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PERSPECTIVES ON PEA FROM JAFFNA
SOCIAL IND
© Social Indicator, July 2002

RSPECTIVES ON PEACE OM JAFFNA
SOCIAL INDICATOR
Social Indicator, July 2002

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
PERSPECTIVES FROM JAFFNA O
PROCESS AND ISSUES OF CO A
fter and going nearly in truce the two context between decades of of strife the on the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE, the people of Jaffna have been placed in the spotlight, receiving both national and international attention more than ever before. On the eve of rebuilding Jaffna, Social Indicator (SI), an independent opinion research organization, operating under the Board of Directors of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), embarked on a survey to ascertain the opinion of the people of Jaffna.
E
XECUTIVE
The sur July to Nallur structur through a sampl assistan by t Develo the G Strengt Univers
S
UMMARY
An overwhelming majority believes that
through talks.
Over one third of the people believe peace
A majority of the people are in favour of de
A significant proportion of the people
communities can live together.
International third party involvement is be
solution to the North-East war in Sri Lanka
Whilst there is widespread support for
involvement and for Norwegian assistan
markedly less support and enthusiasm for a
There is overall satisfaction with the imple
agreement.
© Social Indicator, July 2002

1 a
ES FROM JAFFNA ON THE PEACE SS AND ISSUES OF CONCERN A
s of strife
The survey carried out from the 22nd of of the on
July to the 25th of July 2002 in Jaffna, the Sri
Nallur and Valikammam areas, used a LTTE, the
structured questionnaire, administered aced in the
through face-to-face interviews amongst tional and
a sample of 300 respondents. Financial than ever
assistance for the survey was provided ing Jaffna,
by the Canadian International dependent
Development Agency (CIDA) through , operating
the Governance and Institutional rs of the
Strengthening Project (GISP) of the es (CPA),
University of Ottawa. certain the
a.
majority believes that peace can be achieved
e people believe peace will be achieved soon.
ople are in favour of deproscribing the LTTE.
ortion of the people believe that all ethnic
ve together.
party involvement is believed to be essential for a
h-East war in Sri Lanka.
idespread support for international third party
or Norwegian assistance in particular, there is
ort and enthusiasm for a potential Indian role.
isfaction with the implementation of the ceasefire

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
BURNING ISSUES AND SATISFACTION L AVAILABLE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The study indicates that a majority of the people surv ending the North-East war (33.8%), which is followe and unemployment (15.4%) respectively. 7% claim re movement as the issues that concern them the most.
The most important issu
40
35
33.8
30
25
%
20
15.4
18.4
15
10
5.7 5
2.3
1.3
0.3 1.0 0. 0
When asked to state their level of
Level of satisfac
satisfaction with some available facilities and services, the people are satisfied with the availability of food but dissatisfied with Government loan
-0.2
scheme facilities, humanitarian assistance and the availability of
-0.1
employment opportunities.
Availability of raw material for con
Communication
E Government -1.04
loan
Availability
Humanitarian a
T
Education oppo
Employment oppo
-2 -1
© Social Indicator, July 2002

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ND SATISFACTION LEVELS REGARDING TIES AND SERVICES
ajority of the people surveyed place maximum priority to (33.8%), which is followed by the cost of living (18.4%) respectively. 7% claim resettlement and 6% freedom of concern them the most.
The most important issue
1.3
0.3 1.0 0.3 0.7
7.0
1.3
6.0 3.3
Level of satisfaction with facilities/services
2.3
2.3
ity of raw material for construction
0.4
Communication facilities
1.65
Electricity
2.85 Government -1.04
loan schemes
Housing
1.91
Availability of food
4.14
Humanitarian assistance
-0.23
Health
2.97
Transport
3.8
Education opportunities
Employment opportunities -0.11
-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Average (10 point scale)

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
MEANING OF WAR AND PEACE
As the graph depicts, when asked what peace means, 48 means ethnic harmony while for 29.8% it is an end of t and 18.7% perceive peace as freedom and feeling safe re
What does peace mean to you? [Mult
60
50
48.8
40
29.8 %
30
20
18.7
10
0
End of War Ethnic Harmony Feeling Safe
On the other hand, for half the public (50.7%), war m over a third of the people (34.2%) perceive it as fighting feel that war is a hindrance to economic growth and further 6% feel that war is a means of achieving peace.
What does war mean to you?[Multip
60
50
40
34.2
%
30
20
10
6
7.4
0
Means of achieving peace Fighting for rights Disharmony amongs
© Social Indicator, July 2002

3 a
AND PEACE
ked what peace means, 48.8% of the people respond that it for 29.8% it is an end of the war. At the same time, 23.4% reedom and feeling safe respectively.
ace mean to you? [Multiple Answers]
18.7
4.3
he public (50.7%), war means death and destruction while .2%) perceive it as fighting for rights. 16.4% of the people to economic growth and 7.4% feel it is disharmony. A eans of achieving peace.
23.4
ony Feeling Safe Separate State Freedom
ar mean to you?[Multiple Answers]
7.4
50.7
16.4
Disharmony amongst races Hindrance to economic
development
Death/destruction

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
SOLUTIONS TO THE CONFLICT
Please state a time period for when there
Lanka.
60
50
40
31.4 %
30
20
10
5.4
3.3
0
Soon Within the next 5yrs Within the next 10yrs Not
Though 52.2% of the people are unable to give a tim established in Sri Lanka, 31.4% believe it will be soon. in Sri Lanka within the next five years.
An overwhelming majority of
How do you thin people (89.3%) hold the view
have peace in Sri that the war can be ended and peace brought about
100 through peace talks.
90 80 70 60 %
50 40 30 20 10
2.3 0
LTTE defeatin
© Social Indicator, July 2002

4 a
E CONFLICT
e period for when there will be peace in Sri
Lanka.
3.3
2
are unable to give a time-frame for when peace will be believe it will be soon. 5.4% believe there will be peace ve years.
52.2
hin the next 10yrs Not in my life time Never Don't know
How do you think we can end the war and have peace in Sri Lanka? [Multiple Answers]
2.3
5
100
89.3 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
LTTE defeating the Government Peace talks

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
Over one third of the public (31.5%) believe there hasn the past 15 odd years as a result of corrupt military a believe it is due to a lack of political will (22.8%) and th in power. While ethnic disharmony and the unwillingne are also seen as reasons, 9.7% are unable to provide re the war.
Why do you think there hasn't been a sol
last 15 odd years?[Multiple
35
31.5 30
25
22.8
20 %
15
10
5.7 5
0
Corrupt military and political
No political will The Government leaders
want pea
Can total victory be achieved by one
war?
60
50
48.8
40
%
30
20
11.4 10
0
Yes
48.8% of the people feel that neither party can achieve t 27.8% are uncertain of the same.
© Social Indicator, July 2002

5 a
(31.5%) believe there hasn’t been a solution to the war for esult of corrupt military and political leadership. Others olitical will (22.8%) and the necessity of the war for people mony and the unwillingness of either party to compromise are unable to provide reasons for a lack of a solution to
there hasn't been a solution to the war for the 15 odd years?[Multiple Answers]
5.7
either party can achieve total victory in this war while e.
9.4 9.7
l The Government does not
want peace
War is necessary for people in power
Don't know
ctory be achieved by one of the parties in this
war?
48.8
27.8
No Not sure

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
CONDITIONS FOR PEACE TALKS
A topic heavily debated in recent times and a key component of the peace process is the deproscription of the
In your opinion, do Government should d LTTE to start pe
LTTE to commence negotiations. This is sanctioned by 83.3% of
90
83.3
80
the people.
70 60
The Government’s decision to lift
%
50 40
restrictions essential on certain items
30 20
including food and
10 0 medicine to the Vanni
Yes receives tremendous approval from the public (87.6%).
LEVEL OF TOLERANCE AND PLURALIS
Do you think all communiti
together?
No 14%
Although people in these areas have been virtua communities and faced with life in the midst of war, m it is possible for all communities to live together. Never 5%
Don't know 9%
© Social Indicator, July 2002

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PEACE TALKS
In your opinion, do you feel the Government should deproscribe the LTTE to start peace talks?
83.3
2.7
NCE AND PLURALISM
12.4
Yes No Don't know
you think all communities can live
together?
n't know
9%
Yes 72%
areas have been virtually isolated from other ethnic life in the midst of war, most people (71.2%) believe that ities to live together.

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
THE PEACE PROCESS AND INTERNATI INVOLVEMENT
The need for an international third party to
East war in Sri Lanka
80
69.6 70
60
50
%
40
30
20
10
7
2.3 0
Is essential Will add a positive impact Will add a negative im
69.6% of the public are of the opinion that internatio essential to solve the North-East war in Sri Lanka and 7 impact. 12.7% are of the opinion that an international essential while 6.4% are unsure.
The study indicates that
Approval/disaproval there is overall approval
the Sri Lanka amongst the public of Norway assisting in the Sri Lankan peace process
81.9
(81.9%).
Although most people (36.8%) believe that India’s involvement in
0 the Sri Lankan peace process is essential, those who believe the contrary (23.1%) cannot be ignored.
At the same time the belief that India’s involvement w exists amongst the public. In contrast 9% feel India’s impact to the peace process.
100
80
%
60
40
20
Approve Ne
© Social Indicator, July 2002

7 a
SS AND INTERNATIONAL THIRD PARTY
ternational third party to solve the North-
East war in Sri Lanka
2.3
e opinion that international third party involvement is ast war in Sri Lanka and 7% say that it will have a positive nion that an international third party’s involvement is not e.
hat India’s involvement will have a positive impact (12%) contrast 9% feel India’s involvement will have a negative
12.7
6.4
act Will add a negative impact Is not essential Don't know/not sure
Approval/disaproval of Norway assisting in the Sri Lankan peace process
81.9
5.7 3.3
7.7
Approve Neither approve nor
disapprove
Disapprove Don't know/not sure

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
While there is a high level of awareness (91%) that the G LTTE have signed a ceasefire agreement, a notable admits to understating the contents of this agreemen sizeable proportion (26.5%) is completely unaware o agreement.
To what extent do you approve/disappr
agreement?
70
65.1
60
50
40 %
30
23.8
20
10
0
Approve Approve with reservations N
A significant proportion (65.1%) of the public who ceasefire agreement, approve of it outright, while 23. 8% However, only 25.1% believe in the longevity of the agr expresses uncertainty.
When asked to state their level of satisfaction with agreement, 47.8% express their complete satisfaction w extent.
Similarly there is overall satisfaction (39.1% are very sa satisfied) with the implementation of the ceasefire agree
There is an extremely high degree of awareness (94.6% the ceasefire agreement, both parties are required to v worship and public buildings in the north and east. A this clause, 97.5% approve it.
© Social Indicator, July 2002

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MENT
wareness (91%) that the Government of Sri Lanka and the re agreement, a notable majority (71.3%) amongst them ontents of this agreement to some extent. However, a is completely unaware of the contents of the ceasefire
do you approve/disapprove of the ceasefire
agreement?
23.8
3.7
6.3
with reservations Neither approve nor disapprove Don't know/not sure
.1%) of the public who are aware of the signing of the of it outright, while 23. 8% approve of it with reservations. in the longevity of the agreement while a majority (59.2%)
evel of satisfaction with Norway’s role in the ceasefire ir complete satisfaction while 35.1% are satisfied to some
faction (39.1% are very satisfied and 42.5% are somewhat tion of the ceasefire agreement amongst the public.
gree of awareness (94.6%) amongst the people that under parties are required to vacate school buildings, places of in the north and east. Amongst those who are aware of

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Perspectives on Peace from Jaffna
SRI LANKA MONITORING MISSION (SLM
A great awareness (90.3%) can be observed amongst t foreign monitors in monitoring the ceasefire. Amongst of foreign monitors, most (87%) believe that such a m ensure the success of the ceasefire agreement, while 5. positive impact.
A majority (57.2%) amongst those aware of the SLMM monitoring of the ceasefire agreement but 8% feel other
As is shown in the graph below, 46.5% agree that monitoring of the ceasefire agreement, while 11.4% beli
I think the SLMM is effective in its
ceasefire agreement. Agree/
46.5
14.4
0
I think the SLMM is impartial in its
ceasefire agreement. Agree/
70
60
57.2
50
40 %
30
20
10.7 10
0
Agree Neither agree nor disagree
50 45 40 35 30 %
25 20 15 10 5
Agree Neither agree nor disagree
© Social Indicator, July 2002

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ORING MISSION (SLMM)
n be observed amongst the public, of the involvement of g the ceasefire. Amongst those aware of the involvement %) believe that such a monitoring mission is essential to sefire agreement, while 5.9% believe it will merely have a
those aware of the SLMM believe that it is impartial in its reement but 8% feel otherwise.
LMM is impartial in its monitoring of the efire agreement. Agree/disagree
10.7
8
below, 46.5% agree that the SLMM is effective in the reement, while 11.4% believe the contrary.
LMM is effective in its monitoring of the efire agreement. Agree/disagree
14.4
11.4
22.7
r agree nor disagree Disagree Don't know/not sure
26.8
her agree nor disagree Disagree Don't know/not sure

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© Social Indicator, July 2002
Annex METHODOLOGY
The study was carried out using a structured questionn to-face interviews amongst a sample of 300 responde Nallur divisional secretariats and all the divisional secr were allotted to these areas according to the proportion and the Grama Niladari Divisions (GND), the prima randomly. Within the selected GND respondents were all citizens of that particular area an equal opportunity t security areas, the enumerators were instructed to select GNDs.
Ten field enumerators, with a minimum Advanced Le resident in the Jaffna district, were hired to conduct comprised of three women and seven men, who were training on administering the questionnaire and fie accompanied visits 10% of their work was rechecked b maintain the quality of the fieldwork.
The findings of this survey are subject to a 3% margin o

i
Annex
ing a structured questionnaire, administered through face- sample of 300 respondents. It covered the Jaffna and and all the divisional secretariats of Valikamam. Samples cording to the proportion of the population in these areas isions (GND), the primary sampling unit, were selected GND respondents were chosen randomly, thereby giving rea an equal opportunity to be selected. In the case of high s were instructed to select GNDs from a list of alternative
a minimum Advanced Level educational qualification and t, were hired to conduct the interviews. The field team nd seven men, who were given a one-day intensive field e questionnaire and field techniques. In addition to eir work was rechecked by the senior SI staff, in order to dwork.
subject to a 3% margin of error.

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SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION
AREA TOTAL Uduvil (Valikamam S.) 30 Chankanai (Valikamam W.) 30 Tellippalai (Valikammam N.) 30 Nallur 60 Jaffna 63 Kopai (Valikamam E.) 50 Sandilippai (Valikammam S.W.) 36
299
DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
SEX (%) Male 34.4 Female 65.6 299
AGE (%) 15 – 25 yrs 15.1 26 – 35 yrs 15.1 36 – 45 yrs 22.7 46 – 55 yrs 26.4 56 – 65 yrs 20.1 66 yrs and above 0.3 299
INCOME (%) Below Rs 5000 79.9 Rs 5001 – Rs 10 000 10.4 Rs 10 001 – Rs 15 000 4.3 Rs 15 001 – Rs 20 000 1.7 Rs 20 001 – Rs 25 000 0.7 Rs 25 001 and above 0.3 291
© Social Indicator, July 2002

ii
TION
TOTAL 30 W.) 30 am N.) 30 60 63 50 am S.W.) 36
299
STRIBUTION
(%) 34.4 65.6 299
(%) 15.1 15.1 22.7 26.4 20.1 0.3 299
(%) 79.9 10.4 4.3 1.7 0.7 0.3 291

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OCCUPATION Executive, Managerial & Administrative Professionals Professionals Technicians & Associate Professionals Clerk Travel, Restaurant, Protective Service Workers & Sales Workers Agricultural and Fisheries Workers Student Housewife Retired Business Self employed Elementary Occupations Unemployed Other
EDUCATION Cannot read & write Literate but no formal education Up to grade 5 Grade 6-9 Up to O’ Level O’ Level Up to A’ Level A’ Level Technically trained Professional Undergraduate Graduate and above
© Social Indicator, July 2002

iii
PATION (%) & Administrative 0.7
3.3 te Professionals 1.7 1.3 tective Service Workers & 6
ries Workers 6.4 8.4 35.1 3.7 2.7 5.7 ns 2.3 19.7 1 299
CATION (%)
1.7 education 0.7 9.7 20.7 10.4 28.8 6.4 13.7 1.3 0.7 3 3 299

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For further information please c
Shamindrini Sivananthan or Pradeep
Social Indicator Centre for Policy Alternative
105, 5th Lane, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.
Tel: 370472 Email: cpapoll@diamon Fax: 370475 Web: http://www.cpal

r information please contact:
ni Sivananthan or Pradeep Peiris
Social Indicator tre for Policy Alternatives
105, 5th Lane, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.
Email: cpapoll@diamond.lanka.net 5 Web: http://www.cpalanka.org

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Social Indicator (SI) is an independent social re conducts polls on socio-economic and political issue
Operating under the Board of Directors of the Ce (CPA), SI was established in September 1999, and f for a permanent, professional and independent po social and political issues.
Polling is an instrument of empowerment, a means of the public can express their opinions on issues aff to conduct surveys on key social issues, thereby which public opinion can influence the public policy d
Published by: Social Indicator Centre for Policy Alternatives 105, 5th Lane, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.
Tel: 370472 Email: cpapoll@dia Fax: 370475 Web: http://www.c

independent social research organisation, which nomic and political issues.
of Directors of the Centre for Policy Alternatives n September 1999, and filled a longstanding vacuum nal and independent polling facility in Sri Lanka on
mpowerment, a means by which the silent majority eir opinions on issues affecting them. Our mission is social issues, thereby providing a means through luence the public policy debate.
: tor olicy Alternatives e,
Email: cpapoll@diamond.lanka.net Web: http://www.cpalanka.org