With the end of LTTE as we know it, the island nation finds itself at crossroads. In my opinion, the removal of LTTE as the sole, de facto representative of the Tamils in Sri Lanka was a pre-requisite for any development to happen in that country. It must definitely be a period of uncertainty for the Tamils as they try to answer the question "What next?". I hope that the Tamil leadership in the SriLankan political set up and the international community step in to ensure that their rights to lead a dignified life in their land are safeguarded. From the Lankan side, it is a question that they must ask themselves too. This situation offers the best chance to build bridges, reconcile, and reach out to the Tamils and create an environment that enables peaceful coexistence.
To state the glaringly obvious, I believe that the immediate need must be to attend to the survivors of the war and then address the bigger issue of rehabilitation of the refugees spread out across the globe. As a distant observer, both sides need to forget the past and try to move on - much easier said than done. As people, and that includes Tamils and Sinhalese, pick up pieces of their tattered lives that have been altered beyond recognition by suffering and agony, they must be looking forward to peaceful times ahead. The wounds are still fresh and needs healing. I fervently hope that good sense prevails and this heralds an era of lasting peace for them.
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