Chronicle of Peace “Talks” in Sri Lanka – where has it taken us?

Shenali Waduge

Put in the most simplest of terms – we have had over 20 years of just “talking peace” and tragically Sri Lanka has never been able to move beyond “talk” to the next step - a plausible solution acceptable to all.

The Thimpu Talks in July 1985, 1989, 1990 talks, 1994 talks, 1998 peace talks initiated by the LTTE with foreign mediation which was rejected by the Kumaratunga Government & then there were those secret talks too. The “behind” the scene talks between rebels and political bigwigs hunger for infinite power and prestige. There are also talks initiated by other interested parties. There is one thing common to all the talks held thus far – each time the ordinary citizen’s wish was ignored.

Now what about these infamous ceasefires. Well, Sri Lanka has seen many ceasefires too mostly those issued by the LTTE no sooner it realizes it is being cornered by the Sri Lankan armed forces. The first cessation of hostilities was in 1987 with the Indian army at hand to monitor it. The ceasefire was short-lived and the IPKF was given the green light by the Indian Government to attack the LTTE. Even following the 1989 peace talks and the subsequent ceasefire in 1990 the LTTE broke the truce the very next day. With Kumaratunga at the mantle, she too ended up signing a ceasefire agreement in 1995 (January). Not surprisingly, this too is broken by the LTTE several months later. The longest ceasefire agreement in place was the 2002 ceasefire agreement signed between the LTTE and the Ranil Wickremasinghe Government. What makes this ceasefire agreement intriguing is the fact that while gross violations occur on a daily basis since 2002 both sides are happy to pledge commitment to it. Not wanting to be left out the Rajapakse Government too entered into peace talks and the last talks held in Norway found the LTTE boycotting it after months of preparation. Presently with both sides still pledging commitment to the ceasefire of 2002, we see both sides engaged in fighting throughout the North & East. But “war” has not been declared by either party.

With such a bad record of peace talks & ceasefires in place – it is most surprising how anyone would seem to think the next peace talk would be any different. Foreign Governments, the United Nations are all determined that any conflict is resolved through peace. How come this notion is not applied to Iraq, Iran or any other Middle Eastern country that does not conform to US thinking? Sadly, today, even a child is wondering what “peace” is. It has become so questionable in the minds of the innocent.

People need to clearly understand one thing. The LTTE has been classified as a Terrorist Organization. They are NOT freedom fighters. Thus, they will kill their own. They stand guilty of killing a string of Tamil leaders who held opposing views to them. They are even banned in the very countries that want the Sri Lankan Government to talk peace. The internationalization of their outfit has turned them into an international terrorist organization able to even carry out contract killings. They indulge all sorts of nefarious activities globally from drug smuggling to arms dealing. Yet, the surprising thing we hear lately is the SLMM admonishing the EU for banning the LTTE on the grounds that the banning has tampered any initiative for peace. How is it that the LTTE had no qualms when UK banned them? The LTTE is and was always functioning the way it wanted to in the UK and its “theoreticians” and other big wigs were raising funds and promoting LTTE “ideology” throughout the UK and the British Government still does nothing against it except feel satisfied it remains in the list of banned terrorist groups.

We all know that a military solution is not the answer especially when these Terrorists are guerillas. Without a doubt the Sinhalese and the Tamils must reach a compromised solution that does not hurt or harm the other ethnic communities who are also part of the citizenry. But, there is a bigger problem that the nation has to contend with. The International Community too needs to urgently understand this.

Though both the Sinhalese & Tamils may want to reach a plausible solution there is one man who is adamant to see that a solution is never reached because of his deep desire to rule in a homeland designed by him. He is ready to kill to get it. His emissaries may come and share tea and biscuits and shake hands with Government officials but no sooner they exit the room they will return to carrying out the wishes of their Leader.

Anyone and everyone needs to sooner or later realize that peace negotiations with lack-luster representatives of the LTTE will never bring about a lasting solution. It will only be a means for these men in guerilla suits to re-coup and unleash carnage whenever they wish to make a point.

There is one man that will never allow any negotiated settlement to take place and all propagators of peace negotiations must first propose how to deal with this issue before entering into any “peace talks” of any nature.