TYO - Canada
March 2008
Vol - 1
REACH
Official Newsletter of TYO - Canada
Message from TYO - Canada
Let a man learn thoroughly whatever he may learn, and let his conduct be worthy of his learning. - Thirukkural (Verse 391)
Dear Treasured Youth, Welcome to the first issue of Reach, a monthly e-newsletter by Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) of Canada, created by youth for a youth readership. TYO’s vision is “to work towards the enhancement of the Tamil Nation and to provide an avenue for the betterment of our Tamil youth in Canada.” This can only be accomplished through effective communication within the community. That is the ultimate tenet of Reach, to provide youth with information and insight into the activities of TYO and so allowing for a greater participation of this youth body. Reach further aims to nurture an enhanced understanding of the history, culture, and current political and humanitarian plight of the Tamil people in its youth. Through brief informational text featured in every issue, it is Reach’s hope that sustained work towards the enrichment of the Tamil nation will follow. We offer youth the opportunity to submit their written expressions to reach@canadatyo.org. Every month a section will be included dedicated to your submissions. Through this initiative, TYO – Canada hopes to encourage the voice of our youth. Reach is designed to adhere to the needs and interests of our youth.Your suggestions are welcomed to further the achievement of our objectives. In solidarity,
TYO – Canada
March 2008
TYO - Canada
Vol - 1
REACH
Official Newsletter of TYO - Canada
2007 at a glance
‘Nimirvu 2007’ TYO – Canada hosted ‘Nimirvu 2007’ on June 9, 2007 in commemoration of Students Uprising Day. The name ‘Nimirvu’ or ‘to stand’ in itself encompasses the essence of Students Uprising Day that is, to stand against oppression, to stand up for your rights. The night filled with dance, drama, poetry, and speeches, all created by Canadian-Tamil youth, paid homage to the first student martyr Pon Sivakumar and was an expression of youth empowerment. The night concluded with the release of Nimirvu, a book comprised of poetry and articles written by Tamil youth.
‘Tamil Day’ August 4, 2007 marked the 5th Annual Tamil Day at Canada’s Wonderland. The day filled with fun activities for the entire family proves to be a success each and every year. With full access to rides, 50% off entrance, a show loaded with lively dances and song, traditional Tamil treats, and the summer sun, who could resist?
‘Sencholai Memorial’ August 15, 2006, 65 school girls were attending a first-aid seminar at Sencholai’s children home, only to have it abruptly brought to an end by a bomb dropped by the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF). August 17, 2007 TYO – Canada held a memorial vigil for the young lives lost in this despicable act of horror. Guest speakers included a representative from Amnesty International John Argue and Markham School Board Trustee Neethan Shan. The vigil also marked the initiation of the Youth Centre for Science and Education.
TYO - Canada
March 2008
Vol - 1
REACH
Official Newsletter of TYO - Canada
‘Cedarvale Tree Planting’
2007 at a glance
Trees are among the many creations of Mother Nature we too often overlook. The wellbeing of the environment is the obligation of everyone. On September 30, 2007,TYO – Canada participated in a tree planting event in collaboration with City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation. The event involving both TYO members as well as the public was quite the success and also served as a memory of the thousands of lives lost in the Tamil Eelam struggle.
‘Remembering Thamilchelvan Anna’ Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan was killed in a Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) aerial bombardment on the morning of November 2, 2007.The attack, merciless robbed the Tamil nation of any hope we harboured. November 4, 2007,TYO – Canada held a memorial vigil to pay last respects to Thamilchelvan Anna.The event, solemn in tone, was filled with sorrow, anger, and confusion.These were but a few of the emotions reflected in the work created by Canadian – Tamil youth.
‘Ninaiveluchi Naal’ November 27th marks Maveerar Naal (Heroes Day), a tribute to the nearly 20 000 soldiers lost in the Tamil Eelam struggle since the very first Lt. Shankar in 1982. These courageous young men and women have sacrificed their lives in hopes of securing an independent nation for their Tamil brethren. In commemoration and undying gratitude, Tamil Youth Organization – Canada held Ninaivu Eluchi Naal 2007 on Sunday, December 2 with a diverse collection of speeches, drama, dance and poetry created by youth for youth. The night concluded with the release of Sacrifice, a book comprised of poetry and articles written by Tamil youth.
‘Food Drive’ Every month 75 000 people in the Greater Toronto Area use the food bank 34% are children. These statistics prompted TYO – Canada to embark on one of the organization’s biggest endeavours, a food drive with a goal of 5000 pounds (lbs.) of food. The food drive was also meant to remember the thousands and thousands of Tamils lost in the 2004 Tsunami as well as a thank you to the Canadian society who stood by us in our time of need. Despite missing the target,TYO was able to pull together and collect over 75 boxes of food, amounting to a whopping 3418 pounds (lbs.) of food.
March 2008
TYO - Canada
Vol - 1
REACH
Official Newsletter of TYO - Canada
(img 1)
Origins of the Conflict • In 1833, Britain merged three kingdoms – the Tamil-speaking Jaffna kingdom in the north and east, the Sinhalese-speaking Kotte kingdom in the southwest and the mixed but largely Sinhalese Kandy kingdom – into a unitary state. Capital placed near the for-
Eelam STRUGGLE - A Brief
mer capital of the Kotte kingdom. Tamils became a minority in the new colony. • Upon independence from British rule in 1947, island was left a unitary state with a first past the post electoral system with no safeguards to protect against majoritarianism • Sinhala Buddhist fundamentalism became a potent force in the early-mid 1900s. Successive governments have engaged in ethnic outbidding – trying to show that they are the more pro-Sinhala Buddhist party – by imposing discriminatory policies against the Tamils. (img 2)
1948: Tamils of Indian origin (13% of the population ) disenfranchised (img 1)
Tamil Lands
1940s: Economic neglect of Tamil areas begins
Sinhala Colonized Tamil Lands
1950s: State-sponsored colonization begins (img 2) 1956: Sinhala made the sole official language throughout country (Chart 1) 1971: Limits placed on admission of Tamil students to universities (Chart 2) 1972: Buddhism becomes state religion 1981: Jaffna public library burnt, destroying over 95,000 ancient manuscripts
Sinhala Lands
State- sponsored pogroms against Tamils. Large-scale anti-Tamil riots in 1956, 1958, 1977, 1981 and 1983 riots.
Consequences Felt… Public Service Occupation
(Chart 1)
% Tamils 1956
1970
30%
5%
50%
5%
(Engineers, doctors, lecturers, etc.)
60%
Armed Forces Labour Forces
Administrative Service Clerical Service (Postal, railway, hospital & custom workers, etc.)
Professions
Tamil Admissions Drop … % Tamils Major
1970
Engineering
41%
10%
Science
35%
40%
1%
Medicine
50%
40%
5%
Source: Trade Union of Government Servants
(Chart 2)
1973
1974
1975
24%
1976
1978
13% 15%
37%
26%
20%
Source: C.R. de Silva, “Weightage in University Admissions: Standardization and District Quotas”, in Modern Ceylon Studies, Vol. 5.2, July 4, 1972
TYO - Canada
March 2008
REACH
Official Newsletter of TYO - Canada
The Current Situation • Resumption of violent conflict between the Sri Lankan government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) over the past 18 months has resulted in a severe humani-
Eelam STRUGGLE - A Brief
tarian crisis in the North and East of the island • Abrogation of 2002 ceasefire with no political settlement. Norweigan peace effort rendered ineffectual • Government not only continues to conduct military operations in the Tamil homeland in total disregard to the CFA, but has assassinated chief negotiator of the LTTE • Tamil civilians deliberately targeted by government forces and allied paramilitaries • 3000 civilians killed, 2000 disappeared in 18 months. 100,000 dead since 1983, an estimated 35,000 of them children • Government shelling of civilian areas displaced 300,000 Tamils in the past few months • Every Tamil civilian residing in the north & east has been displaced at least once on average. 1 in ever 2 Tamil civilians are displaced today. Over 300,000 Tamils have been displaced in the current round of fighting. 600,000 Tamils are currently displaced, most multiple times. • 800,000 Tamils have sought asylum in North America and Europe, with over 250,000 in Canada, Over 100,000 languish in refugee camps in India • Infant mortality quadrupled. 50% of Tamil children are malnourished or under-weight • Aid workers and NGOs are targeted and at risk. Supplies and travel to Tamil areas blocked by state security forces, Relief work by NGOs curtailed • High level of political repression: restrictions on freedom of speech & assembly, press censorship, electoral abuses, low percentage of Tamil population eligible to vote, gerrymandering, fixing of elections • High level of human rights abuses & war crimes directed against Tamils: ethnic cleansing, shelling of civilian areas, disappearances, long term detention without trial, torture, rape, denial of food and medicine, large scale arbitrary arrest, ethnic cleansing of Tamils from Colombo • Sri Lankan government withdrew from the Cease Fire Agreement unilaterally
Vol - 1
March 2008
TYO - Canada
Vol - 1
REACH
Official Newsletter of TYO - Canada
For our next month’s issue: Submit your written work under the topic of
‘Impact of Media on Tamil Youth’
Get Involved
Please follow the guidelines below.
We appreciate all of your time and effort. TYO - Canada
Guidelines: o All submissions must be in English o You may create your own title for your work o Written work should be within 750 words (or 2 pages letter sized), 12 pt font (Times) o Can be written in any form (article, research essay, poem, story, and etc.) o Include your name, contact info, and University/ College/ High School (If applicable) o Submit before March 25th, 2008 o Must be e-mailed to reach@canadatyo.org with the subject ‘Reach-April 2008’ o Please attach a word file or copy and paste your work in your e-mail