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Impetus to peace process

A statement attributed to the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita, Maha Nayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, to the effect that the Government should consider relaxing the LTTE proscription if the latter opts for negotiations with the State, without preconditions, is likely to open fresh possibilities of pushing forward the peace process.

The upper rungs of the Buddhist clergy are an important opinion moulding group in this country and much thought should be given to this statement by all sections of society, including the Government.

Admittedly, the LTTE deproscription issue is a very thorny one and should be subjected to close scrutiny before being acted upon. But there are a number of salient aspects to this problem which need to be borne in mind by all relevant sections, including the State and the public.

One is that the world community considers deproscription a matter which is internal to the Lankan State. It is clear that a decision by Lanka to lift the ban on the LTTE is unlikely to affect the policy positions of the international community on the LTTE. Nor is there likely to be an international outcry on this question. The Ambassador for the US in Sri Lanka, Ashley Wills, for instance, indicated that this country is being guided by its own yardstick in keeping the ban on the LTTE.

A policy change by Lanka on the LTTE is unlikely to affect the US position. Sri Lanka, therefore, could go steadily ahead and handle this issue in keeping with its interests.

It should also be borne in mind that in practical terms, the ban on the LTTE has meant really nothing. The LTTE has continued to operate, the proscription notwithstanding. Besides, since it is acknowledged by all that the LTTE is an important party to the conflict, it would be advisable to coopt it into the talks on the basis of equality, provided it opts for conditionless negotiations.

Careful thought should be given to these considerations if we are to forge ahead with the peace process. While one has to negotiate with only one's enemy, the latter is unlikely to talk peace while being subjected to disabilities. The Mahanayake Thera's suggestion should, therefore, be looked at closely and favourably.

Another breakthrough in Southern perceptions on the conflict comes about with the Asgiriya Maha Nayake's position that the Maha Sangha wouldn't oppose the handing over of a section of the country to the LTTE, for the purpose of administration, provided this doesn't lead to a break-up of Sri Lanka. Given the fact that the ethnic issue cannot be resolved without provision being made for power devolution within a united Lanka, this is an important policy position which shouldn't go unnoticed.

All this doesn't amount to "appeasing" the LTTE. They are only conditions which would facilitate the process of negotiations. For, talks are not possible without an attitude of give-and-take or a policy of mutual accommodation. The LTTE will also be expected to "give" and not only "take", in the process.

It must also be noted that the negotiatory process should, of necessity, be narrowed down to talks with mainly the LTTE because the TNA has taken up the position that the LTTE is the sole representative of the Tamil people.

• Editorial of  The Observer - 22.01.2002:
  

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