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Strengthen the peace process

The peace process initiated by the UNF Government is entering a crucial phase. So far, it has been smooth sailing despite few anxieties.

The unilateral ceasefires initiated by both sides on December 23 have developed into a mutual ceasefire bound by an agreement. Besides, it is being monitored by a Mission with Norwegians at the head.

A program of humanitarian assistance to the North and East is proceeding well. The international donors have pledged much aid for rehabilitation and reconstruction in the war zone. In fact, many programs have already begun.

The Ceasefire Agreement has survived a month without hiccups.

The local polls that concluded last week gave an overwhelming endorsement of the peace process by returning the UNF with a clear majority and by routing the rabid chauvinist groups like the JVP and the Sihala Urumaya.

There is all round support from the international community for the peace initiative. The United States and the European Union have taken an added interest. All this augurs well.

Yet, there is still, room for anxiety. The principal concern of those who cherish peace is the lukewarm attitude shown by the principal Opposition party, the PA.

Though the President and the Leader of the Opposition have both reiterated their commitment to peace, there seems to be hardly any bipartisan approach. What we witness today is not so much co-habitation but a continuation of acrimonious politics by the main parties.

It must be underlined that the continuous bickering over issues of less significance could affect the peace process for it would give a wrong signal to the mass base of these parties.

Strengthened by the massive mandate at the recent polls, certain elements of the UNF are contemplating to dispense with the President in the not too distant future. On the other hand, the President herself seems unable to realize or accept that her mandate has been substantially eroded by the mandates of December 5 and March 20.

It should be emphasized here that Constitutions or written law is not worth the paper it is written when the masses decide otherwise.

While the Prime Minister is stressing on consensual politics, the President seems to ignore the call though paying lip service to it. Besides, her behaviour does not facilitate the strengthening of the peace forces. On the contrary, extreme elements opposed to the peace process seem to take cover behind her.

It is dangerous to underestimate the anti-peace forces. The best way to deal with them is to forge a bipartisan consensus as envisaged by the Lyam Fox Agreement.

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