The challenge of rebuilding

Now that the country has closed the chapter on terrorism, our collective attention should be diverted to the next challenge - the rebuilding of a fractured nation. The challenge no doubt is monumental considering the many facets and the diverse issues that have to be taken into the equation.

In short, what is required is a holistic approach to address these needs. No doubt all these factors would be taken into account when the President maps out his blueprint for a homegrown solution to the national problem. That of course is on the political front.

But people who were subjected to such a harrowing ordeal need immediate solutions affecting their survival. This, the President has taken stock of. The President obviously is keen in not leaving a vacuum keeping these people in limbo. Hence his plan for a three year accelerated program to develop the North.

No doubt this entails an astronomical investment and massive man power to accomplish. Several countries have already shown keenness in assisting Sri Lanka in post-war reconstruction. No doubt more and more assistance would be forthcoming once the full contours of the devastation emerges. We don't need to worry on this score. Even during the tsunami, foreign aid came to us in a deluge. But we should be equipped in other ways to handle the gigantic post-war rebuilding.

Of immediate concern is the logistical aspect in undertaking such overwhelming task. It will mean starting from scratch and the Government will need all the man power it could muster.

It is here that the Government's decision to involve the military with the task of reconstruction is to be welcomed. For, no other segment is more qualified to fit into this monumental undertaking. Having vanquished the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world who better than our valiant troops to accomplish the humanitarian operation they undertook to its logical end?

Even in the aftermath of World War II, it is the troops that were deployed in many instances in the rebuilding process. While keeping them occupied in the new era of peace, this also gave them the opportunity to shed their battlefield mentality.

Another reason why our troops are eminently qualified for the task is that they are now in fine fettle after emerging from a gruelling three decade old battle to undertake the heavy workload. They would also be physically attuned to undertake the necessarily heavy duty tasks in the reconstruction process. Therefore, if we are looking for the best available manpower, we do not have far to look to. Our Forces have already proved their efficiency and dedication on the battlefield. They would no doubt take these qualities and attributes to the next phase of their operation.

There is little doubt they would show the same enthusiasm which helped them overcome a most deadly enemy in rebuilding that which the enemy had destroyed. Besides, if the rebuilding and reconstruction is to proceed sans waste and corruption, the Government could not have found a better option than our disciplined Forces.

The Government will no doubt have to enlist professionals and experts for this gigantic project. This is where one hopes our Lankan professionals overseas would respond positively to the President's invitation to return to serve their country. They would be proud to be part and parcel in the rebuilding of a new Sri Lanka with those who salvaged the country's territorial integrity.

Not only them, all Sri Lankans should lend their shoulder to the wheel if we are to see normalcy return to the North and the civilians comfortably resettled. The country is presently on a roller coaster ride of celebrations which even surpassed our World Cup victory. The entire country is enveloped in one huge feast with everyone participating. The people have been waiting for years for this outlet of spontaneous joy which was finally afforded them by President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has now delivered the country from the cancer of terrorism.

They can now relax and go about their daily businesses without fear or tension. But once the celebrations cool off, there is a job to be done and the people should ideally carry with them the same enthusiasm and patriotism in the task of building a new Sri Lanka - both in physical terms and harmonious coexistence.