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A steady vision

The primacy attached to resolving the ethnic issue politically and the continued commitment to Constitutional reform, to name just two prominent features, underscores the progressive nature of the PA election manifesto. It comes at a time when the Opposition is yet to clarify its stance on the LTTE and the status which would be attached to it in future political negotiations.

In contrast to such wilful hedging on so grave an issue, President Kumaratunga's statement of the Government's position on resolving the ethnic conflict left no room for doubts and reservations. She made it clear that the LTTE would not be considered the representative of the Tamil people. Further, the Government would be talking to the LTTE only if it gave up the Eelam demand. However, the State remained committed to the policy of devolving power to the Tamil and Muslim minorities.

The same points were re-iterated in the PA election manifesto which spoke of a political solution to the ethnic crisis, safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country and making "the minority communities stakeholders in the democratic process."

These commitments are backed by a pledge to go ahead with the Constitutional reform process - an absolute necessity if vision is to be transformed into reality.

We also note with satisfaction a PA pledge to use the victory at the General Election as a legal mandate to introduce a new constitution. This will avoid the need for further hair-splitting debate on the practical means of bringing about Constitutional change.

The PA has also, rightly, focussed considerably on the economic problems facing the people. Economic empowerment of the people is inescapable if we are to have social peace and quiet. Economic liberalisation and globalisation are some of the preferred paths to this essential goal, but it is quite clear that these economic strategies have only benefited a few at the expense of the many. The PA pledge to safeguard the farming community against the ravages of globalisation should, therefore, be widely welcomed.

A pledge to launch a food production drive is equally welcome. This is the primary means of economic self-sufficiency and should be backed by a single-minded effort to make ourselves a more disciplined people. A vigorous food production drive would only be possible if the people are galvanised into action and every effort must be made by governments to end public apathy and inefficiency.

From this point of view, it is heartening to note a promise by the President to act swiftly against election violence. Unruly, destructive sections of society must be dealt with in terms of the law and unless and until these persons are made to see the merits of leading disciplined lives, food self-sufficiency wouldn't be a reality.

The PA Government broke new ground in the protection and sustenance of human rights, and we are glad to note that it is continuing to emphasize the importance of the rights of women and children. Gains in these areas must be expanded and preserved.

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