ri Lanka is facing an unprecedented challenge,” says Jayantha Dhanapala, Secretary-General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP), in the wake of the tsunami-induced crisis that caused widespread damage and destruction in the Asian region as well as in coastal Sri Lanka. The unprecedented loss of life and the disruption of day-to-day activities appear unparalleled in recent memory.
“The tsunami has caused immense destruction to lives and property, forcing the country to engage in massive relief operations hitherto never undertaken,” he stresses, highlighting the fact that, as a nation, we have never been called on to face a similar situation.
Expressing his views on the support that is being extended to the Sri Lankan people from all corners of the globe – in terms of food, medicine, personnel, equipment and funds – Dhanapala opines: “It is very encouraging to know that there are so many to help us at a time when we need help the most. The international community, United Nations (UN) agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the business sector, national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the general public have rallied around to contribute to large-scale relief and rehabilitation activities.”
With regard to the extensive planning and coordinating efforts that are vital at the initial stages of any crisis – but sadly lacking in our country – the Secretary-General of SCOPP comments on the steps that have been taken by the government to coordinate and streamline the relief efforts. “To coordinate and facilitate relief activities, a Centre for National Operations (CNO) has been set up at the Presidential Secretariat,” Dhanapala notes.
Looking beyond immediate relief measures, to the long-term needs of the people and the Sri Lankan economy, he highlights the steps that have been taken to facilitate the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. “Three apex task forces have been appointed by the president to spearhead the revival of the tsunami-hit nation,” Dhanapala explains.
In the face of allegations in the media that there has been an element of discrimination in the distribution of relief among the different regions and demographics in the country, Dhanapala emphasises that this is not so. “The government of Sri Lanka is ensuring that relief items from both the government and NGOs will move with minimum delay to LTTE-controlled areas,” he says.
Explaining the practical measures being taken to ensure that aid gets across, he adds that they are “in regular touch the Government Agents of the two districts of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, to ascertain their needs and to provide them with the same as soon as possible”. The head of SCOPP adds, “The security forces are keeping the A9 road open 24 hours a day for the movement of vehicles carrying food, medicines and relief items.”
During the initial stages of Sri Lanka’s relief efforts, in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Sri Lankans had the rare opportunity of catching a glimpse of what our country could achieve if we worked together, unhindered by politicians. The sense of unity that was tangible – reflected in the actions of people who helped their neighbours in the true spirit of ‘the good Samaritan’ – made many of us hope that the atmosphere would endure and be actively transformed into something more permanent.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Dhanapala states: “The government of Sri Lanka is hoping that this tragedy would pave the way for lasting and sustainable peace for all of us in the country. The greatest natural disaster that has befallen our country in its history is, paradoxically, also an opportunity for us all to devise innovative approaches towards national solidarity and conflict resolution.”
Giving fresh hope to many who had stopped dreaming about the model nation that Sri Lanka had – and perhaps still has – the potential to become, Dhanapala claims that there are “encouraging prospects for a genuine partnership between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE that herald a period of peace and stability for our island nation”.