DO NOT STRENGTHEN THE HANDS OF THE LTTE
I am shocked at the UNP’s decision to “re-position” itself and among many others, to drop the Federal Concept. I hasten to protest against this move and plead with the UNP Leadership not to drop the” Federal Concept. I genuinely feel that it will prove disastrous to the country that is already bleeding profusely. The UNP too as the main opposition party which, when in power, committed to the Oslo Agreement lose its credibility in the International Community.
To quote from the statement of the Royal Norwegian Government’s Statement of 5th December, 2002.
“Responding to a proposal by the leadership of the LTTE, the parties agreed to explore a solution founded on the principle of internal self-determination in areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking peoples based on a federal structure within a United Sri Lanka. The parties acknowledged that the solution has to be acceptable to all communities”.
The Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka was held on June 9th and 10th in Tokyo with the participation of 51 countries and 22 International Organisations. The Opening session chaired by Hon. Yasushi Akashi was addressed by the Prime Ministers of Japan and Sri Lanka. Hon. M.Junichiro Koizumi and Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe respectively.
At this conference, participants expressed the view that “a negotiated settlement in Sri Lanka will be a landmark achievement with regard to peaceful resolution of an armed conflict. The Conference commends both parties for the commitment to a lasting and negotiated peace based on a federal structure within a United Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the Conference stresses the importance of bringing tangible dividends of peace to all the People of Sri Lanka”.
Having committed to this extent, if the UNP now goes back on its earlier stand it will lose its credibility and the 51 Nations and the 22 International Organisation that had pledged financial support to the tune of 4,5 billion US dollars and technical and other assistance will not trust us for a cent and Sri Lanka will lose it honour and prestige, which is more important than anything else.
Merely because the UNP had been remaining in the opposition for 13 years is no justifiable reason to change its policy on which it polled 49.7% of the votes at the last Presidential Elections. Like wise the SLFP too remained for 17 years in the opposition. The fact that more Tamils live in the south with the Sinhalese and Muslims is a factor that cannot be ignored. The UNP is trying to change its policy at a crucial time when arriving at a solution is in sight. Opinion in the ruling circle is also gradually changing with all indications, that a solution is nearing.
The UNP should not make a historical blunder at this juncture. They should seriously consider how much loss of life and damage to properly had been caused since the famous March to Kandy in 1957, if not for which the ethnic problem would have been solved fifty years back. Everyone should ask whether we should face death and destruction everyday merely to put or keep some one in power. Has a curse befallen on our country with unpleasant history repeating itself over and over again?.
A solution under the Unitary System will not be acceptable to the Tamils. The only alternative to a Federal System, acceptable to the Tamils, is the one like the Indian Model which will satisfy those who are allergic to the term Federal. I am recommending this proposal not as a Tamil but as one who loves this country and its people and love to die as a patriotic Citizens of Sri Lanka. All what I want is Peace in a contented Sri Lankan society.
V. Anandasangaree,
President – TULF.
