§ 21. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what reason has been given by the leaders of the Indians in Jaffna and the northern provinces of Ceylon for their boycott of elections under the new constitution; and what steps will now be taken under the new constitution to secure some representation of the Indian community in Ceylon on the legislative council?
§ Dr. SHIELSI presume that the right hon. Gentleman refers to the fact that no nomination papers were handed in for the four constituencies in the Jaffna peninsula, where the population consists predominantly of Ceylon Tamils, who are not regarded as Indians. I understand that the reason given by the persons responsible for this step was that the new constitution marks no advance towards self-government. With regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that under the new constitution, which follows in this respect the recommendations of the Donoughmore Commission, all communal representation has been abolished. No steps are contemplated for giving special representation to the Indian or any other community.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it not a fact that the principal reason why the Tamils in the Northern part of Ceylon have boycotted the election is because they have been deprived of communal representation and put on the common roll with other races?
§ Dr. SHIELSNo, Sir. I do not think that that is an accurate statement. As a matter of fact, there are other Tamil candidates standing at the present time, and there are over 46 constituencies which are open to representatives of all races.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREis it not a fact that the Tamil population in the north are Hindus, and does not the same condition affect Tamils in the Western Province?
§ Dr. SHIELSThere is a distinction between the Indians and Ceylon Tamils, and the boycott has been confined to the four constituencies in the Jaffna district.