By Col
R. Hariharan |Sunday Leader|September 29, 2013
The
massive victory of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which secured 30 of the
38 seats in the recent Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections, marks a
milestone in the stalled ‘political process’ for greater empowerment for
Tamils. As TNA leader R. Sampanthan said it was a mandate for “the framework of
a united, undivided country, they want to live in security, safeguarding their
self respect and dignity with adequate self-rule, to be able to fulfil their
legitimate political, economic, social and cultural aspirations.”
Even those who dispute his statement would agree
the election results indicate two things: Tamils were not happy with the
government’s post war dispensations that lacked a political content, and they
are looking for more autonomy within a united Sri Lanka. In other words, Tamils
want to have a say in their governance, development and administration, while
retaining their identity.
While noting this development in North, one needs
to recognise President Rajapaksa’s thumping victory in the elections for the
Central and North Western provincial councils. It shows most of the people
approve President Rajapaksa’s policies.
But
unlike the elections in the North, the Tamil autonomy was not an electoral
issue in these provinces. They had not undergone the traumatic experience of 25
years of separatist insurgency in the North that cost at least 80,000 lives. It
is unfortunate that Sinhala right wing sees the democratic rise of the TNA in
the NPC as a red rag to Sri Lanka’s existence.
And
they point to the resurgence of Tamil Diaspora organisations like the
Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) which still talk of creating an
independent Tamil Eelam, because many leaders of TNA in the past shared the
same sentiments. And TNA was a political ally of the LTTE.
The
choice of C. V. Wigneswaran, a non-political personality for heading the NPC,
and his clear statement that they would not allow external influences in their
working, should dispel this. But fears of separatism groomed with blood and
gore are not going to vanish unless TNA makes a difference on how it conducts
itself. Otherwise, it will mean going back to ethno-centric politics that had
been the bane of this country. I am sure this is the last thing people of Sri
Lanka want regardless of their creed.
Sri
Lankans have wasted a number of productive years looking at the past rather
than at the future. TNA despite disarray in its rank and file due to the war,
went to the elections with a manifesto, not a secret agenda. Despite its
lengthy preamble in essence it wanted, not an independent Tamil Eelam, but
greater autonomy for Tamils within the existing framework of united Sri Lanka.
After
the electoral success many top TNA leaders reaffirmed this. The liberal
democratic elements across the country understand this; but the ordinary
citizen is apprehensive. President Rajapaksa’s policy making has largely been
conditioned by popular perceptions. And TNA has to recognise this and redesign
its act to suit this environment. To start with, its leaders can do a few
things easily: allow Prabhakaran to rest in peace and not deify him; equally
important is not to give snide hints of separatism.
The
government on its part should recognize the peoples’ verdict in the North and
take immediate and visible measures to show it is mindful of their concerns.
This requires only administrative orders, not parliamentary approval.
The
first thing is to replace the existing governors of northern and eastern
provinces with eminent civilians preferably belonging to the minority
community. Let the army reduce its intrusive presence in the normal lives of
people and carry out professional training. Rein in and defang paramilitary
thugs accustomed to beat up the opposition and media persons. Prevent
provocative acts of religious extremists. Restore confidence in the rule of law
to show there is government that is concerned.
Of
course, there are two other issues that affect them – the large number of
people missing after the war and the bleak future of huge number of war widows
and destitutes. These are time-consuming humanitarian issues which probably
require case by case approach. These can be taken up by the NPC government for
processing with the concerned bodies in Colombo. If NPC acts and Colombo is
sincere and receptive these are not big issues.
As the
electoral success has increased the legitimacy of TNA, the President cannot
ignore the issue of 13A with glib talk. Actually President Rajapaksa and C. V.
Wigneswaran as the chief minister of NPC, now have no choice but to confront
the issue. As they are accustomed to do it from different planes, they have to
build a working equation. This is going to be a tricky problem. Management by
objectives (MBO) is an effective management tool used to handle this kind of
situation – immovable object meeting the irresistible force.
To put
MBO into action, Rajapaksa and Wigneswaran will have to sit and identify clear
cut objectives to be achieved within a given time frame. To reach that stage
both sides will have to take some of confidence building measures to remove
suspicions and foster trust. Of course, honesty of purpose is fundamental
to this.
And I
am sure, if political consideration is not the sole driver, both sides would
not be wanting on this count. One can hear sniggers at these suggestions in
coffee shops in Colombo or Jaffna where politicos and ‘intellectuals’ palaver.
It is best to ignore them because leadership is to face challenges and not be
swayed by doomsday men. And people want action from leaders not comments
from cynics.
[Col R
Hariharan is a retired MI officer who served as head of intelligence of the
Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka.]
Written on September 25, 2013
URL: http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/09/29/first-things-to-do/
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