Milinda.org

Since the Tsunami disaster, as usual ordinary Sri Lankans have been listening to so many statements by the political leaders, pundits, clergy, artistes et al of importance and need for unity and collective efforts in addressing the immediate humanitarian issues as well as medium term reconstruction efforts the ravaged areas. But, alas, when it came to action it was all petty political gains at the expense of the Tsunami victims that mattered to many of our leaders and some of the rank and file. Up to January 10, 2005, we had not seen any genuine efforts to form a united front at any level.

It was, however, heartening to see in the media that Milinda Moragoda, Mangala Samaraweera, with representatives from JVP and JHU have had cordial discussions and initiated a reconstruction programme for the district of Matara. I believe that Mangala, Milinda duo will have to now take this initiative beyond the first meeting and develop a substantive work programme in a constructive manner allowing middle and lower level supporters of all parties to participate in the rebuilding process.
Assuming that the Matara Initiative is not just a media show, we most probably with the majority of Sri Lankans, sincerely hope that this will be a model for the re-development of the other districts as well.

At least it may create some public opinion in other affected areas forcing the local politicians to shun their conventional self-centred political ‘rivalrism’ and to join together for the greater good of the Tsunami stricken people. Probably it may have an impact on other political leaders as well to go beyond mere words and consider consensus for the rebuilding of the country.

Kiloshana Karunarathna,
Galle.