Tapping post-conflict possibilities

As the dust and grime settles over the wild cat private bus strike, a number of issues, we believe, should be reflected upon by the public of this country. Of course, the majority of the people is for a stable and trouble-free existence and would prefer never to enter into a confrontational course with the rulers of this land. They are the silent majority whose voices are not heard and whose interests are really ignored by those who take to the streets at what seems to be the slightest reason for disgruntlement.

One of the most disconcerting features of the recent infamous private bus strike was that brute force was used by some sections on those bus operators who exercised their democratic and completely legitimate right to continue with their services, despite a wild cat strike erupting. A number of such buses were stoned or badly damaged by other means, while thousands of commuters were left stranded on the highways.

This troubling penchant for violence was seen in some coastal areas too where scores of those who had taken to the streets over rising fuel prices, apparently, trammeled the movement of traffic and inconvenienced the public in numerous other ways. In other words, force was being used with a high degree of insensitivity and might was seeking to project itself as right.

It is this preponderance of violence which should set us thinking. The current administration headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has always indicated a willingness to talk things over with disaffected sections and the impartial observer is kept wondering why violence should be resorted to with an alacrity which is so alarming by those who are thus nursing perceived grievances.

It is difficult not to draw the inference that agitations of this nature are to a great extent organized and we wish to register our apprehension right away that the tendency for violence and savagery would seriously undermine the public interest.

The possibility is great of sections among the political Opposition exploiting these situations for short-term gain and we call on these trouble makers to face the undeniable truth that in a situation characterized by violence and bloodshed, none would stand to gain. Do they intend to revert this country to the dark days past of unrelenting terror and political turmoil?

The possibility of these situations of unrest being exploited for ulterior political gain would be ruled out by only the politically-naïve but we believe we are duty-bound to warn our body politic about where such volatile scenarios could lead to. We need to be aware that violence and counter-violence in Sri Lanka’s South, particularly in the late eighties of the last century, very nearly blighted Sri Lanka to the condition of a failed, benighted state. At that time too there were subversive political forces which spilled blood in the name of obscure causes.

However, the task before the people of this country is to exploit the opportunities that have opened out in these post-conflict times for the ushering of prosperity and economic betterment for all.

The errors of the past must be studiously avoided by everyone who matters. Rather than seek the path of political confrontation, the local polity and the people are now obliged to focus on marshalling their human and material resources for the greater good of the country.

We as a people and a country are now obliged never to look back. The challenge lies in a collective and united effort to make best use of our varied resources to have opened unto us a future where we would stand shoulder to shoulder with the most advanced countries of the world in every conceivable respect. Let us seize the moment!