A clarion call

The Nation celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of its Independence yesterday. It was yet another opportunity to renew the feelings of patriotism and freedom and to revive hopes for peace and prosperity.

In this context, the Nation should harken to the call by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at yesterday's National Day celebrations to enrich our freedom by defeating terrorism, developing the country and consolidating trust among all peoples.

In President Rajapaksa's own words, Security Forces are achieving victories against unprecedented in history. Terrorism is receiving an unprecedented defeat thanks to correct political and military leadership.

Today, the terrorists are confined to certain areas of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, having been driven out of the Eastern Province. The Security Forces are poised to liberate the uncleared areas. But it would be wrong to think of this as a victory for the Southern people. As the President so poignantly put it in his speech, it should be an even greater victory for the Northern masses.

The Eastern Province is a prime example. The Eastern Resurgence development programme and Local Government elections due to be held there offer ample proof that 'liberation' is not confined to the mere regaining of territory.

Elections will give Easterners an opportunity to elect their own representatives to manage affairs at local level. The North too would be truly liberated when elections can finally be held there.

The President and the Government have always stressed that defeating terrorism per se would not suffice, without a viable political solution. A political solution is essential to enrich the freedoms enjoyed by people of all communities. Looking back to 1948, Independence was won by, and for all, communities.

Many illustrious figures from the minority communities played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle.

Even now, despite LTTE threats, a few brave Tamil leaders stand up against terrorism and voice their desire for a political solution in an undivided nation. Most Tamils aspire for a just solution, but those living in uncleared areas cannot express their sentiments openly. They stand to benefit the most through a political solution. We hope the APRC process will culminate in a solution that addresses the grievances and aspirations of all communities.

But as the President said yesterday, we cannot afford to experiment with solutions when so much blood has been shed. The basis for the solution as suggested by the APRC is feasible since the provincial administration system already exists. The system can be extended to the North and the East, with adjustments where necessary.

In today's globalised world, the help of the international community will be vital in resolving the conflict. The international community is with Sri Lanka as it battles terrorism and strives to restore peace. Many countries have banned the LTTE and reaffirmed their commitment to Sri Lanka in terms of bilateral aid.

Many previous Governments have used the conflict as a convenient excuse to delay or halt development. But the present Government has prudently continued development activities despite the financial constraints imposed by the conflict, knowing well that there cannot be any freedom without development.

In his speech, the President outlined many of these projects including expressways and flyovers, power plants, irrigation facilities, housing units, industries and large-scale agricultural enterprises.

More funds are being allocated to health and education, two fields in which Sri Lanka has come close to the Western world. The local economy is being strengthened - the past two years have seen a growth rate unprecedented in three decades.

Apart from terrorism, the other major challenge confronting the country is poverty. The Government is taking measures to emancipate the poor and also to bridge the gap between the Western Province and under-developed provinces.

A political solution, alleviation of poverty and equitable development will necessarily lead to the third pillar of the President's speech - unity and consolidation of trust among all peoples.

But the task before the people and the Government is not easy. The road to peace will be strewn with many obstacles which have to be overcome through sheer determination. We already face many formidable challenges over which we have little or no control, such as rising crude oil prices.

There is also a steep rise in food prices worldwide, which will impact adversely on Lankans. The possible discovery of oil will enable Sri Lanka to surge ahead of many other countries in the region.

The President stressed that short term difficulties would lead to long term benefits and a life free of oppression. Sri Lankans should collectively aspire to achieve these goals sans various differences so that future generations would be able to live peacefully in a prosperous Motherland.