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Putting the phantoms of July 1983 to flight

As the country commemorates once again, the ethnic riots of July 1983, Sri Lanka could be considered as having reached a crucial cross-roads in its post-independence history. "Black July '83" marked a turning point in the history of the National Question because the horrific tragedy ethnicized local politics as never before.

For instance, the violence unleashed on the Tamil community made a considerable number of its members perceive themselves as a separate nation and confirmed a widely - held belief among them that a separate state for the Tamils was the only way out of the terrifying circumstances they found themselves in. Until then, this belief was held by only a militant few.

However, even after more than two decades of bloodshed and war it seems unlikely that the majority of Tamil citizens subscribe to the concept of a separate state.

Their continual participation in the democratic process, to the extent possible - as exemplified by their decision to vote at the numerous elections held in recent years - and the continuing considerable backing for the Tamil parliamentary parties among the Tamil community, bely claims that the latter are separatist oriented. Besides, the present possibility of working out a negotiated political settlement to the conflict has brought displaced Tamils and those who fled the country as refugees, back to the North-East in huge numbers.

Clearly, disaffected though they may be, many members of the Tamil community do not back the separate state campaign. They would like to be back in this country, living as equals among other communities with the hope that they could contribute to national progress.

What should be noted is that it was the governmental change of December 2001 and the UNF's campaign promise of working towards a just political solution on the principle of peace by peaceful means, which has brought about this sea change in Tamil hopes. These hopes should be fulfilled if ethnic peace within a united Sri Lanka is to be realised. This is the reason why this moment is crucial in the post-independence history of Sri Lanka.

How the current peace process has fared thus far, is well known. As should have been expected, we are on a bumpy road to a political solution. The negotiatory process is proving tortuous and exacting. However, the positives are many.

For instance, tens of thousands of lives have been saved on account of the ceasefire and the economy which was registering an appalling negative growth rate, is today picking-up. Lands which had lain fallow for years are today yielding bumper paddy harvests.

However, people cannot be expected to live on mere hope. They would like to have conditions which would ensure the flowering of their dignity. Equality of condition and opportunity among communities is a chief means of restoring a people's dignity. Unless and until the emerging political solution is based on the ensuring of equality, we are unlikely to have peace.

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