This is the way to go

The state is reportedly steadily implementing the bulk of the LLRC recommendations and it could very well be the general consensus among sensible opinion that this is the way to go. As reported by us today, the state and its agencies are going about the task of implementing the recommendations very systematically and it is indeed encouraging to learn that some vital ministries, such as those pertaining to Defence and Lands, have almost completed their LLRC-linked chores.

Meanwhile, it is commendable that the majority of the displaced persons of the North have been resettled and that demining of the province too has been nearly completed. It should be relieving to the Northern people that HSZs too have been drastically reduced. In addition, we learn that much good work had been done in connection with the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres and we need hardly say that the cumulative effect of these positive developments would be a much stabilized Sri Lanka.

We urge the state to be steady in implementing the LLRC recommendations because this is the correct road to traverse, considering that many wrongs will be righted as a result of acting on the recommendations. Concrete achievements are the most effective rebuttal of criticisms that have been leveled at Sri Lanka in connection with conflict-linked issues. Such positive developments should be aimed at not only because they are the most fitting reply to this country’s international critics but because justice for all must be achieved in this land and the LLRC recommendations would enable us to realize this noble overall objective.

We consider it to be of immense importance that the LLRC recommendations are being implemented within the framework of a Cabinet-approved National Action Plan. In this Plan we have the proof that the totality of the UPFA is officially behind the LLRC recommendations. Such consensual thinking is of the utmost importance because unless and until a united effort is put into the country’s normalization process by the ruling alliance, the possibility of sustaining a national recovery plan would be in doubt. But now it is amply evident that the UPFA administration is not a ‘divided house’ as regards the country’s normalization effort and on the crucial role the LLRC recommendations could play in it.

While the implementation of the LLRC recommendations proceeds apace, we hope the much talked of Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) deliberations too would get off the ground. We call on the TNA in particular to indicate its willingness to be part of these talks unconditionally, because a fresh national endeavour needs to be launched to find a lasting and durable solution to the issues of our communities. It need hardly be said that this effort must be approached without any preconditions because what our communities are essentially looking forward to is a comprehensive solution which would be ground-breaking inasmuch as it would be ‘out of the box’ in nature.

We wonder whether our polity has paused to reflect on the possibilities that coalition governance throws-up, particularly as regards consensual problem-solving. Whereas, the TNA continues to be stuck in the divisive politics of the past, some other ‘minority’ parties have considered it wise to join the ruling alliance because it offers the possibility of working cooperatively towards resolving the issues of their communities with the centre. Thus, these parties have opted for a pragmatic policy which has positive outcomes for the different communities.

The time is ripe to deeply consider the rich possibilities of coalition politics. In fact, region-wide it is coalition governance which has come to stay. No longer does a single political party exercise hegemonic control over most political systems in our South Asian neighbourhood. But, looked at closely, it could be found that coalition governance enables parties of disparate orientations and outlooks to work together towards the common good while furthering the legitimate aims of the communities they represent. Thus, by adhering to the divisive politics of the past, parties such as the TNA could very well be forfeiting the opportunity to serve their constituencies substantively.

But it must be reiterated that governance in this country should be continually result-oriented and virtuous, to enable parties outside the central coalition to consider joining the coalition and working cooperatively with it. There needs to be material advancement ‘on the ground’ plus equity or fairness. These would prove strong incentives for strengthening coalition governance.