“As this is being written there are encouraging reports in the press that the government intends t go ahead with radical measures for land reform, changes in the educational structure, a dynamic housing policy etc. and that these decisions are being taken jointly by the Ministers of the United Front – the S.L.F.P. the L.S.S.P and the C.P. This shows that the Prime Minister has succeeded in continuing to hold together the three parties of the United Front and intends to press on with a radical programme. This is a remarkable achievement for there must have been a strong attempt behind the scenes from the Right to break the alliance of the Leftist parties. In fact there were persistent rumours that certain Ministers would have dropped in a Cabinet shake-up. However, the problem of translating intentions into action still remains.

There has been some very strong criticism against the government in this whole interpretation. But it is nevertheless, the contention of this interpretation that, whatever the faults of the government, it has a clear right to rule at the present time. There is no feasible alternative at the moment. No one would seriously suggest that the U.N.P. (the Conservative party that is in the Opposition) would have done better in this crisis. It may well have done worse. The faults of this government in this crisis are essentially the faults of our Society as it is presently organised.

This interpretation is being written to stimulate the search for a deeper understanding of the issues involved, which is urgently necessary if further tragedy is to be averted and positive actions under-taken for the future.

But the final word must be one of hope for the future – invincible hope, unflinching determination, and patience! Even at the starkest moment of tragedy there has always been hope, for it is not a meaningless struggle – it is part of the struggle for the liberation of man, and that struggle will always go forward, whatever the set-backs, as long as there are people who believe in it. Every conversation, every encounter that develops this understanding can be a step forward, and opportunity for the confirmation of hope, a promise for the future.”

An excerpt from Violent Lanka: The Day of Slaughter, by Yohan Devananda. Published by Devasaranaramaya, Ibbagamuva, N.W.P., Sri Lanka, 1972