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Chores for the future

Despite some very anxious moments at the fourth round of talks, the Lankan peace process continues. This is the heartening reality which greets the observer of local affairs. There have been pluses as well as minuses at this crucial round of negotiations but it's gladdening to note that the pluses are clearly outnumbering the minuses.

As should have been expected, security issues posed the biggest problems for the two sides but a compromise solution to these issues was also arrived at with the Government proposing that resettlement operations begin outside the High Security Zones in the North, with the LTTE agreeing. This, in effect, means that the Government military presence in the North would remain unaffected. The Government had also proposed that it would be operating on the premise that resettlement would be a humanitarian issue and not related to the decommissioning of LTTE heavy arms.

A development of significance was recognition by the LTTE of Government's security concerns and on the need for a Lankan armed forces presence in the North. However, there was apparently no agreement between the sides on issues relating to the Sub-committee on De-escalation and Normalisation. Ideally, this body should continue to function with the participation of both sides. That this problem has not proved a spoiler is evident in the decision by the two sides to meet again in April and June.

In fact, the futuristic orientation of the peace process is evidenced in the continuing search by the parties for a federal structure suitable for Sri Lanka.

Apparently, then, the peace process has entered a crucial phase. Now, more than ever before, the parties need to forge ahead in a spirit of compromise and understanding while recognizing each others vital needs. With core issues coming up for discussion and resolution, the parties' commitment to a negotiated settlement should remain firm in the realisation that the future of Sri Lanka is being finally crafted after a period of prolonged uncertainty, war and strife.

We reiterate that there cannot be quick-fix solutions to the problems which brought Sri Lanka to war. If these issues are quickly resolvable to the satisfaction of all relevant parties, there wouldn't have been conflict and bloodshed in the first place. So the Government and the LTTE need to dig their heels in for a prolonged and perhaps painstaking journey to a fair settlement. It couldn't be otherwise.

Given the realisation that peace in Sri Lanka cannot come from the barrel of a gun, all relevant sections should see the importance of promoting the negotiatory process or of helping out in this worthy endeavour. As we have right along said, peace promotion needs to be undertaken in all parts of the country by the State as well as all those who wish this country well. Not enough is being done in this direction and time cannot be allowed to run out.

There is a need to conscientize all sections of society on the need for a peaceful resolution, including the armed forces and law enforcers. Besides, those claiming to help to resolve this problem politically need to expend more constructive efforts towards this end. Sri Lanka's Fatal Cleopatra is that some parties in the opposition seek to garner petty political gain from peace efforts, little realising that they are digging Lanka's own grave.

The Government, on the other hand, should seek common ground with the non-communal opposition on resolving the conflict. It should ensure that these sections are constructively engaged with it in the peace effort. This task too should be got down to without further delay.

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