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| Friday, 11 February 2005 |
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Editorial | |
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| 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 Timely peace pledge President Kumaratunga's re-iteration in Islamabad of the Government's commitment to a comprehensive, negotiated settlement of Lanka's ethnic conflict which would meet the legitimate aspirations of all our communities, couldn't have come at a better time. As could be seen, the recent killing of LTTE area leader, Kaushalyan, in Polonnaruwa, along with a former TNA MP and some LTTE cadres, has triggered a wave of allegations and counter-allegations and even had the effect of disrupting parliamentary proceedings. While the concern these killings have spurred over the durability of the peace process needs to be appreciated, the onus is on the Government to defuse all doubts and reservations over the bloody incident by conducting an impartial, official inquiry which would establish the absolute truth. Meanwhile, we believe it wouldn't be inapposite to remind LTTE top-rungers in particular that they ought to adhere to any protocol arrangements or procedures worked out with the Sri Lanka Army in regard to travelling in areas not considered as being under the control of the LTTE. Perhaps, the recent killings wouldn't have occurred if the Lankan Army was informed by Kaushalyan, beforehand, about his movements in the East. It couldn't be doubted that the enemies of peace are numerous and this is the very reason why established procedures for travel need to be observed by LTTE personnel. It would be patently unfair not to adhere to these practices, which are well meant, and then level allegations against the authorities when things go wrong. Nevertheless, the point also couldn't be disputed that the Government and the LTTE should lose no time in resuming the peace process and in persisting with it to guard against further bloodshed and any threats to national stability. After all, a just solution to the conflict is the only pathway to a durable peace. Thus, President Kumaratunga's re-endorsement of a negotiated political solution which would be sensitive to the just aspirations of all communities, comes at an appropriate time. It is now left to the Lankan polity to get down to the task of forging ahead towards a just peace. May we see an earnest effort in this direction, is our prayer. We are quite aware there is almost a countrywide yearning for peace at present. This cry has been heightened by the recent devastation which unexpectedly came our way. While this yearning for peace needs to be appreciated, it is not realised by all - even some political parties - that a price needs to be paid for peace. In our estimation this is not a prohibitive price. It only requires fairmindedness on the part of all parties to the conflict or a deep sense of justice. For instance, power may need to be devolved on the regions from the centre, within a united and geographically whole Sri Lanka. Is this too much to ask, to end a conflict which has bled this country white? We believe public discourse on these issues needs to be revived once again. There is a widespread sense of oneness in the country which needs to be used judiciously to consolidate the peace process, before it evaporates. If it is allowed to evaporate, another great opportunity for peace could be considered as having gone a begging. |
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