Dr. Devanesan Nesiah on post-war / post-LTTE Sri Lanka

Image courtesy TransCurrents

Dr. Devanesan Nesiah in response to a question posed by Groundviews on the most important issue(s) in a ‘post-LTTE’ context and how can the State address it, writes in with a compelling critique of politics and conflict resolution in Sri Lanka.

Tamil politics will indeed have to shed any secessionist or other exclusive territorial claims to forge solidarity among Tamil speakers living all over the island as well as all residents (including Sinhalese) of the North and East. While the TNA ( as the largest Tamil party) may well take the initiative in this matter, the major initiative for all island nation building needs to be taken by the two major parties of the South, particularly by the ruling party. Wars do not solve political problems – it is political solutions that are required.

If “end of the war” and “post – LTTE” refer to the elimination of the Army, Navy and the Air Force of the LTTE, it is clear that we are close to that end. But if what is meant is the end of Tamil dissatisfaction and resistance in diverse ways (possibly including acts of sabotage), there is no evidence or reason to believe that we are even approaching that goal.

Read it in full here.