|
|
|
| Sunday, 26 February 2006 |
 |
|
 |
Politics |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
A President's approach... by Prasad Gunewardene The steady approach to bring the LTTE to the negotiating table that coincidentally marked the fourth anniversary of the Cease Fire Agreement is a success story. Two weeks after assuming office, President Mahinda Rajapakse saw dark clouds hanging over this island nation with the LTTE exploding claymore mines. His critics jumped in joy instilling a fear psychosis in the minds of the people. But the charismatic, affable, astute and sedate President Rajapakse looked serene and steadfast. He was never parsimonious. Though being at the receiving end with only a fortnight in office, this affable man did not want to seclude any section of his people. His thinking was meticulous and the approach was articulate. Pledge As pledged in his manifesto- Mahinda Chintanaya, he quickly moved into action. He entrusted his Foreign Minister, Mangala Samaraweera with a huge task to internationalise the danger posed on this South Asian island. Minister Samaraweera accomplished more than what was expected from him. His meeting with US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice is also a segment of the success story towards the walk to Geneva by the Rajapakse administration. While Samaraweera engaged himself on that gigantic task, President Rajapakse did the ground work in the country with sleepless nights. He did not alienate any political party. He summoned them all and briefed them on what he had in mind towards a resolution to the problem. Very few leaders in the past have acted in this manner. The President respected all views. Even those who had reservations looked convinced. That was his charisma. He had nothing to hide. Everything was there to be discussed. The President's priority was peace moves. All parties were convinced that Mahinda Rajapakse was not a war President. Even 'spoilers' became 'stake holders' in the bid to peace. Even on the eve of the departure of the government's delegation to Geneva, the President summoned all parties to brief them on what would take place in Geneva. Such a democratic process has never occurred before when previous governments had talks with the LTTE either here or abroad. For peace On the day of Geneva talks, the President was an attentive personality with all focus on what was going on there. With him were some ministers including the Foreign Minister, JVP leaders Somawansa Amarasinghe and Wimal Weerawansa. The President was in constant contact with his delegation. A spontaneous consultative process was on. With no time for a proper meal, President Rajapakse had two sleepless nights. Elaborate discussions on the ceasefire agreement proved a success with
the second round of talks being agreed and dates fixed. A smiling President
told the JVP leader Amarasinghe in a lighter vein that he should now prepare
himself for the next round of talks. It was nothing but commitment and
dedication. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
