Proactive steps needed for peace!

– Virakesari Editorial

(September 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Many sides have pointed out that the main reason for the continuing war and the loss of human lives is that political solution has not been put forward or found.

Politicians, who come to power giving assurances that they will create peace and mutual understanding among communities, use the ethnic conflict as a tool to hold power. As a result, national ethnic problem is dilly dallied and people are losing hope.

Both major political parties of the country hesitate to put forward a political solution fearing that they may lose the support of the Sinhala majority. In such a situation there arises a question in the minds of the people whether a political solution will ever be put forward to resolve the national ethnic conflict.

It seems that more importance is given to military solution rather than a political solution. Politicians of the South and extremist forces are committed to a military solution. They have no faith in a political solution that can meet the legitimate aspiration of the Tamils.

They haven’t shown any concern about the sufferings of the Tamils.

Relevant parties should realize that innocent Tamil people are suffering by the war unleashed in the name of war against terrorism.

All problems of the country can be solved and all communities can live peacefully only through a political solution to the national ethnic problem.

It is important to take meaningful steps to find a lasting solution to the national ethnic problem. Else, if it is dragged on by putting forth conditions and playing war drums, the country will suffer, the people will suffer!

(An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily based in Colombo.) - Sri Lanka Guardian