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Name: : Rohan Tillekeratne The present outlook for Sri Lanka from the standpoint of the Sinhalese, definitely appears sad. This is an inevitable scenario that is created each time peace is made with an armed group. On one side, is the need of the LTTE to portray to their people that the struggle is not over, but is in temporary suspense. Another is the need for the leaders, in this case Mr.Prabakaran, to remain alive, in the face of an eventual and inevitable back off from his previously intransigent demands. Yet another is the reality that neither side can win this war. I know a lot of "patriotic" Sinhalese who want the war to continue, but never want their kids committed to fight it. There will be those pompous shows and characteristic brutal & dictatorial behavior from the LTTE for a while. Eventually, the literate among Tamils will challenge them, as lack of Democracy will not remain unchallenged. THe people will be required to tolerate a certain militancy from both sides for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, the future for our country has to be better than it has been in the past 2 decades, as we possess a highly literate young population, and potential for dynamic economic growth. Ranil's decision to pursue peace, may not be popular, but it is courageous. So is Prabakaran's, though he may have been driven to it out of consideration for changing global realities after Sept.11, 2001. Nevertheless, it is the duty of all those who desire a better future for Sri Lanka, to keep our country on the path these brave men have embarked on. But then, it is bound to be one hell of a road to stay on, and will definitely test our guts and wisdom to its utmost in the coming years. E-mail: Date: October 28, 2002
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