Wednesday, 21 April 2004 |
Editorial |
News Business Features Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries | Please forward your comments to the Editor, Daily News. Email : [email protected] Snail mail : Daily News, 35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Telephone : 94 11 2429429 / 94 11 2421181 Fax : 94 11 2429210 Leading benevolently and firmly Close on the heels of an unsettled spell in the North-East for particularly the Internally Displaced Persons and other segments of the civilian population suffering the ravages of war, nothing could be timelier than a move by President Kumaratunga to take things decisively in hand. At a meeting recently with State and non-State players in North-East rehabilitation and resettlement, the President made swift moves to bring succour to the displaced and other victims of the humanitarian crisis in the North-East. As an immediate relief measure, Rs. 10 million was authorized by the President as assistance for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons. No less commendable was the President's concern over the plight of child soldiers and other young victims of war. Reintegrating them into civilian society is a chief concern of the President. It is up to the parties in the relief effort to rally round the President in the discharging of this fine, humanitarian gesture. Of equal significance was the President's suggestion that the resettlement process be brought under a single authority. Considering the discordant, confused conditions which tend to prevail in this field, it is very important that this measure is pursued vigorously. As is well known, the rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction field has often been a happy hunting ground for the corrupt and the parasitical. That some top figures in the previous administration were scandalously embezzling and fattening themselves and their kith and kin off rehabilitation funds is no longer a secret. It would therefore be highly unwise to leave this field wide open to the unscrupulous and the corrupt. A single body to administer the three Rs which would be directly responsible to the President, would be an ideal solution. In complete contrast to former times when a few government top-notchers were making a living off the misery of the majority, the President has lost no time in bringing relief and rehabilitation to those who were displaced by the recent unrest in the North-East. We learn that most of those displaced by the recent round of violence have returned to their homes. This is prompt remedial action indeed. We back the President's efforts to bring order into the resettlement and rehabilitation effort. Cleaning the Augean Stables firmly is what is expected of a leader. More strength to your arm, Madam President. Polls in India It is the biggest election in the world: 670 million voters, five days, two million officials, 700,000 polling stations, 543 constituencies, 130,000 troops and police. An election in India, the world's largest democracy, is one of the biggest events in the international news calendar. The election started yesterday after a hectic campaign marred by violence. The winners will be known only after May 13, following the end of staggered voting on May 10. It is also the first election in India which will be carried out only on electronic voting machines, in the hope of ending widespread irregularities and also the need for 7,700 tonnes of paper. Her neighbours and other countries in Asia will closely watch the electronic voting process to ascertain its viability for their future elections. India's 14th General Election has become a crucial testing ground for assessing the popularity of peace moves with Pakistan and attempts to stimulate economic growth. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee called the election five months ahead of schedule after a bountiful monsoon kicked the economy into high gear. The main players in the fray are the Bharathiya Janatha Party (BJP) and the main opposition Congress Party. Surveys show a lead by the BJP but also predict a strong showing by smaller regional parties. This could lead to another coalition - Vajpayee has held together an alliance of more than 20 parties since 1999. Foreign policy has become a major election issue, with the BJP highlighting Vajpayee's personal drive to make peace with Pakistan. India's Test victory over Pakistan on Pakistani soil could not have come at a better time. The cricket tour would have been unthinkable just two years ago when India and Pakistan looked headed for war after an attack on the Indian Parliament. The BJP and its allies are hoping that India's strong economic showing (eight per cent growth) would appeal to voters, although the Opposition says that nature, not the government, was responsible. Allegations of corruption, a perennial favourite at Asian elections, are also rife. Indian politicians are keen to express their commitment to communal amity as voters look for an era sans clashes between various communities. Personality-wise, fresh winds are blowing across the Indian electoral map. Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul are contesting an election for the first time. They are among the myriad of new faces which have emerged at this poll. Whatever the outcome, Sri Lanka can look forward to stronger ties with India. Sri Lankan and Indian leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to improving bilateral ties. This special relationship will continue to benefit the peoples of both countries. |
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