| |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Mr. Asoka Dayaratna |
| President - Association of Disabled Ex-Service
Personnel. |
|
Sri Lankans have experienced
20 years of bitter war and still it is not settled even though
it is dormant. During the years it is the service personnel
who experienced the gravity of war by sacrificing life and limb.
Most of them were from the poor families. Many lost their life
and thousands were disabled. The economy of the country was
directly affected. After the new government was formed in 2001
a MOU was signed on 22nd February 2002 with LTTE paying the
path for peace and originating discussions. This brought about
a remarkable change in the country. This procedure had been
followed by most of the countries in the world where negotiations
were successful through talks to bring about eternal peace to
those countries. The present government realizing what was done
correctly in other countries took the lead to sign the MOU as
stepping stone to peace negotiation.
The present government was voted to power by the suffering masses
as they no longer could tolerate the aristocracies’ practiced
in Sri Lanka during the former regime. As expected with the
MOU violence reduced to a great extent during the last 2 years
and peace negotiations continued. Due to this the service personnel
were relieved to great extent and the families were devoid of
fear that they had earlier. They renewed their hope of the child,
husband or brother coming home even after one month service
in the respective Forces.
Even in the civil society members were hopeful of traveling
about without being subjected to fear and agony. With the war
taking a rest, the economy improved and people were beginning
to enjoy peace. But the opposition political parties fearing
the political party in power enhancing their popularity started
under cutting and created obstacles to jeopardize the peace
process. This is an unfortunate phenomenon we Sri Lankan are
experiencing from 1931 with the introduction of legislative
council. No opposition party ever supported the ruling party
which is calamity for our economical viability. It is my believe
that if this sort of attitude was not adapted the present state
of affaires would not have arisen.
Even though there are no sings for irruption of war immediately
due to the political instability in the South people fear of
a possibility of resumption of war. Especially the gravity of
the situation has increased after the Hon. President took over
3 ministries involved with security of the country to her control.
Today in our country the constitutional and parliamentary powers
are divided between two parties. The action taken by the Hon.
President has received criticism from many quarters. They reiterate
that the decision amounts to enhancing of political power without
considering the prosperity of the country. This has created
doubts whether the International Aid support will be forthcoming
as promised earlier.
International community is watching us while providing support
to see that we solve the conflict by negotiations with LTTE
rather than resorting to war. If we fail now the LTTE will stand
to gain from the world powers to an extend much more than anticipated.
Due to the actions taken to stabilize political power by the
concerned individuals the poor masses will be at the receiving
end. Politician should exercise more care and patriotizen towards
our country for economical upliftment and self supporting Sri
Lanka. We should appreciate the flexibility shown by the LTTE
in attempting to solve this problem.
Finally we wish that saner council will prevail among both parties
for achieving eternal peace in Sri Lanka to be a prosperous
nation among the world. |
| |
|
| Asoka Dayaratna |
| President - Association of Disabled
Ex-Service Personnel. |
| |
|
|
