Women's Coalition for Peace supports P-TOMS

We welcome the P-TOMS as a necessary step in addressing the urgent needs of the population affected by the tsunami. The goodwill and sympathy showed by many for the victims of the tsunami in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy proved that it is possible to overcome long held antagonisms of class, caste and ethnic barriers. Women's groups were amongst the many that mobilized to provide speedy relief assistance to those affected.

Unfortunately the tsunami crisis led to partisan differences and political wrangling has prevented adequate assistance, particularly with regard to alternative shelter, housing and livelihood support for those affected. This is a reality in the South as well as the North and East. The still unresolved issue of the buffer zone is only one example of the manner in which the State tsunami assistance mechanisms have failed to put the concerns of the affected first.

Most anti P-TOMS agitation that the country experienced during the past few weeks portray an irresponsible disregard for the plight of those most affected.

Many of those affected in the North and East were already victimized by the conflict. It is imperative therefore that the Government puts in place an inclusive and representative structure that is responsive and responsible for alleviating their suffering with the greatest possible speed.

While the inclusion of Muslim representation at the High Level Committee is an important development, the fact that neither the Muslims nor the dissenting Tamil parties were included in the negotiations that led to the formulation of the P-TOMS, and that Muslims were not given signatory status is regrettable.

Given that this represents an important benchmark of the Government and LTTE coming together, and marks a forward movement towards any future power sharing, it is hoped that a more democratic and representative process is followed in future negotiations.

The Women's Coalition for Peace, regards the joint mechanism or the P-TOMS as a welcome proposal that will hopefully address the needs of those affected. We also commend the fact that the text contains language assuring "proper gender balance" in both the district and regional bodies. It is hoped that in implementation, the inclusion of women will be more than mere tokenism.

Women's Coalition for Peace