We should extend our hand in strengthening the current peace process
We, the Friends for Peace in Sri Lanka, wish to thank the organisers of Pongu Thamil for inviting us to this function and giving us the opportunity to deliver a peace message.
The current peace process in Sri Lanka is going through a critical phase. Just over five months have passed since the signing of the cease-fire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. The overwhelming majority of the people of Sri Lanka have welcomed the ongoing cease-fire and the cessation of hostilities. We have no doubt that these improvements have also been welcome by the majority of the expatriate community in their long quest for peace.
The peace process may not have fulfilled the expectations of all the sides involved in the conflict. Some may not be entirely happy with the modalities and the slow pace of the process. But in reality, it is not easy to reach agreements without any shortcomings, in particular in a complex and prolonged conflict such as ours. Also, there has been strong mistrust between the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities, many unresolved issues and obstructions. So we cannot expect simple and quick solutions to current problems in Sri Lanka. In spite of difficulties and complexities, the major positive sign that has emerged out of the critical events of the last few weeks is that the parties to the conflict are willing to resolve issues and problems through consultation and dialogue. Therefore, at this juncture, the duty and responsibility of all peace loving people should be to extend their constructive and critical support to strengthen the peace process, irrespective of their political convictions and ethnic affiliations.
We have no doubt that the expatriate communities in the bottom of their heart wish peace, stability and prosperity for Sri Lanka. Even those who publicly and privately advocate a military solution to the conflict would finally expect to achieve a peace in the manner they want. However, durable peace can be achieved only through tolerance and coexistence, within a framework of respect, dignity, fairness and justice towards everybody. Tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation are important ingredients in peace building and conflict resolution.
In the modern world, plurality, diversity and cohabitation are the norms of the day. Exceptions to these norms have led to the continuation of conflicts. We of the expatriate community need to accept these facts of life.
It is the need of the hour for all of us to try to dispel the mistrust and suspicions that exist among our communities. This is not an easy task, because some of us still have ill-feelings and bitter memories of the past. Yet, we should not get trapped into a process of isolationism. In fact, isolationism encourages mistrust and suspicion. So, what can we do to dispel and erase our negative perceptions? Here is where we need to get into the shoes of the other side and see the problem through a different angle. If we understand what is wrong then it will be comparatively easy to find a solution. This is not possible, unless we develop meaningful and constructive dialogue with the other side. With the recent improvements in the ground situation in Sri Lanka, the expatriates should have the courage to engage in effective communication towards building better understanding and reconciliation. As Nelson Mandela said in his autobiography, talking with the enemy is the best way to resolve conflicts and uncertainties.
A lasting solution to the current conflict in Sri Lanka is a one that recognises and safeguards the rights of all communities. Having said that, we need to respect and recognise the right of the people in the war torn areas, the people of the north-east of Sri Lanka, to determine their political destiny. It is the people of Sri Lanka who have to take that decision, not the expatriate communities and definitely not the other countries. The most constructive support we, expatriates, can offer to our brothers and sisters back in Sri Lanka is to get rid of our emotionally charged appeals and to extend our hand in strengthening the current peace process. If we can make an effort to promote the peace process in a united and non-sectarian manner, certainly, we could build a much stronger support base in Australia.
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