The evidence of an even hand

ONE of the most positive points in our lead story yesterday on the State's disbursement of house rebuilding assistance to tsunami victims was that it covers almost every affected area, including the North and the East. This feature is bound to bring great joy to the hearts of the defenders of a just peace in this country.

True, such demonstrations of equity on the part of the Lankan State do not have a direct bearing on the peace process but they speak volumes for the goodwill the State possesses for the communities of this land, regardless of regional differences. It is such goodwill and amity that lays the basis for the smooth conduct of the peace effort.

The proposed joint mechanism for the distribution and use of post-tsunami assistance, when activated, would play the same role and this is the chief reason why it should be valued by all who mean this country well.

We urge the State to persist with this approach in post-tsunami rebuilding. For far too long, the Lankan State has been perceived in some circles as being biased and even racist.

By dealing with all communities with an even hand, such misconceptions could be dispelled and the secular, nonpartisan and non-communal basis of the State strongly underlined.

Of course, one of the most triumphant moments for Lankan secularism would arrive when the Government re-activates the peace process and takes it to its logical conclusion, which is ethnic peace in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the Government needs to use every means at its disposal to establish its secular, non-communal credentials.

As could be seen, the post-tsunami reconstruction scenario is rich with possibilities for the assertion of this identity but all efforts should also be made to defeat communalism and religious chauvinism in the wider body politic.

Steering a steady course to establish the joint mechanism for the handling of aid in the North-East could be one of these. Besides, the opponents of ethnic equality and a just peace should be constantly engaged and defeated on the ideological plane.

In addition to some of the laudable purposes just outlined, our lead story of yesterday also rebuts charges that the State has been slow-footed in meeting its rebuilding commitments in the tsunami - hit areas.

The facts and figures on housing assistance contained in our news report entirely demolish charges that the tsunami victims have been left high and dry by the State. We now have proof that this is clearly not the case.

In fact not only is housing assistance being provided but the Rs. 5,000 special allowance for affected families is being continued vigorously. All this is being handled by the two main State banks.

We cannot help but reflect that these developments are also the proof that the State is an indispensable institution and tool in the handling of national emergencies. Without the State, the plight of the people could have been graver.