WHAT SHOULD BE THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF A POST- LTTE GEOPOLITICS OF SRI LANKA
Introduction
1. After fighting approximately three decades against the LTTE, the present government could achieve a historical victory against the terrorism in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri lanka was officially announced the death of the leader of LTTE founder and chief-for-life, Velupillai Prabhakaran, without any doubt. Government security forces could kill the LTTE leader while trying to escape from the tiny strip of land in northern Sri Lanka where he had been cornered by the Sri Lankan Army (See the map below). Most of the top LTTE leadership, as well as Charles Anthony, Prabhakaran’s son, were also been killed. As per the present intelligence sources, higher leader ship of the LTTE Organization have been killed and only few are remaining in the locally and internationally.
2. Government troops launched the humanitarian operation from the east (Mavillaru) on and simultaneously it moved towards the Northern Province after winning the eastern province operation. Mainly the security forces took the geographical advantages of the country when launching operation. First the Security forces dominated the Western cost and supply route was cut off and all the assistance came from the South India and Western sea cost was stop. After that, all the important geographical localities which have been captured LTTE was recaptured by the security forces one by one and finally they were surrounded to a small land escape close to the Nandi Kadal lagoon at Eastern coast where whole the story ended up.
Brief history of LTTE
4. The LTTE firstly started paving its path by linking with the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) even before the TULF obtained a formal mandate from the Tamil people for a separate Tamil state in 1977.In the mid 1970s ,the TULF leader Appapillai Amirthalingam clandestinely supported the LTTE. Amirthalingam believed that his position as the political leader of the Tamil people would be enhanced if the could exercise control over the Tamil insurgent group. The TULF helped the LTTE to emerge as a powerful force. Amirthalingam, he not only introduce Uma maheshwaran to Prabakaran who later become a military wing leader but also NS Krishnan who was appointed as the first international representative of LTTE ,laid the foundation for overseas activities. Krishnan introduced the LTTE theoretician and ideologue Anton Balasingham who was a former Tamil journalist and a translator at the British High Commission in Colombo. Later the LTTE developed the its international component called Elam Revolutionary Organizers (EROS), founded by Elyathamby Rathnasabhapathy .While he was residing in London on the LTTE account, could develop an excellent relation with Sayed Hamami, the Palestinian Liberation front (PLO) representative in London, which eventually led to the close relation ship with the PLO and subsequently military training for the LTTE. As a result in early 1977, Vichweshwaran alias Visu of EROS (later LTTE) AND Uma maheshwaran of LTTE (Later PLOTR) ,traveled to Lebanon and trained with Fattah in Palestine. Upon reaching Jaffna back the both put in charge of the military training to train the followers. The LTTE later developed close ties with the Indian Tamil Nadu as well as the central government.
Introduction
1. After fighting approximately three decades against the LTTE, the present government could achieve a historical victory against the terrorism in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri lanka was officially announced the death of the leader of LTTE founder and chief-for-life, Velupillai Prabhakaran, without any doubt. Government security forces could kill the LTTE leader while trying to escape from the tiny strip of land in northern Sri Lanka where he had been cornered by the Sri Lankan Army (See the map below). Most of the top LTTE leadership, as well as Charles Anthony, Prabhakaran’s son, were also been killed. As per the present intelligence sources, higher leader ship of the LTTE Organization have been killed and only few are remaining in the locally and internationally.
2. Government troops launched the humanitarian operation from the east (Mavillaru) on and simultaneously it moved towards the Northern Province after winning the eastern province operation. Mainly the security forces took the geographical advantages of the country when launching operation. First the Security forces dominated the Western cost and supply route was cut off and all the assistance came from the South India and Western sea cost was stop. After that, all the important geographical localities which have been captured LTTE was recaptured by the security forces one by one and finally they were surrounded to a small land escape close to the Nandi Kadal lagoon at Eastern coast where whole the story ended up.
Brief history of LTTE
4. The LTTE firstly started paving its path by linking with the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) even before the TULF obtained a formal mandate from the Tamil people for a separate Tamil state in 1977.In the mid 1970s ,the TULF leader Appapillai Amirthalingam clandestinely supported the LTTE. Amirthalingam believed that his position as the political leader of the Tamil people would be enhanced if the could exercise control over the Tamil insurgent group. The TULF helped the LTTE to emerge as a powerful force. Amirthalingam, he not only introduce Uma maheshwaran to Prabakaran who later become a military wing leader but also NS Krishnan who was appointed as the first international representative of LTTE ,laid the foundation for overseas activities. Krishnan introduced the LTTE theoretician and ideologue Anton Balasingham who was a former Tamil journalist and a translator at the British High Commission in Colombo. Later the LTTE developed the its international component called Elam Revolutionary Organizers (EROS), founded by Elyathamby Rathnasabhapathy .While he was residing in London on the LTTE account, could develop an excellent relation with Sayed Hamami, the Palestinian Liberation front (PLO) representative in London, which eventually led to the close relation ship with the PLO and subsequently military training for the LTTE. As a result in early 1977, Vichweshwaran alias Visu of EROS (later LTTE) AND Uma maheshwaran of LTTE (Later PLOTR) ,traveled to Lebanon and trained with Fattah in Palestine. Upon reaching Jaffna back the both put in charge of the military training to train the followers. The LTTE later developed close ties with the Indian Tamil Nadu as well as the central government.
5. The rise of the LTTE, in the early 1980s, was accompanied by the brutal silencing of dissent across a wide political spectrum within the Tamil community. The LTTE embraced a fascist political culture, and proceeded systematically to eliminate politicians, intellectuals and activists struggling for Tamil political rights. Many of these, such as Rajani Thiranagama, Neelan Tiruchelvam and Kethesh Loganathan – could now have been making a contribution in chalking out the future of a post-LTTE Sri Lanka.
Main elements of a post – LTTE Geo politics
Displaced Tamil population.
Main elements of a post – LTTE Geo politics
Displaced Tamil population.
6. After wining the military battle ,the government has faced the battle of resettling of the Internally Displaced People (IPD).Nearly 300000 of civilians were displace due to the war and they were temporarily placed in several IDP camp which were commenced by the government before putting them in their original residence which left due to the conflict . To expedite the resettlement of the Northern displaced people, the Army has commenced mopping up operations in the area to search for explosives, weapons and anti personnel mines buried in the North and weapons stashed in hidden locations, repairing infrastructure and help rebuild houses before bringing an environment conducive for the internally displaced people to return to these areas reclaimed by the terrorists. Soon after removing the antipersonnel mines and other dangerous explosives by the security forces, the IDPs would be resettled in their own habitats.
7. According to the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services sources there are five zones in Vavuniya district where the IDPs are housed in 22 welfare centers. Accordingly 15,236 families numbering 46,458 persons in zone-01 (Anandakumarasuwamy Village), 28,138 families numbering 73,306 persons in zone-02 (Ponnambalam Ramanathan Village), 14,932 families numbering 42,812 persons in zone-03 (Arunachchalam Village), 13,918 families numbering 40,421 persons in zone-04 and 5,247 families numbering 18,829 persons in (Kadirgamar Village) are housed in these welfare centers. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to set up zone-5 to provide shelter for nearly 25,000 IDPs to minimize congestion in the existing centers.
8. In addition to the resettlement camp, the government has been launched several programmes to improve health facilities for the IDPs. Several new programmes have been introduced to avoid the spreading of epidemics like dengue and water borne diseases and a separate medical staff had been deployed to look after the health problems of these displaced people. Further government has commenced various programme to solve the problem which may arise the area of educational facilities, foods, sanctuary facilities like toilet, water etc.
9. What are the main geographical infect on this settlement, Demining programme is most important and very difficult task which have been faced by the security forces. Most of the area has been mined by the LTTE and no proper map and details available to clear all these mines. As such Security forces have more careful when demining .If not after resettling the civilians have to be the victims on this. Other main geographical changes which done by the LTTE and the security forces while on going war have to be rectified as much as possible. Since last three decades both side made lot of obstacle like earth bund, large digs, trenchers, etc
Military
10. After winning the battle, The Security forces is continuing security challenges to prevent an insurgency or hit and run guerrilla type operations which may carry out by the LTTE carders or supporter who are embedded in the rest of the country over the past several years. In addition to that main challenge is to dominate the area ground, sea and air from any type of terrorists’ organization. Government has to take a decision with the consultation of the security forces where and where the new security forces establishment going to be established. Three forces and Police have to evaluate the tactical impotency of the ground before establishing the camps.
Role of the Army
11. Army has to play a major role in this juncture, they are the expertise of the battle and they know the impotency of the ground with their experience. Firstly army has to clear all the mining which laid by the LTTE during the war and also has directly engage with the resettling of internally displaced people .Army has to dominate continuously the Northern Eastern area to prevent any clue of terrorism. Further it is required to establish new Army camps covering the important tactical grounds at north like Kilinochchi, Mulathive, Elephant pass etc.
Role of the Navy
12. Navy also has to play a major role on this scenario. Island has been covered by the sea. We have lot of experience, how LTTE use the sea to uplift their organization. Mainly LTTE used to bring all the arms and ammunitions by using the sea routes and they dominated some part of the coastal sea in the East and the West. That area was fully controlled by the LTTE and they launched attacked to the Government hiding their naval craft in this areas. The government and Navy should realize these matters and must have a proper plane to dominate all the sea around the Sri Lanka by establishing new Naval Bases around the country. Tactical important areas like Mulathive lagoon, Nayaru lagoon, Wedithaltive, Elephanpass should establish huge Naval bases and must continue dominating the sea.
Role of the Air Force
13. After neutralizing the air power and the assets of the LTTE, no body can predict that air threat to this country is over. Threat can be originated from any country and within the country by using a high jacked or hired Aircraft. We have to estimate the threat and have a plane to counter any air threat posed by the terrorists group. LTTE made large runways in the north and damage what they did were immense. Air force has to establish new camps covering the North and East and air must be dominated through out. New run ways to be developed and air mobility must be increased further.
14. Strengthening of security forces also might be more discussed by not only the India but also some countries at South Asia region. Especially India will more concentrate on this. Being situated very closely and being a good friend, India government gave lot of military assistance to Sri lanka and they established several Radar point in Sri lanka covering the south Indian region. Sometime India may have a hidden agenda behind this. Other thing is the Indian government is more concern over the military assistance given by the China and other countries. China is also already has deployed few radar points and few more to come in the future. China is also trying to expand their power in the south Asian region by extending their hand.
Existing Tamil political parties.
15. With the downfall of the LTTE, there are signs of Tamil politics changing. One can in turn argue that the changes themselves took place within Tamil politics, specially the breaking away of LTTE’s eastern leader Karuna from the outfit led to the downfall of the LTTE. However, present situations demand changes not only in Tamil politics but also in politics among other communities. In the meantime, some Tamil parties with a northern base which had been suppressed and overshadowed by the LTTE with its gun power, seems to contemplate to come to the fore through the Jaffna Municipal Council election and the Vavuniya Urban Council election that are scheduled to be held next month. Tamil political parties have to play a major role to create a good political atmosphere at the North.
16. The main Tamil political parties Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), Tamil Democratic National Alliance (TDNA), Pathmanabha Eelam Revolutionary Liberation Front (PERLF), Up-Country People's Front (UPF), Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDF), Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization, (TELO), Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC), have to actively participate and have to find a proper political solution for the North and east with the help of All Party Conference or any other sauce.
Most of these political parties are linked with the south Indian region where lot of Tamil peoples is living. Lot of Sri lankan tamil refugees have been settled during the war time. Therefore,we have experienced how the Tamil politicians and civilians at south India influenced during the battle against the LTTE. Being Sri lanka situated very closely to the India, The people at India may influence the Sri lanka in many ways. Politically, Geographically, Economically and militarily.
India and Sri Lanka Relation ship
17. On a more geo political level, Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka is intimately linked with Tamil separatist tendencies in South India which go back to the nineteenth century, a fact generally little known not only in the Western world but also in India and Sri Lanka”. Both groups were driven by a vision of a greater Tamil State that would consist of southern India and the northern tip of Sri Lanka. Aspirations for the creation of a separate Tamil State in India came to a halt and however, when India banned separatism. Nevertheless, the fight for a Tamil “homeland” continues on in Sri Lanka with new found support from the India and the western countries.
18. The Indian government’s involvement in Sri Lanka is a topic of its own. A proxy invasion of Sri Lanka in the form of a peace-keeping operation (Indian Peace Keeping Operation 1987-1990) and official condemnation of the LTTE was announced after the assassination of Rajiv Ghandi by a suicidal attack. At present, India support for the Sri Lankan government for the efforts of eradicating the LTTE Organization from the Sri lanka and the world.
19. On the strategic security front, increased Chinese and Pakistani influence will continue to be a matter of concern for India. However, India appears to have taken it in the stride as part of the growing reach of Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region. Ideally, India should up the development of Trincomalee port as a counterpoise to Hambantota where China is building a port complex. However, India might drag its feet on this issue and probably wait to gauge the impact of possible economic convergence on South Asian security.
20. It has been highlighted by the India regarding the recent sea bed claims .India stake a claim to large swathes of sea bed under the Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal.This area is approximately 0.6 million sq .Km continental shelf. Present sea bed area claimed by the pakistan and Sri lanka does not indicate a conflict with India but India claimed again and its include a portions already claims by the Sri lanka. This stretch of sea bed leads from west of the Andaman and Nicorbar this is proved that how much India concern over the geographical gaining and the result can be seen very soon.
Tamil local and International Diaspora
20. It is true that the Tamil Diaspora is strongly and emotionally involved with the ethnic crisis in the country. They were all products of the same, one way or the other. By raising their voices internationally and contributing variously to the LTTE organization, the members of the LTTE Diaspora community did a massive role to raise the LTTE Organization internationally. At present the Diaspora must admit the end of the organization and must try to obtain a good political solution without getting prolong period. The Tamil leadership back home should understand the dynamics of this change-over, move with the times and help the native Tamil community to find their post LTTE identity in a globalize society and common for the all Tamil political party of Sri Lanka.
21. But now that the Tigers no longer have a guerrilla army to support and their founder, Villupillai Prabhakaran, has been killed, what will this network do? Given that the participants in most organizations are loath to dismantle the structure that created and shaped long careers, even when the circumstances that created the group have vanished, the international Tamil criminal network will probably continue its usual pastimes. The difference now is that they could reasonably be expected to keep their profits, and justify their activities by telling each other a comforting fiction that they are doing so in case the Tigers re-emerge.
23. Questions are being raised as to why some members of the International Community are not supporting the efforts of a democratically elected government to defeat the LTTE and bring security to the Tamil people and to Sri Lanka as a whole. One explanation offered is that the West needs the LTTE as a vital cog to serve its long term geopolitical interests in South Asia. However, evidence demonstrates that the Tamil diaspora in Western countries were exerting tremendous pressure on their respective Governments through elected representatives to save the LTTE at whatever cost.
To strength the LTTE diaspora the main LTTE front organization TRO (Tamil Rehabilitation Organization), TCC ( Tamil coordinating committee)CCTF (Coordinating Committee of Tamils-France ) WTCC(World Tamil Coordinating Committee ) WTM (World Tamil Movement), British Tamil Forum (BTF), British Tamil Association (BTA), Tamil youth Organization. (TYO), International Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (ITRO). Did a major role on behalf of the Tamil Diaspora. It is a question that these organizations will exist any more. These organizations supported to LTTE to develop their capabilities and they carried out some agenda of European countries. This Organizations maintains their offices in France, Belgium, UK, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa .But now these organizations can come forward without the LTTE Mission and the vision to help their Tamil people who need help in this juncture to resettle their original villagers and homes . Further, these organization can influence the countries where they have deployed to get the maximum assistance to the
Tamil people. Sri Lanka supportive countries
During the 25 years battle against the LTTE, the many countries help to Sri lnaka in various way with the different intentions. India helped to Sri lanka economically and militarily for the war because India did not like to come forward to help Sri Lanka as the India and Sri Lanka close relation ship and geopolitically Sri lanaka is very important to India.
Thought the Pakistan is situated somewhat away from the Sri lanka, helped lot to sri lanka government to enhance the militarily capabilities by giving military hardware’s and training. Apparently Pakistan did not have any hidden agenda but more assistance was given to keep the friend ship with the Sri Lankan communities and obtain further assistance in the future too. Our relation with Pakistan should have the top most priority for the India because of their impact on their internal security situation.
China has come forward to help Sri lanka by investing in various project and giving military assistance. Apparently, China might have a hidden agenda on helping to Sri Lanka. Militarallity China has influence in various ways and already dominated the air coverage giving their Radar and their crews. Other main thing is China has invested on the constructing of the Hambanthota port and they will remain in Sri Lanka until their agreement is over. The total control over the harbour will remain with the china as per the agreement. It is understood that china will use this harbour as a hub. But the India does not like to have china influences on these matters and they are more concern what is happening in Sri lanka.
Russia will continue to assist Sri Lanka for the restoration of peace and reconstruction of the country. Russia considered Sri Lanka as an old friend and ally, and looked forward to continuing the warm relations between the two countries. Russia has agreed to give all assistance to Sri Lanka for the restoration of peace, reconstruction, and for necessary and expeditious relief to the large number of internally displaced persons.
Other south Asian countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan will help us continually because they are very good friend since long period. But attitude of some Europe countries like England, Switzerland, Austria, may try to influence us by using various methods. But sometimes they may change their foreign policies and may come to help us.
Conclusion
35. The war fought against the LTTE was not a war against the Tamil people. The heroic troops sacrificed their lives to save the innocent Tamil people from the clutches of LTTE terror. It is the responsibility of the entire nation to make this victory more meaningful and give it a better value for the gigantic feats achieved by the Security Forces.
36. It is now time to win the hearts of the Tamil people, ensuring them the maximum protection. They are an essential part of Sri Lanka's community. We must usher in again the pre-LTTE era where Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese lived in perfect harmony in the North and the East. To achieve that, we have to build the confidence of the Tamil youth who have only witnessed LTTE terror. Over the years, the Tigers brainwashed Tamil youth to show that the Sinhalese were their enemy. We have to enlighten the youth in the North and the East on how close the three communities were before LTTE sowed the seeds of ruthless terrorism on our soil.
37. Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of facing even the most ruthless invaders through thousands of years, defeating them, and saving our Motherland. It is home to people with a history of bravely facing up to invaders from the time of King Dutugemunu's reign. Sri Lanka cannot afford the land that was won at such great sacrifice to be divided or even a shadow of separatism to fall on it. In the solutions that will be offered there will not be even an iota for racism and separatism.
38. The Government is moving towards a political solution under a unified Sri Lankan flag. It would be an honorable solution proposed through the APRC and one which would be acceptable to all. The end solution should be one which would bring all communities living here under one umbrella.
39. We owe a debt of gratitude to the friendly countries which strongly backed us in the battle against terrorism. If not for their wholehearted support, Sri Lanka would never have become the first country to eradicate terrorism. Those sincere friends in the international community have acted with the greatest responsibility towards Sri Lanka's freedom and sovereignty. The time is now opportune to sink petty differences and join hands and work in the true spirit to rebuild our nation. The first step in that direction would be the speedy resettlement of the civilians who have been displaced due to LTTE terrorism.
40. Infrastructure development in the North and the East too will be done at a rapid pace so that the people living there too could make a positive contribution to build the national economy. There will be a reduction in the budget deficit, paving the way for economic development. We could anticipate more foreign direct investments and better employment opportunities. With the additional contribution from the people in the North and the East, Sri Lanka could look forward to an encouraging growth rate. Sri Lanka, which has been a symbol of courage to the world, must now stand on its own feet. We must make a determined effort to build the nation. We have a rich culture and heritage and the country is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. We have the ability to stand tall. All what is needed is a clear ambition to reach the top.
Question – 02
The post LTTE context provides a fresh opportunity to resolve the Sri lankan Tamil ethonationalist problem permanently. What is your proposal?
Introduction
The crushing of the LTTE terrorist’s organization brought relief to most sri Lankan but now the season for constructive nation building has arrived and all people have to work as a one team to bring collective unity to motherland. Firstly everybody must understand that nation building does not only refer to a process of physically rebuilding of this country. Nation building certain involves repairing, reconstructing, and resuscitating damaged physical and material resources. Basically, it means that the rebuilding and rehabilitation of lives. It also means bringing the communities of the land together and giving every one the sense that they are at home in Sri lanka and that enjoy equal rights. The worst thing that could happen to this country now is for some misguided politicians and public reasons.
These dimensions in nation building need to be born in mind because of the prevailing misconception on what next to be done next Sri lanka. Government has a major role to play to give a long lasting solution to this problem which lead for the three decade war and it must be given to the people as soon as possible.
Following points are forwarded as the proposal to resolve the Sri lankan Tamil ethonationalist problem permanently.
Proposals
1. Devolution of Powers to the Northern and Eastern Provinces as same as the other provinces of the country.
It is not required to additional powers for the north and east provinces .The several proposal have been come forwarded by the government on implementation of the 13 the amendment to the constitution. But according to my point of view the North and East does not need a separate devolution of power but there are some areas to be improved. According to the various repots, it is understood that government is in favor of implementation of the 13th amendment. But devolution of power is essential for the large countries like India but not for the small country like Sri lanka. The devolution of Land and police powers is not at all suitable for Sri Lanka. Giving more powers to the north and east, again the separation will be started again from the other provincial council. As same as the other provincial council the controlling power must be kept with the central government.
At present several powers of the provincial council, such as health and education, have been re centralized by the central government. Some other powers, such as police and land, have not been devolved. Further, present recourses allocation for the provincial council is not sufficient and more resources should be allocated to the whole provincial council to commence development programme in rural areas.
Sabaragamuwa
Western
Southern
Uva
Noth Western
Eastern
Central
North Central
Nothern Present Demarcation of Provincial council
2. Implementation of the Official Languages Provision of the Constitution.
The Government should take immediate steps to ensure that Parliament enacts laws to provide for the full implementation of Chapter IV of the Constitution on Language. There are many contexts in which remedial measures will assume an administrative, rather than a legislative, character. The following are the instances of measures which should be strenuously accelerated and implemented by the Government to eradicate the language barrier among the communities.
a. Recruitment of Tamil speaking police, Army, Navy, Air force officers in sufficient numbers to deal with the Tamil people on the public matter, not only for the North and East, but in the country as a whole, to transact business in their own language with security forces personnel.
b. Government make necessary arrangement for Implementing of all steps for including recruitment of staff and procurement of equipment to enable Tamil speaking members of the public to deal with Ministries, Government Departments, statutory corporations and all other public bodies in their own language and include Tamil language also in to the documents which are used by the public and privet sector to fulfill their day today activities in addition to the Sinhala and English language.
c. The interpreters, translators and other relevant facilities in all courts of law must be implemented, so that the needs of members to be catered fully with regard to all aspects of the administration of justice.
d. The Sinhala people in the North and east suffer from disadvantages similar to those affecting Tamil speaking people as mentioned above. Suitable steps should be taken to address them alone the same lines.
e. The regular holding of, and streamlining of procedures for, mobile "clinics" where officials fluent in the Tamil language will engage problem solving on the spot.
3. Lands wrested from Sinhala Muslim folk put to flight with arms and terror should be returned through common land laws. That prevails alike in the North and South.
Thousand of people lived in the north and east lost their lands before 25 years back. It is experienced that some families came in to the government control areas and lived in the refugee camps pro long time. But some were remaining in the previous LTTE controlled area with the threat posed by the LTTE. Some how The Tamil people today gains their original lands and their lived places with the resettlement programme which has been launched by the government.
But still there is a problem of regaining of their original lands. Government must implement a special rules and regulation or law to provide their own lands which lost due to the war. Immediate programme should be launched to settle this land problem and then the Tamil, Muslim and sihala people who had actual rights on the lands will enjoy.
4. Temples, churches, mosques destroyed by the terrorists be reconstructed and make the Madu area common to all by building temples and churches.
It is proposed to develop the people religious facilities like reconstructing of Temples, Churches, and Mosques, which were destroyed by the LTTE. By improving and developing these religious facilities, peace and harmony among the different communities can be developed. All preachers of the different communities have a major role to play in this juncture, they can develop people’s mind through the religious. They can educate the people and must create a good atmosphere which anyone can go to any religious places for their religious works. Especially the Madu area can reserve as the common place where all the communities who believed different religious in different area of the country. Having Hindu Gods in temples has set the correct example for unity. Let's adopt such steps even now For Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Islam unity
5. Camps captured from terrorists in the North are made into army camps to avoid any terrorists group coming up.
Security forces lost lot of lives during the three decades war and now the guns are silent. Other major task is to protect the land which gained from the any insurgent group in the future. It is highly required to dominate the sea and ground and air by the security forces personnel till the Tamil younger generation who realize the truth.
So far, the government is also planning to establish lot of security forces establishment covering the whole north and east areas. Army has to dominate the ground and navy has a big role to protect the sea. Establishing these camps, the domination of the ground and sea will exists and any insurgent which may come to hinder the peace of the people in the future can be destroyed without any delay.
Further, it is required to establish the police posts covering the tactical areas of the North and east. After resettling people police will have to do a major role to create the civilized society. Lot of problem may come from the civilian regarding their lands, properties etc. Police has to address this entire problem without getting much delay. Further, it is required recruit Tamil speaking policeman to deal with the public matter to eradicate the communication barrier.
6. Re building of education system and Introducing Sinhala, Tamil, English language as the compulsory subject for the GCE ordinary level examination.
Government must understand that these IDP’s children need to feel a sense of belonging in Sri Lanka and gradually let go of the antagonistic or subversive thoughts and beliefs believed to have been instilled in them by the Terrorists, which the terrorists certainly tried unsuccessfully to indoctrinate in these young minds. These children must find themselves lucky and fortunate to be free of involuntary conscription by the terrorists. The government should allocated sufficient teachers and volunteers to conduct these schools. However, volunteers also may join the government’s drive to continue to educate these marginalized children. These schools and other facilities such as health care, nursing, water, sanitation, supply of food and non food related items will have to be continued until they are properly resettled. Further ,it is proposed to include the Sinhala, Tamil, English languages as compulsory subject for all government school children and make compulsory for the GCE Ordinary Level examination. By implementing this, at least present children will start to learn these subjects and the communication barrier within the communities will be ended when the children become younger. This programme should be implemented as soon as possible for whole the government school and if possible privet school too.
7. Develop the Road network which is connected to the North, East, West, South and Central hills.
It is required to urgently develop the Road net work which lead to the North, South , East ,West and Central hill to have a easy access to any where in the country within the short period. This network should be included all the main road and minor roads at the North and East and the Railway tracks which functioned before starting the war. Specially the main road of A9 road (Jaffna – Kandy), A32 road (Mannar – Jaffna ) A 35 road (Paranthan – Mulathive), A 34 road (Mulathive – Mankulam) (See annex B).With the development of the road network, other infrastructure facilities like power, water, will come soon. Further, people at north and east can transport their production to the market in the anywhere in the country within a limited time period. Sihala, Tamil and Muslim will travel to see their parents, neighbors who at various places in the country and automatically the peace and harmony among the different communities will be established. Mixing of communities will also can be seen in the future.
8. Restore the livelihoods of the people.
It is proposed to implement various incentive schemes to restore the livelihood of the peoples who have lost their basic living standard. The development area which can be identified as fishing and agriculture, agriculture processing, Palmyra, coconut and cashew plantation .Priority also must be given to empowering the co operative movement and revitalizing the civil administration in the province. In addition to that providing necessary tools for carpenters, fishermen, masonry, motor mechanism, seed materials or other corps must be provided to boost their morale.
Further ,the northern province had over 2300 minor tanks and about 50 medium and 11 major tanks prior to the war, but most of them now need to be restored .Building and irrigation security system is essential for an agricultural revival. Forest need to be replanted and rejuvenated. The pathway to the livelihood rehabilitation in this area is agricultural renewal. Seeds and grain banks, farm machinery, the repair of farm ponds, water harvesting and storage structure, animal sheds, storage godowns , post harvest handling ,rural roads and communication are priority areas for urgent attention and action.
9. Rehabilitation of the children, woman and youth living in the area and the rehabilitation of the former LTTE members.
Screening and identification of LTTE suspect, whom the government may wish to frame charges, need to be done speedy and transparently in the presence of a any reputed committee like ICRC or UN agencies. Family members need to be promptly informed of any arrest, detention or release. It is required a quick and effective delivery on all these above issues as this would help alleviate the plight of the people who have already undergone extreme hardship. Further, Rehabilitation programme should be commenced to the former LTTE members and their brain should be filled with the new ideas and the hope of their future dreams which may help to develop their personal abilities and subsequently it will lead the country for success.
Thousand of children among the human shield rescued by the soldiers, most of them have not attended school. Therefore, government must commence a educational programme to educate the children with immediate effect with available resources till they are resettle their original places. The basic needs for schooling like uniforms, books, must be provided by the government till they are resettled.
Displaced People at relief shelters in different rehabilitation zones are full of anxiety, depressed and disoriented. These people including children and women are much worried about their protection, family, reuniting with family, belongings, source of income and the utter embarrassment of having to put up at shelters. Most of them suffer from the echo of the sounds of battle, anxiety of kith and kin gone missing, dead or displaced, worrying about the loss of their income channel and finding themselves at the mercy of those running the shelters. Apart from the shelter, protection, food, Non Food Related Items, nursing, health and sanitation facilities. Government must recognize that there is an urgent need for counseling facilities for these people. Naturally each of them, at least need someone to talk to them to help them pacify their worried and chaotic minds.In order to respond appropriately to this need for Counseling in Psychology. 10. Mixing of different communities in different areas of the country. After resettling the IDP’s , it is suggested to settle the different communities in the different areas of the country. Sinhala, Muslim or any other race may be settled in the North and east and Tamil or Muslim people may be settled down in the south of the country. Then, it will start mixing of different kind of people with sharing different type of cultures, religious and habits. It will create the confidence and trust in between the races and religious from different communities.
Conclusion
I think the paramount need of an hour is to resettle the Internally Displace people as soon as possible with the basic needs. Civil administration should be activated and basic infrastructure facilities must be re established. Police posts must be re located or re establish. These unfortunate people will have to be guided in to vocation that would bring them a steady income. It is nice to see that the government has launched ‘’Wadakku Wasantham’’ re-awakening programme to resettle and develop the North .The programme has been commenced from the Manar and it will move to other areas step by step. I deeply feel that together we can build our bridges and pave a path to peace, happiness, equality, and prosperity for us and for the generation to come. We can not forget what happened during the past three decades. However, we need to put aside our emotion, sense of despair, and remember those lives which were lost in a bloody war. All citizen of Sri lanka has to now reconcile and win the trust of the nation. Are we going to continue this for another thirty years? No we have lost too much; the nation has lost too much. It is time to take a step back and think sensibly.
Bibliography
1. Political Geography by Richard Muir (1997 )
2. The future of the Nation State by Beetham , D (1984)
3. Nation state and International System 4. Problem Geography by Krik, W (1963)
Web sites:
1. www.dailymirror.lk 2. 2. www.sundaytimes.lk 3. www.island.lk 4. www.dailynews.lk
Web sites:
1. www.dailymirror.lk 2. 2. www.sundaytimes.lk 3. www.island.lk 4. www.dailynews.lk
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