Prospects for peace in Sri Lanka

"The bigshots on one side win a war. Soldiers on both sides lose it"

- Brecht.

The opportunity of being a Sri Lankan citizen residing in Sri Lanka would not have been appreciated more than it was on May 18, 2009. Appreciated for more than one reason, firstly for being a historically defining moment and secondly, ending a menace that had plagued this island for nearly three decades.

The military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam (LTTE), by the Armed forces was a dream come true for several generations. It is now safe to claim that Sri Lanka is devoid of any armed militant group operating within its geographical limits. However, it is worth examining if the military victory alone can bring about peace in the land.

The conclusion of a war doesn't necessarily mean the beginning of peace, as demonstrated in countries such as Ireland, Nepal, Philippines and Iraq

These countries witnessed ethnic conflicts in their respective countries been brought to a conclusion and in some occasions signe have their leaders sign peace accords. Yet, militant groups or rebels fighting for autonomy against the central government still operate with sporadic attacks on innocent civilians being a cause of concern internationally.

In the Sri Lankan context, the prospects for peace seem brighter, mainly because the recent military victory completely broke down the LTTE hierarchy; leaving all leaders; with the exception of their international Affairs Chief (KP), either dead or in custody.

This leaves the government of Sri Lanka with a great opportunity to effectively excute the mammoth rehabilitation and reconstruction process, that is direly needed in the Wanni and other war-torn areas in the North.

Thus it is suffice to say that the true prospects for peace begin only if the issue of resettling and caring for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is administered efficiently. The Sri Lankan government must have a practical outlook on this great challenge and responsibility ahead of them. Factions in power must realize that in terms of resources and financial aid, the country cannot afford to isolate themselves any further.

If the military victory against the LTTE came at the expense of not giving in to international pressure to go for peace talks or an unconditional cease fire; it is now time to risk peace at the cost of reworking that stance employing strategic diplomacy.

Reworking the government's stance is not merely for financial gains; it also and more importantly; for the betterment of the quality of life for Sri Lankans. The speech delivered by President Rajapakse on National Heroes Day, following the war victory; was positive in that he stated that henceforth there will be "no more minorities in Sri Lanka". The President also called on those who had left the island during the war, inviting them to return.

This is an extremely positive prospect in achieving peace in Sri Lanka. However one can argue, with valid reason; that those who fled are largely constitued of a Tamil Diaspora who has not entirely forgotten the horrors of 1983 ethnic riots; more populary known as Black July.

Therefore; it is fair enough to be apprehensive about the Diaspora community and their activities following the war victory. In their perspective; the LTTE defeat was the end of a war for gaining autonomy as an ethnic group; which was funded with their own money. However controversial these views may be, if peace is to be achieved in Sri Lanka, this dimension has to be taken into consideration if we are to avoid a reprisal of what just ended after thirty years.

The government may well call upon all factions of the Sri Lankan community represented in Parliament to undertake the rehabilitation process. The Non Governmental organizations and other donor agencies must be allowed access into the once-conflict-ridden areas. Making full use of the agricultural resource available in the Northern Province would be one of the many ways in which economic Sri Lanka can once again be economically strengthened in both corners of the island.

Economic stability is undoubtedly a key factor in achieving lasting peace for any country or community. It is not sufficient to develop merely a domestic economy. The policy makers must strive to think globally and lure tourists back to the island.

Inviting the foreign media, that was turned away during the "humanitarian operation" in eradicating terrorism in the Wanni, would be a positive first step in this regard.

Another prospect for achieving peace in Sri Lanka is to foster unity and harmony amongst the local community. The past two weeks saw delirious post-war celebrations which appeared to take on a pro-Sinhala Buddhist stance.

If there are to be no "no more minorities" in the country it is not enough for the concept to be mere rhetoric. It must be put into practice.

Celebrations must not overshadow the suffering pain and loss of life experienced in the other part of this country, who are also Sri Lankans.

The rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts therefore must not only focus on the infrastructure but also pay equal attention to rehabilitating the individuals and putting an end to their suffering.

Judging by the ground work being put into place, the IDP camps should be a thing of the past in the near future. Yet one wonders if the narrow-minded racial divisions in the hearts of certain Sri Lankans will do so as swif quickly. The Sri Lankan community must strive to make an honest effort in this regard and religious leaders should assist this endeavour instead of employing nationalistic notions in the guise of so called patriotism. The day we begin to think as each other as "Sri Lankans" peace will definitely cease to be a mere dream in this country.
