Change but No Change in Sri Lanka
A crucial component of the change process was the country facing up to the violent deeds and effects of the past. Truth had long been a casualty and victim and while the real facts were buried, there could be no reconciliation. There has to be a sense of collective remorse for violations committed – for the healing power of reconciliation to work.
by Deirdre McConnell
( March 20. 2015, Paris, Sri Lanka Guardian) What is the difference between a “changing context” and a “paradigm shift”?
The anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa spanned most of the last century. A paradigm shift, enabled by a vast political process of struggle, was required to make the radical change from minority white oppressive rule, to the majority, black people, being included in government. The repressive mechanisms that had tried to crush activists, human rights defenders and all who struggled for civil rights and justice – were notorious. The methods included systematic violence, torture and killings. I remember clearly that fateful day when Ruth First was killed by a parcel bomb in 1982. Her daughter spoke on BBC Radio recently.
