Archives

Pursue peace relentlessly

The statement attributed to LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran that he would favourably consider a state structure that offers "substantial regional autonomy and self-government to the Tamil people" is likely to generate more space or openings for the further promotion of the peace process. If the peace process is to perpetuate itself and attain qualitatively higher levels of discourse, what have been seen as hardline, entrenched positions need to be shunned by both sides to the conflict. The Eelam demand was seen as one such position.

Needless to say, it was the perception in Southern Sri Lanka that the LTTE was firmly committed to Eelam and to no other political arrangement which would help realise the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people, which sustained the confrontational attitude among sections of the South to the LTTE. The reported readiness of the LTTE leader to consider a viable political alternative to Eelam, opens the doors wider to a negotiated political settlement.

However, one must not lose sight of the fact that it is the negotiatory process which was launched by the Government which has enabled the two sides to arrive at this vital stage in the peace effort. This fact was not lost on even Prabhakaran, who in the course of his Heroes' Day message praised "the Government of Ranil Wickremesinghe for attempting to resolve the problems of the Tamils with sincerity and courage".

Looking back, it was the decision of the Government to seize the opportunity for change after coming to power on December 5th last year, and its resolve to pursue peace by peaceful means only, which has brought about the current change in the complexion of the national question.

War, it is said, begins in the minds of men. An aggressive intention in the human consciousness translates into a hostile action against a perceived enemy. Thus begins war and destruction, which is self-perpetuating, until the decision is taken, once again in the human consciousness, to seek peace by peaceful means. Such a mindset change sets in motion a beneficial chain of events, which, among other things, transforms mutual suspicion and distrust into mutual acceptance and cordial rapprochement among one-time adversaries.

This the Government has managed to do over the past nine months. If this change in vision and spirit continues at the highest echelons of government, there is every likelihood that the process of "turning swords into ploughshares" would continue.

However, as we pointed out yesterday, a national consensus on bringing about peace by peaceful means, is essential if the peace process is to be taken to greater heights and to its logical conclusion. There are groups which are already crying themselves hoarse on some perceived limitations in the peace process. There is some likelihood that these hoarse voices would even turn raucous in response to the international backing Sri Lanka is beginning to receive.

For instance, the willing support which the peace process received recently at the "Peace support conference" in Oslo, wouldn't have been to the liking of some of these disgruntled groups which thrive on economic grievances. The possibility of economic grievances being resolved to a greater degree, with the financial assistance which would come our way, is likely to further agitate these peddlers of division.

We have said this before, and we say it again, that there is no alternative to the State and all pro-peace forces to be proactively involved in promoting a strong peace culture in the country. If this doesn't happen in double quick time, the enemies of peace could make propaganda gains. This could stymie the peace effort. Therefore, the time is ripe to pursue peace relentlessly.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager