Tamil and Muslim representatives hail President's address as commitment to peace

Sunday Observer staffer Thava Sajitharan spoke to members of political parties representing Tamil and Muslim communities who are in the All Party Representative Committee and some other political analysts for comments on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's speech at the inaugural meeting of the All Party Representative Committee and the Panel of Experts on Constitutional Reforms on July 11. While they hailed the address for being 'inclusive' and expressing commitment to peace their insistence was on expediting the process of formulating a solution and bringing about an end to the conflict.

Meanwhile, a member of the Panel of Experts on Constitutional Reform that has been entrusted with the task of 'formulating a political and constitutional framework for the resolution of the national question' told the Sunday Observer that the panel had commenced deliberations in this regard. When asked to comment, he said the panel had taken a collective decision not to comment or reveal matters relating to this issue until they came up with their proposals. Below are excerpts:

Javid Yosuf (Former Secretory General of the Muslim Peace Secretariat and Attorney-at-Law): In my view, the President's speech is significant and important. He enunciated that peace should be through negotiations and sustainable to all Sri Lankans. He ruled out war and emphasised multi-party effort and pluralism. This will ensure that the process of attaining peace is shared by everyone.

He is clear on the question how the final solution ought to be achieved. The fact that President Rajapaksa made no reference to the terms either 'federal' or 'unitary' in the address provides all parties a space to put forward their own suggestions and work out a final solution. The inclusiveness which the President assures in his speech will enable all communities to arrive at a satisfactory outcome that is fair by all. It is commendable that he has specifically said that the LTTE should come to the negotiation table and there is no alternative.

Radhakrishnan (Upcountry People's Front): The Upcountry People's Front welcome President's speech. We could see the good intentions in President Rajapaksa's inaugural address. What he has said in his speech should be put into practice.

A 'Home Grown' solution is possible provided aspirations of the Tamils are met. Maximum devolution of power will be the ultimate solution to Sri Lanka's conflict. I think the President is agreeable to that. He has given the task to the committee. Formulating a solution should not drag on and be a time consuming exercise. Peace should be brought in as soon as possible.

Dr. Kumarakurubaran (Western Peoples Front): I totally appreciate the inaugural address by the President. The vision expressed in it is commendable.

On the other hand, the mission should be successful. There should be commitment to make the mission a success. There has been enough pledges from the leaders of this country to solve the national crisis. There will be no peace unless there is an enhanced power sharing.

R. Yogarajan (Ceylon Workers' Congress): I am in the Committee on CWC's behalf. The Ceylon Workers' Congress will continue to observe the progress and respond at the correct time. For the moment, we don't want to make any comment.

Pakkiyasothy Saravanamuttu (Director, Centre for Policy Alternatives): The President's speech is to be welcomed. It didn't mention the term 'unitary'. It appears to have inclusivity. But the composition of the panel seems to suggest otherwise. It has members who are ant-federalist.