Prospects for Peace in Sri Lanka.

The month of May brought a marvelous, one hundred and eighty degree turn for the bleak prospect of peace in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Army with the full support of the government defeated the LTTE, and erradicated terrorism with a series of bloody and destructive battles. Having been born into, and brought up with the war, I have never felt a grander sense of pride than I did at the thought of a united Sri Lanka.

But peace, unfortunately is not the mere absence of war. It is a long and hard journey that will require immense sacrifice, on behalf of every single citizen of Sri Lanka. It seems an impossible journey; taking into account the multiethnic nature of our small island. There will always be critics, patriots, dissenters, government supporters, violent deaths, extremists. There will always be a group, no matter how small or large that will suffer injustice, repression, fear and anger, be it groups labeled as "terrorists", "women", "muslims", "hindus", "working class" or whatever other category. So, the concept of "peace" itself is shaky, uncertain and almost certainly a myth. But also, it is very clearly something all peoples, with or without labels, strive for. Peace, as the absense of war, is something that Sri Lanka, with a joyous sigh, after a bitter struggle of almost three decades, has finally achieved. But "peace", as the peace of mind, equal opportunity, and freedom seems sometimes almost out of reach. But also, we cannot deny, that it has never been closer to our grasp than now.

The people, and government of Sri Lanka are at a crucial junction in the country's history. Our collective dedication towards peace will have the opportunity to make an impact of real value at this point. It is essential that all ethnic groups show sensitivity and understanding towards each of the others. Because if we don't, then all the lives sacrificed in this war, will have been in vain, and that is something that all those who love life can understand.

Celebrating the death of LTTE leader, Prabuharan, is understandable, but the Sinhalese, as the ethnic majority must be careful about how this might make the Tamil minority feel. If the Sinhalese are unable to also understand that while there is real cause for celebration, a Tamil person may feel alienated and fearful of the future. Because though the LTTE were a terrorist organization, they were also a voice for the needs of Tamil people. Only, and if only different people are willing to learn from each other will there be any prospect at all for Sri Lanka.

I have never experienced such excitement as I have these past few days as the national flag flutters from every nook and corner. From bicycles to buses, every vehicle on the road sports a flag, every house and shop and round about is covered with flags flying high. This is a perfect time to merge national pride, with the other qualities of hospitality, generosity and compassion that Lankan pride themselves for. It is only natural that cynicism abounds at such times. After 30 years of bungling, no one can imagine the government getting it right. But positive thought is powerful, and the only way to make a dream come true, is to envision it first. Sri Lankans have now suddenly made possible, what we have thought impossible for so long – ending the war. And I hope, now that we have a taste of making the impossible come true, that we will pesevere, relentlessly, to create a country in which peace of mind will no longer be a luxury but a fact as common as the mangoes on the trees, that ripen all over the country all the way from point Pedro to Dendra head.
