| Independent
thoughts for Independence
For the Island State of Sri Lanka
"The Pearl of the Indian Ocean"
The fourth (4th) of February
Is the National Day
The day that marks
The grant of freedom
From colonial bondage
The foreign rule
Of the British Empire
On the National Day of Independence
Every
year - year after year
We hear of the grandeur that was
And the culture that was
And the great civilization
Of our ancient history
We speak of the achievement
Of our forefathers
Without doing our part
In
keeping with them
To continue the trend
It is well and good to remember them
But is that enough?
For over fifty long years of independence
What is it that we have done
In line with our ancient projects
Except of course, a few schemes
Of
hydro electricity -
Irrigation and land settlements
So called successful projects
Colossal and stupendous
Run the risk of running dry!
If we are frank and sincere
Patriotic and honest
We have to call a spade a spade
Without bias, prejudice, fear of favour
We
have to admit our failings
Irrespective of dire consequences
Primarily a country is independent
When she is free from want
Hence the economic freedom
Which is the cornerstone
To lay the foundation
For an independent country
If
in a country
Where more mouths to be fed
Than hands to work
Less to be ruled
And more to rule
The economic freedom
Is a far cry
Though modern technology came from the west
Our
irrigation system was the world's best
Art and culture, philosophy and religion
They all had their origin in the east
Ancient civilization flourished in the orient
When dress sense was unheard in the west
We had a proud history no doubt
But the present predicament is
What we have wrought ourselves
The
time is ripe for us to devise
A constitution liberal, just and wise
In fairness to both the left and the right
So let us think of a new beginning
A system for all of us to live
And to live in harmony
We must learn to live, love and live with
These age-old, time tested guidelines
"Equality, fraternity and liberty"
Are the cornerstones of freedom
Hostility
in any form
Be it ethnic or political
Is a negative force
Let us eschew violence
Peace and harmony
Tolerance and compromise
Are
vital ingredients
Of democracy
Follow the path of Dhamma
Tenfold Dassaraja Dhamma
Expounded by the Buddha
Originally the art of government
By "Vajjis of Lichchavi"
And in later years by Asoka
The just and the greatest king in history
-H.H.
Karunaratne |
