SLFP-UNP deal: One last chance for peace

The news that the two main political parties in the south have decided to work in consensual manner has demonstrated to the world and the nation as to how true democracy works in this country.

The two mainstream parties, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party, working together to establish peace is undoubtedly a great achievement. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe share a common vision as far as solving the ethnic conflict is concerned.

The SLFP and the UNP have wielded enormous power as the main catalyst with or without coming to power since independence.

Hence we can rest assured that the SLFP and the UNP would definitely strive to solve this menace and achieve peace. Both parties have produced great leaders such as D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Sir John Kotelawala, Ranasinghe Premadasa, the current President and the leader of the Opposition.

President Rajapaksa and Mr. Wickremesinghe have to safeguard themselves from the demons of destruction and those whose life has thrived on violence and the bodies of innocent people.

In fact it is coincidental and ironic that Sajith Premadasa and Navin Dissanayake — sons of two of the country's past leaders, namely Ranasinghe Premadasa and Gamini Dissanayake — have commended the getting together of the parties. They both have a great role to play in the areas they represent. Navin Dissanayake could act as a catalyst in selling the idea of a federal state, effectively working towards peace and Sajith Premadasa who represents the backwoods of the south could do the same.

We are all well aware of the many unfortunate incidents which have taken place owing to the distrust between the two main communities over the years.

We must realise that as much as the Sinhalese have their rights, the Tamils, the Muslims and other communities also have equal or similar rights. All those representing the political parties of various ideals and communities should also work towards this common goal. Peace would be an ugly word to some in this country of course for their own personal benefit but at least now they must realize that this country is being shredded to pieces with this unfortunate distrust and war.

Hence it is the responsibility of all in the country to back the President and the Leader of the Opposition. This is the last chance that we have for peace and making the road a path to prosperity at least for our children.