On Tuesday, Jan. 26, Sri Lankan citizens voted for their 6th Executive President in what was arguably the most heated and significant presidential election in Sri Lanka's post-colonial history. In this time of so-called peace, Lanka Solidarity calls on President Rajapakse to rise above the exclusionary politics of nationalism and elitism and focus on a political solution that addresses the potential power-sharing rights of all communities. It is only with such vision that Sri Lanka can truly enter a post-war era of reconciliation and democratization.
<!--break-->
Before he presents reflections on Sri Lanka's post-war future, the President-elect must address the corruption and violence that have overshadowed this momentous election. We condemn the nine hundred-plus instances of election violence that took place in the months before election day. Abuse of public funds, bribery, intimidation, disappearances, assault, and killings undermine the integrity of the electoral process and impede Sri Lanka's return to peaceful forms of political participation. Past election violations and fear of post-election violence also suggest that the space for dissent and future political reform in Sri Lanka is still under threat. We hope that, in recognizing the detrimental effects of election violence, all parties will commit themselves to preventing such abuses in the future, particularly as the general parliamentary elections approach.
In moving ahead, President Rajapakse must prioritize the need for a viable and far-reaching political solution that addresses the needs and power-sharing rights of all communities. President's Rajapakse's election manifesto emphasized development and upheld the unitary state, without directly addressing the dire need for a concrete political solution. Sri Lanka has always been a multicultural polity, and the grievances of all communities need to be addressed. In this vein, some have posited the implementation of the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's constitution, which would devolve some power to provincial authorities. However, that implementation alone will not suffice as a political solution. Indeed, the 13th Amendment was created 23 years ago, in a different political reality— and without a broad consultative process leading to structural reforms, it will be impossible to guarantee its implementation in the current one.
After the military defeat of the Tigers in May 2009, President Rajapakse, who won the war, had an opportunity to win the peace. Instead, he determined that re-election would give him the mandate to pursue a political solution. He has it now. Lanka Solidarity urges the President-elect to follow through on this promise, made before the people of Sri Lanka and the world.
Add comment