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| Sunday, 1 January 2006 |
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'Elimination of opponents is not an option' - Kurunegala Bishop The elimination of opponents is not an option in the search for a lasting peace, says Kurunegala Bishop Rt. Revd. Kumar Illangasinghe condemning killings in a new year message. The message: "I take this opportunity to send greetings and wish all Sri Lankan people a very happy and a blessed New Year. The New Year is popularly a time of making resolutions for the future. However, it is also an opportunity for us to revisit the past and reflect upon the same to evaluate in the context of the present realities and then to make the necessary resolutions for the future. "The past year has been a period of serious concerns for all Sri Lankans, irrespective of where they belong. It has been a period of hardships for the people. The cost of living has been rising with not much hope of curtailing. Our infrastructure development has been virtually at a stand still. The standard of the general facilities for the ordinary people like transport, health and security have been deteriorating. It is true that some of these facilities are available to those who can afford, at a price. It is extremely unfortunate that the Peace Process has had tremendous drawbacks in the past year. The Cease Fire Agreement is seriously in danger and is under heavy threat, than ever before. Violence has erupted in the recent past and the tragic loss of lives becoming the order of the day. The check points and the harassments accompanied with then have returned, much to our dismay. It is very sad that during the last year, those who have been holding to extreme positions have gained much more control in the affairs in all parts of the country and such positions have been hardened. "On the other hand there have been some courageous steps taken by way of reforms for more meaningful and effective results, especially in the area of education. We do appreciate such commendable efforts in the part of responsible and courageous persons. The country can only benefit, if these changes are allowed to work their way through with sufficient time to bear fruit. This should apply to all areas of administration and management. It calls for national policies in all important spheres and such national policies should be worked on, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and especially the representatives of political parties in order to ensure that national policies will not be disregarded. "We cannot also ignore the fact that the hopes and aspirations of people too have been rising with the election of a new President and the formation of a new government. The very ordinary helpless and voiceless people are looking forward to a better future and are desperately ready to hang on to any string of hope. This is definitely not a satisfactory situation at all. Such people who are the treasure of our nation deserve a more clear visions and a practical strategy for the fulfilment of their aspirations. It is frustrating to note that political manifestos and policy statements have lost their credibility due to repeated attempts to disregard them while in power. "The greatest challenge for us Sri Lankans in the new year is to actively engage in the search for a lasting peace with justice to all. Let us remind ourselves that elimination of opponents is not an option for any such search. The tragic loss of life and the violence will further weaken the Cease Fire Agreement at a time when it is urgently needed to strengthen the same. In view of this situation we condemn all killings whether at war or elsewhere, especially within the recent escalation of violence. We have learnt enough lessons that any war will not help a just cause. It is important for us to believe that only a negotiated solution can assist in establishing lasting peace. Extensive devolution of power to the regions is not an option but a must. We have no other alternative but to reject all efforts to consciously delay this process and losing invaluable time by engaging in unwanted arguments of whether it should be unitary or united and all battles on the venue of the peace talks. We urge all parties concerned, especially the government and the LTTE to display much more depth in their commitment to solve the national problem and to begin negotiations genuinely without further delay. We appeal to the international community to effectively assist in this regard. The civil society of our country has a tremendous responsibility in mobilising the people of our country and facilitating and accelerating this process. "We firmly believe and pray that in the new year we will be able to
dedicate ourselves together to work hard for peace, harmony and coexistence
among our people. May God Bless our nation and our people." |
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