Towards a political solution

The Government has always maintained that it stands for a political solution to the conflict in the North-East. Every successive Government has attempted to talk peace with the LTTE and succeeded to some extent, only to find that the LTTE has abandoned the process on some flimsy excuse.

Even though the LTTE intensified attacks on the Security Forces soon after the election of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his Government did participate in truce and peace talks with the LTTE. As usual, the LTTE deserted the negotiating table.

Nevertheless, such setbacks have not diminished the Government's quest for peace. In fact, President Rajapaksa on Thursday declared that a political solution remained his only aim, during an interview with a leading international news channel.

This was an answer to detractors and critics who have seen the President and several others in his administration as "hawkish" individuals. President Rajapaksa said military action was only a minor element in the pursuit of a political compromise.

A close analysis of the escalation of the conflict shows that the LTTE, not the Government, is responsible for resuming hostilities.

The Government and the Security Forces remained virtually silent despite a string of attacks by the LTTE and limited defensive operations began only after the suicide attack on the Army Commander just over an year ago.

The Government then had to engage in humanitarian missions in Mavilaru after the closure of the anicut by the LTTE and to free the Eastern civilians from the grip of the LTTE.

These operations have resulted in the total liberation of the East, except for a jungle patch in Thoppigala.

As the President clarified, such military action has a purpose. Conflict is the only language that Prabhakaran understands. Prabhakaran must be weakened militarily and the Government has to be in a position of superior strength for negotiations. That objective has already been achieved in the East. Sooner or later, Prabhakaran will realise he has no choice but to negotiate.

Although the conflict is internal for all intents and purposes, we live in a globalised world and the international dimension cannot be forgotten.

While Norway is the facilitator, the other Co-Chairs (US, EU, Japan) and many other countries keenly follow developments in Sri Lanka. But they must actively support Sri Lanka to eliminate terrorism without limiting their commitment to mere words.

As the President pointed out, India should be more closely involved, given the threat posed by LTTE air and sea power to Indian interests.

India's support is necessary for a long-term solution that will ensure the rights of all communities in Sri Lanka.

Saving trees

Hunger strikes by university students are by no means unusual in this country, but they are almost always aimed at fulfilling political goals which are hardly practical. The authorities do not care much about these hunger strikes, the public even less so. But we hear of a hunger strike by Indian students which is really worthy of emulation by their Lankan counterparts.

More than 100 students at Indian Kashmir's leading university have started a two-day hunger strike to protest the construction of a guesthouse which they say threatens a giant tree known as a chinar.

The students say the Mughal-built Naseem Bagh garden on the sprawling Kashmir University campus had historic significance. Known also as the crown tree for its wide boughs, the majestic chinar has become a part of Kashmir's identity since it was introduced hundreds of years ago.

Saving the environment and its components has become very important at a time when the Earth is facing an environmental crisis caused by global warming and other factors. Trees help save the environment by absorbing Carbon Dioxide and releasing Oxygen. They also provide shelter for birds and other animals.

The felling of any tree is a sad event, but destroying a tree that has lived for hundreds of years can be called a crime. Such trees do have a historical significance, having been a part of the landscape for generations. Unfortunately, many such majestic trees are being felled in the name of progress, as in the Kashmir example.

Trees should not be seen as an obstacle to progress. Wherever possible, they should be saved and if felling is inevitable, at least two saplings must be planted in the same or another location to make up for the loss. That is the only way to ensure a greener future.