ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN SRI LANKA

A panel discussion on Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka was recently held at CNI Bhavan. The panel discussion was initiated by the Church of North India  and was moderated by the noted Church of North India Theologian and Dalit activist, Rev. Dr. Habil James Massey.

While welcoming the participants the Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan, General Secretary, The Synod of the Church of North India said, “the current situation in Sri Lanka is in reality more than just political crisis. It is a military crisis (that has already caused nearly 70, 000 deaths), a crisis of governance (with fairness and equity), a crisis of confidence between the different ethnic groups – all of which threaten the very existence of a united and integrated Sri Lanka . What started as apparent linguistic chauvinism (and the reaction to it) has taken on most of the aspects of an ethnic civil war.”

He further said, “India and Sri Lanka are physically separated by narrow strip of sea, but the people of the two countries are bound together by bonds of geographic proximity, historical ties, religious and cultural affinities and similarities etc. State level relations tend to fluctuate from time to time, influenced by domestic, political compulsions, international situation, economic needs etc. Stable state level relations are possible only when they closely reflect the reality of people-to-people ties.”

Mr. Santha Fennando, executive Secretary, Justice and Peace Commission, National Council of Churches in Sri Lanka and Dr. M. Mayilvaganan, Associate Fellow, Institute for Defense & Analyses, New Delhi were the prominent Panelist.

While Mr. Fernando briefed and gave the first hand details about the situation while Dr. Mayilvaganan summarized within and without situation. It was enlightening to listen to both the panelist. About forty ecumenical members participated in the panel discussion.

The participants had a deep discussion on the situation and the future planning to the cause of Sri Lanka.

The Rev. Dr. Pradhan who is also the last Trustee Body meeting of the council for world mission held at Papua New Guinea in the Pacific, through his report, he had shared with the trustees about the changing political scenario of south Asian countries.

The kingdom of Bhutan began from the palace, but today Bhutan takes pride in having successfully completed its election in order and peace, without clamor and tumult but with a difference, with the people’s representatives of both the national council and national assembly.

If we look at Pakistan, the mandate of its people is clear indication of popular discontent with the military dictatorship. The election results also indicate their desire for restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Political developments in post-election Pakistan are taking on interesting dimensions, many of which will have long term implications on its own citizens and on its relationship with the neighboring countries. Thus Pakistan is moving from Military dictatorship to democracy.

Nepal another neighboring country has become from a Hindu state to secular state. The only Hindu nation in the world, Nepal was declared a secular state two years ago shortly after the restoration of democracy through the “people” movement in 2006.

Rev. Pradhan, called upon the CWM south Asia Regional Churches to come forward and be a partner with the suffering people of Sri Lanka . He said, Sri Lanka being part of South Asia , we the CWM SARC members cannot forget our moral duty of extending our solidarity and prayers. It is a time when keeping aside our denominationalism we have to come together and tackle this issue.

He further challenged the participants and called then upon to, Lobbying and strengthening the political parties who are already working towards the peace initiative in Sri Lanka.

India, with its growing influence in international affairs, should reasonably be expected to make her overall national interest the primary and supreme consideration in formulating foreign and security policies. Domestic politics and partisan interest would continue to provide major inputs during the stage of consultation, but are unlikely to become reasons for casting doubts on the credibility of the evolved national foreign policy. It is not difficult to perceive that India’s long term strategic and regional interests require a special relationship with Sri Lanka, going well beyond the immediate Tamil ethnic issue.