Illusive solution to the Tamil national problem

The Tamil National Alliance, the main representatives of the Tamil community, refrained from voting against the Budget because President Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated he is willing to resolve the longstanding national question. The President says he is keen to solve all issues, including land and housing, pertaining to the Tamil community by next year when the country celebrates its 75th anniversary of Independence. 

“First, we must dispel the people’s mistrust. Once we all start working together this mistrust will fade away,” the President said recently while visiting the Northern Province.

This is indeed a very welcomed position by the President. However, this is not the first time Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed such sentiments. Immediately after the 2015 general election that his United National Party led coalition won, then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed confidence and hope that a political situation to the long-standing ethnic problem was possible. At that time, he noted that the two main national parties, his United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and the Tamil National Alliance were “the three key players” in formulating the proposals for an enduring solution, and embarked on a lengthy constitution-making process.

Within one-and-a-half years’ time, the members of the steering committee set up by the constitutional assembly, presented the interim proposals on the new constitution. However, a new constitution experienced a deadlock and had to be discontinued. Ranil Wickremesinghe did not use his political capital to push for a new constitution nor demonstrate any urgency or interest to ensure it was done. Had he achieved this, history would have been kinder to him. Instead, quite characteristically Wickremesinghe allowed yet another opportunity for reform and progress to pass by as he did in 1999 when he and his UNP scuttled yet another constitution making process by then President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Today President Wickremesinghe does not have the political capital nor even a mandate for constitution-making. Noble as his sentiments may sound, his intentions will be looked upon with suspicion. Why would a leader who showed little interest to bring about a solution to the Tamil national problem when he wielded political power now be willing or frankly be able to deliver when he is no more than a front of an ultra-nationalist political entity.  

There is enough reason to be sceptical of President Wickremesinghe concerning his commitment towards finding a lasting solution to the national question. If he wishes to build confidence, however, there are several immediate steps he can take. These would include the immediate return of private lands in the north and the east that have been confiscated by the military or in instances it is impossible to grant suitable compensation in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Addressing the outstanding issue of enforced disappearance, especially of Tamil civilians and combatants is imperative. If there is a genuine will to do so this matter can be addressed through the office on missing persons which is already established. The release of those held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act is another immediate step that the President can take without delay.

If President Wickremesinghe is genuinely interested in solving the outstanding ethnic issue, he has an excellent opportunity to revive the constitutional proposals that were presented during his previous tenure as prime minister in 2018 after extensive consultations and debate. Though no one should hold their breath over Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering a comprehensive constitutional change that would address the grievances of the minority communities and securing a durable peace, for the sake of the nation we can only hope he is genuine in his stated commitment to do so and will have the courage to act on this crucial matter.