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by Professor Kamal Karunanayaka, Former Professor and Head Department of Economics University of Kelaniya

Among number of areas of concern highlighted in the statement of the Sri Lanka Catholic Bishops' Conference, the issues about the national question connected to the North East conflict, religious freedom, active consultative and participatory roles for all ethnic and religious communities, and more robust democracy undoubtedly have to be given top priority by the Sri Lanka Head of State to be elected at the Presidential Election.

In examining the manifestos of two candidates, it is evident that, although attempts are made by two Catholic Parliamentarians of the UNP in the Western coastal belt to create a fear psychosis among unsuspecting Catholics about voting for Mahinda Rajapakse, the most effective measures to address the issues raised by the Bishops' Conference are brought out in his manifesto.

Incidentally, even the positions reiterated by the Prime Minister, throughout and particularly in his manifesto, in which he says that he will take bold steps to finding a permanent and dignified solution to the national question' through the active participation of all ethnic and religious communities, political parties and civil society organisations, is almost identical to the position firmly outlined by the Bishops Conference.

The following section from his manifesto, the Mahinda Chintana is the clearest indication that he speaks the same language with the Revered Catholic Clergy on this matter.

"The fundamental platform that I would base my initiative would be an undivided country, a national consensus and a honourable peace.

No sooner I am elected to office, I shall commence extensive discussions with all political parties represented in Parliament, based upon the above stated fundamental concepts. At the same, I shall start discussions with political parties that are not represented in Parliament as well.

The discussions would also be extended to the Maha Sangha, leaders and priests of other religions, civil society organisations and more particularly to the Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala organisations operating in the North and the East"

What more do you require in terms of a firm view on the major national issue? Does it also not go in line with what the Bishops' Conference, which says "The Head of State must commit himself to taking bold steps in finding a permanent and dignified solution to the national question........ the new President should adopt an approach which is more inclusive than earlier, in the peace negotiations, taking into consideration all shades of opinion and thereby develop a political consensus on the future of our country".

This is exactly what Mahinda Rajapakse firmly wants to do as soon as he becomes the President of the country. Whilst not meaning any disrespect,to the other contender Ranil Wickeremasinghe, it should be stated that his manifesto does not outline this kind of a clearly set out position.

His critics in fact, highlight this lack of clarity as a sign of subservience to the LTTE held position that it has to be treated as the sole representative of the Tamil people and no other party should be involved in negotiations.

The Bishops Conference undoubtedly, as expressed in its statement would not think on those parochial lines because they believe more in consensual democracy, which allows for the widest possible participation of all sections of our national polity.

We, therefore leave the right thinking Catholics and all followers of other faiths to decide as to who speaks out his mind clearly and boldly, in taking a positive all inclusive approach to solve the national issue, which is a primary concern expressed in the statement of the Bishops' Conference.

On the issue of religious intolerance and the lack of equal participatory opportunities for different religious groups, the Bishops' Conference Statement itself clearly mentions that both candidates have, "affirmed their commitment to ensure that all religious groups in the country will be assured the right and the freedom to practice and teach their religion".

The only thing that has worried them is probably the concern regarding any restrictive legislation on religious beliefs and behaviour as well as non-consultation in Constitution making. If the Catholics have a fear of a countervailing influence from JHU groups, it may be said that this could happen with even the UNP now.

The question is whether they can have any faith in the UNP, particularly, after Rev. Uduve Dhammaloka Thera joined the UNP and has a major influence on Ranil's future actions as stated recently.

Can the Catholics forget that he is a vociferous promoter of the anti-conversion bill, and had also tried to show that death of Rev. Soma Thera was a result of an International Catholic conspiracy, In comparison, Mahinda Rajapakse is a moderate leader without any blemish of being involved in any anti-Catholic activity or position. He is also not a born again Buddhist who all of sudden shows tremendous concern for Buddhism at election time only.

Mahinda Rajapakse is not doubt a genuine Buddhist, but has always shunned the path of extremism and would therefore be in a better position to tone down any extreme positions taken by his coalition partners.

This is clearly visible in black and white in his manifesto to which all coalition partners have given their consent. Examine the sections in his Manifesto that deal with the different religious groups, wherein he incorporates proposals to develop Madhu Church area as a special site similar to other sacred areas, with housing for the benefit for the pilgrims.

He goes into further details of even regarding other important places of Catholic worship, such as Thalawila, Wahakotte, Hiniduma and Matara in regard to facility improvement. He gives similar consideration to all other major faiths in the country in this respect.

Specific positions for the promotion and practice of all religions are incorporated in his Mahinda Chintana, though he does not try inappropriately to impress the large Buddhist electorate by promising to build the tallest Buddhist Dagabe in the world when the country already has more than one such Stupa.

Is this not enough proof that Mahinda Rajapakse and his coalition partners are committed clearly and more sensibly than the other candidates in treating all religions and their followers with genuine concern. When such a leader is in power he will be able to bring about all sections of our polity at either end of the continuum, to have greater religious and ethnic amity than ever before.

This is also reflected quite effectively in regard to crucial national issues and crises, where Mahinda Rajapakse says, "A Supreme Inter-Religious Council will be established to enable the Head of State to seek advice from religious dignitaries"in all such matters. Is this not good enough to ensure a more equitable participatory role for all religions in crucial matters affecting the nation?

Other concerns expressed in the statement of the Bishops Conference, such as the need to provide more higher educational opportunities for Catholic children in the Western coastal areas could certainly be attended to in consultation with the Catholic Bishops Conference, within the extensive arrangements proposed by Mahinda Rajapakse for the expansion of higher education opportunities in the country.

The most respectful relations that Mahinda Rajapakse, the Prime Minister had maintained with His Worship the Archbishop, would stand in good stead in fulfilling these aspirations and needs. The fact that Mahinda Rakapakse is able to bring together the widest possible coalition of interests will become a source of strength instead of being an obstacle to consensus building, because they also become stakeholders in bringing about the common good by accommodating the needs and aspirations of different groups.

Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is the alignment of Mahinda Chintana with the thinking of the Bishops' Conference on morality and ethics. For that matter it is in line with the basic positions taken in all religions for the spiritual and moral uplift of persons. 'Mahinda Chintana' at the very beginning states a crucial matter in this connection.

He begins with the statement that," Wisdom and virtue are essential for physical and spiritual development of a person". In this context, his deep and clear commitment to creating a virtuous society based on the teachings of the respective religions is significant. This is evident when he says that, 'My firm resolve is to ensure that children of all religions would be able to obtain an education in keeping with their religious beliefs".

In the circumstances, can even God pardon those who are trying to whip up a fear psychosis among the Catholics particularly in the Western coastal belt by stating that if Mahinda is elected there will be attacks on places of worship. It may be that some of these elements on their own will create such a situation using their goon gangs like in 1983, when groups were engaged by the UNP stalwarts to attack Tamil people and establishments, while ascribing blame on other political parties.

We mention it here because it is well known that two UNP stalwarts Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene and John Amaratunge in the Gampaha District have started circulating a leaflet of two pages that attempts to create a fear psychosis by misleading the Catholics to obtain their votes through undue influence on their emotions and fears.

This deplorable act shows the desperation of such persons, who will in the process create an irreparable damage to religious amity in this country by planting the seeds of inter-religious hatred, that could lead to another form of civil conflict in this country. If the leader of the UNP means well for the country, he should have taken firm action against this kind of elements bent on disrupting the existing religious amity that prevails in such areas.

In fact, the advice given in the last paragraph of the Bishops' Conference in their statement, if properly interpreted should make all Catholics to use their wise judgement without being led by those who are bent on creating undue fear in their minds.

If they truely believe in God they cannot ignore the truth that Mahinda Rajapakse has clearly stated in his Manifesto that he recognises the place and significance of every religion and would also ensure facilities in their sacred places of worship particularly the Madu Church sacred area.

Some commentators might say that the Bishops Conference as a very responsible body, in their statement could also have touched on the danger of attempts by frontline politicians to engage in acts that could create religious discord.

However, one who reads through the lines of their statement will see that they were obviously concerned about it. Apparently, they want to dissuade the Catholics from such irrational and damaging behaviour as evident from their call to look at ideas, programmes and proposals in the election manifestos when taking a decision to vote for candidates.

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