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The Oldest English Newspaper in South Asia
Founded 4.2.1834
P. O. Box 1217,
35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha,
Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: Editor - 94-1-429226; Fax: 94-1-429230

Defeating peace opponents

Peace-loving sections of Sri Lanka are likely to be relieved over the prospect of negotiations over substantive issues in the ethnic conflict beginning over the next three months. An announcement to this effect by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday could be regarded as a pointer to the vastly stepped up momentum of the peace process. Particularly satisfying is the fact that no time is being lost by the State in the pursuit of its worthy aims, now that a bilateral agreement on a cessation of hostilities is in force between the parties to the conflict.

It is also gratifying to note that the Prime Minister’s approach to resolving the conflict is pervaded by a strong sense of realism. His step-by-step approach is likely to be appreciated by the wider public on account of very complex ground realities which cannot be wished away.

However, it is vitally important that all sections are not only informed and updated on the latest developments in the peace endeavour but that the State takes the initiative in conscientizing the people on the substantive, finer issues in the peace process. This is on account of the fact that visible moves are under way by some parties to mislead the public on the gut issues in the peace process. Those behind this disinformation campaign are disgruntled, disaffected sections which have lost in the effort to come to power by democratic means. Hence their attempt to mislead the people on issues which are of crucial interest to the country.

These disgruntled elements are apparently, deliberately turning a blind eye on political realities. The December 5th electoral verdict makes it clear that the public is for peace.

As such, these efforts to sabotage the peace process may prove futile, but the Government cannot afford to take any chances at this juncture. The opponents of peace have to be defeated on the ideological plane. There is no alternative to exposing their intellectual bankruptcy.

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