What do we want
Hold an internationally conducted and monitored Referendum among those who lived in the North and East on February 4, 1948 (which is the Sri Lankan Independence Day) and their descendants to establish a permanent political solution to the protracted Tamil conflict and prevent the recurrence of mass atrocities, genocides against the Eelam Tamils, including killings and rape of Tamil women, as happened in 1958, 1977, 1983, and 2009.
The referendum is a manifestation of this issue, and May 18 holds equal importance as it symbolizes the Tamil genocide and represents our collective struggle for remedial justice and independence, which can only be achieved through a referendum. It is the only viable option for the establishment of
Tamil Eelam.
The People’s Movement for Referendum’s primary objective is to keep the Tamil community informed and inspired towards achieving our ultimate goal, which is an internationally monitored referendum for the Tamils. Conducting mock referendums will serve as a tool to sustain the momentum and
ensure that our cause remains at the forefront of our collective consciousness. It is important to note that these mock referendums will not be a one-time event, but rather a continuous effort until we are able to secure an internationally monitored referendum. We would be honored if you could share our cause with the community and support us in conducting this mock referendum.
Thank you,
People’s Movement for Referendum (Canada)
Q & A
What is a Referendum?
A referendum is a democratic process where eligible voters are asked to make a decision on a specific issue through a direct vote. In the context of voting for a separate country, a referendum allows people within a region or community to express their collective will on whether they wish to establish an independent nation. This process is often driven by a desire for self-determination, where a group seeks to govern itself and protect its political, cultural, and economic interests. The outcome of such a referendum can significantly influence the path toward sovereignty or autonomy for the people involved.
The People’s Movement for Referendum is calling for a Referendum for Tamil people in Sri Lanka so that Tamils can decide their own political future directly, by voting for their preferred choice for a political solution.
1) Is the Referendum a new method?
To solve internal political and ethnic conflicts around the world, referendums have been used for several decades. It’s been extensively used for the last 33 years since the Cold War ended between the US and Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Countries on every continent in the world have used referendums to solve their internal conflicts peacefully and democratically. Even in Canada, Quebec conducted a Referendum.
2) What is your choice?
A referendum allows the Tamil people to express their majority preference directly regarding the political solution they seek. Do we want an Independent State of Tamil Eelam? Do we want to live in a unitary state like now? Do we want a Federal form of Government?
We want the people to decide their own destiny. Let the people be the judges.
3) How is the Referendum conducted?
Referendum is conducted similar to an election to elect Members of Parliament or City Council members. People will go to a polling centre and vote for their preferred choice of political solution. Which option gets the majority will be accepted as the choice of the people for their political solution.
4) Why and when did Tamils start to call for a Referendum?
The Tamil community has been demanding a referendum as a means of achieving a permanent political solution, following the unilateral abrogation of several agreements between Sri Lankan leaders and Tamil leaders, as well as failed international mediations by Norway and India. The Northern Provincial Council and the Batticaloa Municipal Council in the East unanimously supported the call for a referendum. Various segments of the Tamil community, including Tamil Parliamentarians, Tamil local government bodies, and Tamil University students, have also jointly issued letters urging the UN and other international organisations and countries to conduct a referendum.
5) Why do we want a Referendum?
For a permanent political solution for the protracted Tamil conflict and to prevent the recurrence of mass atrocities, genocides against the Eelam Tamils, including killings and rape of Tamils, as happened in 1958, 1977, 1983, and 2009.
6) Who should conduct and who should vote?
Hold an internationally conducted and monitored Referendum among those who lived in the
North and East on February 4, 1948 (Sri Lankan Independence Day) and their descendants.