Lankan peace : so near yet so far
The positive outcome of the Norwegian-brokered peace talks between the LTTE and the government made the world feel that peace was not a mythological creature only existing in the books. Most of the credit should go the Norwegian brokers. And the LTTE and the government should also be given credit for their belated reasoning that only bloodshed cannot solve such a delicate issue. Unfortunately, the power struggle between Chandrika Kumaratunga and Mr. Wickremesinghe came in the way of a permanent solution to the three-decade-old ethnic conflict which has claimed over 60,000 lives. Hopes for peace were yet again dashed in an unprecedented revolt in LTTE leadership by a regional commander, Karuna.
The 13th parliament election has further deepened the problem as no party won a majority to form a stable government. The already ailing truce looks shaky as it is unclear who holds the legitimate authority to represent the government or the LTTE. Now the LTTE is warning of taking up arms again which may slide the country into further violence .
Lankan leaders should bury their personal enmity for the greater interest of the country and the LTTE should resolve its internal problems and give peace a chance.
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