Sri Lanka Times February 27, 2005
In the wake of the tsunami disaster, it seemed as if there could be an opportunity on the horizon for a rainbow of peace from north to south and east to west of Sri Lanka.
Stories abound of ordinary citizens helping each other regardless of ethnicity, religion or past atrocities. To see a Buddhist temple in the south of Sri Lanka welcome Tamils to its refuge was a startling example of the good nature of Sri Lankans. Yet, in political circles the divisions of high-level functionaries are apparent.
If those on both sides of the Sri Lanka conflict do not seize the opportunity to come together, then they may never. There is no better time for reconciliation than when all parties have to work for a common goal, restoring normalcy in the lives of half-a million people with the aid given generously by the international community. Too much infighting can only lead to donor impatience and aid fatigue with no realization of many of the pledges.
Sri Lanka must give the peace effort a tidal wave priority. For without political stability there will never be economic stability for Sri Lanka.
Merrill Cassell Former Budget Director of UNICEF, New York, USA
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