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Rajapakse to pursue new peace process

V.S. Sambandan

"Bipartisan approach" of the past to be replaced with one in which "all parties involved in the crisis can participate"

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on Friday set out the broad parameters of his Government's new and inclusive approach for "peace with dignity" to end the ethnic conflict.

"Our method is discussion instead of war. We are aware that such discussions are not simple and easy. Yet, it is the only way to peace," he said in his Statement of Government Policy at the opening of the new Parliamentary session. Peace and development were two thrust areas of the President's policy.

Key points

A promise to revise the ceasefire agreement and indications of recalibrated international role are two key points in Mr. Rajapakse's new approach. The policy statement was consistent with his manifesto's firm stand on key conflict resolution issues — the unitary state, traditional homelands and self-determination.

Reaching out to the Opposition Leader and his main challenger for Presidency, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President said he expected the Opposition's co-operation and would accept its "fair and constructive criticism."

Mr. Rajapakse accorded the "highest priority" to launching the new process, replacing the "unsuccessful bipartisan approach" of the past with one in which "all parties involved in the crisis can participate."

The "new peace process" to usher in "lasting peace" through a "political solution," would be "continually open and transparent" to reach a "broad consensus within a definite time frame."

The CFA would be revised to prevent child recruitment, safeguard national security, prevent terrorist acts and "pave the way" for rebuilding war and tsunami-affected "Northern and Eastern provinces." The revised CFA would also "introduce an open and transparent ceasefire monitoring mechanism" and ensure protection of human rights.

International participation

Mr. Rajapakse's policy statement made no direct reference to the current facilitator, Norway. He indicated a widening of the current mode of "facilitation" to include "mediation." The President mentioned the U.N. and India among those to be "organised and utilised" to strengthen the peace process.

Mr. Rajapakse said he would extend "an open and sincere invitation" to the main Opposition, United National Party to join the inclusive peace process and pay "special attention" to ensure Muslim participation in peace talks.

Mr. Rajapakse was given a ceremonial welcome including a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute when he arrived in Parliament on Friday morning. He was received by Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and senior Parliament officials.

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