The Official Website of the Royal Family of Jaffna (Sri Lanka)

“IT IS MY DUTY TO RESPECT THE POLITICAL DECISIONS OF MY PEOPLE”

Saturday 23 January 2010

By: - Vincent Jeyan

Of course before Mr. V. Prabharan there were many political leaders who were involved in the Tamil issue and it is my duty to respect the political decisions of my people. However, as I am based abroad, my awareness of the true views and sentiments of Tamils in respect of such matters is predominately limited to those of Tamils living abroad.

Special interview with The Prince of Jaffna

H.R.H. Prince Remigius Jerry Kanagarajah of Jaffna

1) Q: As you are from the Royal Family of Jaffna, to which generation do you belong Your Royal Highness?

A: I am a Prince in exile and I belong to the 27 generation of the Arya Cakravati Dynasty.

Q: How can you confirm that you are from the Royal Family of Jaffna?

A: Just like everyone else, my parents are the link to my lineage. I am the youngest son of the late Ilavarasi Maheswary Marina Antoinette Kanagarajah and the late Ilavarasan Thambirajah Mervin Anthony Kanagarajah, whose ancestors ruled the Kingdom of Jaffna, as one can see from details my family tree (which is on the public record).

In keeping with tradition, my parents ensured that I was raised in accordance with strict Royal protocol which, as many people will know, instils a high degree of responsibility to others and a readiness to put the interests of others before one’s own. As such, I did not have the freedoms most people enjoy and have to always had to benefit of what I say and do as a public figure.

Q: Where were you born? And where did you grow up?

A: I was born in Nawalapitiya and grew up in the same town and later in Colombo.

Q: When did you come abroad?

A: I left Sri Lanka in 1991.

Q: Now you have introduced yourself as the Prince of Jaffna and what is the purpose?

A: As I have mentioned before, the reason I am coming forward now to claim this succession is grounded in a wish to educate the younger generation and the world about the fact that there was once a strong Kingdom in Jaffna which contributed positively to the lives of people in what is now present day Sri Lanka. Also I would like remind the world that Tamils have a rich heritage of which they can be proud. Also I would like to mention for the past 7 years I am busy writing the history.

My greatest hope is that I may be able to help in some way to bring peace to the dispersed Tamil people of Sri Lanka and to unite them as one nation. I hope and pray that peace may prevail over the people of Sri Lanka.

2) Q: Did the Sri Lanka Government accept your Royal Kingdom of Jaffna

A: It was an Independent Tamil Kingdom that existed in Jaffna, where The Tamils had lived as a separate nation. As such, its existence was not dependent on recognition by any one state.

Q: Is it the main reason that you left the country because Sri Lanka Government didn’t accept your Kingdom of Jaffna.

A: The reason I had to leave Sri Lanka and live in exile was because I faced many threats which were a danger to my life.

3) Q: How many Royal Families in the world have accepted your Kingdom of Jaffna?

A: I have established many contacts with other royal families around the world and they have accepted my Kingdom.

Q: What is your International power through this organization?

A: I have directly written to many World Leaders and International Organizations and received positive and supportive replies. My work in building relations between the Kingdom of Jaffna and other states continues to this day.

4) Q: Can you explain about the Rajadhani Nilayam office in the Netherlands.

A: Well most of my work is done from my Private Residence and there are many representatives for the Royal House of Jaffna who are working in Europe and out of Europe to assist me in this work.

I receive many e-mails and letters and more o less every evening I am behind my desk, responding until late night. It keeps me occupied and once you are born a Prince you have to work hard for others, put their interests before your own and always remain accessible. Fulfilling these responsibilities is an honour and I am happy to do so.

5) Q: Did any of the groups that embarked on a revolution to win Tamil Eelam approach you as an existing symbol of Jaffna Kingdom. If not why did they not approach you?

A: Yes they have contacted me on different issues and there are many people also contact me daily but I don’t know whether they necessarily belong to any Tamil groups. I expect even more will be in touch in the future when people become more aware of the historical importance of the Kingdom of Jaffna and its potential to contribute positively to the maintenance of peace in Sri Lanka.

Q: Did you face any threats from them?

A: Well from my young age, my life was in danger and there were threats. I cannot stop my work because of these dangers. I will continue my work for my people, come what may.

6) Q: After King Cankili Cekaracacekaran (1616-1619) was exiled and executed in Goa, in 1621 Tamils were without a King. After 360 years, Mr. Velupillai Prabhakaran is the leader of the Tamils according to 90% of the Tamils and do you accept this.

A: Of course before Mr. V. Prabharan there were many political leaders who were involved in the Tamil issue and it is my duty to respect the political decisions of my people. However, as I am based abroad, my awareness of the true views and sentiments of Tamils in respect of such matters is predominately limited to those of Tamils living abroad.

Q: Do you consider that loss of Mr. V. Prabhakaran as a great loss for the Tamils?

A: I have no way of assessing what Tamils living in Sri Lanka feel as communications with them are influenced by fear and cautiousness. Furthermore, the local economy of the Tamils depends to a large extent on Tamils living abroad, whose view also have to be given due weight.

7) Q: What do you think of the Election in Sri Lanka?

A: By holding a referendum, the people of Sri Lanka will be able to fulfil their rights to elect their leader.

Q: What do you say about the people’s choice in Election?

A: Well, every person in that country has the right to vote and it is up to them to determine the country’s leadership. I would definitely like to see a fair election take place. I want to see democracy reign in Sri Lanka and for there to be a deep respect shown towards human rights. Hopefully the election process will help fulfil these important priorities.

Q: Do you like to go back to Sri Lanka again?

A: Of course yes! My mind, my heart is in Sri Lanka. Life is an eternal struggle for all of us and I have been struggling for so many years to get back and although I live in a country that is not of my native land, I am keenly aware of the ongoing situation in Sri Lanka. I keep myself apprised of news and daily happenings in my country.

Q: What are you hoping to do for Tamils?

A: As I have mentioned before in my messages, I want to point out that I am not asking to rule or to take advantage of the people but to make it known that I am here to serve my country and the people. We must encourage the younger generation to come forward and take important roles in our country.

Teach them that the only way to ensure a bright future for our country is to be united. We must give an opportunity for the Tamil people to speak freely and to fulfil their hopes with equal rights.

Students’ issues are to be resolved. I will develop North and East as one of the Indian States as Rajasthan and also I will develop down South. I will bring back the rich heritage of the Tamils. I am sure some day the Kingdom will return and that the glorious days previously enjoyed by the Tamil people will return.

I ask from God to give me power and courage to help all the people of that Island to live in peace and to help them fulfil their needs and hopes.

Q: Are you interested in Politics?

A: Well I am not a person with strong political motivations. In 2005, I restored the traditions of the Arya Cakravarti Dynasty with the explicit approval of my family and took over responsibility as the Head of the Royal House of Jaffna, with a ceremonial position. Later I was called on by my people to fulfil a political role.

Q: If you have been elected as a Politician what will you do for the Tamil people?

A: I would serve them faithfully, help them realise their hopes for a brighter future and work hard to ensure they were proud of their heritage and their place in the world.