Tapping post-conflict
possibilities
As the dust and grime
settles over the wild cat private bus strike, a number of
issues, we believe, should be reflected upon by the public of
this country. Of course, the majority of the people is for a
stable and trouble-free existence and would prefer never to
enter into a confrontational course with the rulers of this
land. They are the silent majority whose voices are not heard
and whose interests are really ignored by those who take to the
streets at what seems to be the slightest reason for
disgruntlement.
One of the most disconcerting features of the recent infamous
private bus strike was that brute force was used by some
sections on those bus operators who exercised their democratic
and completely legitimate right to continue with their services,
despite a wild cat strike erupting. A number of such buses were
stoned or badly damaged by other means, while thousands of
commuters were left stranded on the highways.
This troubling penchant for violence was seen in some coastal
areas too where scores of those who had taken to the streets
over rising fuel prices, apparently, trammeled the movement of
traffic and inconvenienced the public in numerous other ways. In
other words, force was being used with a high degree of
insensitivity and might was seeking to project itself as right.
It is this preponderance of violence which should set us
thinking. The current administration headed by President Mahinda
Rajapaksa has always indicated a willingness to talk things over
with disaffected sections and the impartial observer is kept
wondering why violence should be resorted to with an alacrity
which is so alarming by those who are thus nursing perceived
grievances.
It is difficult not to draw the inference that agitations of
this nature are to a great extent organized and we wish to
register our apprehension right away that the tendency for
violence and savagery would seriously undermine the public
interest.
The possibility is great of sections among the political
Opposition exploiting these situations for short-term gain and
we call on these trouble makers to face the undeniable truth
that in a situation characterized by violence and bloodshed,
none would stand to gain. Do they intend to revert this country
to the dark days past of unrelenting terror and political
turmoil?
The possibility of these situations of unrest being exploited
for ulterior political gain would be ruled out by only the
politically-naïve but we believe we are duty-bound to warn our
body politic about where such volatile scenarios could lead to.
We need to be aware that violence and counter-violence in Sri
Lanka’s South, particularly in the late eighties of the last
century, very nearly blighted Sri Lanka to the condition of a
failed, benighted state. At that time too there were subversive
political forces which spilled blood in the name of obscure
causes.
However, the task before the people of this country is to
exploit the opportunities that have opened out in these
post-conflict times for the ushering of prosperity and economic
betterment for all.
The errors of the past must be studiously avoided by everyone
who matters. Rather than seek the path of political
confrontation, the local polity and the people are now obliged
to focus on marshalling their human and material resources for
the greater good of the country.
We as a people and a country are now obliged never to look
back. The challenge lies in a collective and united effort to
make best use of our varied resources to have opened unto us a
future where we would stand shoulder to shoulder with the most
advanced countries of the world in every conceivable respect.
Let us seize the moment! |