Learn from experience- go to the people

CIMA and peace building

By Sunil Karunanayake

The CIMA World conference in Colombo on Thursday provided a useful platform for Sri Lankans to get a first hand view of how some of the other conflict ridden nations came over the obstacles to provide economic prosperity through peace and stability. John Hume, who was directly involved in the Northern Ireland peace negotiations in the famous “Good Friday” resolution, joined the forum through satellite TV. Hume underlined three key steps that marked their success ---Total People participation, Electoral reforms resulting in proportional representation and a healing process of working together within firm Social Economic Principles.

Hume explained how they clarified the agenda to the people and sought approval through referendum. Responding further to questions from the audience, he said constituents were educated through dialogue and their approval sought. Quoting the continuing stand off between the two leading political parties in Sri Lanka, Hume said that the Irish peace process was consistently supported by the Labour and Conservative parties and this paved the way for overwhelming endorsement by the people who endorsed the Good Friday agreement. He felt that through people power extremist views can be defeated. When questioned further on extremists who constantly oppose peace moves he once again reiterated that people power could override such forces. Both politicians as well as terror groups must be spoken to. When questioned about the role of the business community Hume said that all sectors should be spoken to.

Prof Tissa Vitarana, Minister for Science and Technology and Chairman of the All Party Representatives Committee (APRC) having explained the various initiatives taken by the government said the peace talks failed because the LTTE never compromised on their claim for a separate state (thus increasing the mistrust of the majority community for fear of South Indian extremist influence). He disagreed with the view that Sri Lanka is now pursuing a military solution. He emphasized power devolution as envisaged in the 13th amendment was clearly demonstrated in the recent North/East provincial elections where people elected a leader from the Tamil community and a breakaway from LTTE. He was emphatic that the political process for conflict settlement has now begun and LTTE too would join when they are weakened. Speaking on the constitutional amendments the Minister once again pointed out the difference as Britain is not backed by a constitution and the governing instrument is the Northern Ireland Act.

Prof Kader Asmal, a South African human rights activist, academic and barrister, too joined via Satelite to share the South African experience.

The emerging consensus from the issues raised by the participants were that Sri Lanka’s position is unique. Though similarities are few, lessons could be learnt from both Northern Ireland and South Africa as they are now enjoying a good peace dividend thus improving the quality of life of people.