Dated: 2006/12/11 @ 9:30 am [GMT-5]
Dear David Poopalapillai:
I saw your Ottawa press release dated December 08, 2006 titled, The Terror Posed By Sri Lanka’s New Anti-Terror Laws. The opening statement of the last paragraph is “The LTTE has been fighting the Sri Lankan government for over two decades in the hope of carving out a separate state for ethnic Tamils in the northeastern region of Sri Lanka, citing systemic discrimination by the majority Sinhalese.” I do not think the phrase “carving out a separate state” is a good choice. This makes a feeling of Tamils as a seperatists. May be “… for over two decades for an independent state for …” or “…for over two decades in the hope of forming an independent state for …” would have been a better choice.
I am also aware, that CTC has been very active in Tamil community and giving great services. Please do not take my email as a downgrader. I have posted this letter in my blog here
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CAPitalZ
Dated: 2006/12/12 @ 12:54 pm [GMT-5]
Dear ____________,
The CTC appreciates your enthusiasm for the cause and is pleased that you were passionate enough to write to us in response to a press release that we issued. Your suggestion showed both critical thought and dedication to the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils.
In restrospect, you are probably right. “Carving” connotes a more aggressive action than words like “forming” or “fighting for”.
We appreciate your suggestion and applaud your commitment. Thank you for recognizing the CTC’s efforts. Please feel free to contact us anytime. We will welcome your thoughtful input on future matters.
Sincerely,
David Poopalapillai
Canadian Tamil Congress
Spokesperson
[email protected]
