanathan’s remarks have ignited widespread debate. Critics accuse him of glorifying the LTTE, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Sri Lanka and several other nations. Conversely, some supporters see his comments as a response to the lingering wounds of the civil war and an effort to address unresolved grievances.
Political analysts suggest that Ramanathan’s statements could reignite discussions about ethnic reconciliation and the role of historical narratives in shaping Sri Lanka’s future. Thus far, government representatives have not commented on the matter.
A Call for Reflection
As Sri Lanka observes another anniversary of its turbulent history, Ramanathan’s remarks highlight the enduring challenges of reconciliation and mutual understanding. His statements are likely to elicit varied responses, reflecting the complexity of Sri Lanka’s post-war realities and the ongoing need for constructive dialogue.
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