First anniversary of Mahinda Chinthana:

National consensus and 'Home grown solution' for peace initiative

Sarath WIJESINGHE

"Mahinda Vision" has been based upon the proposals and suggestions of thousands of my beloved fellow citizens who have closely associated with me over the past 37 years of my political journeys."

- Mahinda Rajapaksa

ACHIEVEMENTS: It is time for us to look back and take a stock of achievements, and the progress of Mahinda Chinthana, for the last one year, as Mahinda Chinthana is a consolidation of thousands and thousands of words and visions of the main cross section of the society, with whom the president has had a close rapport with.

I am proud and privileged to associate with the President very closely for far beyond 37 years mentioned during all seasons of his political and private life unbroken. Especially when the political and personal life for the President was not rosy.

It is opportune at this juncture to discuss few issues, which would be beneficial in the implementation of Mahinda Chinthana (MC).

MC is a simple, straight vision for Sri Lanka, based on personal and political experiences of Rajapaksa, whose father late D. A. and uncle late D. M. Rajapaksa laid the main foundation for his achievements.

Rajapaksa had continuous rapport and dialogue with the "peoples" of Sri Lanka before presentation of his programme which has been tested successfully for the last one year. Marxists Theory and the visions were presented and tested by Lenin.

Late S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike's vision was tested and implemented by late Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike. In the case of Mahinda Chinthana, Rajapaksa has personally navigated through the implementation of MC for the last one year.

It is now time for the people of this country to move forward with this strong foundation aiming at peace, prosperity and development keeping pace with the world economic and political order.

MC has addressed almost all immediate and burning issues out of which the North and East issue, is on the top of the agenda. Colossal amount of National wealth is wasted, hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost, disturbed and displaced. Our position in the world was downgraded in the past.

Fortunately, due to correct steps taken by the President, we are now regaining the lost reputation among the world community. He has directly and indirectly addressed almost all the immediate and burning issues namely -

* Honourable Peace, (undivided country and national consensus on North and East issues)

* Disciplined society

* Maintenance of rule of law

* Protection of individual and collective human rights

* Agricultural, industrial, energy, science, technology, art, culture, lands, environment, family values, knowledge, protecting the State and many other areas

It is now time to learn from experiences and mistakes, of the last 365 days and before, in order to move forward aiming at the next 06 to 12 years.

Let me address the main issue the country is faced with today - the North and East issue and the application of "MC" for the last one year.

"Undivided country, a national consensus, and honourable peace." The basic theme is formulated as follows:-

(a) CFA entered into at haste is short sighted.

(b) New approaches based on fresh perspectives - "A Home grown solution" is proposed.

(c) Previous attempts and peace talks were unsuccessful

(d) Situation has been complex, due to extensive interferences

(e) Equal rights be given to all citizens all over the country - emphasis - not the reasonable rights or reasonable use of rights or language - Equal rights to all based on the internationally accepted norms and laws based on individual and collective "Human Rights"

(f) Discussions with all political and non political groups.

Provincial Councils were established against the wishes of the people by 13th amendment in order to solve the North and East issue. In all other parts of the country Provincial Councils are in operation but not in North and East for which the Provincial Council system was brought about.

There is duplicity, overlapping, mismanagement, and colossal waste in Provincial Council systems, which have become a "white elephant" and one of the biggest burdens to the nation.

North and East issue escalated mainly due to the mismanagement by the predecessors of Rajapaksa, belong to all political parties - not necessarily the United National Party.

People in the country brought Rajapaksa to power, based on the "trust" on him to be a temporary "trustee" - Not necessarily the SLFP alone and as he was supported by the people, irrespective of any party or other differences.

His election campaign was a unique campaign based on his personal friends, well-wishers of him and Nation worldwide and the need of the people. His achievements on the North and East issue in the last one year is unique, successful, and far reaching.

It is the President's personal stature, vision and activism that have catalyst us to be a respected member of the world family "again".

Facts, and results speak, for themselves, our brothren are alert, well informed and vigilant especially on the North and East. Appointments made, steps taken, strategy adopted and handling the international community are excellent.

Appointments made for the Head of the Peace Secretariat, Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Army Commander and other appointments are well thought of. Tolerance of the people, our difficulties in economic hardships, demonstrate the support to his peace initiative and the Government.

In real life, there is a war waged by a part of insignificant section of the misguided Sri Lankans in our society.

Despite random killing of civilians and security forces and "soft targets" of the citizens are patiently permitted by him to carry on particularly for the implementation of MC which is an endorsement and encouragement for a parament solution to this burning issue.

Rajapaksa has introduced a "New Political Culture", by signing MoU's with UNP, JVP and JHU and unwritten MoU's with CWC and many other parties.

This is a unique achievement, where the country has put forward, as the main item, out of party, personal interests or other differences. This is mainly to aim at a main resolution to the North and East issue.

How and to what way, should we strengthen the hands of the President to achieve a permanent solution acceptable to all parties concerned?

1. We should follow the events and study the situations, without being emotional. The issue is so completed and rooted, that we need to know the real situation. Fortunately Rajapaksa has taken steps to simplify the procedure.

2. Be above board and learn to "Live and let live". The land belongs to all and all have equal rights.

Rajapaksa who is a Human Right Activist will pave the way to all citizens to enjoy all "Human Rights" demonstrated in any accepted International Human Right instrument in the world.

3. Be tolerant and assist the security forces, scarifying their life to save our nation.

4. Do not be influenced by gossip, rumours and some of the irresponsible media propaganda.

5. Do not expect others to help the nations. Please do your "duty" as a responsible citizen. Be "awake" every minute. Please be civic conscious even during your day-to-day activities.

6. Be professional and try to lead the normal life - life should go on Developments should continue.

7. Learn from other countries. In Israel there is an ongoing war, and no signs of a settlement. But the developments are growing faster despite war.

8. No country is safe, and there is no country, without conflict. This is a reality. USA, UK or any other EU countries is not a safe haven. These are realities. Therefore our only salvation is work hand in hand with President Rajapaksa for the implementation of Mahinda Chinthana in the next 6-12 years.

"MC" concept now does not belong to Rajapaksa or SLFP. It is in the national agenda acceptable by all political parties and the people of Sri Lanka.

Let us work together for a peaceful, prosperous and unique Sri Lanka using "MC" as a vehicle.

The writer is solicitor in England and Walse Attorney-at-Law, Chairperson SAARC Centre in UK, Chairman, Consumer Affairs Authority.