C. Silva says… Sri Lanka will shortly enter twenty five years of conflict between the LTTE and the government. This raises the question of what the LTTE has achieved for the Tamils? They have lost the East and elections have been held their recently. It is clear that the LTTE has never represented the interest of the Tamils. It is only for LTTE own self-interest this conflict has gone, while the Tamils have been emasculated, mentally and spiritually, here and abroad.

Many have called for a negotiated settlement, but it is clear that the current leadership, both of the state and the LTTE, is not in the least interested - such calls have fallen on deaf years. It is Eelam or bust as far as the LTTE goes.

The government too has to shoulder the blame for it has yet to implement the 13th and 17th Amendments to the Constitution. Furthermore, the recommendations of the APRC (All Party Representative Committee) await a decision. The longer the government delays, it calls into question its sincerity in resolving this issue. The longer the government procrastinates, it creates the impression that it is as intransigent as the LTTE.

It is imperative that the 13th and 17th Amendments are immediately implemented and a decision made on the recommendations of the APRC for implementation. The armed forces may have had successes on the battlefront, but the underlying issues of the minorities have to be resolved if we as a nation are to move forward or we shall be stoking the embers for yet another conflict in the future.

The meaning of life is happiness and the source of happiness is creating values for others.

With the people saddled with the soaring cost of living and businesses struggling with stifling regulations and inflation running at about 20%, one could partially blame it on the global downturn. However, with the continued conflict in the north draining away colossal funds, which could be used for mega socio-economic progress, the economy is teetering on the brink.

Sixty years of independence and we have nothing to show for it. The international assessment of Sri Lanka as a failed state is staring us in the face. The LTTE has failed the Tamils and our egoist politicians have failed the country right from the time of independence.

We need new leaders – men and women of vision and character - who would put country first before self.

via M@L