ISRI LANKA: RECONCILIATION
As Sri Lanka negotiates the detritus of a long and tragic ethnic conflict, huge challenges loom over the tentative reconciliation process. B&E’s Surabh Kumar Shahi reports from Vavuniya
The campaign promises have been rather positive. Parties, openly chauvinistic in the past, talked about reconciliation this time around. However, the process of reconciliation depends on what the winner actually does in office. Although constitutional reforms to end marginalisation look a far cry, small positive indications from the regime will definitely help bolster harmony. “Harmony is the priority. Reconciliation is a big word. We need sustained rational regimes to achieve that,” adds Sarweshwaran.
International observers also agree with this line. The roots of the decades-long conflict — social, economic and political imparity — needs to be done away with. If left unaddressed, Tamil humiliation and frustration could well lead to militancy again. Says, Chris Patten, the co-chairman of the International Crisis Group who is working continuously in Sri Lanka since several months, “Sinhalese-dominated political parties should make strong moves toward a more inclusive and democratic state. The onus lies on Tamil parties too. However, as in any democracy, it is the majority that leads the way.”
And at the end, it is remains to be seen whether Ponnambalam Ramanathan can return to Vavuniya and work successfully and unhindered as a carpenter. Given his background, many enemies will be lurking in the shadows.
“abolish executive presidency”
Rajavarothiam Sampanthan is a veteran Sri Lankan Tamil politician and current leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). A qualified attorney, Sampanthan talks exclusively to B&E about the process of reconciliation following the deeply polarised elections.
What changes do you want the regime to bring in?
The regime should be acceptable and durable and should be looking for the political solution of the problem. The government must take the demand of sufficient autonomy seriously, so can there is enough confidence building. After all, only by sharing the power with Tamil and Muslim minorities can this government aspire for long-lasting peace and stability.
What’s the role of Exec. Presidency?
We are for the abolishment of this post as it amounts to the concentration of power in the hands of a single person. Rights are trampled upon and a mockery is made of the constitution. The President is virtually a constitutional monarch.
What kind of compensation package are you seeking from the government?
We ask for the immediate return of the people who are in IDP camps. And only return will not do; you also need to restore their lands and livelihood. The process of building houses, providing fishing, agriculture and husbandry apparatus will help them restart their livelihood. The same demand goes for Muslims who are also in some of the older camps.
But such activities are impossible till the lands are not cleared…
Of course, we want them to be de-mined. This should be followed by the dismantling of the High Security Zones and further demilitarisation.
Read more....
The campaign promises have been rather positive. Parties, openly chauvinistic in the past, talked about reconciliation this time around. However, the process of reconciliation depends on what the winner actually does in office. Although constitutional reforms to end marginalisation look a far cry, small positive indications from the regime will definitely help bolster harmony. “Harmony is the priority. Reconciliation is a big word. We need sustained rational regimes to achieve that,” adds Sarweshwaran.
International observers also agree with this line. The roots of the decades-long conflict — social, economic and political imparity — needs to be done away with. If left unaddressed, Tamil humiliation and frustration could well lead to militancy again. Says, Chris Patten, the co-chairman of the International Crisis Group who is working continuously in Sri Lanka since several months, “Sinhalese-dominated political parties should make strong moves toward a more inclusive and democratic state. The onus lies on Tamil parties too. However, as in any democracy, it is the majority that leads the way.”
And at the end, it is remains to be seen whether Ponnambalam Ramanathan can return to Vavuniya and work successfully and unhindered as a carpenter. Given his background, many enemies will be lurking in the shadows.
“abolish executive presidency”
Rajavarothiam Sampanthan is a veteran Sri Lankan Tamil politician and current leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). A qualified attorney, Sampanthan talks exclusively to B&E about the process of reconciliation following the deeply polarised elections.
What changes do you want the regime to bring in?
The regime should be acceptable and durable and should be looking for the political solution of the problem. The government must take the demand of sufficient autonomy seriously, so can there is enough confidence building. After all, only by sharing the power with Tamil and Muslim minorities can this government aspire for long-lasting peace and stability.
What’s the role of Exec. Presidency?
We are for the abolishment of this post as it amounts to the concentration of power in the hands of a single person. Rights are trampled upon and a mockery is made of the constitution. The President is virtually a constitutional monarch.
What kind of compensation package are you seeking from the government?
We ask for the immediate return of the people who are in IDP camps. And only return will not do; you also need to restore their lands and livelihood. The process of building houses, providing fishing, agriculture and husbandry apparatus will help them restart their livelihood. The same demand goes for Muslims who are also in some of the older camps.
But such activities are impossible till the lands are not cleared…
Of course, we want them to be de-mined. This should be followed by the dismantling of the High Security Zones and further demilitarisation.
Read more....
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
Labels: BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, Harmony, High Security Zones, IDP camps, IIPM, IIPM Admission, IIPM Alumni, IIPM Best B School, IIPM EDITORIAL, IIPM INTERNATIONAL SAKET, Sarweshwaran, Sri Lanka, TNA
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