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

Part one of the interview with HRH The Prince of Jaffna, By Dr. Celler Tibor

The second part of the interview

The English Translation of the Interview

Keeping the Tamil Royal Traditions H.R.H. Prince Remigius Jerry Kanagarajah – One of the Hundreds of Thousands of Tamil Refugees from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, once also known as Ceylon, is a tear-shaped island in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, south from the coast of India and only separated from it by “Adam’s bridge” - a 30 km long line of isles. Ceylon used to be part of the British Empire but in 1984 it announced its independence and thus became the dominium with full rights of the British Commonwealth, while in 1972 it became a republic under the name of Sri Lanka. Its population is 17 million, 74% is Sinhalese and 18% is Tamil. The mostly Buddhist Sinhalese arrived from Northwest India in the 6th century B.C. and conquered the native Veda tribes. The mostly Hindu Tamils arrived later from the South part of India, the present state of Tamil Nadu (“Home of the Tamils”). They established an independent Kingdom and pushed the Sinhalese to the southwest part of the island.

The island is also known as a green island and it is packed with ancient cities, old palaces, monumental temples and even though time has left its marks on them, the ruins are still radiating a special atmosphere. Its sandy beaches are lined with palm trees; the inland is covered in thick greenery and swarms with animals. Tea plants, rice field, and rainforests vary the landscape. Wonderful nature, historic sights and excellent climate come all together and it is no wonder why Sri Lanka is becoming one of the most favourite tourist destinations.

However, the every day reality is not so idyllic since it was only a year ago when the 26-years long civil war, partially based on religious and also on political cause, ended with defeating the Tamil rebels who fought for an independent state but they were outnumbered and defeated.

The bloody battles had taken many lives and caused enormous financial loss at both sides but the situation has not been settled fully even after the war. The civil population that fled from the war at the beginning of 2009 is still living in refugee camps, crowded in unhealthy circumstances. Health problems arise; they do not have enough water and medicine. The humanitarian organizations are not welcome by the government of Sri Lanka because they say that these organizations were supporting the Tamil rebels in the times of war.

Both the inner and the outer pressure is big, and the lives of the refugees need immediate help since it is a huge hindrance in the road towards development. It does not do good for the international image of the country and its future does not seem bright after hearing what a Tamil refugee from the group of 250 sailing to Australia said why he was fleeing the country: “The Tamils have no chances to survive in Sri Lanka...”

Our interviewee, H.R.H. Prince Remigius Jerry Kanagarajah, a Tamil Prince is a 27 generation descendant of the Arya Cakravarti Dynasty, the Head of the Jaffna Kingdom that had ruled at the northern part of the inland. Besides answering personal questions His Royal Highness shares his view about the glorious past of the Sri Lanka Tamils, the bloody era of the last decades and the still unsure future.

1. First of all, I would like to ask Your Royal Highness to tell the readers a few sentences about yourself.

I am very pleased with your interest in the Royal Family of Jaffna, for which I sincerely thank you. I am Prince Remigius Jerry Kanagarajah born to an Aristocratic family in Sri Lanka on 1 October 1964, the youngest son of the late Ilavarasi Maheswary Marina Antoinette Kanagarajah and the late Ilavarasan Thambirajah Mervin Anthony Kanagarajah. My Ancestors hailed from India, Jaffna (Sri Lanka) and Malaysia. I also lived in many countries other than Sri Lanka. Even as the youngest of five children, I was brought up with strict rules and regulations of my Royal descent. The origin of my family's Royal abode is "Cankili Thoppu" in Nallur, the Palace of the Kings of Jaffna. I was baptized a Catholic, and also take part in many Hindu religious ceremonies. In this, I follow the traditions and customs of my ancestors. Even though I prefer to do things in my own way, I am aware that my position demands certain observances which are not in keeping with accepted practice in republican life. I enjoy travelling, reading and taking part in sporting and social activities, such as swimming, tennis, snooker, badminton, horse-riding; and indulging in social and charitable work, besides listening to classical music and being an amateur photographer. I also collect antiques and other rare objects d'art.

Please, Your Royal Highness, could you explain how it happened that your ancestors hailed from so many places?

In the history of Jaffna, the thirteenth century was the most significant; an Independent Tamil Kingdom was established in Ilankai, Sri Lanka in this period. The Arya Cakravarti a chieftain from the Pandya Kingdom acquired authority over the Kingdom of Jaffna. The Arya Cakravarit Dynasty had commenced and they were wealthy and enlightened rulers. The historical evidence of the existence of the Kingdom of Jaffna over four centuries from the 13 to the 16 century is ample based on local and foreign sources. The Kingdom of Jaffna was known thus because the centre of its power was the Jaffna Peninsula. Though its political boundaries shifted with its changing fortunes, it generally embraced the limits occupied by the Tamil speaking people. Within a few years of its establishment, cultural dividing lines and political frontiers almost coincided. Hence, interchangeably the Kingdom of Jaffna is also referred to as the Tamil Kingdom. More importantly, it began a separate existence as one of the political entities in the Island and entered the struggles with the other Kingdoms for political power. During the height of its power and prosperity during this period, under the Arya Cakravartis, it was the dominant and most powerful Kingdom in the island and it was under a separate administration. Tamils have lived in Sri Lanka since pre historic times. The Tamils had occupied the Island much earlier and there is literary, archaeological and epigraphic evidence for these settlements.

"The Kingdom of Jaffna", written by Professor S. Pathmanathan as stated the origins of the Tamil Kingdom in the northern most parts of Sri Lanka may therefore be traced from the time of Magha who occupied Polannaruwa mainly with the support of Dravidian armies and ruled Rajarata as a separate Kingdom for a period of forty years. After his demise around 1255 the Javakas under the leadership of Candrabhanu secured power over most of the territories that were previously under Magha, mainly with the support of armies raised from the Tamil Kingdom in South India. Chandrabhanu soon came under the influence of the rising Pandya power in the Tamil country. He was reduced to the position of a vassal. Not many years later when Chandrabhanu refused to send tribute the Pandyas invaded his Kingdom, defeated him in battle and King was killed (Chandrabanu was an invader who came from Tambralinga in the Malay peninsula). Under the Arya Cakravartis Jaffna had close political, cultural and commercial links with the Kingdoms of South India. Pandya and Vijayangara influences over Jaffna were strongly felt in successive stages. The rulers of Vijayanagara claimed and at times even obtained tribute from the rulers of Jaffna since the late fourteenth century. After the decline of Vijayangara Jaffna came under the influence of Thanjavur and Madurai which were two of the successor states of that empire.

The Kingdom in Northern Sri Lanka, which was dominated for the most part by Dravidian warriors under Magha and latter under Chandrabhanu, soon, came under Pandya influence. The Pandyas became the principal power in the Tamil country under Maravaraman Sundara Pandya, who succeeded Jata Varman Kulasekara to power in 1215. The Chola power was in an advanced state of decline towards the end of the reign of Kulothunga III and the Chola monarchy was no longer capable of repressing its turbulent and overweening vassals. The Banas, the Katavas and Telugu-Codas were striving to disrupt the remnants of the Chola Empire and assert their independence.

Maravarman Sundara Pandya took full advantage of the troubles and weakness of the Chola monarchy and invaded the Chola Kingdom in full force during the early years of his reign. As the Chola resistance collapsed Kulottunga, who was enfeebled by old age, fled and invaders sacked his capital. The Pandya ruler solemnized his triumph by celebrating the ceremony of Virabhiseka at the coronation hall of the Cholas. The Chola monarch, who subsequently, rendered homage to the victor and promised him tribute, was allowed to administer his ancestral dominions. The Pandya impact on Sri Lanka during the reign of Maravarman Sundara was slight. An inscription of his fifteenth year claims that he conquered eleam and Kalingam. This claim does not have any valid foundation but suggests that the relations which the Pandyas had with the rulers of eleam and Kalingam were hostile. An expedition launched against Kalinga Magha, who occupied Polonnaruwa after displacing Parakrama Pandya, may have been the basis for this exaggerated claim.

Under Jatavaarman Sundara Pandya (1253-1268) one of the great South Indian conquerors, the Pandya attained the zenith of their power and splendor. Some time after 1256 Sundara invaded the Chola country in full force. The Hoysalas, Somesvara and Ramanatha, who ruled over a part of it, abandoned their strongholds of Srirangam and Kannanur and fled. Their power was subsequently confined to their original homeland in the Karnataka. The government of Rajendra III collapsed and thereafter the last vestiges of the Chola monarchy disappeared. The Telugu Coda of Nallur, the Kakatiya and even the Seuna one after another fell victim to his onslaught. The entire Tamil country and even some Telugu districts came under Pandya rule. Besides, the Chera Kingdom and a part of Sri Lanka were reduced to submission. The Pandya inscriptions of the time of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya refer to some events in the island which are not recorded in the local chronicles. The Pandya inscriptions casually refer to his relations with the island. The Sanskrit inscription from Srirangam figuratively describes Sundara Pandya as the second Rama in that he raided the island of Lanka while the Tirupputkuli inscription asserts that he vanquished the ruler of Lanka. Such claims are repeated in the Tamil Prasasti which adds, more specifically, that from his fifth year onwards Sundara levied a tribute of gems and elephants from the ruler of Lanka.

Many chieftains were left behind by the Pandyans to rule Jaffna. However, when the Kingdom of Jaffna was without a ruler, a well-established chieftain named Pandimalavan of Ponpatti in Pandi Nadu, son of Selvarajah proceeded to Pandya Court in Maduarai. Pandimalavan, his brother and his cousin Senpakamalavan are said to have been settled at Tinnevelly in Jaffna. This village was apparently named after the one in the southern part of the Pandya Kingdom and it may be assumed that most of the settlers at Tinnevelly in Jaffna had come from Tinnevelly in South India. The toponym Pandimalavan Valavu still in vogue, at Tinnevelly, shows that the tradition about Pandimalavan. He prevailed upon Prince Cinkai Aryan, who had been receiving his training in State Craft at the Royal College in Madurai to take over the throne of Jaffna. He brought Prince Cinkai Aryan and crowned him King of Jaffna.

King Vijaya Kulankai had been variously known as Cinkai Aryan, Kalinga Vijayabahu and Kalinga Magha; the name Kulankai a sobriquet acquired by the loss of a forearm and that, he was called Kulankai for this reason. That "Kulankai" was a misreading for "Kalinga". Kalinga in Tamil manuscripts can be easily mistaken for Kulankai and Vijaya Kalinga Cakravarti was thus mutilated to Vijaya Kulankai Cakravarti. He was also related to the Royal House of Chola and Ramnad. He set out with his Chief Minister Bhuvaneka Bahu; a Brahmin Priest of the Kasi race Gangadhara Iyer, his wife Annapoorani Ammal and a large army raised under his auspices followed the young Prince to Jaffna.

The new King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Vijaya Kulankai soon commenced the task of building a capital city for his regime. It was comprehensive with Palaces for Royalty, mansions for the ministers, dwellings for warriors; stalls for elephants, horses and with flower gardens, and chariots were built by skilled artisans. One night when King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Vijaya Kulankai Cekaracacekaran was asleep in his Sappiramagncham, Lord Shiva who cannot be seen even by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods appeared to the King in a dream wearing beautiful earrings, bracelets an upper epaulet, anklets, a golden dress and a crown, accompanied by his Consort Parvati beautifully dressed. Lord Shiva addressed the King and said that his name was Kailayanathar and revealed to him to build a temple for God Sri Kayilayanathar and Goddess Sri Kailainayaki. The King awoke and believing that it was Lord Shiva, who enslaved him under that disguise, felt happier then ever. A Bramin Priest from Kasi, whose name was Sri Gangadhar Iyer was appointed as Chief Priest of the new temple and King fixed an auspicious hour for the dedication and the temple within and outside was tastefully decorated. The King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Vijaya Kulankai Cekaracacekaran worshipped at Sri Kailasanathar Temple day and night and Nallur was known as the third Kailayam on earth. Other Hindu Temples were built in the four directions around the Nallur Rajadhani for divine protection; Veyilukantha Pillaiyar Kovil on the east, Veeramakaliamman Kovil in the west, Sattanathar Kovil, Thaiyalnayaki Amman Kovil and Salai Vinayagar Kovil on the north and Kailaya Vinayagar Kovil on the south. The Arya Cakravartis were brave devoted Saivites they had used the symbol of the sacred bull (Nandi) on the royal flag, royal seal and on their coins. They had also used the expression Setu in their documents. He named his new city "Nallur" which means "Good Place" or “Good City”.

He made a triumphant ceremonial entry into his city, with his Queen Thilakavathiyar at an auspicious hour. Upon coronation, he adopted the throne name of "Cekaracacekaran". The King made a request for pioneer settlers from the Tamil Nadu. At his request, the Tamil Kings of South India sent some Vellala Chieftains with their families and dependants to Jaffna, and he settled them in different parts of his new Kingdom of Jaffna.

Cevvirukkai Nadu was the ancestral home of the Arya Cakravarti, Kings of Jaffna. Cevvirukkai Nadu is the name of a place in Rameswaram, the southernmost Indian city which in the old days belonged to the Ganga Dynasty or Ganga Vamsa. The Arya Cakravarti, Kings of Jaffna were the descendants of Brahmin Generals who had earned great honour and distinction in military service under the Pandyas. They received the Royal Insignia and the title of "Arya King" from Lord Rama at Kantamatanam, a locality on the southern extremity of India.

The King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Vijaya Kulankai (I) was the founder of the Royal Line of Arya Cakravarti Dynasty. He ruled the Tamil Kingdom of Jaffna for over four centuries. Arya Cakravartis served as both Army Generals and Ministers under the Pandyans. Because he was a great military leader, he restored order and stability in the Kingdom of Jaffna.

Although the early Kings of Jaffna did not style themselves as Arya Cakravartis by thirteenth century this name came into use. There have been many surmises as to how the Kings came to style themselves as Arya Cakravartis. The word Arya means highly esteemed of noble person and was initially only used for kings and Kshatriyas as it is related to the word "Aristocracy".

Could I learn a bit more about your parents? For example, what did they do?

Ilavarasan Thambirajah Mervin Anthony Kanagarajah was the Landed Proprietor of Ambagastenne Tea Estate in Punduloya and he also served in the Army with the Ceylon Royal Artillery during World War II.

2. Back in the past, were your ancestors also hiding from the Portuguese? Was it the time when your family became Catholic?

The conversion of the Royal Family to Catholic belief took place during the Portuguese period. The King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Cankili (II) Cekaracacekaran was captured by the Portuguese and sent to Goa by Captain General Constantion de Sa de Noronha. In Goa, King Cankili (II) Cekaracacekaran was brought to trial by a court and he was sentenced to be beheaded. During the period of imprisonment, the King Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Cankili (II) Cekaracacekaran was constantly visited by the Religious of St. Francis of Goa who proposed and convinced the King to convert to Catholic belief. It was here, the King was baptized under the name Don Filipe and his wife (Queen) was also baptized and given the name of Dona Margarida of Austria with all Regal pomp. The executed of the King took place around in 1623 in a grand ceremonial Catholic tradition. Most of the members of the Royal Family and younger members were encouraged to enter Roman Catholic Religious Orders to become monks or nuns. Also later other members of the Royal Family were converted Catholic and because of which many of the relatives gave them up and some were deserted. Also one of the direct descendants of the Royal Family of Jaffna had lived in Punduloya, hiding from the Portuguese and Dutch during the Colonial rule.

3. A short detour regarding the Portuguese conquerors: what has remained today from the wonderful buildings of the ancient Tamil architecture following the colonizers' devastating expedition of punishment throughout the country in 1658?

On 11 February 1621, the Kingdom of Jaffna fell into the hands of the Portuguese and Captain-Major Filipe de Oliveira appointed himself as the Governor of the Kingdom of Jaffna and the Portuguese flag was hoisted in Jaffna. Thus ended the sovereignty of the Arya Cakravarti Dynasty. On the same day most of the Hindu shrines, including Nallur Kandasamy Temple were razed down on the explicit order of Filipe de Oliveira. Nallur Kandasamy Temple was burnt down and removed even the stones from the foundations to build a Christian Church at Nallur and a Fort in Jaffna. He also destroyed the Royal Temple of the Kingdom of Jaffna Sri Kailasanathar Temple in Nallur, Jaffna. In 1575 Munnneswaram Temple Chilapam in Chillaw, in 1588 VishnuTemple in Devinuwere, ancient shrine Tiruketheeswaram Temple in Mantota and Thirukoneshwaram Temple in Trincomalee. The Portuguese burnt down Saraswathi Mahal the oldest museum and the library that hosed precious and most valuable historical documents, depicting the origin, history literature, arts, science medicine, culture, civilization and other details of the Tamils and of their proud ancestry. Once this ancient library was burnt down, up to date, the Tamils are left with out any authentic records of their antiquity.

Filipe de Oliveira was acclaimed by the Portuguese as a greatest Saviour of Christianity; he destroyed more then 500 Hindu Temples in Jaffna. When Filipe de Oliveira became the Governor of Jaffna, he ruled the Kingdom with a strong hand. He proclaimed that people continuing with the practice of Hindu Religion and rites, are anti-Christian, an act punishable by law. Under his hierarchy, the Society of Jesus the Roman Catholic missionary constructed nearly thirty Catholic Churches by vandalizing and demolishing, Hindu temples. He introduced compulsory proselytizing; Franciscan Friars converted more than 6000 Tamils to Christianity. There are other buildings built in Jaffna by the Portuguese they are Myliddy Church, Vaddukoddai Church, Atchuveli Church, Mannar Church and Chankanai Church built in 1641. Also the Fort in Kayts, Delft Fort and Hammnhiel Fort is the Island strong-hold guards the Western entrance to the Jaffna Lagoon, built as Fortaleza Real (Fort Royal) by the Portuguese in mid 17 century, it was rechristened Hammenhiel (Heel of the Ham), by the Dutch. The Portuguese built the Fort of Jaffna in 1560; it was the last stronghold of the Portuguese in Ceylon. There was also within the Fort of Jaffna a Church built in the shape of a cross. On 22 June 1658, the Dutch captured the Jaffna Fort from the Portuguese. The fort was later rebuilt in 1680 by the Dutch, is perfectly preserved and is probably the best and strongest fort in Asia of that period. A grass covered mound surrendered by the moat from which the fort rises. It was a grander and more heavily armed fort than that of their headquarters in Batavia (Jakarta), Indonesia. The Star-shaped fort occupies a total of 22 hectares (55 acres) and was built over the earlier Portuguese Fort.

4. You were born in Sri Lanka but you have been living in the Netherlands.

I was born in Sri Lanka and since 1991 I am living in exile. The reason I had to leave Sri Lanka and live in exile was because I faced many personal threats which were a danger to my life.

5. Would you like to tell us something about your studies and work in private life? I read that you are a qualified paramedic and even got a Grand D. Sc degree at the World Organization of Alternative Medicines

Well I did my studies in Sri Lanka. Being a Prince has its own reservations and protocol, but to keeping up with modern times, I choose to serve as a teacher in an International School, my duties involved teaching English, Religion, Art and Sports. After I left my teaching career, I worked as a General Manager for business travel management. In the meanwhile I joined the Red Cross and I did my Paramedic Course and that’s how I served as paramedic for the Red Cross and emergency medical services. Later, the World Organization for Alternative Medicine has conferred me with Grand D. Sc degree for my professional trajectory and impeccable work in the field. Currently, I am working with a well established private company and apart from this I have my royal duties and 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.

6. Where do the other members of the present Royal Family live and what do they do?

Unfortunately, I am not able to answer on behalf of the other members of the Royal Family as they wish to maintain a certain privacy. This is the reason why I have been appointed the Head of the Royal House of Jaffna, in order to deal with the public in their place. Thank you for your understanding on this matter.

7. How often do you visit your homeland?

Since 1991, I have not visited Sri Lanka.

8. In 2003 you revived and restored the traditions of the Arya Cakravarti Dynasty. What was the reason to do so and who were you supported by?

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. 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. 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.

9. How was it received? I refer mostly to your nation, the Tamils in Sri Lanka, the authorities of the Republic, but also I would like to hear about the international reactions.

The Tamil people have encouraged my initiatives. Tamils are a proud nation and have a long historical heritage and presence on the Island. Therefore they are most willing to preserve this historical past of the Kingdom of Jaffna and its existence.

Your Royal Highness, do you have any direct contact with the Republican authorities?

Well I maintain formal and informal contacts with government officials, non governmental organizations and other people relating to Sri Lanka issues.

10. Besides the maintaining and up keeping the ancient traditions and the national identity, do your plans and work have any political ambitions as well?

I would serve them faithfully; help them realize their hopes for a brighter future and work hard to ensure they were proud of their heritage and their place in the world. I will always remain a great supporter of my people and insure they will have their rights, freedom and its independence.

11. In many sources I read about your social and charitable work. Would you like to say some more about it?

Well, as a person I always feel and believe, there is immense happiness in giving and reaching out to needy and deserving. I also try my best not to let go any voice unheard trying to reach me and comfort them at least with my sincere greetings. I have been a member of the Red Cross for the past sixteen years. From my young age, I was always keen to help needy people and to do humanitarian services and get involved in such activates. Because of my traditional and conservative upbringing, I never got any opportunity to socialize or to communicate with the public. Despite, inconvenience, I joined the Red Cross in 1986. Since then things started to change and the most significant change in my life took place in 1987, when I got the opportunity to work in Jaffna as a Coordinating Officer during the war period consequent of the Indo-Sri Lankan Peace Accord. I also served on Board the Cruise Ship J. Henry Durant in the Netherlands. Yes, I have been also attending charity functions. Whenever there are any events and functions I been invited to attend, I give the first priority to the charity events as my heart always is for and goes out to the poor and needy and I just wish one day I would be able to help each and everyone reaching me.

12. As the Head of the Royal Family, are you in contact with other Royal Houses, with monarchist associations?

I have established many contacts with other royal families around the world, monarchist associations, many World Leaders, International Organizations and received positive and supportive replies and they have accepted my Kingdom.

13. Sri Lanka does not often appear in the Serbian media but we did hear the great news that the civil war, that had had its thousands victims on both sides since 1983, finally ended last year. I myself do not understand how the followers of two such peaceful world religions, the Hindu Tamils and the Buddhist Sinhalese could get so deep into bloodshed. What was the real reason of the conflict?

Let me emphases the cordial relations that existed between Tamil speaking and Sinhalese population for generations. We are not against each other but political leaders have betrayed this cordial relationship by undermining the legitimate political aspirations of all sovereign communities on the island. The British on their part laid the foundation for the civil war by not returning the sovereignty to those where it belonged and therefore creating an unfair majority rule political system on the island which does not accommodate the political aspiration of the Tamil speaking minority. This led Tamil militancy, state terrorism and mistrust between the various ethnic communities.

14. Is there real peace? Do the ordinary people feel and think so?

By ending a war you do not realize sustainable peace. Peace is something that requires confidence building and national reconciliation with independent institutions to guide this process. The victims of this war deserve accountability in order to find out what really happened. All sides are guilty of certain events and the overall situation during the past and therefore I appeal to this newly elected government to foster this mentioned process in order to move forwards and to preserve a longstanding peace with accountability that includes a political solution trough unconditional negotiations between the government and Tamil speaking political parties.

Please, give us a few concrete examples what is functioning well and what are the things that are still bad between the two nations?

The Royal House of Jaffna appreciates the initiatives for setting up the All Party Representative Committee by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to come to a consensus in solving the ethnic conflict. It also takes note of the positive developments in the negotiations between the President and members of the Tamil National Alliance. Violence has come to an end however I firmly believe the process of reconciliation has yet to begin in finding a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict and the government should resettle the displaced Tamil civilians in their lands.

15. Would Your Royal Highness like to return to your homeland one day?

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.

Of course, the next question should be answered only if it is a publishable answer: now, after the reconciliation is made what is the objective reason of your not returning to your homeland?

I am only able to return to Sri Lanka if my personal secure unless the government is mainly related to personal security and the Sri Lanka government authorities should grant permission for my arrival and bare full responsibility for my safe arrival and stay in the island. Any group or individual might put my life into danger while no one takes responsibility.