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Massive show of support for peace and democracy: Peace hopes high as direct talks approach - PM

by Ananda Kannangara

Tens of thousands of people from all parts of the country converged on to the Town Hall grounds in Colombo yesterday in a show of support for peace and democracy in a demonstration led by the governing United National Front.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the massive crowd that hopes for peace have risen with direct talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam scheduled for September 16 in Thailand. He expressed confidence over the success of the talks.

"As long as confrontational political ideas exist in the minds of people and politicians, the ethnic conflict cannot be solved easily," Wickremesinghe said. "All must shed confrontational ideas and get together at this crucial moment to solve the national problem."

"There was more suspicion in the minds of the people eight months ago about the peace talks. Now those doubts have diminished considerably," he told the crowd. "From insisting on dividing the country, the LTTE is now talking about sharing power. We are not talking about the division of our country," he added.

The party faithful were joined by thousands of people who backed the peace process which was dubbed the third "Janabala Meheyuma" of the UNF. The main highlight of yesterday's rally was the participation of a large number of people from the North and East.

"I still remember when the President assumed power in 1994, she wanted to solve the ethnic conflict with the assistance of Norway. So I too extended the fullest cooperation to her."

He explained that the Government was able to stop the loss of a large number of valuable lives as well as properties during the past nine months as a result of the ceasefire.

The Prime Minister noted that other Asian countries which were less developed have moved ahead in the last 20 years as Sri Lanka remained mired in ethnic strife. We even talked of selling electricity to India at one time, but now Indian companies are going to invest in our power sector.

"Now close links have developed between the North and the South. A significant progress in the economy can be seen. Tourists and investors are now coming to our country due to the current peaceful atmosphere."

The Prime Minister also reminded the gathering how President Kumaratunga wanted to introduce the interim council system in order to solve the ethnic conflict and he too accepted that concept.

The rally was organised by the Movement for the Protection of Democracy (MPD) as part of a show of strength to urge all concerned to back the peace process and the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

Apart from the UNF, the Ceylon Workers Congress, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, The Tamil National Alliance and several other political parties and NGOs including groups representing relatives of missing servicemen, participated in the rally. It brought together people from all communities and persuasions united in their desire for peace in this country.

Although the main Town Hall rally was to commence at 3.00 pm it was delayed due to the late arrival of several processions from various points outside the city of Colombo.

The main procession began from the Sugathadasa Stadium and another two processions commenced from Borella and Thunmulla junctions with the participation of many thousands including religious dignitaries, parliamentarians and trade union leaders. Another procession started from the Orugodawatta junction. Among the crowd were more than 200 persons from Jaffna.

UNP General Secretary Senarath Kapukotuwa who was at the Town Hall said that participation of a mammoth crowd at the rally clearly showed that the majority of people in the country wanted a solution to the ethnic conflict.

"This is not a political spectacle but a demonstration for peace and democracy, which will cut across party politics. Our aim is to awaken the people to the prospects of peace and restoration of democracy," Kapukotuwa added.

There were no political slogans, banners or posters. The participants only demanded that peace be restored in the country.

A large police contingent provided security arrangements including traffic control in the City where one of the largest crowds witnessed in recent times gathered. The massive gathering virtually shut down the city and most schools closed early. 

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