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Tamils had their own government once and we have decided to return to that

Tamils demand for self-determination is not something that sprung up today or yesterday. We had this right for a long time. We have now moved from our weakened situation in this regard and have regained our strength and have decided to take our right to self-determination.

From ancient times when the Tamils of Tamilnadu identified themselves as unique in language, art, religion, and culture, Tamils of Ceylon also have identified us as a unique people.

Tamils have ruled Ceylon. They set up palaces in Jaffna. History exists when Eelam Tamils have been a challenge as well as a friend to south Ceylon and Tamilnadu.

It was Arumuganavalar from Jaffna who has the distinction of being the first to raise the Tamil national awareness of the 60 million Tamils of Tamilnadu and for emphasising the right of Tamils to self-determination.

Although the governments of south Ceylon were fearful of recognizing our uniqueness, the European colonisers who ruled us recognized it.

The "Thesavalamai" law in practice today is based on our traditional customs, culture, and lifestyle. It is a symbol of our nationhood. The Dutch colonisers by incorporating it in their law book acknowledged our nationhood.

Today we are identified as a unique nationality in the international arena.  In this context no one can deny our right to self-determination.

Ever since Ceylon gained independence we wanted to live without loosing our uniqueness, without war, without bloodshed, and together with everyone else.  That is what we want even today.

The majority community rejects our uniqueness and our right. In this situation we are forced to take into our hands our right to self-determination.

Today's event, "voice of the Tamil nation" is the outcome of this situation. We are here today with drums beating, trumpets blowing, hands clapping in unison, and our voices raised to announce our determination.

I like to add that no other university in the world has privilege that Jaffna University has. That is the growth of the struggle for nationhood and the growth of Jaffna University have gone hand in hand.

20 June 2005

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