Archives

Increasing optimism on peace - NPC

The National Peace Council, in a media release issued on Thursday asked the Government and the LTTE to be more inclusive in the peace process and involve the civil society too in actions to build inter-ethnic reconciliation. The text of the release is printed below.

One of the positive developments arising out of the prevailing ceasefire between the government and LTTE and mediated by Norway is the increased engagement and dialogue between the LTTE and the outside world. The LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran's briefing to the local and international media in the Wanni demonstrated the changing character of the LTTE from being primarily a military organisation to that of a political force. In the course of the media conference, the LTTE leadership delivered an important message to the country that it was necessary to deal with legitimate Tamil grievances and aspirations in a principled manner.

Another example of a positive development is the public admission by the LTTE leadership that the expulsion of the Muslim population from the north in 1990 was a political mistake. The acknowledgment by leaders that they are responsible for the rise of inter-ethnic hatreds and tensions is an important component of the peace process. By being responsive to the hurts and fears of people, any apology is a major step forward in the process of reconciliation.

The National Peace Council also welcomes the LTTE's pledge that disciplinary action will be taken against its members who allegedly harass the civilian population. A similar governmental pledge against political victimisation by government members would strengthen the prospects for a bipartisan approach to the peace process that is currently absent and could threaten the stability of the peace process in the future.

The fact that inter-ethnic tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface demonstrates that the peace process needs to gain in depth so as to permeate all levels of society. Last week a property dispute between individuals in the western town of Beruwela led to communal clashes between Sinhalese and Muslims in which six people were killed and over a hundred injured. Similar incidents have been taking place periodically in other parts of the country as well.

In this context it is very important that the government and LTTE should be more inclusive in their pursuit of peace. Civil society should not be seen and treated as mere spectators in the peace process but are part and parcel of the peace process. We urge the government and LTTE to be more inclusive in their pursuit of peace and to find ways to involve civil society in plans and actions that generate inter-ethnic solidarity and reconciliation.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager