(June 01, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) I welcome the good intentions, for the establishment of a Provincial Council for the Eastern Province, in order to address the legitimate political aspirations, of the minority communities, in Sri Lanka.
Though having some reservation regarding the appointment of Mr. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, I take this opportunity to congratulate him, with the appointment as Chief Minister. I expect him to take into account the legitimate concerns of all ethnic communities, in the province.
It is of utmost importance that, the Chief Minister will soon, in cooperation with the Sri Lankan authorities, disarm his cadres and release all child soldiers, in order to make this democratic process a sustainable success. If not, there is no chance for a free participation of all groups.
The election was crucial to determine the political future for the Eastern Province. It must be noted that, only an average of 60% voter turn-out has been registered in all the three districts, while I expected at least a 70% voter turn-out, as a symbol of support to the Provincial Council, for the Eastern part of the island.
This initiative deserves sincere attention and could be a starter for a democratic framework, that is then supported by Sri Lanka’s minorities. However, I have noticed some reservations from the opposition parties and their concern can be confirmed or rejected, once the evaluation by the regional election monitors, is concluded and their final report will be issued.
The process of reconciliation and decentralisation of power continues and I expect great democratic changes, to occur in the near future. With the overall support from all ethnic communities, the Eastern Province can become a peaceful place, with development and equal rights for all.
Let this starter hopefully convince others, to join the democratic process, instead of executing unacceptable violence and tactics of terrorism, to pursue their goals. Dialogue and participation of all groups, through an electoral process, is the only way to achieve a democratically established framework, that can realise a sustainable peace settlement, within a maximum decentralised state structure, to fulfil the legitimate political aspirations of the Tamil speaking community.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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