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Show of solidarity

It is so easy for us to forget how we lived during the war. The barricades and the checkpoints, the searches and the screaming ambulances, all dark symbols of the conflict are quietly slipping out of our collective memory. For so many years we as a people endured fear and now when we hear the sound of an explosion we are fairly confident it is not a bomb.

But we must not forget. To do so will endanger the tentative steps we have taken towards finding a lasting peace.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has at enormous political risk taken this country further towards peace than any other leader in recent times. On the side of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as well the indications up to now are that they too are serious about finding a solution without resorting to war.

The best part about having a peaceful atmosphere is that the hitherto muffled voices of those who desire an end to conflict are being heard. In times of war it is normal for only the extremists to get space in the newspapers and time on Television and Radio. Anyone who wants peace is instantly denounced as being traitorous when guns are fired in anger and young bodies are blown apart by deadly weaponry.

It is important to note here that civil society leaders, the Clergy and the intelligentsia have backed the peace process in no uncertain terms. This has debunked the theories of some who thought that leaders of the Buddhist Clergy in particular would oppose any kind of parley with the Tigers. By and large most members of the Venerable Sangha are for reconciliation, taking the longer view most beneficial to the future of the country.

The un-banning of the LTTE eventually became a non-event for most people in the country. Those who opposed the move in totality were disappointed that the masses did not spontaneously denounce the government's decision. Our recent history shows that when militant movements ranging from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam when un-banned and encouraged to enter the democratic mainstream have done so with success and contributed constructively to nation building. Perhaps it is time to remind these organizations that they too languished under bans at one time and were denied the safe public space they now occupy. It is now incumbent upon the LTTE to reciprocate the government's courageous decision and lend their shoulders towards reconstructing our shattered nation.

Today's mass demonstration supporting the peace moves organized by the governing party is a show of strength by the government to indicate that the faithful are united behind the Prime Minister's efforts. This should act as an encouragement to the wider masses to disregard the war-mongering minorities in our midst and support peace without fear.

For that it must be important for all not to forget how we lived under the dark cloud of unending conflict.

Being good hosts

In a few days Sri Lankans will have the unique opportunity to see some of Cricket's greatest stars playing in this country all at the same time when the ICC One-day tournament gets under way.

According to reports the tournament is attracting Cricket fans from around the region and Hotels and Tour Operators are saying their facilities are heavily booked.

In successfully hosting the Asian Track and Field Championship this country established beyond doubt that it can deal with an international event with aplomb. The ICC tournament gives the country a second opportunity to put itself on the world sporting map. All those concerned with getting the tournament into Sri Lanka deserve commendation as it enhances the opportunities we get to market our country as a destination for travelers and investment.

At the same time, the Cricket tourney is one that is different to the Athletics because most Sri Lankan fans would be expecting the local team to win as the home side will have a distinct advantage playing in conditions most familiar to them. This expectation will make emotions run high if we fare badly.

So we urge our fans to be gracious and remember that while we are, of course partisan to Sanath Jayasuriya's men, the larger purpose of being good hosts is more important. More than simply winning at Cricket the overall image of Sri Lanka is vital for our future economic well-being.

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