‘SL must speak with one voice’

Rasika SOMARATHNA

SANASA’s visionary leader, Dr. P. A. Kiriwandeniya is a man whose commitment to public causes is legendary within the country. He is a perceptive observer of new international developments and their impact on Sri Lanka. Over the years he has earned an unsullied reputation as a spokesperson for the full range of Sri Lankan society. Few leaders in the history of successful social movements possess such diverse skills and abilities.

Here, in an interview with Daily News he shares his views on a wide range of topics, including the resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, and other political and economic challenges faced by the country.

Q: Why are some countries so determined to pursue a resolution on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council?

A: I don’t believe there are many countries. It seems to be the US and a few others. I believe that most of the latter too are not that enthusiastic. However to understand this move, we need to understand the historical roots behind it.

The foundations of the world order has been changing dramatically and fundamentally during the last few decades. Since the end of Cold War, a single military power began to dominate the international scene with the aid of several other powerful countries. This transformation in global politics, aided the rise of some nations and generated conflicts among certain others. This power bloc expected other countries to seek their guidance in all matters whether they be security, economy etc. Those who went against were considered as ones hostile to the system.

Since the present administration led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa came to power, many changes took place in the country. A new thinking began to emerge, especially with regard to the conflict which was ravaging the country for 30 long years. Finally, we were able to win the war which was described as an un-winnable one by this Western bloc. We were able to win it without their help and guidance. Also for the first time we did not heed to their influences, which influences were the main reason why the conflict dragged on for so long. This and several other factors, including our friendly ties with certain other nations, led them to categorise us as one which was hostile to the so-called system. They needed a reason to pressurize us and it has come in the form of this resolution.

Q: Is there any justification for them to come up with such a resolution?

A: None; whatsoever. What they say is that the government has not done enough to address many issues including reconciliation, alleged human rights abuses, implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission etc.

However I must say that it is unreasonable for the international community to expect a complete remedy for all issues in the short span of two and a half years since the Lankan conflict ended.

Certain other countries which have faced similar situations have taken a number of years to come up with lasting solutions to major issues. How many years did Germany take to achieve normalcy since the end of World War Two? Look at Cambodia and Bangladesh, where in the latter it took nearly 25 years to achieve expected standards after a series of assassinations caused political turmoil.

The LLRC report is only a few months old. The government has already taken measures to lay the groundwork to implement some of its recommendations.

In this context, the international community should understand the magnitude of the task at hand and give time, space and support to complete the task, instead of exerting undue pressure.

Q: What are your thoughts on the LLRC recommendations?

A: They have come up with some viable recommendations, when implemented could help the country in the long run. However, the countries proposing a resolution against Sri Lanka should understand that it is a domestic mechanism.

Their recommendations should be implemented in accordance with our own time table and not according to whims and fancies of outside forces.

Also I believe that there should be clarity with regard to procedures by international bodies when dealing with related issues. This in turn would ensure cohesion and stability to the global system.

Justice, fair play and morality should be embedded in international law and it should not be the subject of political interference. The UN should take a fair stand on the issue without succumbing to pressure exerted by power players.

Q: Why this big interest in Sri Lanka, a country small in size?

A: Some say Sri Lanka is a small country. However, Sri Lanka is a giant when it comes to potential and its strategic location. Historically we have had proud roots, we have multi-faceted resources and an intelligent and skilled labour force.

Also there is wide belief that Sri Lanka possesses commercially viable and substantially large offshore oil resources. Since the end of the conflict, excavations have begun to find the above.

The main reason we could not reap the harvest of this enormous potential was due to the war. If we can harness these resources to its full potential we could become an economically and strategically powerful country in the not too distant future.

Some of these powerful Western nations are on the rapid decline economically and otherwise. A new world order is emerging where Asian giants, India and China, are coming up as powerful economic entities. In this backdrop, it is important for these countries to have a foothold in Sri Lanka, so that they can use our strategic value to have better control of the region. So without exposing their real objectives they come carrying flags such as human rights, good governance etc. to intimidate us.

Q: What are your views on the approach taken by Sri Lanka in confronting such challenges?

A: We must acknowledge the need for the spirit of openness and adaptability today, more than at any other time. In these changing times, the need to protect and advance our interests vigorously is felt more than ever.

Sri Lanka was plagued by an internal problem for nearly three decades. All throughout there has been pressures from outside, especially from certain powerful Western countries. They interpreted the national question in their own way and tried to impose conditions on us based on these assumptions.

Earlier every time a bomb went off killing innocent civilians, these outside forces asked us to go to the negotiating table. However, they did not practice the same in their countries.

In this backdrop we needed a strong leadership who could understand this duplicity and withstand these forces. The present leadership clearly understood what was behind it and had the wisdom and courage to reject the interpretations made by these Western nations.

Q: Can you explain further?

A: It is important that we cherish the values and traditions, and deeply held religious convictions we have nurtured over centuries. These cannot be diluted or distorted, by the imposition of attitudes or approaches which are characteristics of alien cultures.

For a large part we have followed the Western system, in education, banking, administration, legal etc.

However, for the first time we saw a leader coming up and saying that we have our own policy and our own model. That policy was the 'Mahinda Chinthana'.

There was a tendency in this country where politicians forgot their policies and manifestos when the elections were over. However, President Rajapaksa has been repeating and following this policy steadfastly, which is refreshing. This is the path we should follow in all sectors to establish our own unique model.

We need to change attitudes, economic and social policies to suit our own unique style.

Also I feel that this is a golden opportunity for authorities to take these issues to the grassroots, educate the people and change their way of thinking. We need to propagate a new Sri Lankan ideology. And encourage all to speak with one voice, which is uniquely Sri Lankan.

Q: How do you view Sri Lanka's economic progress, since the end of the conflict?

A: Since the emergence of a new world order there have been fundamental injustices in the global trading system. Poor countries have been bullied into complete liberalization of their markets, undermining local producers, while rich countries flout the very rules they claim to uphold.

They impose their economic model on our countries in the name of globalisation.

In recent times we have taken a lot of commendable approaches to rid the country from the above tentacles.

On the other hand, since the end of the conflict we have made much progress. The development of infrastructure has been impressive.

However, I feel that we still lack a long term and committed national plan. I feel that the level of participation of the grassroots in the overall economic process is still not sufficient.

The vast benefits of economic progress has not yet reached the grassroots in an even manner. To overcome this anomaly it is very important to give the responsibility of ownership to the people, to make them partners.

If correct policies are identified and pursued vigorously it could produce tangible results.

We also should look to strike a balance between international trade and domestic economic interests.

Q: In your view what lies ahead for the country, both on the political and economic fronts?

A: There are multiple challenges, but importantly we have the correct leadership to withstand them and we are on the right path.

It is important that the whole country rallies around the leadership irrespective of differences and speak with one voice in these troubled times. On the other hand the political leadership today should ensure that there is no discrimination and all suggestions and ideas are taken aboard when finding solutions to difficult issues.

Putting an end to wastage and corruption, ensuring law and order and making people from the grassroots onwards, partners of development are essential components in our progress.

On the international front we should engage the global community in a very constructive and friendly manner.

We should explain our policies and strategies to our international partners in a very efficient and coordinated manner.

In this regards our international ambassadors should speak with one voice.