Colombo (AsiaNews) – On going armed conflict between the Government Forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ,will only deepen divisions in Sri Lanka; the country needs to return to a negotiated political solution to end the current conflict. This appeal was launched by the Indian minister for Finance, P. Chidambaram. His government was once mediator in failed negotiations between the Tamil rebels and Sinhalese government. The minister on official visit to former Ceylon November 11th last, is convinced that the only solution to the civil strife lies in laying out a deal which without separating the country allows for devolved government.
For over 20 years the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been fighting the army for independence in the North and East of the Island which is majority Tamil. Colombo currently opposes any form of semi autonomy in that area. A cease fire signed in 2002, has become virtually defunct over the last 2 years. According to the Law & Society Trust in Sri Lanka (LST), between January 1st and August 31st of this year over 662 people have died a further 450 disappeared.
For now there are now signs of relenting on the part of the Tigers of government. Following the November 2nd killing of the rebels political wing ,S.P. Thamilselvan, in an army raid, the Tgers have sworn revenge. And the declarations made by the Commander of the air force, Roshan Goonatilake, who said he is ready to “do anything” to capture rebel leader, Vellupillai Prabhakaran are no more comforting.
Colombo seems bent on stepping up its military campaign rather than opting for diplomacy. According to official estimates over 20 thousand new recruits are being trained while the government has offered amnesty – from November 12 to 25 – to all deserters who have abandoned their weapons since November 1st 2004. In a clear effort to build up army strength.
