Independence Day beyond words

Tuesday, 5 February 2013 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Independence Day celebrations are always of significance as they outline Government action for months to come. With the second US-backed resolution on Sri Lanka ready to get underway at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) later this month, many were all agog to hear the message that President Rajapaksa would give on Monday.



The run up to the 65th Independence Day was optimistic. The very fact that this was the first time that the Government was holding such an august celebration in the former war zone, more to the point what was earmarked as the capital of Eelam, was a strong precursor to a message of national reconciliation. The general feeling was that the President would make his stance on the international community’s concerns on human rights and reconciliation measures known – and he did not disappoint.

During the rain-hit event, Rajapaksa made a comparatively short speech that highlighted the upcoming challenges to Sri Lanka’s international image. Clearly referring to the US decision to table a second resolution on Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) later this month, Rajapaksa recalled that the UN Charter stood for the sovereign integrity of member states.

He stressed that nothing contained in the present Charter authorised the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or required the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter. He went on to say that Sri Lanka had always respected the Charter of the United Nations.

In the backdrop of Canada having already agreed to support the US while Britain and India are yet to decide their stance on supporting the resolution, a fair-minded observer would have hoped for a comment on accountability or a reiteration on pledges to implement the all-important Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations – perhaps even outlining greater engagement with the US, India and Britain, especially given that around 60 per cent of Sri Lanka’s exports are to these three countries. Yet such words were not forthcoming.   

The President was also vocal about recent tension between the Sinhalese and Muslims communities in different parts of the country. He insisted that the peace won at the end of three decades of war in 2009 should not be squandered with fresh ethnic violence.  Rajapaksa even went so far as to warn elements creating sectarian violence that they would be playing according to the agendas of separatists. Yet again, the call did not seem to go far enough.

The speech failed to outline specific steps that would be taken by the Government to stem this disturbing trend by taking legal action against offenders and policies that could promote real reconciliation. While the words touched on the burning issues facing Sri Lanka, there was little of concrete value other than asking people to come together. Underlying causes and remedies for them were not highlighted.

This oversight made the much-anticipated speech an anti-climax of sorts for observers. Even though issues were touched upon, they were not adequately addressed in terms of providing accountability and promoting rule of law as a means of real reconciliation. Unless the Government is willing to move beyond words, the crucial Independence Day address will remain cosmetic, and in reference to the UNHRC, rather stale, at best.

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