Let the meeting of minds be quick

The public cannot be faulted for being somewhat confused over the actual status of the govt-TNA talks aimed at resolving the longstanding grievances of the Tamil community. While there is no reason to believe that the talks are off, the view is doing the rounds among some that these discussions are deadlocked and in a state of virtual derailment.

The state committee overseeing the dialogue process between the sides has given its observations about these talks and some of the weekend newspapers quoted TNA sources on the state of the negotiations. On assessing these viewpoints we could conclude that there is no justification for inferring that the talks have in any way crumbled, although it seems to be the case that the talks are not proceeding smoothly. Moreover, one would have been naive in the extreme to expect an unruffled dialogue between the parties in view of the knotty issues under discussion and the troubled nature of these talks in the past.

Since neither party to the talks is opposed to continuing the dialogue, reason should dictate a continuation of the talks. In fact, it would be in the national interest to keep the dialogue process going because the country's progress hinges substantially on the ability of the parties concerned to narrow their differences and arrive at a consensual solution to the relevant issues.

On Saturday we quoted Minister Dilan Perera on the talks and his observations are welcome because he suggests ways in which the dialogue process could be continued. Fundamental to his observations is his focus on the 13th amendment and devolution. This is indeed a good kickoff point for renewed talks because the 13th amendment is already part of the supreme law of the land. As we see it, building on the 13th amendment is one way out because none could question the perfect legality of the amendment and its provisions. Just in case there are sections which are continuing to be terrified at the mention of the 13th amendment, we wish to remind them that the amendment is the basis for devolved power only. In no way could this constitutional provision dilute the unitary status of the country.

Any progress in the talks would depend considerably on the sides building on their commonalities. One such commonality is the 13th amendment and we suggest that the sides focus on such common ground rather than dwell on any thorny differences. As we see it, the TNA would do well to shelve for the moment, issues such as police powers, which have driven the parties apart in the past. Instead, they should seek to have devolved on the provinces, other subjects which have proved non-controversial but are essential for the empowerment of these provinces. Progressive empowerment of the provinces in a perfectly peaceful fashion would help in building trust and confidence between the centre and the provinces and this could prepare the basis for taking up for discussion the more sensitive issues and their resolution.

Therefore, we call for judicious decisions in this context of establishing a durable peace within Sri Lanka. The sides should never be in a haste, nor should they run out of patience. They should stick to the task of negotiating a durable solution, come rain or storm. It is our considered view that the state is for resolving this problem as quickly as possible and the TNA is obliged to remain committed to a solution and to refrain from taking decisions which could endanger the dialogue process.

These hitches and glitches underscore the need to summon the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) with the least possible delay. The PSC would be a veritable national forum which would bring together almost the totality of political opinion in Sri Lanka today. Since this would be a broadly representative forum, a national consensus could be quickly arrived at, provided there is a will to clinch a lasting solution to our problem among the parties concerned.

However, it is of vital importance that the PSC works within strictly defined time limits. Talks that would drag on aimlessly would be self-defeating because this would reflect weak resolve to arrive at a solution. Therefore, specific time frames and purposeful talks would be the essential ingredients for arriving at a durable solution.