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| Sunday, 6 February 2005 |
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'Unite to rebuild common future' A joint statement of civil society organization and several leading members of the clergy of diverse religious denominations have called for the creation of an environment for all stakeholders to work together in relief, rehabilitation and reconciliation efforts. They have also called for a continuous dialogue so as to ensure proper mediation of the process of reconciliation. Among the signatories to the statement are Ven. Prof. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Nayake Thera, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Nayaka Thera, Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka Thera of the Amarapura Nikaya, Ven. Medagoda Sumanatissa Thera, Ven. Madampagama Assaji Thera, Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Pieris, Rev. Damian Fernando, Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe, Dr. P. Saravanamuttu, Godfrey Goonathileke, Prof. Kumar David, Imthiaz Razeed, Vinya Ariyaratne and Hilmi Ahamed among others. The statement: In commemorating the tsunami disaster it is time to take stock and reflect on how this disaster has affected our lives. Given the scale of the disaster, we must all rethink our perspectives and how we can all work together rebuild the country. The State has the prime responsibility for the country's recovery from a disaster of this magnitude. Other stakeholders have important roles in supplementing and complementing the efforts of the State and to ensure a just, fair and transparent process of recovery. In this respect, we note with appreciation the initiatives taken by the President and her government towards a rapid improvement of the State's administrative machinery in delivering disaster relief supplies of food, shelter, healthcare and other essentials to the affected people. The efficient and well coordinated delivery of healthcare services that helped to prevent the spread of endemic diseases is a commendable achievement. Initiatives taken to ensure supply of relief to the areas under the control of the LTTE and the affected people living in the Jaffna peninsula is a positive step. Need based delivery of relief and reconstruction assistance will alleviate the fear and suspicion on discrimination. We also welcome the steps taken by the President to negotiate with the LTTE with the intention of reaching an agreement on disaster recovery activities in the areas under their control. We note that the LTTE has announced, they will also disengage in politics and co-operate with the military authorities and the government agencies in recovery efforts. The spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the LTTE will create the basis for ensuring harmony and co-existence amongst all the people of the country. Appropriate and inclusive mechanisms are needed to ensure recovery efforts in that region. We acknowledge that all communities have suffered irreparable damage from this disaster both in the form of lives lost and houses and other assets. It is therefore imperative that relief and reconstruction efforts are carried in an equitable manner. We acknowledge the constructive role played by the opposition parties and the leader of the opposition. We note that the leader of the opposition has through his public statements and in his talks with the President demonstrated a keen interest in bi-partisanship and consensus building. |
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