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Track Two diplomacy

The peace process initiated by the Government is moving forward, gathering momentum.

As we have stated earlier, the Government's effort should be reinforced by civil society initiatives.

It is heartening to see certain NGOs coming forward with grassroots initiatives. First, it was the Association of Parents of Soldiers Missing in Action. Now, the country's largest NGO, the Sarvodaya Movement has announced an important peace initiative - a people to people peace campaign involving half a million people. It is also planned to link thousand villages in the South with an equal number from the North and East.

Such people to people bridge building will go a long way in mobilizing support for an eventual peace accord. It will also encourage the negotiating partners by convincing them of the possibility of a peaceful co-existence of the estranged communities.

Other mass organizations like the trade unions and youth organizations should follow the example set by these organizations.

Thus there is activity at both Track One (official, government level) and Track Three (grassroots level), there seems to be much activity among the academics, professionals and religious leaders, which constitutes what is called Tack Two.

At most they have confined their support to press statements. What is required is more dynamic action for they could contribute a lot to preparing the minds of the populace for peace. They could dispel the apprehensions of the masses and counter the propaganda of the anti-peace lobby.

Track Two initiatives such as seminars, workshops and conferences with the participation of representatives of all communities would be most welcome at the moment. A few months ago the National Peace Council held such a workshop in Trincomalee. Perhaps, we require more of the same now.

The intellectuals including the academics community, who usually become vocal at election time, seem to be silent now.

The country is at the crossroads. The result of the December 5 General Election has given the country a last and rare chance to pursue peace in earnest with a degree of success.

This is a unique chance since prospects of a bi-partisan approach to peace, which eluded us so far, seems to be bright at the moment with the President openly expressing her support to the Prime Minister's peace initiative.

The international climate is also more propitious for peace. After the WTC attack in New York on September 11 last year, there has emerged an international alliance against terrorism.

There is a concerted campaign by the Western nations to freeze funds of organizations that resort to acts of terror.

These are compelling factors for the LTTE to seek a viable alternative to their armed struggle.

It is the duty of the government and the majority community to provide them with such an alternative in a unified Sri Lanka.

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