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Editorials from Sinhala and Tamil Newspapers of August 12, 2001

Voice of the Sinhala and Tamil Media

UNP should cooperate to find peace - Thinakaran

Dinamina: PROBLEMS GALORE

The Joint Front of Railway Trade Unions began a strike on Monday night. It was based on 15 demands including an advance of Rs. 3,000/-. However, just like in Ranil Wickremasinghe's joint Opposition, several trade unions of this front have not joined the strike. Those who opted not to strike point out that Transport Minister has already promised to fulfil the remaining demand within an agreed time frame. They also have said that this was not the time to resort to strike actions, considering the situation prevailing in the country.

The ongoing war and the terrorist attack on Katunayake have burdened the national economy tremendously. The relentless drought plaguing lakhs of people has also brought about a power cut and devastated cultivations.

In the midst of all these national disasters, attempts to topple the elected government through Constitutional conspiracies have still not ceased. It is a time for everyone to unite to serve the country in this hour of need. But, unfortunately, some are fishing in troubled waters by launching strikes.

Divaina: HEAVENS WILL OPEN UP

The new Cabinet of the PA-JVP probationary government is scheduled to be sworn in today. It will reportedly be reduced to 20 members. And there will not be any JVP Ministers in it. But, this entire Cabinet will be to a great extent influenced by the JVP thinking. This is a welcome situation since conditions and proposals of the JVP are beneficial to the public. All governments in our Parliamentary history have had such pro-people and progressive policies. But, there were sections opposed to such measures within those governments and ultimately and eventually the rightist elements vanquished the progressives.

Without making an over-assessment of the JVP's true political thinking, it must be affirmed that with no claim for power and position, it has tried its utmost to make the rulers to be honest to their political souls. If this attempt succeeds, we can be delighted that a true national political culture has dawned. And that alone is sufficient for the heavens to open up and rain in torrents to end this drought.

Lankadeepa: WHAT A WAY TO TREAT MAHASANGHA

It is undeniable that State leaders should be given adequate security to participate in political rallies and celebrations. But at whatever level such security measures are taken, far sighted and intelligent decision making, should be observed by those who implement. Reportedly Weweldeniya Medhalankara Thera who had returned from hospital after several days of indoor treatment was forced by security officials to walk over 300 meters to the opening of a student education centre.

The Thera was invited as the chief religious leader for this function.

The relevant security officials have been so lacking in basic intelligence and common sense to understand the plight of the Ven. Thera and permit him to drive up to the stage.

It is very sad to note that they were unable to convince themselves about the true identity of the Ven. Thera as a person who is in no way a security threat.

Lakbima: SACRIFICES ALONE WON'T DO

Liberal contributions made by the public as relief to the drought-stricken amply prove the noble inherent quality of sacrifice, deeply ingrained in our people. But, such sacrifices alone will not help to face this recurring hazard of severe drought. The rulers have a grave responsibility to bear in this issue.

Even in times of yore, such droughts were experienced. Many small tanks lying scattered bear testimony to the commendable practical measures taken by ancient rulers to protect the people from arid waterless conditions. But, unfortunately, these tanks have been neglected.

Projects, such as Mal Ara and Weli Oya, should be implemented to meet the hard times our unfortunate drought victims are compelled to face, year after year and with increasing intensity.

Sacrifices and contributions cannot fulfil the greater need for such long-term and well implemented schemes. The rulers should, therefore, plan well ahead of time to face this recurrent crisis.

Virakesari: TRAVAILS OF JAFFNA RESIDENTS

The government is insisting that civil administration is functioning in the Jaffna Peninsula, which is a part and parcel of Independent Sri Lanka. But, the findings of the World Bank Team that visited the Peninsula recently, are entirely different. The team has said that Jaffna is still under Army control and that the Government Agent and other State organizations are being ignored.

The leader of the team, Ms. Maria Todorova, had expressed at a recent press briefing, her concern about the deteriorating standard of education and the lack of facilities and shortage of teachers in the educational institutions. The poor state of the transport system and the hardships faced by refugees were also highlighted.

An interesting example and experience was also quoted by the team. The leader said that the team saw Indian fishermen fishing freely within the Sri Lankan territory, whereas the Sri Lankan fishermen were prohibited from going beyond the Delft sea territory. If this example does not go to prove that the various military restrictions imposed in the Peninsula are redundant, it should at least, make authorities review them.

Thinakaran: UNP SHOULD COOPERATE

The PA came to power with the sole intension of establishing peace and creating a just society. This endeavour is being continued to this date. Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar had stressed this at a recent TV interview. He said that the Norwegian peace moves will be revived and that the economic embargo on the North will be lifted soon.

With this assurance the argument that, as a result of the MoU between the PA and the JVP, no progress will be made on peace talks, has been proved wrong. The Norwegian Ambassador has returned to the island after one month and all indications are that the Norwegian peace efforts are moving forward. In these circumstances, the UNP is duty bound to cooperate with the government to take the peace efforts forward to find the much-needed peace in this country.

Thinakkural: CONFLICTING FORCES UNITE

The PA and the JVP have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It is relevant to look back at their previous relationships. While the PA chided the JVP for its insurrections, the JVP was openly critical of the PA government's rule, riddled with bribery and corruption. The PA government is ready to join with any revolting force, if it suits them. It will not be a surprise if one day, after all the abuse hailed on the Tigers, the PA decides to tie up with them.

The understanding with the JVP is only temporary. However, the policy of the government to actively pursue the peace efforts should be commended. At the same time, a doubt also arises about the effectiveness of a temporary tie-up. Important issues should not be allowed to be drowned in the mire of tie-ups of convenience.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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