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‘Conflict will deepen divisions in Sri Lanka’

— PHOTO: AFP

COURTESY CALL: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse in Colombo on Sunday.

COLOMBO: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday cautioned that continuation of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka would deepen the divisions in society and make a negotiated settlement more difficult.

Delivering the second Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Lecture on “Growth prospects in South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities,” he said neither side could finally prevail over the other through conflict. Peace must be forged at the negotiating table and an agreement must win a vote of confidence from people. The conflict would have an adverse impact on the economy, which was evident now.

Asked how dialogue was possible, with the LTTE seeking a separate state, he said that as both sides had taken a “irreconcilable” stand there was need for a negotiated settlement. He, however, conceded that it was not an easy situation and India was conscious of the hurdles.

Asked about the perception that India had “frozen” its Sri Lanka policy after the assassination of the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, he said that just because New Delhi was no longer the mediator it was not correct to suggest that Indian policy was stagnant.

“India is concerned and continuing encouragement of a political settlement acceptable to all.”

Citing Northern Ireland, he pointed out that the conflict was resolved through politically.

“For many years India was actively engaged in meditation. In recent years, however, New Delhi has stepped aside and allowed others to play the role. The Indian position has always been that the only way out of the conflict is a negotiated settlement.”

Referring to the potential of South Asia emerging a potent economic bloc, he said that in the context of the island nation in order to make full use of these opportunities, it was necessary that there was an environment of peace, stability and security in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Chidambaram said:

“India is committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. India has made this clear on every occasion; at the same time India has emphasised that the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, arising out of a sense of discrimination and a sense of negation of cultural, linguistic and human rights, should be resolved through a negotiated political settlement that includes a credible devolution of powers.

“Senseless acts of terror on the one side or planned operations by the armed forces on the other side will only result in more death and destruction.”

Lamenting that South Asia was the least economically integrated region in the world, he emphasised the urgent need for the leaders of the region to address non-controversial issues such as travel and communication links to enable the region seize the opportunity.

“It is now generally acknowledged that South Asia, given its recent economic performance, can match East Asia’s growth rates. Sound macroeconomic policies can attract huge investments to the region. Capital, joining hands with the abundant and talented human resources of the region can turn it into a veritable economic powerhouse. I shall leave you with a question: will South Asia, inspired by the broad and humanising vision of leaders like Lakshman Kadirgamar keep its tryst with destiny?”

Mr. Chidambaram said in multi-cultural and plural societies such as Sri Lanka, there was no model of governance better suited to reflect and respond to the needs and aspirations of people than democracy. Further, it was not democracy at one level alone that would assure social and political stability.

“While there should be a strong central or federal government for the country as a whole, it is equally important that the political system recognises the geographical or linguistic or ethnic divisions among the people and creates political institutions that will accommodate these differences and give voice and representation to all sections of the people,” he said.

The challenges faced by South Asia were compounded by the shadow of political uncertainty that had fallen over most of the sub-continent.

Countries of the region, barring India, had still not resolved the fundamental question of the model of governance that was suited to each of them. Consequently, the political institutions in these countries had not yet taken firm roots.

Mr. Chidambaram paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

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