There is a widespread belief that Sri Lankan presidential candidate Gota played a crucial role in mass killings of thousands of innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka.

One could argue that if he is elected, the IC, International Community, will be in a tough spot. On one hand he is an elected leader of a democratic country. On other hand, IC does not want to be seen shaking hands with an accused.  

If the diaspora and other activists around the world can learn from other examples. One would be that of UN peace forces and Sri Lanka where recent appointment of Mr. C Silva as army chief.

Also, one could work to impose to ban an individual for crimes against humanity and corruption.

As for the later, here is one such example :

South Africa's Gupta Family Blacklisted By US Over Widespread Corruption

Washington: 

The US on Thursday announced sanctions against South Africa's high-profile Indian-origin Gupta family for running a "significant corruption network" that leveraged its political connections to engage in bribery, capture government contracts and misappropriate state assets.

Among those specifically named in the US Treasury Department's designation include Ajay Gupta, Atul Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, and their associate Salim Essa for their involvement in corruption in South Africa.

The Gupta family has relocated to Dubai amid corruption charges against them in South Africa.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/south-africas-gupta-family-blacklisted-by-us-over-widespread-corruption-2114892?pfrom=home-livetv

 

Many among the Tamil community are skeptical about IC, and right fully so. Despite many efforts, the culprits have escaped justice and victims continue to face persecution.

Does that mean we should stop seeking justice ?

 

One such fruitful success is the former leader of Sudan.

Despite an international arrest warrant issued by the ICC, he won consecutive elections in 2010 and 2015. However, his last victory was marred by a boycott from the main opposition parties.

The arrest warrant has led to an international travel ban. However, Mr Bashir has still made diplomatic visits to various countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. He was forced into a hasty departure from South Africa in June 2015 after a court considered whether to enforce the arrest warrant.

Birth of South Sudan

His goal was always to keep a unified Sudan, but a referendum on secession for South Sudan was agreed as part of the peace deal.

In the January 2011 referendum, about 99% of South Sudanese voters were in favour of separation. The independent state of South Sudan was declared six months later.

Justice delivered

On 11 April 2019, al-Bashir was removed from his post by the Sudanese Armed Forces after multiple months of protests and civil uprisings. He was immediately placed under house arrest pending the formation of a transitional council. At the time of his arrest, al-Bashir had ruled Sudan longer than any other leader since the country gained independence in 1956, the longest-ruling president of the Arab League, as well as the longest Arab leader bar three UAE emirs and Sultan Qaboos of Oman. The army also ordered the arrest of all ministers of al-Bashir's cabinet, dissolved the National Legislature and formed a Transitional Military Council, led by his own First Vice President and Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf.

On 13 April 2019, Sudanese police announced that in the past two days 16 people were killed and 20 injured in demonstrations and rallies.

On 17 April 2019, al-Bashir was moved from house arrest to Khartoum's Kobar prison.[156] On 13 May 2019, prosecutors charged al-Bashir with "inciting and participating in" the killing of protesters.

What can Tamils learn from this ?

Of course no two freedom struggles are equal and success in one does not mean it will produce the same results. But, one should always not give the hopes when fighting for freedom and justice.

 

Will IC do anything against president Gota ?

Some ponder that when Gota is sworn in as president of Sri Lanka, the plight of Tamils will take a sharp turn to the worst. And the IC will not do anything as they were silent in 2009.

It is safe to say, no one knows the answer for sure. From a physiological point, when one is expected to commit a crime, that individual may not commit it. Why, well one does not want to commit a crime when all are watching.

The Rajapakse brothers have stayed together for so long, that is because they have many secrets, from murders to corruption. All it takes, one to turn against and one could watch a spectacular fall. That may or may not happen. Or, one of their confidant to turn against them. Well, that too may or may not happen.

But, the history shows that any dynasty that goes up, eventually comes down. And when the Rajabakse dynasty comes crashing down, one would hope Tamils are their to take advantage.

Other dynamics is regional and international politics. The US and China dispute slowly but surely gaining momentum. Like Mr.Wicknesvaran suggested, if Gota is elected, it may be seen a win for Chines interest. Thus, will put place pressure on USA and its allies, including India. These countries would care more about their financial prosperities over the freedom of Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. Knowing that one would hope Tamil politicians rise up to the opportunities that may be presented.

The bottom line is that regardless with or without the support from Tamils, should Gota becomes the president, Tamils must have a plan.