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Some essential duties

The political uncertainties of the past few days are likely to have cleared somewhat by the time this newspaper hits the news stands. The long wait for the final polls result is almost over and the wish of the common man is that peace and normalcy would be fully restored. Getting back to the business of living is the Lankans' predominant yearning and our hope is that this would be granted by the new dispensation with the least delay.

Given the widely known fact that the recent election campaign was the bloodiest thus far in this country, the State should consider it obligatory to bring amity and reconciliation to the body politic, first. Political leaders, we believe, should put their hearts and minds together in this great undertaking because a disunited country sows the seeds of its own destruction.

So bringing healing and tranquillity to Sri Lanka should be looked upon as a priority task which cannot be postponed. To this end, multi-party peace committees need to be formed and activated, beginning at the neighbourhood level. All relevant measures should be adopted to nip in the bud and eliminate, the dreaded post-election violence which leaves long trails of blood and oppressive, bitter memories which lead to unending spirals of violence.

On and off, appeals to this effect were made by us in this commentary, but they seemed to have very little or no impact. We hope greater thought would be given to these essential responsibilities, for, the onward march of the country is likely to be gravely affected by post-election violence and bitterness.

Coupled with this healing process is the urgent need to enthrone and sustain the Rule of Law. There is no getting away from the obligation of firmly and impartially enforcing the law and we hope the law enforcement agencies are fully alive to this responsibility.

Another urgent task that cannot be shelved is the amelioration of the economic hardships of the people. The authorities are obliged to not only ensure that the people are provided their everyday needs but that they are also sold to them at affordable prices.

Situations such as the present are exploited by black-marketeers and hoarders and these anti-social elements should be held in check by the State. Indeed, containing the cost of living should be considered a priority task by the Government.

Having attended to these basics, the new government should consider it mandatory to bring about governmental stability. Mutual accommodation and flexibility in the larger interest should be regarded as a prime duty. We have already experienced the excruciating pain governmental instability and uncertainty breeds. May not this be the people's lot once again. Such conditions, after all, make everyone a loser.

There is also no getting away from the supreme duty of putting the peace process back on track. This was a major victim of the political instability which gripped the country. Going ahead with the peace process is a mandatory duty because our future well-being depends on it crucially.

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