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Where our interests lie

While a constant refrain of the Government is that the UPFA does not have a clear-cut policy on peace, President Kumaratunga has effectively nailed this fallacy by not only reiterating her commitment to a negotiated, just peace, but by adding that such negotiations would be a widely-inclusive process, including both the LTTE and other relevant parties.

In any case, the UPFA position is that there are no fundamental divergences between the SLFP and the JVP on peace. While the SLFP champions devolution - which has now emerged as a near national consensus - the JVP insists on decentralization - basically the identical paradigm on development. In any case, the JVP too opts for a negotiatory process, involving the Tigers.

So, it could be asked; where are the radical divergences the UNF is harping on? May be this is another of the Government's propaganda ploys to mislead the public and it could be seen that the UNF is stopping at nothing in their propaganda campaign?

Everything - including the grossest and crudest fabrications are grist to their mill. Take for instance, the issue of the assassination of the President's late husband, Vijaya Kumaratunga.

While all evidence points circumstantially to the involvement of the then regime in the assassination, the UNF rumour mill has it that it was the JVP which killed the star in Lanka's political firmament. For instance, the relevant murder weapon was owned by a prominent government politician. Some of the hitmen were also linked to the then regime. Besides, he was emerging as the head of a vibrant Left grouping.

And, wasn't it strange that Vijaya Kumaratunga who was to be the common Opposition candidates was assassinated only two months before the Presidential election, when his rival would have been from the UNP?

However, the UNF would have none of this. It even used the President's children in its diatribe against the JVP on the Vijaya Kumaratunga assassination issue.

It is even using war widows in anti-UPFA campaigns. The question should, however, be asked as to who was responsible for the hundreds and thousands of youth who were killed violently in 1989-90. The goon squads were linked to prominent politicians of the time and the tragic episode gave fresh meaning to the phrase, 'State terror'.

Despite sporting this questionable record, the present regime has launched a no-holds-barred image tarnishing campaign against the JVP. While those who have really committed atrocities in the past would be judged, condemned and discarded by the people, on April 2, (the people cannot be fooled) we unreservedly condemn the adoption of third degree methods of image-tarnishing.

If the aim of the UNF is to turn a new leaf and help create a peace culture in this country, this cause is certainly not helped by its bizarre advertising campaign against the JVP in some sections of the media. It only helps breed more violence and hatred.

Even on the economic front it could be seen that wisdom and foresight have not prevailed. The recent Supreme Court Opinion on the Government's Inland Revenue (Special Provisions) Act, No. 10 of 2003, shows the partiality of the regime for persons who are living and earning beyond the pale of the law.

While the Government has opted to take the easy way out by "selling the family silver", the President promises a return to self-reliant development through the revival of local agriculture and industries.

The public could thus judge where its interests lie. This is no time for gambles. The relative merits of each party are plain to see. The public must vote accordingly.

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