Protests for power

Tuesday, 28 February 2012 00:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In a change of sentiment, the Government is asking people to step onto the streets and protest the possible US resolution Sri Lanka is facing at the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions, which kicked off yesterday.

It was reported that over 150 protests were organised by different parties around the country and in an unusual event for office workers, four demonstrations were held in Fort during lunch time for the people to join in. It was a contrasting scene to what emerged after the fuel hikes when people took to the streets to express their disappointment over the Government decision. Now, instead of firing tear gas at protestors and even shooting unarmed demonstrators, the Government is supporting the public outcry. What a change a few days can bring.

Since the UN resolution is making the people’s displeasure of rising costs of living recede into the background, the protests have the double advantage of putting the Government in the right light by reminding the masses of the war victory and its benefits. While this respite is clearly a side effect of the prevailing events, it nonetheless creates breathing space for the Government.

Meanwhile, high-powered delegation from Sri Lanka met with Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay to discuss the upcoming resolution and defend actions taken by the Government. It was obvious from news reports that they were trying to put Sri Lanka’s record in comparison with the US dealings of the Bin Laden assassinations and other widely-publicised excesses to gain ground ahead of the sessions.

Pillay was quoted by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva as saying that she “released a statement” on Laden’s death putting it in the limelight as an insignificant action, while she has actively supported calls for an international investigation in the case of Sri Lanka. While these arguments will undoubtedly bring more public support from Sri Lanka, it remains to be seen whether it will sway the international community.

Even though the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report was discussed, its true impact remains obscure and since it will not be formally presented by the Government at the sessions its impact too might not be as significant as desired. All the other steps including a human rights action plan drafted by the government may be a side show compared to the LLRC report and the US resolution.

Given this situation, it is increasingly clear that the Government is using the local protests to bolster support for itself rather than as a tool that could have significant impact at the UN sessions. It is questionable whether the Government expects these demonstrations, unless they happen in large numbers and with the participation of people independent from the Government, to produce real results at the UN.

In the worst case scenario, the international community may be inspired to consider that the people are against war crimes investigations and support a defeat of the US resolution. Sri Lankans meanwhile are vociferously denouncing the UN and key nations as being “puppets” and reiterating their stance of non-interference.

At least on this issue the Government and the people in the south seem to be in agreement, but what that means for Sri Lanka only time will tell.