Accolades for peace move:

Geneva talks a positive development

BY Rajmi Manatunga, Anjana Gamage , Chamikara Weerasinghe,E Weerapperuma and P. Krishnaswamy

THE Daily News spoke to a cross section of society on the ceasefire talks due to be held in Geneva.

The decision to commence talks in February is a positive development, Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda said.

He said:" It puts an end to the uncertainty around the possibility of resuming a political engagement between the President and the LTTE.

The challenge now is to de-escalate violence and prepare the necessary conditions for talks on how to strengthen the implementation of the CFA, and proceed from there to take the peace process forward. The Government should not think that this is a simple affair.

It is a complex and difficult process. Therefore, the Government should take immediate steps to establish the necessary structures and processes to make use of this new space that has opened up, for taking the peace process forward."

Javidh Yoosuf, Director, Muslim Peace Secretariat: "I think everybody is relieved that a possible slideback to war has been averted. Both the Government and the LTTE have shown flexibility and that is the basis on which the talks can also proceed. I think the decision to resume talks is a good thing.

We understand that the February talks will be focused on discussing the ceasefire agreement. So we hope that there will be a delegation representing the Muslim point of view at the talks since Muslims also have many concerns regarding the CFA itself.

We hope that these talks will continue over a period of time so that the core issues could be discussed and the problem solved."

Sarvodaya leader Dr A.T. Ariyaratne: "I think the decision to resume talks between the Government and the LTTE is a very good decision. I compliment the President and the LTTE for agreeing to talk in Geneva and start talks as early as in February.

I also compliment Norwegian facilitator Erik Solheim for making this possible. We are relieved that the parties are going to solve this problem by talking without going to war.

But it is equally important that both parties desist from violence. It is also important that the media act in a responsible manner without creating a war mentality."

Rajakeeya Panditha Weligama Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thera of the Amaravathi Sri Dhammarakkhitha Maha Nikaya said: "I see no reason why that the talks between the government and the LTTE should be held outside the country.

The LTTE's reluctance to hold cease-fire talks within the country is unacceptable. We have reservations about the transparency of the talks to be held in Geneva. We have seen too many hopeless peace carousals already."

Welcoming the Geneva ceasefire talks, World renowned Sri Lankan Cinema personality Dr. Lester James Peries said: "We were extremely happy to hear about the latest trend in the peace process. Peace is the most important thing for all of us.

Peace should prevail in the country since it affects whatever we do.

We hope and pray the Geneva talks to be a platform to launch permanent peace.

Therefore all political parties should work together to achieve our long felt dream of everlasting peace".

Magsasay Award Winner and the Sri Lankan Music Maestro Dr. W.D. Amaradeva welcoming the peace attempt by the government presented an in depth definition of ethnicity through one of his songs titled "Sonduru Wu Minisa....."

"This is our Motherland. Then why should we be divided into groups ? All human beings are the same and they have only one heritage.

That is human heritage (manava urumaya) and not hela urumaya or damila urumaya".

Vocalist Visharadha Deepika Priyadarshani who always stood for peace and harmony of ethnic groups through her songs says: "Peace talks is a must at this moment. Our national interest at this hour should be the peace and nothing else.

President Mahinda Rajapakse is a leader who has won the hearts of the commoners through the Presidential election. He has a right idea of what he is doing and we believe that the Geneva talks will be a good platform to re-start the peace process from where it was stopped".

Professor Karthigesu Sivathamby: "The agreement to resume talks after April 2003 is a great step forward. In my opinion the talks should aim at building primarily trust and confidence among the parties. While the two parties go with an open mind for discussions, let us not forget that the media has a great responsibility in building trust and confidence among people.

"The people, at large should be prepared for a true understanding. Unfortunately in this area the media has not been making its contribution. The creation of a public opinion conducive to talks is as vital as the talks between two parties.