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| Sunday, 25 January 2004 |
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SLFP-JVP MOU: Ushering in a new political culture by Deepal Warnakulasuriya
The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) more commonly referred to as the SLFP-JVP alliance, which promises to usher in a new political culture, became a reality on Tuesday with the signing of the MoU at the auspicious time of 10.38 am. The landmark agreement cementing a broad national alliance for the long-term well-being of the country was signed by the General Secretaries of the two parties Maithripala Sirisena and Tilvin Silva at a grand ceremony at the BMICH.
The historic agreement pledges to rebuild the nation under the "Pancha Maha Piliveth" (Five Noble Objectives of Governance). These are a sound economy, finding a concrete solution to the ethnic problem, strengthening the democracy, preserving the country's cultural heritage and a non-aligned foreign policy. Religious dignitaries, politicians, intellectuals, artists and professionals were invited to witness the historic event, which was also celebrated islandwide by the synchronised lighting of fire crackers. The Alliance, in the pipeline for over an year, has accused the UNF government of implementing wrong policies and systematically destroying the economy by promoting crony capitalism and turning a blind eye to corruption.
The MoU calling for the formation of a new constitution has pledged an honourable and durable peace to the country and has recommended a negotiated settlement to the ethnic problem, through `correct' dialogue with the LTTE and other relevant groups, ensuring equal participation of ethnic groups and guaranteeing the democratic rights of all. The MoU has also recognised the contribution made by the public and private sectors to encourage local farmers, entrepreneurs and industrialists and rejuvenate local companies and industries. The MoU further highlights the need for strengthening the independent commissions, introducing a new electoral system, abolishing the Executive Presidency and ensuring the rights of all communities which giving priority to de-politicizing and introducing measures to reform the services like police and judiciary. It has also pledged a foreign policy that will not endanger the sovereignty and independence of the country, or that of the neighbouring countries, in the spheres of political, economic and cultural relations. The historic function commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by key political figures of both the parties. Former Buddhist and Pali University VC Ven. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thera administered `Pansil' which was followed by Hindu and Islamic religious rites. The Alliance theme song was also performed and the document was signed by the General Secretaries amidst the sounds of the Mangul Bera.
SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena addressing the gathering assured that the Alliance would make radical changes to Sri Lankan politics by fulfilling a noble service to the public. JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva assured that the alliance would rebuild the motherland by giving freedom and dignity to the country and its people. Silva agreed that taking the country on a new political direction and converting politics into an honourable profession may be difficult tasks, but invited all patriotic Sri Lankans to join hands to create an honest political culture. The Alliance holding its first media briefing at the BMICH barely 24- hours after signing the MoU said it was ready to enter into a political dialogue with the LTTE, as well as other relevant parties, to bring an end to the 20 years crisis. They also confirmed that the talks would focus on finding a lasting solution that could be accepted by all the communities in the country. Presidential Advisor and Former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar appreciated the JVP's entry into the peace process saying that it would widen the process of the SLFP to find a final settlement to the ethnic question. The Alliance assured that the ceasefire would hold as long as the LTTE remain on negotiation path, and confirmed that they would consider initiating talks with the LTTE even on the `basis' of the proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA). However, the spokesman claimed that the content will have to be discussed from a wider perspective. The alliance front-liners who highlighted the necessity of reviewing Norway's role in the peace process also claimed that as the MoU is not operative in the country at present, one could hope for the resumption of peace talks under a newly formed SLFP-JVP Government with a new set of policies. |
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