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Time for cool rationality and wisdom

As should be expected, the proposals forwarded by the Government to the LTTE on the formation of an Interim Administrative Council for the North-East, have met with a multiplicity of reactions. Some of these comments and observations smack of knee-jerk reactions rather than deeply analyzed and well-thought out responses to issues of the first importance.

They are, perhaps, pointers to the degree to which discussion of these issues, in some sections, is clouded by emotion rather than guided by reason and sedate wisdom. This is most unfortunate. Unguarded emotional reactions to issues have been the Fatal Cleopatra of Sri Lanka over the past few decades.

In fact, reactions of this kind reduced to shreds many a well-meaning peace initiative of the past. Hopefully, a spirit of enlightened reason will prevail over the Lankan public in the days ahead.

To begin with, the proposals which have just been sent to the LTTE have been described as a "discussion paper". The proposals, in other words, are a set of suggestions on the formation of an interim administrative mechanism for the North-East which is expected to be subjected to close scrutiny by the LTTE. The proposals are unlikely to be sent back by the LTTE without their counterproposals, suggestions, refinements etc. These, in turn, would be studied by the Government.

However, Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe himself has gone on record as saying that the present proposals would be offered for the scrutiny of all relevant sections of political opinion before they are adopted. Besides, they would be required to conform to all existing laws and the constitution, before they are implemented.

So, we have a long way to go. A duty is cast on all sections of the Lankan body politic to put the country's interests before individual, group and party interests at this crucial juncture for the purpose of preventing a repetition of history. If discussion of the proposals is approached in a destructive, partisan spirit, we would be returning the country to a cauldron of conflict, violence and discord. If the debate is approached in a constructive, helpful spirit, there is a possibility of our forging ahead with the peace process.

However, an equally grave responsibility is cast on the Government to open up the proposals to democratic debate. A constructive, cooperative spirit needs to be reflected by, in short, all sections of the polity.

If an effort is made to look at the prime issues in the conflict objectively, by all concerned, with no consideration being given to short-term political gain, much could be achieved.

The time is ripe, therefore, for tranquil contemplation and reasoned, mature discourse.

The consideration which should weigh very heavily with the Government as well as the opposition is the popular wish for deliverance from this long night of suffering. Political leaders with foresight and wisdom is the wish of the people.

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