Sri Lanka: Where Is Truth In The Reconciliation Process?
By Chandi Sinnathurai
07 May, 2010
Countercurrents.org
The war is over. However, there are still many mountains to climb, steep roads to negotiate. This being said, one cannot ignore the fact that the President Rajapaksha is in a unique position to bring peace, healing, reconciliation, re-construction and prosperity to this island. Prof. G L Peiris's appointment as External Affairs Minister is strategically a skillful one. The President was shrewed not to appoint a family member to this post. Prof. GLP's announcement to Parliament about the appointment of a "Reconciliation Commission" at the out set is a welcome news. The perennial grievance of the Tamils needs to be sorted out by finding a permanent political solution, not by breast-beating Sinhala settlements in Tamil lands.
A Jaffna Tamil, one-time successful entrepreneur said to this writer that, while welcoming peace in Jaffna, he moaned the fact that suddenly Sinhala street signs have appeared in BOLD letters consigning Tamil to a second place in the peninsula. The people, he said, have quietly interpreted these as subtle signs of domination. Reconciliation process cannot be an eye-wash. Nor can it be seen as utilizing suppressive techniques. All know that true reconciliation has to commence from a genuine heart, and then proceed to a multitude of honest and decent gestures, which must include a dynamic political settlement. Fear tactics, abductions, mercenary killings, suppression of media freedom and citizen journalism do not give out positive signals. Of course, for a country that has been drenched in blood and tears for well-over 30 years cannot expect an over- night fix. In most cases, weeding out negative elements and bringing to book such 'nasty pieces' is indeed part and parcel of the whole process.
But in order for reconciliatory process to take root one cannot sweep under the carpet the truth. One cannot shun the other. When truth is revealed there will be healing of wounds because then the other person's pain and suffering is acknowledged and human dignity can be restored. Reconciliation therefore surpasses racial, religious, class, caste, and political divides...This eventually leads to forgiveness, amnesty and wholeness. Mahinda Rajapaksha has to elevate him to the level of a true statesman and must promote peace and harmony. Government ministers must be encouraged to learn and make speeches in Tamil. Ministers and MPs who are bent on making public racist remarks ought to be sacked. This will show to all a new dispensation has begun!
The former General, a war hero, now an elected MP Sarath Fonseka is driving the 'War Crimes' agenda forward. He is portraying himself to be the friend of Tamils. Fonseka might have led the Tiger victory, but certainly political strategy is not one of his strengths. Naiveté of Fonseka is quite naked. He cannot wipe himself clean, nor can he claim immunity from war crimes allegations even with the backing of certain Western powers. Ranil Wickremasinghe might be the favourite of India, he has however shown to be a perennial loser.
On the other hand, the shouting on roof tops, by certain sections of the Tamil diaspora about a Transnational Government is only an over-estimated booster of sagging diaspora spirit. The reality has sunk in among Tamils out side Sri Lanka. No one can live on endless spin.
The Eelam idea is now open for discussion. But in the mean time the so-called diaspora leaders are trying to cash-in on the trade mark of Eelam. It is most unfortunate, having lost thousands of young and precious lives on the Tamil cause, there is yet much heat without light. Hence most initiatives lack political acumen and are proving to be errors of judgement. Tamil politicians and political aspirants, and 'Wanna-bes" both in India and in the West have turned the Tamil struggle into a "Liberation Industry."
The initial stepping stone of reconciliation ought to be the re-settlement of all the innocent Tamil IDPs.
It is unrealistic to dream that we can turn the clock back. Truth however has to be faced. That is reality. It is the truth that sets people free.
Truth will bring healing, reconciliation and restorative justice. The President has an historical opportunity.
