We live with the experience of the past. The past inspires us to action. Likewise, we live with hopes for the future. But, we live in the present. That is the reality.

This is a New Year for both the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils. It is a day when the Sinhala Nationalism and Tamil nationalism celebrate together.

But, due to the oppression of the minorities by the majority, there is a tragedy in the island. This has intensified the national conflict. As a result, there is mistrust and misunderstanding between both communities. One views the other with suspicion. There is no hope for reconciliation. In such a context, there can never be an environment, where both communities can celebrate together.

Tamils have lived in their traditional homeland from historic times speaking a unique language with a distinct culture and civilization. They have an identity of their own. Tamil homeland had existed with its own sovereignty, unity and freedom until about 4 centuries ago, when they lost their freedom to foreign domination. But when the foreign rule came to end, the foreign rulers handed over the reigns to system of governance, where there is a rule of the majority and hence the Tamil homeland is under aggression.

The struggle of the Tamils for freedom to live as equals with the right to self –determination has lasted six decades without their realizing their legitimate aspirations. The majority has de-merged the Tamil homeland causing aggression.

Tamils face the destruction caused by war. They face displacement from their homes. They face the after effects of Tsunami. They face human rights violations by security forces, paramilitary groups. They face air strikes.

Let the New Year that dawns ensure all success to the Tamils to win their aspirations. .

An English translation of the Editorial in Sudar Oli, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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