Clarion call to Opposition parties

The Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Friday to discuss the latest developments in the country. The meeting between the leaders of Sri Lanka's two main political parties came at an important juncture in Sri Lanka's battle against terrorism.

The hot topic amongst politicians of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu over the past couple of weeks was Sri Lanka and the Tamil community here. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, especially, and some of his Tamil Nadu politicians have voiced strongly on the situation in Sri Lanka. It is evident that Karunanidhi was shedding crocodile tears to woo voters at the forthcoming elections in Tamil Nadu. Though India had earlier expressed concern over the safety of civilians, the Government has spelt out the steps taken to protect civilians and the smooth programs implemented to resettle the IDPs. In point of fact, the Security Forces engaged in humanitarian operations first embarked on such operations to liberate innocent civilians from the clutches of the LTTE terror rule.

Velupillai Prabhakaran still keeps innocent civilians forcibly as a human shield and surprisingly none of the opportunist politicians either here or abroad could see the inhuman, unlawful and cruel acts of the LTTE.

However, the Indian Central Government has taken a firm stand and backed Sri Lanka in its relentless battle against terrorism. It is a commendable move by the Indian Government, giving preference to the global effort of eradicating terrorism over the local political atmosphere prevailing there.

The sweeping statements by some South Indian politicians and film directors not only openly support the LTTE but have also posed a threat to the territorial integrity of India as well. India will never forgive the Tigers for the brutal assassination of one of its greatest sons - Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The majority of Tamils living in Tamil Nadu are moderate and peace-loving people and would never tolerate any kind of terror acts. But a few opportunist politicians on its soil are trying to exploit the sentiment of the Tamil community there to achieve their narrow political objectives. This is no different in Sri Lanka.

The future of the Indian Congress Government depends on the backing of its coalition partners and the support of 39 parliamentarians from Tamil Nadu's ruling party is pivotal to the Indian Government. Nevertheless, the Indian Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have given preference to global counter terrorism operations. This shows their sincerity and good governance.

On the other hand, the firm stand taken by India against terrorism is an eye-opener for Sri Lanka's Opposition, mainly the UNP which has been making a desperate attempt to capture power at any cost. At a time the Security Forces are advancing successfully towards Prabhakaran's Wanni hideout, the Opposition has an important role to play by the nation. The UNP's support at this juncture is vital on many counts. However, the UNP has maintained a deafening silence over the developments in Tamil Nadu. Instead of supporting President Rajapaksa to overcome the battle against LTTE terrorism, the UNP seems to be engaged in a covert operation by sending representatives on global tours to project a dismal picture.

The UNP leader had a lengthy discussion at Temple Trees during which President Rajapaksa outlined the Security Forces' operations in the North and the measures taken by the Government to protect innocent civilians and the resettlement of the IDPs. The President hopes to hold similar meetings with leaders of other political parties too. Besides the UNP, the President intends to discuss the current developments and seek the views of the JVP, TNA, TMVP, EPDP, MEP, CP and other political parties.

President Rajapaksa, who firmly believes in democracy and the power of the people, is certainly doing what is right. Despite the extensive powers conferred on the Executive President by the late J.R. Jayewardene's 1978 constitution, President Rajapaksa gives a patient hearing and seeks the views of all political leaders to build a common dialogue.

In contrast, the UNP leader apparently has a different agenda and standpoint on terrorism. Having surrendered the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity through the controversial 2002 Ceasefire Agreement, Wickremesinghe still seems to be having a soft corner for the LTTE and had recently stated that the war is not the only option to eradicate terrorism. In this context, we have our reservations on the Opposition Leader's integrity and sincerity. If he is sincerely interested in eradicating terrorism and see an end to Prabhakaran's ruthless rule, this is the last chance for the UNP to do so. Even at this decisive stage, Wickremesinghe should learn from history how former UNP leaders in seats of power were supported by the then SLFP leaders. When former President Ranasinghe Premadasa called upon India to immediately pull out the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), the then SLFP Leader Sirima R. D. Bandaranaike extended unconditional support to the UNP Government. This she did, despite the fact that her civic rights had also been deprived by the UNP regime and also her personal links with the Gandhi family.

Hence, the Opposition at this juncture should extend unconditional support to the Government in the best interests of the country instead of trying to achieve parochial political objectives at the expense of the masses. If the Southern political parties are united and voice as one to support the Security Forces, the international community will get a better signal. President Rajapaksa and his Government is making a sincere effort to put a permanent end to terrorism and uplift the rural economy. At the same time, the Government has made every effort to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. Hence, all should support the Government in its relentless battle against terrorism.