One would ask the question whether the efforts of the Tamil diaspora are really lobbying as it lacks effective influencing.  The concept of lobbying is paramount to the Tamil nation and the Tamil Diasporas at this critical juncture in our path to liberation.  The fact that we are criticizing the International Community (IC) for inaction, inertia and impartialness towards the Sri Lankan government’s atrocities is testimony for lack of (if any) lobbying in the international arena.  Here are some examples of the Tamil nation pleading with the IC in the recent past.

• “Propping up genocidal Sinhala State counterproductive, International Community should change approach” - The leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), V Pirapaharan, in his 2007 annual Heroes' Day statement
• “The Indian State must take the responsibility for the ethnic genocide of the Tamils that will be carried out by the Sinhala military, re-invigorated by such moves of the Indian State," Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) statement dated 10th March 2008.
• “LTTE urges Norway to take steps to end military assault on Madu shrine. Liberation Tigers “- Political Head B. Nadesan’s letter to the Norwegian government dated 7th of April 2008.

These pleas are the outcome of the failures in our lobbying effort and certainly these statements themselves do not constitute as a form of “effective lobbying”. "The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously." said Hubert Humphrey former US Vice President.  I believe at present this evidently portrays our efforts in the international political arena.
Our concerns and grievances have been heard by the IC.  They understand our plight, sufferings and sacrifices.  Why then does the IC do not act to support our justifiable cause? Or at least reprimand the Sri Lankan government for its atrocities?

The answer to this question partly lies in our inability to “influence” the decision makers in the IC, in other words our inability to lobby effectively.  The efforts of the Diasporas in soliciting support from the IC cannot be classified as lobbying; it is classic propaganda.  When you propagate you secure the right to be heard. That does not mean you have been taken seriously or that you have positively influenced the decision maker (which is what lobbying means).

Our propaganda efforts have so far secured speakers (Members of Parliament, Clergy, Human rights activists and Academics) for our gatherings to mark an assassination, massacre or even the remembrance day (marveerar narl). Does that mean we have lobbied effectively in the international arena?

I believe the Tamil nation should launch an effective lobbying strategy in the international community.   As a first step towards this we should establish a Tamil nationalistic think tank, which should be the front that interacts with the academics, thinks tanks, non government agencies and governments in the IC.  The think tank is non political and does not represent the Tamil nation in any negotiations.  LTTE should remain as the sole political representatives of the Tamil nation in any political negotiations.  his effort is not about isolating LTTE.  This effort is about enhancing the efforts of the LTTE in the IC

It is essential that the think tank should not be affiliated to the LTTE.  This will be an acid test for the LTTE and Tamil nationalists as in the history of our struggle there has never been a genuine voice representing the interests of the Tamils other than the LTTE.  This has avoided infiltration of intelligence agencies in our struggle.  However at the same time we have lost opportunities to lobby in the IC.
Due to the absence of Tamil nationalistic moderate voice the Tamil nation has been deprived of opportunities to lobby the decision makers in the IC.  This vacuum is being filled by Douglas Devananda and Anandasangaree at present.  In the case of the Sinhala nation, JVP is classified as extremists, which renders the SLFP or UNP governments moderates in the eyes of the IC.  In the case of the Tamil nation the sole representatives LTTE are classified as extremists, which the IC is reluctant to engage with.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), British Tamil Association (BTA) or Australian Federation of Tamil Association (AFTA) are not considered as moderate voices as they are considered as LTTE’s front organizations.  Therefore we need to establish a think tank of academics, professionals and ordinary Tamil nationalists, who are not perceived as affiliates of the LTTE to communicate with the decision makers in the IC. The think tank should not be restricted to professionals and academics and should include ordinary Tamil nationalists as well, as the ability to think and think effectively is not restricted to the “educated”.

The think tank will develop effective lobbying strategies to influence the decision makers, not just soliciting speakers for our forums.  This will include discussions with the exemplary lobby groups from the Jewish, East Timorese, Kosovo and other communities to learn from their experience.  The think tank will also open the door for the Tamil nation to engage with the decision makers in the IC and provide an opportunity to positively influence.

Secondly the Tamil community should integrate with the IC.  For example the New Zealand Tamil Community’s participation the recent ANZAC day celebration is a forward step in terms of our lobbying efforts in that country.  We need to integrate before expecting to influence.  Electoral lobbying efforts of the Sydney Tamils in the recent federal elections in Australia, is another example of integration. Integration is the key to execute influence in the IC as evidenced by the role played by the American Jewish community.

Thirdly the Tamil community should “wine and dine” with the decision makers.  It is a harsh fact that the Sinhalese community has mastered the art of wining and dining with the local decision makers.  The Sinhala community organizes many socializing effects where the local politicians are invited to wine, dine and integrate with the Sinhalese community. These events include the dinner dances, Old school association gatherings, community award nights and to coincide with the cricket tours. The Tamil community should organize events such as the above to meet and greet with the decision makers as a first step for effective lobbying.  The relationship that is built at these functions will form the basis for subsequent influencing efforts.

The purpose of this article is to throw in a different perspective and to be a thought starter.  I understand that various expatriate groups are working with the same agenda and it is time that we pool our efforts together for the common well and lobby effectively.

Let me conclude with a quote from President Franklin D. Roosevelt "Okay, you've convinced me. Now go out there and bring pressure on me” and Sun Tzu, The Art of War “Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot maneuver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground”