Archives

Giving peace a chance

While the majority of the citizenry has spoken in one voice about the need for a just and peaceful settlement of the ethnic issue, through the last two electoral verdicts in particular, some sections of public opinion seem to think otherwise. We are not only having in mind chauvinistic organisations such as the JVP and the Sihala Urumaya, when we make these pronouncements.

Some sections of the media seem to be equally at cross-purposes with public opinion on this score considering the irresponsible manner in which the peace process is being treated by them.

Right now, conscious efforts seem to be afoot among these opinion - moulding groups to mislead and confuse the public on the central issues in the peace effort. We are now given to understand, for instance, that "preconditions" are being made by the LTTE for the launching of substantive negotiations. Earlier we learnt through these sources that a series of "issues" are being put forward by the LTTE for the beginning of peace talks.

This is being naive in the extreme. "Issues" there are bound to be because without such "issues" there wouldn't have been a conflict, in the first place. It is to resolve issues which have been separating the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, that a negotiatory process is necessary. So why labour the obvious ?

While sane opinion would favour peace talks which are aimed at resolving these "issues", it is difficult to comprehend the mindset of these critical sections which seem to be overzealous to provoke misunderstanding and sow confusion in the minds of the public over the gut issues and developments in the peace process.

There is, for instance, the emotive issue of the deproscription of the LTTE. We learn that this question has not been raised by the LTTE at present although these critical sections of the media are seeking to create the opposite impression. We see in this disinformation drive, an effort to mar and undermine the peace process.

To say that we are at a cross-roads in the post-independence history of Sri Lanka would be tantamount to stating the obvious. The opportunity that has come our way to resolve the conflict once and for all may not arise in the future. Giving peace a chance, is the preferred option of sensible sections. Why can't Sri Lankans unitedly march towards this new dawn ?

An important need of the hour is factually accurate reportage and balanced, fair commentary on the peace process. A special effort must be made by all sections to refrain from misinformed, superfluous speculation on the peace effort. It is equally vital that rationality and clear-headedness takes the place of sensation - mongering and sentimentality.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager