By Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a speech coinciding with the centenary of the Badulla Guruthalawa Muslim Central College, President Ranil Wickremesinghe dropped a significant bombshell: a promise to make a critical statement on reconciliation by March. This announcement, carefully timed to coincide with the annual sessions of the Human Rights Council, signals a potential turning point in Sri Lanka’s long-standing ethnic tensions.
Wickremesinghe emphasized the urgency of tackling the nation’s dual challenges: building a stable economy and addressing the lingering “ethnic problem.” He extended an olive branch to all political parties, urging them to join hands in this endeavor, transcending party lines for the greater good of Sri Lanka.
Reconciliation at the Forefront:
The president’s statement revolved around three key pillars:
Constitutional Safeguards: Recognizing the importance of free speech, Wickremesinghe pledged to protect non-violent dissent within the law. He is currently seeking reports from relevant ministries and officials to formulate a comprehensive statement by February or March. Prior to that, he plans to consult with religious and political leaders, aiming to build consensus on this crucial issue.
Madrasa Regulation: Addressing a sensitive topic, Wickremesinghe confirmed the preparation of a draft law to regulate Madrasa schools. This move likely aims to balance religious freedom with national security concerns.
Displacement and Land Rights: Recognizing the pain of displacement, the President assured efforts to facilitate resettlement based on the 1985 map. This signifies a potential step towards returning land rights to Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese communities in the north and east.
Addressing the Missing Persons Issue:
Wickremesinghe also committed to tackling the sensitive issue of missing persons. He pledged to provide compensation and resolve outstanding matters, offering a ray of hope to families still seeking answers.
Message of Unity and Progress:
Throughout his speech, the president emphasized the importance of national unity. He stressed that all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity, are equal citizens. While protecting the Sinhala identity and culture, he vowed to avoid discrimination against other communities and safeguard the rights of all.
By framing reconciliation as a central pillar of economic progress, Wickremesinghe sends a powerful message: a united Sri Lanka is a prosperous Sri Lanka. The upcoming statement in March, coinciding with the international spotlight of the Human Rights Council, holds the potential to be a defining moment in the nation’s journey towards healing and unity.
