The evidence on ‘the ground’

The continuing disregard by the West of Sri Lanka’s achievements on ‘the ground’ with regard to rehabilitation and resettlement is the proof that the UNHRC is indeed being politicized. As should be known, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN Tamara Kunanayakam has effectively refuted US allegations that Sri Lanka has failed to show progress on Human Rights and connected concerns, against the backdrop of attempts by the West to bring a resolution critical of this country before the ongoing UNHRC sessions, and what should be noted by the world is that progress is being made steadily by Sri Lanka even as these events unfold, to prove the country’s critics wrong.

For instance, it was reported by us on Saturday that the government has provided the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry Rs. 300 million for disbursement among rehabilitated former LTTE cadres to enable them to launch self-employment ventures. The report went on to say that a little over 10,000 former LTTE combatants have been rehabilitated and returned to mainstream society to date. Most of these persons have been provided vocational training by the state and been equipped with the necessary skills to lead a normal life.

Rehabilitation of former LTTE cadres constitutes only one area in which the state’s normalization efforts are being evidenced. To this must be added the state-powered development drive in the North-East, the resettlement of the displaced in their former homesteads, the building of rural amenities, language reform, the curtailing of High Security Zones and a host of other initiatives which speak volumes for the state’s ongoing efforts at returning the country to normalcy.

It may be far from the case that the critical sections of the West are not aware of these positive developments. They are likely to be fully aware of them but the need to harass and brow-beat Sri Lanka seems to be getting the better of them. While the more enlightened sections of the world are of the opinion that Sri Lanka must be given a chance to grow and prosper and not be shackled to the past, this country’s critics seem to be overzealous in denying it these opportunities. It is a question of keeping Sri Lanka in what could be considered a position of subjugation, thereby denying it the opportunity of marching into a good future. Thus the ‘Empire’ is in a desperate attempt to ‘strike back.’ The critics of this country are in an effort to keep the ties of colonial subjugation firmly intact. This is neo-colonialism at its height.

It is most unfortunate that attempts are thus being made to politicize the UNHRC. Whereas it is the principal task of this respected UN body to help in the fostering, protection and perpetuation of Human Rights the world over, the sections who are straining every nerve and sinew to deride Sri Lanka, could do immense harm to this worthy cause of the UNHRC. They must desist from this disastrous course if the respect and dignity of the UN system is to be upheld.

This is of some relevance to our commentary of last Saturday, where we spoke of the dangers inherent in efforts by the major powers to undermine International Law and the time-honoured principles in the conduct of international relations. Such efforts could result in anarchy being unleashed in increasing degrees the world over, because the Rule of Law would be relentlessly undermined and the more volatile international actors would take the law into their hands, although Sri Lanka would remain staunchly on the side of law and order and justice.

Hopefully, therefore, a more enlightened approach would be adopted by particularly the Western critics of this country towards the issues facing Sri Lanka. We need to steadily implement the LLRC recommendations while showcasing to the world our achievements on this front. But Sri Lanka needs to adopt a realistic approach in handling these questions.

The mighty of the world cannot be expected to adopt a charitable attitude towards us, considering that what is at stake for them is international power and influence. The powerful are seeking to subjugate the developing world and this must not be forgotten.

\However, the developing world too must clearly demonstrate that it has the power at its command to blunt these designs of the world’s mighty. Canvassing opinion among the developing countries and winning their support is an approach that has to be persisted with and we are happy this is happening.

The West must not be allowed to wield its power unjustly and it is a united and strong developing world which could neutralize such destabilizing tendencies.