The need for a balanced policy outlook

The Sri Lankan state is on record that it could face the vote on the accountability resolution against this country at the UNHRC sessions with confidence and this is good news for the local citizenry. Come what may, Sri Lanka has to forge ahead with patience and fortitude and this, the rulers as well as the ruled of this country need to bear in mind. One of the worst things that could assail this country is civil strife and societal destabilization of any kind.

There is no doubt that a great wrong is being sought to be inflicted on this country in the shape of 'accountability' requirements. As a sovereign state which has to ensure domestic stability and security, Sri Lanka is accountable to none, and it is these needs that the state met when it eliminated LTTE terrorism. This, the West knows fully well but those sections which are seeking to victimize Sri Lanka are doing so out of a deep seated animus which has its roots, among other things, in the West's sense of outrage that Sri Lanka went about doing away with terror independently, with no reliance on the West. Besides, Sri Lanka paid no heed to Western demands in the course of carrying out the humanitarian operation of May 2009. For these reasons and more, attempts are afoot to hold this country to 'account.'

In other words, Sri Lanka's sturdy independence is being resented and this accounts for the current challenges which are being posed to her on the foreign affairs front. However, Sri Lanka would be working against her legitimate interests by losing sight of the need for balanced and perceptive policy measures in the domestic and foreign relations spheres. Whatever may be the outcome of developments in Geneva, rationality must reign in Sri Lanka.

Those seeking to hold Sri Lanka 'accountable' have been obsessively pointing out that this country should be steady on the reconciliation front. Now that the LLRC report is in focus and its value is being seen, practical implementation of the report's recommendations is being shown as very important. But Sri Lanka needs no reminders on this score too. It has been steadily implementing some very important recommendations in the LLRC report and this fact should be constantly showcased to the world. In fact, in the days ahead these recommendations should be progressively implemented and all the relevant agencies of the state would need to be advised on the need to go steadily ahead with implementing the practicable and substantive recommendations of the LLRC.

From now on, on the policy perspectives front, there needs to be complete unity of purpose within our body politic. If the LLRC recommendations are being implemented, it is solely because it does this country immense good and not on account of any perceived external compulsions.

The LLRC was the brainchild of the Lankan state and was brought into being to serve some very important needs of this country in terms of national rejuvenation and progress. This truth must be clearly perceived by the totality of our polity and there needs to be unanimity of perception and action on this score.

Besides, our body-politic needs to be at harmony with itself in these challenging times. While the process of uniting our communities should proceed apace, it would be most unfortunate if extremist and divisive sentiments are aired in any local quarters at this juncture. The pluses and positives thrown up by the current situation need to be made use of judiciously to strengthen national unity and well being. As could be seen, never before has the local populace shown greater solidarity in the face of challenges. The citizenry is out on the streets demonstrating its sense of togetherness and unity. This foundation needs to be made use of by the state to further consolidate national harmony.

Therefore, the Lankan polity would do well to forge ahead with a clear perception of the need for rationality and a sense of balance in policy formulation and implementation. Internal peace and calm is a prime need and all our thoughts and actions should be geared to this end. It would be most unfortunate if divisions are once again created in our midst. For, this is exactly what our opponents are seeking.