Former Minister Douglas Devananda expressed his shock and dismay over the recent name change of the Cultural Hall located in Jaffna.
He stated that the Cultural Hall, funded and provided by the Indian government, was originally established to empower and preserve the culture and traditions of the Eelam Tamil people, serving as a symbol of their identity.
Devananda explained that the establishment of this hall was the result of his personal request to former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during a visit to India in 2010. He emphasized the hall’s significance as a testament to India’s commitment to supporting Tamil cultural heritage.
Referring to the name change, Devananda highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the term “Yaazhppanam” (Jaffna), a key identifier of the Tamil people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. He questioned whether the removal of this name from the hall was influenced by hidden agendas aimed at eroding the cultural identity of the Tamil people. Such doubts, he warned, could undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts to address the longstanding ethnic issue.
Devananda also pointed out to the revered Tamil moral philosopher Thiruvalluvar, whose contributions through the ‘Thirukkural’ are globally celebrated. He acknowledged the importance of honouring Thiruvalluvar but questioned the decision to rename the hall as “Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall,” suggesting it could diminish the focus on the unique identity of the Northern Tamil community.
The former Minister urged Indian High Commission diplomats, the Minister of Buddhism, Religion and Cultural Affairs, the Minister of Fisheries, the Northern Province Governor and others involved in the issue to provide a clear explanation for the name change.
The name change, announced during a recent event, has sparked widespread discussion and concerns among the Tamil community, with many questioning its implications for cultural preservation and identity.
