Unity government in Sri Lanka

In a surprise but welcome move, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which conceded defeat in the election to Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) on August 17 has announced that it will join a unity government with the winning incumbent. This marks a significant turnaround as the SLFP which had earlier opposed making any concessions to Tamils, is now set to address Tamil rights in an effort to ensure what is being termed as "ethnic and religious reconciliation" with that community. Tamils had waged a long and bloody civil war for nearly three decades from 1972 to 2009 that resulted in more than 100,000 deaths in the country.

The recently held polls in Sri Lanka gave the UNP seats that fell slightly short of a majority in the 225-member parliament. Mr. Wickremesinghe's overture has been welcomed by the UN chief who has called on the new government to set the course for reconciliation with the Tamils in an effort to strengthen democracy overall. The new government has its task cut out. There will be opposition from hardliners on both sides, but a chance to return to normality and peace will undoubtedly be supported by the majority of Sri Lankans.

We rejoice with the people of Sri Lanka in the demonstration of pragmatism by its leaders to forge common grounds and propel the nation on to the path of

prosperity. As a co-traveller in SAARC, we wish Godspeed to Sri Lanka.