Clarion call: 'Land belongs to us, applies to everybody'

The great poet Barathiyaran once sang: "We are born in this land, know ye, this land belongs to us." This clarion call applies not only to the people of Bharatha Nadu, but also to people of all countries.

"In our own country, our Tamil brethren will understand this saying of the Tamil sage more than anyone else, so that there will be no difficulty for them to be loyal to the country of their birth. The Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers and others born in this land, should consider this our land of birth and we can live and work together to build up a developed united Lanka - the dream of all of us."

This was stated by A H M Azwer, MP Member of Parliament, while addressing a gathering at the Colombo Tamil Sangam. The occasion marked the release of the book 'Arivuk Kalanchiyam', the 18th book written by Kalabushanam Sri Skandharaja JP.

Azwer recalled that there was a time in 1983, when one could not even carry a Tamil book or a Tamil paper, due to anti Tamil disturbances unleashed by the UNP when J R Jayewardene ruled the country.

But now, the scenario had been completely changed as a result of President Mahinda Rajapaksa coming to power and there is absolute freedom to write and publish Tamil literature books or papers. Unhindered and undisturbed, he also paid tribute to the Colombo Tamil Sangam for its magnificent role in promoting Tamil culture, literature and also hosting as a centre for the release of Tamil books.

The Sangam has set a record by releasing 32 books in one single day, which had been printed by Mani Mekalai Publications in Chennai by Ravi Thamil Vanan. The government too is very keen in fostering and developing Tamil language, culture and literature.

Despite attempts made by local and foreign conspirators to dislodge the wicket of the best batsman at the helm of affairs in the country, unprecedented development is on to better life, sharing the benefits equally by all communities born in this country.

Azwer was honoured by being garlanded and draped with a golden shawl for his contribution towards the upliftment of the Tamil language. Sri Skandaraja said that Azwer occupied a unique position in the political arena of this country for entering Parliament six times without facing any election.

Kadurgamanathan, President of the Colombo Tamil Sangam delivered the welcome speech. Western Provincial Council Member N Gurukaran, Poet Velanai Veniyan, MMC, JP SSP Arasaratnam and several others spoke.