“And so this is Christmas,” sang John Lennon with fervent hope and declared, “war is over.” [See appendix]  As I pen this, I fish for warm thoughts. I imagine that this song will echo in the hearts of the President and War chief of Sri Lanka and the Rajapaksha clan.

Has the Sri Lankan state sunk it self hook, line and sinker on the war against Tamils?  The short answer to this question is yes.  But still as the world reflects on the birth of the Prince of Peace, any one including the Rajapaksha regime can have a change of heart.

Just for a moment, imagine the President Rajapaksha declaring that the un-declared war is over.  The Tamil Tigers will be left with no option but to reciprocate such honourable gesture.  Both the Tamils and the Sinhalas including all the communities in Sri Lanka can breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate Christmas with joyful peace and baila.

Imagine this to be true.  And every one will begin the New year with renewed hope for a “once and for all solution” to this conflict.

There will be a new vision, enthusiasm and fresh horizon for dialogue.  Tears of pain, loss and suffering will be ‘locked and frozen in each eye’ (WH Auden).

 The Rajapaksha regime has a clear choice to make in the interest of the whole country. 

Does the regime wants peace? If yes, then declare that the war is over.

There is however another lethal route.  And that is to continue the ethnocide.  Rajapaksha seem to think that there is a military solution to this conflict. Many thousands have lost lives, limbs and livelihood.  Many more war widows and orphans are created as a result of it.

Lets hope, imagine, visualise, picture PEACE in Sri Lanka.  There is no blood shed and fear of the other.  Human rights of others are restored and there is freedom, liberty and laughter.  WAR IS OVER.

And so, for President Rajapaksha this is Christmas.