Balancing security with reconciliation

Friday, 1 April 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Recovery of weapons in the north has hit headlines and provided an opening for the Joint Opposition to dust off its national security drum and beat it at higher volume. But such fear mongering for political gain could have serious repercussions on reconciliation and hard won inroads to building confidence between communities.

Over the past few days the military has found fresh stashes of weapons, including a suicide vest, which the Joint Opposition insists is an indication that national security is under threat. Prof. G.L. Peiris even went so far as to reveal that he has information that some of the weapons were en-route to Wellawatte, though he is yet to present his evidence to the public.

While protecting national security is of paramount importance, it is also important not to create insecurity among the masses by spreading fear and misinformation. The public, long used to the horrors of war, are understandably concerned about it returning. But the best way to prevent ethnic tensions is to ensure that all communities are given their rights and see that their concerns are addressed.

Without such duality, if all focus is only on repression, little attention will be paid to building genuine peace. This was at the core of the disappointment expressed over the policies of the previous Government and the Joint Opposition, despite being well aware of this, remains committed to sticking to its one-sided nationalist agenda.

After months of discussions the Government is in the midst of rolling out reconciliation measures in line with pledges made before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Laws to create a permanent office on missing persons are expected to be finalised by May or June this year, according to Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. The Government is working with the ICRC to create the office on missing persons.

Assurances have been given that the Government will take steps to ensure no one goes missing like they did during and soon after the war. The Minister also said that a Task Force has been appointed to consult the families of the victims of the war when addressing issues related to the war.

Sri Lanka is also working on a truth commission and as part of this process a technical team visited South Africa to study the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process. A Secretary General has been appointed to head the newly formed Secretariat for Coordinating Reconciliation Mechanisms. A new Constitution is also in the works to provide more space and status for minorities and over the past year the Government has released tracts of land in the north and east to their original owners.

Much more needs to be done to achieve genuine reconciliation but it is also important to acknowledge the steps that have been taken after more than half a decade of stagnation. Sri Lankans are well used to irresponsible politicians but when they make statements that reduce fragile inter-community relations they cross a line that is unforgivable. The best way to guard national security long term is to allow reconciliation to flourish.