Vote of Confidence that should go a long way

The strong Vote of Confidence the LLRC report has won from the Congress of Religions should stand this historic document in good stead. The press conference given by the Congress on Thursday is one of the most comprehensive positive assessments of the report and should be perused by all seeking a better understanding of the LLRC and its assignment.

To begin with, what should not be lost sight of with regard to the Congress of Religions is that it encompasses within its fold the totality of religious opinion in Sri Lanka. That is, all major religions are included in this forum, which, over the decades, has worked towards a just solution to the problems facing our communities.

What enhances the importance of the Congress is that its principal figures constitute some of the most eminent religious leaders of this country. When they speak, the country usually pays heed. This is why the collective opinion of the Congress matters.

Among the important points made about the report by the religious Heads is that it represents the views of the vast majority of the people of this country. As is well known, the LLRC traveled far and wide within Sri Lanka to sound out the people on the issues that came within the purview of the Commission. Accordingly, the Commission's findings essentially represent the views of the totality of Lankans. That is, besides laying the basis for a homegrown solution to our issues, the LLRC report embodies the authentic voice of Lankans.

This is one of the fundamental differences between the LLRC report and the Darusman report, as pointed out by one of the Prelates. Whereas, the LLRC report is based on the views, hopes and aspirations of all Lankans, the material that went into the Darusman report is of unknown origin. Accordingly, from the point of view of authenticity, it is the LLRC report that is of paramount significance. The Darusman report has a nebulous foundation, while the opposite is true about the LLRC report.

Therefore, what the state and the people of Sri Lanka possess in the form of the LLRC report is a historic and ground-breaking basis to resolve the issues confronting our communities. It is the 'solution' that even some of the most vociferous objectors to political remedies to our conflict have been clamouring for. That is, a homegrown solution that reflects the aspirations and ideals of the people living in the grassroots.

Therefore, the expectation of the people is that no time will be lost in implementing the recommendations of the LLRC report. As the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera pointed out, the LLRC report should not suffer the fate of almost all such 'commission reports'. It too should not be thrust into the Limbo of Forgotten Things. The state is conscience- bound to abide by the findings and recommendations of the LLRC and our hope is that history will be created through a complete and credible implementation of the Commission's prescriptions for a rejuvenated Sri Lanka.

It could have been noticed that more and more rational voices are adding themselves to the chorus of enlightened voices that are saying 'yes' to the LLRC report. The Congress of Religions is one such. That is, the silent majority, which is usually is a moderate majority, is overwhelmingly behind the report. This is a sure indication that the state must strike now and implement the implementable parts of the report.

The worst enemy in the current context could be complacency. The state should not allow itself to get into what could be called a 'comfort zone' over the ending of terror. We need to ensure that the degree of social peace in this country is such that conflict and war would never be our lot again. Finding solutions to our ills could not be postponed. This is the reason why the LLRC report must be seriously looked at and implemented.