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| Sunday, 8 February 2004 |
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President appreciates LTTE commitment to peace All political forces in South reject war - CBK Excerpts of President Chandrika Kumaratunga's address on Independence Day - 04th February 2004
We should never forget those men and women who laid down their lives for the well-being of the nation and its prosperity and development. On this occasion I also would like to remember those many thousands of young men and women of the South and the North who, though taking a wrong path, they sacrificed their lives for the realization of social justice, a national identity, equality, democracy, freedom and human rights. I on behalf of these young men and women wish and hope that at last now we would be able to join hands in the building of a society, where the ideals of mutual understanding, respect for each other's freedoms, brotherhood and peace would be given high priority overcoming the feelings of hatred that have been created in their minds, due to long years of justice and disrespect suffered by them. I honestly think that there is hardly any other occasion more suitable than the National Independence Day to reflect on the path we have traversed and appreciate the mistakes we have made, and correct such mistakes. During the past 56 years, many are the valuable achievements that stand to our credit. We have gained much as a nation; these achievements have contributed to the development of the country and to the welfare of our people. But we have to admit that we have so far failed to achieve the vital objective of building our country as one united nation. I deeply regret that it has become necessary to remind ourselves of this fact even on this occasion. When compared with other countries which gained Independence together with us, it becomes clear, that we have not been able so far to rise up as one united nation. Today we are faced with a serious crisis; we have not been able to realize the vision of our past leaders who fought for our freedom. The resolution of the ethnic question, strengthening of democratic institutions, ensuring good governance and realizing economic prosperity are some of the main problems that still remain to be resolved. Out of these the most serious problem facing us today is the ethnic question. The cruel war that ravaged our country during the past two decades has now come to a halt. I know fully well that no one wants to resume this war. This shows that all the communities and people with different shades of political opinion consider it that this problem should be resolved without recourse to war. This is a virtual total commitment to peace. But the absence of war is not peace. We are now faced with the challenge of realizing permanent peace. It is a matter for satisfaction that the peace initiative launched by my first government in 1994 is being pursued by the present government. But, if this negotiated settlement is to be put into effect successfully, it should be a collective and united effort, without limiting it to a few groups. With the objective of realizing a negotiated settlement to this problem we are today engaged in a dialogue with a number of groups which hold divergent views. It is my view that we should be able to find an enduring and honourable peace, if only all the political forces take part in this dialogue. At the least there should be some measure of understanding between the main political parties. I consider that these political parties should join hands at least for the sake of resolving our National Question. Take over of ministries On 4th November 2003 I was compelled to take over three ministries of the Government. It was because the events during that one year period created serious doubts and concerns in the minds of all our people about the security of the nation. During the whole of my political career I held the view that a negotiated settlement should be found to the ethnic question. I believe that position has not changed even slightly to this day. I do not think my actions have in any manner weakened the current peace process. What happened on November 4th last year was a further step in the continuance of my policy for resolution of the protracted crisis. This does not in any way indicate a political power struggle or a constitutional crisis. That was a step taken, on the one hand to ensure the security of the country and on the other to unite the main political forces and lead them further forward more effectively to find a solution to the problem through discussion. Again in November 2003 I put before the country, the Prime Minister and the Government of the United National Front that all the main political parties should unite to find a solution to the ethnic problem. For that purpose I also suggested a broad programme. I suggested that we should implement a clear programme with the agreement of all to resolve the national question to realize economic development, re-establish democracy and good governance. But I regret I have not been able so far secure the agreement of the government for this proposal. I believe that all political forces should be united to find solutions to the serious problems of our nation. Although the task of forming an alliance between the People's Alliance and the United National Front for this purpose has failed so far, it has been possible for the People's Alliance to rally around it several other political forces with this view. This is the first step we have been able to take towards forming a grander national alliance. When we first took office well nigh 10 years ago our vision was based on the re-establishment of democracy, respect for human rights and ensuring the freedoms and rights of every citizen, irrespective of race, religion or political belief. This vision entailed policies and programmes for good governance. Good governance We addressed the twin issues of corruption and inefficiency in the public sector. In the sphere of economic development, we set ourselves a massive programme of work. We achieved a considerable number of those targets. We believe that we need to invest in our people and deliver results for the many, and not only for the few. For this we need to revitalize our agriculture and local industrial sectors by means of according maximum benefits to national entrepreneurs, in order that they utilize our human and material resources. The rural, small and medium scale entrepreneurs must be brought actively into the economy to play a role in its reconstruction. We believe that true economic development cannot take place without investment in building human-capital through education and health reforms, in addition to investing in children, women and all those sectors of the population that are socially and physically handicapped. In short, we believe in a Market Economy with a human face. For this we need a dynamic and strong private sector which could become the driving force of our economy without dependence on hand outs from the State. In order to strengthen democratic institutions, it is essential that we undertake reform of the present electoral system that has caused much conflict and destruction. We also need to strengthen the Independent Commissions as well as making the Commission to Investigate allegations of Bribery or Corruption operational once again by the appointment of one Commissioner which has been delayed now for one year and also create other institutions to ensure wider participation of people in Government. The Nation appreciates the ceasefire agreement that has continued for two years. Yet, let us not forget that the absence of War is not Peace. We have to move forward with wisdom, honesty and commitment to the Nation, setting aside all personal and party interests to achieve a durable peace. The process of dialogue must be inclusive and must work towards a pluralist and democratic solution, within a united Sri Lanka. We must appreciate the commitment shown by the LTTE and all political parties, to Peace through the continuation of the ceasefire. We must also note with appreciation that all political forces of the South have now rejected war and armed conflict as a resolution of pollical conflict and are willing to tread the path of negotiation, dialogue and reconciliation. This is a moment, as we have never seen before, in post Independent Sri Lanka, when all political forces and their leaders seem to agree on one policy for the resolution of the problem that has dogged us for half a century. If we are to reap productive results from this golden opportunity, we must learn to set aside considerations of a narrow and personal nature. I on this important and noble day would like to again appeal to all leaders of the main political forces to unite in order to achieve our common objectives and set aside party differences, personal likes and dislikes. Let us resolve not to let our children inherit the current problems of our nation which have blighted both our personal and national life almost for half the period of our life since Independence. At this juncture we need leaders with real statesmanship and maturity in the art of governance who are capable of serving our country and the nation with sincere dedication. On this 56th Independence Commemoration I appeal to you to join hands to achieve our cherished objectives. |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
We are here today to celebrate the 56th Anniversary of our beloved
Motherland gaining Independence from colonial rule. At the outset I, on
behalf of the whole nation, wish to pay homage to our past leaders who so
selflessly worked to secure that noble victory and to the thousands of
other patriotic citizens who sacrificed their lives in war and those who
shed their blood, sweat and tears to gain that priceless victory.
