From time immemorial, the different communities – viz. Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers etc. – have lived together on this beautiful isle. Of course, there have been conflicts between the different communities, which have been sparked by the selfish motives of a few individuals or groups.
However, what Sri Lankans cannot forget are the deep wounds caused by a war which lasted for almost three decades, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives from all communities. Our country is still recovering from this dark era. It is clear that the majority of the Sri Lankan people wish to live in peace and harmony. Therefore, we cannot afford to let history repeat itself.
The recent personal incident that led to a conflict between communities was brought under control as a result of timely action taken by the government. It is indeed the responsibility of the current leaders of our country to enforce law and order so that all communities can live in peace and harmony. Severe punishment should be meted out to those power hungry individuals and groups who cause racial intimidation.
It is up to the current administration to implement a long-term plan in our education system where young learners sit in a classroom irrespective of their ethnicity and interact as ‘Sri Lankans.’ We must inculcate important values in children who are future citizens to respect and accept each individual, irrespective of his caste, creed or religion.
The media and social groups also have an important role to play in building links between all communities. I am happy to note that small groups of individuals have come forward to promote unity among all, to think as Sri Lankans. Each individual can do his part through his words and deeds, and be an example to all Sri Lankans. So I conclude with the message: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
The very item needed is the ‘systematic’ approach which encapsulates the solution with the required strategies, tools and plans.
We can take a lesson from this example. It is the very item Sri Lanka could not get right or lacked when liberalising economic and trade policies on imports, exports and developing local industries into an open economy in the late 1970s. Everything was copied from other countries and failed.
Rather, Sri Lanka should have been mindful about the approach of other countries that have done well by implementing such concepts. This is what matters ultimately. So everything was rushed and now the market is full of unwanted imported goods for trivial needs, acting as a drain on our foreign exchange.
Without a systematic approach in place as explained above, Sri Lanka is liable to be tricked into a devolution of power, equity and rights for all. It is due to these very facts that the country has a poor image and faces allegations from international bodies as well as ethnic communities at the local level. It is through these loopholes that these unwanted intrusions have and will be taking place.
The priority should be for a systematic approach that can sustain unity, progress and sovereignty of Sri Lanka where law and ethics can effectively operate within it.
A glance at these incidents that reminisce the past and present speaks more than words to carve out a solution.
The foundations of these national problems stemmed from the 1950s election manifestos. The ‘language struggle’ led to rebels, youth and terrorism insurgencies causing divisions between two main ethnic groups and finally the entire country was caught in dark eras.
About 50 years ago, all of the ethnic groups were living everywhere in the country including in the north. Politicians saw the advantage of having electorates based on ethnic groups, thereby leading to the desire to increase the number of votes and many more.
When the tsunami struck, disaster relief was initially pooled by our local citizens and this flowed from the four corners of Sri Lanka – from the south to the north, from Dondra to Point Pedro.
When floods and landslides occur, most victims are Sinhalese or Tamils. Aid was contributed by people of all ethnic groups and all walks of life. Yet another similar occurrence.
So one cannot assume that Sri Lankans have no humanity and no intention to live in peace. We cannot help the envy of other nations in the case of our humanity. Let’s take lessons from the past and not let bleak history repeat itself.
‘No ethnic group can own or be entitled to a region of this country. It’s for everybody!’ This should be the motto for Sri Lankans.
We can see the north, south, west and east of this island with areas of narrow widths and depths as deemed to be demarcated by three ethnic groups, depending on which holds the majority in a given region. This has been a vicious sentiment that has been held by and passed on to each generation of Sri Lankans.
There should be no region of this country entitled for a particular race or ethnic group. Majority and minority are the two sides of a counterfeit coin. Majority and minority should be eliminated from the vocabulary and from the heads of Sri Lankans at all costs.
In all cases, it appears that there is a tendency to safeguard minority interests. In the ethnic issue, the minority has been the cynosure of all eyes at the local and international level due to ulterior motives (mostly political and economic) of both parties. Minorities always ask for more (contrary to Oliver Twist, who asked more for exploitation) and are privy to get the sympathy vote from the international community who then resort to unauthorised intervention in Sri Lanka. Surprisingly, the perceived minority is also not satisfied with attention they receive.
These have also created much debate about something that is unwanted and undesirable in some segments of the so called majority. These disagreements are like fire that stay under ashes until sudden sparks fuel clashes.
In spite of lying under our very own noses, the fact that we all fail to be aware of is that when in turmoil, the international community is delighted and throws criticism at us, projecting concern that is fake. But they do not have empathy towards us. Only we are to fend for ourselves.
Much of these snowball effects are due to perceptions being influenced by political interventions and certain groups of people who arouse violence and disharmony in order to take petty advantage of it. Political powers, increasing the number of votes and luring public attention are some of these selfish goals in the long run.
Therefore, one concern is from the authority level – i.e. political intervening and such groups of people should not resort to cultivating such uncivilised tactics within Sri Lankans. Rather, such plans for conflicts can be transformed for efforts which can spur harmony and thereby gain the public’s confidence and trust.
The other concern is that irrespective of what is said and done, people should improve their ability not to be influenced and provoked by such incidents. This is not to indicate by any means that anyone can harm a person and if a person is attacked for no reason, he or she should not seek redress.
What is of utmost importance is that each Sri Lankan has the right – for oneself and others – to live and move safely. The point is that if we can respect ourselves and ensure our safety first and then that of others in this land, there will be no need for special efforts to maintain ethnic harmony. Nor will ethnic harmony will be a topic of discussion. Then, we will see no need to brag about it either.
Personally, I would think you would have to get rid of these self-serving, doddery old men from the national assembly. Vote for some young, energetic and educated people with proven track records, no baggage, no relatives they are indebted to, no freeloading college buddies and the operative word would have to be ‘YOUNG.’
We have Muslim parties, Tamil parties, Sinhala Urumayas. We need Sri Lankan politicians. This country belongs to all of us. If we do well, everybody’s gods will protect us and our country. We have to stop idolising demons with nothing in between their ears just because we profit from them, be it big time or with crumbs. Ill-gotten wealth never lasts.
We cannot refrain from pondering as to the head and tail of this issue and most of all, what can be done to improve ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka.
Well, this has been raising its head since ancient times when there were no such concepts as human rights and equality as the rights of all living beings were secured by the values of rulers and how the country was ruled. All that mattered was ‘one country, one nation.’
Then centuries later, majority and minority became claims instead of rights. We are still brooding about coming to terms with it – i.e. to rise as one nation.
Today, there are many multiethnic countries including Asian ones. But none of them ask for first priority for a race or religion nor for land of their own. For this is not tolerated at any cost nor given a listening ear.
The governing structure and legal system of such countries have laid rules that are functioning and enforceable accordingly. Penalties for any form of canvassing, fund collection and money laundering on behalf of activists and terrorists of ethnic groups act as safety nets.
It is noticeable that the majority of such countries do not entertain dual standards to delight people who represent minorities of other countries in a manner that arouses conflicts in those countries. Thus, unity is preserved by ‘nipping it in the bud.’ The rule is live in harmony or punishment prevails. Self-explanatory!
From time immemorial, the different communities – viz. Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers etc. – have lived together on this beautiful isle. Of course, there have been conflicts between the different communities, which have been sparked by the selfish motives of a few individuals or groups.
However, what Sri Lankans cannot forget are the deep wounds caused by a war which lasted for almost three decades, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives from all communities. Our country is still recovering from this dark era. It is clear that the majority of the Sri Lankan people wish to live in peace and harmony. Therefore, we cannot afford to let history repeat itself.
The recent personal incident that led to a conflict between communities was brought under control as a result of timely action taken by the government. It is indeed the responsibility of the current leaders of our country to enforce law and order so that all communities can live in peace and harmony. Severe punishment should be meted out to those power hungry individuals and groups who cause racial intimidation.
It is up to the current administration to implement a long-term plan in our education system where young learners sit in a classroom irrespective of their ethnicity and interact as ‘Sri Lankans.’ We must inculcate important values in children who are future citizens to respect and accept each individual, irrespective of his caste, creed or religion.
The media and social groups also have an important role to play in building links between all communities. I am happy to note that small groups of individuals have come forward to promote unity among all, to think as Sri Lankans. Each individual can do his part through his words and deeds, and be an example to all Sri Lankans. So I conclude with the message: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
The very item needed is the ‘systematic’ approach which encapsulates the solution with the required strategies, tools and plans.
We can take a lesson from this example. It is the very item Sri Lanka could not get right or lacked when liberalising economic and trade policies on imports, exports and developing local industries into an open economy in the late 1970s. Everything was copied from other countries and failed.
Rather, Sri Lanka should have been mindful about the approach of other countries that have done well by implementing such concepts. This is what matters ultimately. So everything was rushed and now the market is full of unwanted imported goods for trivial needs, acting as a drain on our foreign exchange.
Without a systematic approach in place as explained above, Sri Lanka is liable to be tricked into a devolution of power, equity and rights for all. It is due to these very facts that the country has a poor image and faces allegations from international bodies as well as ethnic communities at the local level. It is through these loopholes that these unwanted intrusions have and will be taking place.
The priority should be for a systematic approach that can sustain unity, progress and sovereignty of Sri Lanka where law and ethics can effectively operate within it.
A glance at these incidents that reminisce the past and present speaks more than words to carve out a solution.
The foundations of these national problems stemmed from the 1950s election manifestos. The ‘language struggle’ led to rebels, youth and terrorism insurgencies causing divisions between two main ethnic groups and finally the entire country was caught in dark eras.
About 50 years ago, all of the ethnic groups were living everywhere in the country including in the north. Politicians saw the advantage of having electorates based on ethnic groups, thereby leading to the desire to increase the number of votes and many more.
When the tsunami struck, disaster relief was initially pooled by our local citizens and this flowed from the four corners of Sri Lanka – from the south to the north, from Dondra to Point Pedro.
When floods and landslides occur, most victims are Sinhalese or Tamils. Aid was contributed by people of all ethnic groups and all walks of life. Yet another similar occurrence.
So one cannot assume that Sri Lankans have no humanity and no intention to live in peace. We cannot help the envy of other nations in the case of our humanity. Let’s take lessons from the past and not let bleak history repeat itself.
‘No ethnic group can own or be entitled to a region of this country. It’s for everybody!’ This should be the motto for Sri Lankans.
We can see the north, south, west and east of this island with areas of narrow widths and depths as deemed to be demarcated by three ethnic groups, depending on which holds the majority in a given region. This has been a vicious sentiment that has been held by and passed on to each generation of Sri Lankans.
There should be no region of this country entitled for a particular race or ethnic group. Majority and minority are the two sides of a counterfeit coin. Majority and minority should be eliminated from the vocabulary and from the heads of Sri Lankans at all costs.
In all cases, it appears that there is a tendency to safeguard minority interests. In the ethnic issue, the minority has been the cynosure of all eyes at the local and international level due to ulterior motives (mostly political and economic) of both parties. Minorities always ask for more (contrary to Oliver Twist, who asked more for exploitation) and are privy to get the sympathy vote from the international community who then resort to unauthorised intervention in Sri Lanka. Surprisingly, the perceived minority is also not satisfied with attention they receive.
These have also created much debate about something that is unwanted and undesirable in some segments of the so called majority. These disagreements are like fire that stay under ashes until sudden sparks fuel clashes.
In spite of lying under our very own noses, the fact that we all fail to be aware of is that when in turmoil, the international community is delighted and throws criticism at us, projecting concern that is fake. But they do not have empathy towards us. Only we are to fend for ourselves.
Much of these snowball effects are due to perceptions being influenced by political interventions and certain groups of people who arouse violence and disharmony in order to take petty advantage of it. Political powers, increasing the number of votes and luring public attention are some of these selfish goals in the long run.
Therefore, one concern is from the authority level – i.e. political intervening and such groups of people should not resort to cultivating such uncivilised tactics within Sri Lankans. Rather, such plans for conflicts can be transformed for efforts which can spur harmony and thereby gain the public’s confidence and trust.
The other concern is that irrespective of what is said and done, people should improve their ability not to be influenced and provoked by such incidents. This is not to indicate by any means that anyone can harm a person and if a person is attacked for no reason, he or she should not seek redress.
What is of utmost importance is that each Sri Lankan has the right – for oneself and others – to live and move safely. The point is that if we can respect ourselves and ensure our safety first and then that of others in this land, there will be no need for special efforts to maintain ethnic harmony. Nor will ethnic harmony will be a topic of discussion. Then, we will see no need to brag about it either.
A foreign power attacking us for being Sri Lankan will unite us (i.e. a calamity in the form of an enemy from beyond our borders). Nothing less.
Personally, I would think you would have to get rid of these self-serving, doddery old men from the national assembly. Vote for some young, energetic and educated people with proven track records, no baggage, no relatives they are indebted to, no freeloading college buddies and the operative word would have to be ‘YOUNG.’
We have Muslim parties, Tamil parties, Sinhala Urumayas. We need Sri Lankan politicians. This country belongs to all of us. If we do well, everybody’s gods will protect us and our country. We have to stop idolising demons with nothing in between their ears just because we profit from them, be it big time or with crumbs. Ill-gotten wealth never lasts.
We cannot refrain from pondering as to the head and tail of this issue and most of all, what can be done to improve ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka.
Well, this has been raising its head since ancient times when there were no such concepts as human rights and equality as the rights of all living beings were secured by the values of rulers and how the country was ruled. All that mattered was ‘one country, one nation.’
Then centuries later, majority and minority became claims instead of rights. We are still brooding about coming to terms with it – i.e. to rise as one nation.
Today, there are many multiethnic countries including Asian ones. But none of them ask for first priority for a race or religion nor for land of their own. For this is not tolerated at any cost nor given a listening ear.
The governing structure and legal system of such countries have laid rules that are functioning and enforceable accordingly. Penalties for any form of canvassing, fund collection and money laundering on behalf of activists and terrorists of ethnic groups act as safety nets.
It is noticeable that the majority of such countries do not entertain dual standards to delight people who represent minorities of other countries in a manner that arouses conflicts in those countries. Thus, unity is preserved by ‘nipping it in the bud.’ The rule is live in harmony or punishment prevails. Self-explanatory!