A public opinion survey by Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) a Colombo based think tank indicates a sharp rise in support for war amongst Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese population.
“The February 2007 report captures the public mood at the close of 2006 and the first two months of the New Year, during which time violence and hostilities, particularly in the North and East of Sri Lanka intensified,” CPA said.
This is the 25th Peace Confidence Index published by CPA since the first on in May 2001and polled the Sinhala, Muslim and up-country Tamil community members. It is designed to capture public mood and confidence in the peace process.
“Support for a military solution continues to rise dramatically amongst the Sinhala community, with well over half of those polled (59.2%) in support of a military solution.” the report added.
Compared to the PCI findings of November 2006, Sinhalese support for the government defeating the LTTE has increased by 9% to 35.1% while support for peace talks is down by 10% to 46.3%.
Survey also showed the Sinhala people have lots of confidence in President Mahinda Rajapakse’s ability to wage a successful military campaign against the LTTE whilst Tamil and Muslim communities were skeptical.
“Military offensives and counter‐attacks by the LTTE led to an increase in IDPs and refugees and a worsening humanitarian situation, which in turn had a detrimental effect on human rights across the country,” the report said.
According to the survey there is also a sharp difference of opinion as to whether the Ceasefire Agreement has benefited ordinary citizens, with the Sinhalese of the opinion that it has not whilst the Up - Country Tamils and Muslims believe it has.
This difference of opinion continues with regards to the Government’s commitment to the CFA, with the Up‐Country Tamils expressing their marked dissatisfaction as opposed to the overwhelming percentage of Sinhalese (79.7%) and a majority of Muslims (53.3%) who express their satisfaction.
Majority of Sinhalese people polled were dissatisfied with the role of Norway as facilitator and disapproved the continuation of their role in the peace process.
However majority of Muslim and Up Country Tamil community members polled expressed their satisfaction and support on both counts.
“Significantly, a majority of the Sri Lankan community believe that it is the government who is responsible for protecting human rights,” the report said.
“A majority of the Sinhala community believe that the government has done enough to protect human rights while the Up Country Tamils, on the other hand, do not.”
