Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Fides Service) – Peace in Sri Lanka is threatened after a sudden decision on 7 February by president Chandrika Kumaratunga to dissolve parliament and announce early elections on 2 April. The decision has given rise to confusion and uncertainty and the disapproval of the ethnic Tamil group Liberation Tamil of Tigers Eelam (LTTE), fighting for the past twenty years for self rule.
Local Church sources told Fides that the announcement was quite unexpected after peaceful celebrations for national independence day on 4 February. “The social and political atmosphere precipitated to incredulity and uncertainty a most dangerous situation for the country’s future. Sri Lanka is suffering the consequences of a difficult relationship between the President, a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe leader of the United National Front, which has a small majority in Parliament.
The question now is what will happen to the peace process between the government and the Tamil separatists started with great difficulty two years ago. 22 February will be the second anniversary of the cease fire and the start of a period of peace from which the whole Island has benefited.
Some local press, which support the President, say the decision to call early elections is opportune and timely and will help to save the country from anarchy and an unending spiral of tension (referring to a situation of stall in politics, economy and peace talks). Observers near to the Premier say Kumaratunga’s decision was hasty, prompted by fear of losing more consensus and most unproductive for Sri Lanka’s image abroad with regard to tourism and also for the economy.
The LTTE says the early elections mark “a serious step backwards for the peace process ” but that they will respect the cease fire agreement signed in 2002, carry on with the peace process and talk with whatever political leadership is installed. The LTTE has also called for an intervention by the international community to assist people in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
In November 2003 Kumaratunga caused an institutional crisis by dismissing three ministers and suspending parliament for two weeks. The crisis was generated by a difference of positions with regard to the peace process.
Sri Lanka’s parliament has 225 representatives. Lists of candidates will be presented from 17 to 24 March in view of elections on 2 April and installation of the new parliament on 22 April.
In Sri Lanka this is the third time in four years that parliament is dissolved and early elections are called (the president’s prerogative).
(PA) (Fides Service 9/2/2004 lines 46 words 474)
