At the weekly meeting of the Directors of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP), there was particular focus on two issues. The first arose from a recent initiative to promote person exchanges through scholarships for students from preciously war affected areas. The wider impact this might have has been recognized by all stakeholders, including the Sri Lankan business community and international governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Scholarships in memory of Ketheswaran Loganathan

As SCOPP is not a funding agency, it cannot administer such scholarships, but it urges appropriate bodies to establish an appropriate mechanism. In this context it was decided to appeal for the establishment of Ketheswaran Loganathan Scholarships, in memory of the former Deputy Secretary General of SCOPP, whose death anniversary falls on August 12 th.

Kethesh Loganathan studied at S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, where Tamil and Sinhala medium students continue to work and play together. The Warden of S. Thomas’, Dr. David Ponniah has agreed to accept scholarship students from the East and North into Tamil medium classes and we urge donors to look into the possibility of arranging such scholarship schemes which SCOPP will endeavour to facilitate. Similar schemes should also be developed if possible for girls, since it is essential for the peace process to be successful that women too become active and informed decision makers in all regions.

Developing infrastructure for the transport of goods

Another important issue that was discussed was the need to improve transport infrastructure. Meetings with Chambers of Commerce had made it clear that, despite the strenuous efforts of the Commissioner General of Essential Services to satisfy needs in the Jaffna Peninsula, methods of transporting more goods would be welcome. Whilst SCOPP recognizes the efforts of the business community to charter vessels for this purpose, and the encouragement by the government of this initiative, it notes also the need for expanding harbour facilities.

In this context it welcomes the attempts of the government to develop facilities at various locations in the Jaffna Peninsula. It notes that the international community has agreed to assist in this regard, and urges that action be expedited. This is particularly important in the case of the Point Pedro Harbour, resuscitation of which would also help with employment opportunities in the area. Prompt action by the international community in areas that have been agreed would certainly help with ensuring a ready flow of goods to the Jaffna Peninsula, and defeat attempts to create unnecessary shortages and excessive pricing, and the resultant suffering of the people.