President Rajapaksa should cry for peace

| by N.S.Venkataraman

( June 10, 2012, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is a fact that present Sri Lankan government has received considerable adverse publicity in the international media due to the killing of several innocent people during the ethnic war. After the war, when Rajapaksa government thought it proper to arrest Fonseka, the adverse publicity became even more severe.

Sri Lanka government has been arguing that it was an ethnic war fought to put down terrorists and even many countries who claim themselves to be torch bearers of democracy have indulged in such practices when their unity and political stability were threatened. Friends of the Sri Lanka government have also argued that death of innocents is inevitable in such massive civil conflicts and death have occurred on all sides but the world is not convinced. Particularly, the UN resolution has made Sri Lankan government look even more guilty in the eyes of the world.

All said and done, Rajapaksa government has to now show statesmanship and prove to the world about its commitment to restore peace and amity in Sri Lanka and compensate those who suffered in the war , whether they are Tamils or Sinhalese. While Sri Lankan government has taken some steps in this regard, they are certainly not adequate, considering the intensity of the issues and seriousness of the matter.

What is required now is for President Rajapaksa to reveal extraordinary qualities of positive and healthy leadership and statesmanship of high order. Building a war torn country in the post war era requires much more leadership qualities than leading a country in war. Rajapaksa should make not only honest attempts to win the minds and hearts of Sri Lankan people who have suffered most during the conflict period of several years but also should appear to be doing so. . To do this effectively, he has to identify people of high ethical and moral standards and with impeccable track record and form a committee of such people as peace advisors. These advisors should be encouraged to travel far and wide in the affected areas, mingle with the people, talk to them, understand their feelings and misgivings and advise the government about the appropriate strategies and policies required to build an era of peace. There is no short cut methods.

It should be understood that an average Sri Lankan whether he is a Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim is an intelligent person , who can see the writing on the wall and clearly understand the message of peace or threats of violence. It is quite possible that many of those may remain silent without reacting to the issues , due to the feeling of fear and helplessness. Their silence need not mean that they do not understand or they approve the policies.

President Rajapaksa now has to build bridges not only with the affected people in Sri Lanka but also establish his credentials with the international community and win their approval for his actions . Let not anyone think that the views of international community are irrelevant or that can be ignored. In today’s conditions in the world, where the communication have become very extensive and quick between the regions, people of all countries travel far and wide and cooperation and inter dependence in the matters of industrial and economic growth have become vital, it is necessary to build the world views in positive manner by every country.

Sri Lanka cannot afford anymore to have an adverse world view about its approach in dealing with the affected people in Sri Lankan ethnic war . While the recent preventing of Rajapaksa’s speech in London is highly condemnable, nevertheless it should be realized that it is an indication of the writing on the wall. One only hopes that Rajapaksa government will understand that ultimately, building an atmosphere of faith and peace between the Sri Lankan government and its affected people can be the only sound policy, which will automatically ensure a fair world image for Sri Lankan government.