Six years. It doesn't seem like
that long ago, but some memories are vague. And that's how long it has been
since Sri Lanka eradicated terrorism from the country and ended a gruelling war
of nearly 30 years.
I still remember, though
rather vaguely, the moment the news was announced. We were at the BMICH,
rehearsing for that night's performance at the Colour's Night of the University
of Colombo. The news arrived when we took a break and was waiting for the rehearsal
of the Latin dance item to be over for us to do a sound check on stage. I guess
more than anything I remember how I felt and the sigh of relief we collectively
let out when we got the news. I still remember us all screaming with excitement
when one of the choristers broke the news!
Thereafter the 'war ending'
became our slogan for the next few months whenever there were slight
disagreements within the university choir. Someone or the other was bound to
say, 'calm down, the war is over.' And that inevitably had us feeling lighter
in spirit.
Sri Lanka has come a long way
in the six years since 2009. But deep down, I know as someone who has, albeit
briefly, studied on 'peace', that the country has more to do to cultivate
'positive peace' in the country. Johan Galtung, the father of peace studies,
introduced two definitions on peace, positive and negative.
Definitions
Negative peace is the absence of violence. In order to create
negative peace, we must look for ways to reduce and eliminate violence. A
cease-fire would be an example of an action for negative peace.
Positive peace is the presence of social justice and equality, and
the absence of structural or indirect violence. It is characterized by
the presence of harmonious social relations and the “integration of human
society” (Galtung, 1964). In order to further understand positive peace, it is
important to understand structural violence.
We all understand
that Sri Lanka has achieved the former - negative peace - but has not, or is
yet to fully achieve positive peace which sees the restoration
of relationships, the creation of social systems that serve the needs of the
whole population and the constructive resolution of conflict. We need to
identify and address the root causes that really led to all these problems in
the first place. People may criticise me for all they want, but we all know
deep down in our hearts that none of these small problems that keep arising
will be laid to rest until we really address the root causes.
Imagine a tree with a trunk
and lots of branches above the ground, and also lots of roots running deep
underground. The top portion of the tree i.e. the tree trunk and its branches
symbolise negative peace. Therefore, when we address the issues on the surface,
we manage to attain a certain level of peaceful living that is calm. Peace can
be defined as 'freedom from disturbance; tranquillity' or
'a state or period in which there is no war or
a war has ended'. But like in any practical situation, we all
know we have to address the issues that really cause the problem, symbolised by
the deep roots of the tree below the surface. It is what cannot be seen that
causes distress. And therein lays the problem.
But once addressed and properly put to rest, the deep rooted issues will never arise again. It will also enhance the quality of the relationships right across the Sri Lankan society. Therefore as a Sri Lankan I feel we all need to pull our socks up and get the ball rolling on achieving positive peace. Because, without which, we will never be able to properly live in a peaceful environment. True, we don’t have bombs going off every now and then, but think about it, is this really how you want to live your life? Is this the way you want your children and the generation after that to view the country? Is this the Sri Lanka you want to leave behind?