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

Arya Cakravarti Dynasty

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY

H.R.H. PRINCE REMIGIUS KANAGARAJAH

The Head of the Royal House of Jaffna, His Royal Highness Prince Remigius Kanagarajah, has expressed strong reservation and concern regarding the proposal to construct a star hotel in the Sovereign Tamil Territory where the Palace of the last King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Cankili (II) Cekaracacekaran had stood for many years as an site of immense historical importance.

His Royal Highness Prince Remigius Kanagarajah emphases the need to protect all cultural heritage of the Tamil people in the North and East of the island. Any decision affecting their cultural heritage should therefore be taken in consultation with the representatives of the Tamil People of Jaffna.

The Royal House of Jaffna respects the wishes of the Tamil people. H.R.H. Prince Remigius Kanagarajah has therefore urge the government authorities to preserve and protect the historical sites and not to destroy them, as this will then be regarded as a clear attempt to destroy important elements of Tamil culture and to commit cultural genocide. All these sites affected by the proposed development have tremendous historical significance to the Tamil people.

If those responsible intend to amend the current demographic reality or the cultural heritage of the Tamil people, the Royal House of Jaffna will consider legal action to prevent the demolishion of the ancient heritage of the sovereign Tamil people of Sri Lanka.

Violence has come to an end however the Royal House of Jaffna firmly believes that the process of reconciliation has yet to begin in finding a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict. It has great trust in the current political leadership of both the Singhalese and Tamils to resolve this peacefully while respecting each other’s sovereign status, cultural heritage and political aspirations. It fully supports international efforts to bring the government of Sri Lanka and Tamil political parties back to the negotiation table.

Rajadhani Nilayam
The Netherlands