Heated debate and emotions running high
View(s):Who counted the bodies?
Sparking heated debate on the second day, at the session ‘Who counted the bodies?’ panelists Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya and war reporter Carolin Emcke from Germany who had been brought down for Colomboscope by the German Cultural Institute expressed their views on accountability, referring particularly to the last few stages of the war. An insight was also given into ‘life after the war’. The session was moderated by Savithri Rodrigo and Major General Leonard Mark also contributed.
Carolin Emcke
Brigadier Wanigasooriya spoke of the manner in which the Army carried out the last leg of the war, while Prof Wijesinha was vocal in defending the approach that the Army took. Carolin Emcke’s investigative training saw her firing questions at her fellow panelists on the present turn of events, calling for those who have committed war crimes to be brought to trial.
Carolin Emcke made her point clear that the “The past cannot be forgotten, we must erase the mistakes of the past”, however the Brigadier was not entirely in agreement about harking to the past: “The future of Sri Lanka is determined by our spirit in moving forward” he stressed.
There may have been a slight imbalance in the division of panellists, with Carolin fighting a lone battle. Remarks made from both sides were applauded, but the aftertaste left everyone pondering about the emotions raised.
My life in robes
Many layered meanings
“My robes empower me. They’re liberating. In them, I feel free.” Bhikkuni Kusuma’s words could not have rung more true. The statement was seconded unanimously by her fellow panelists Jezima Ismail and Sister Rose Fernando-together the trio made up the panel for Colomboscope’s ‘My Life In Robes’ session held at the Park Street Mews last Saturday.
Jill McDonald
Robes, they emphasised, were not restrictive as many would believe. “I feel accepted in them,” said Jezima Ismail, who was unequivocally supported by her fellow panelists. The discussion was moderated by Jill McDonald who, as Curator Ashok Ferrey laughingly pointed out, was more Sri Lankan than most of us.
The three panelists are respected figures in Sri Lanka, with Jezima being the President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Women’s Conference and Founder of Muslim’s Women’s Research and Action Forum. Sister Rose is a nun of the Franciscan order and primarily works with families living in poverty. Bhikkuni Kusuma is one of the first ever Sri Lankan Bhikkuni’s ordained, and is well known for her efforts to empower women entering the Bhikkuni Sasana in the country.
While occasionally straying from the topic at hand, the discussion was certainly illuminating. The trio discussed what robes meant to them, and how they are perceived among the public in robes. Jezima, the only ‘lay person’ in the panel along with Jill was candid about her decision to wear the headscarf as a Muslim woman. In her line of work it was important to be accepted, she pointed out, adding that she felt secure in her scarf. Bhikkuni Kusuma maintained that her robes symbolised her quest for discipline, while Sister Rose explained that her robes were a representation of her calling in life.
Very rarely has there been negative reception to their form of dress, they commented at the end of the discussion. “A person in robes is expected to treat all people equal, and that’s a great responsibility,” said Sister Rose. “It affects how people approach me-they see my robes and they’re unafraid to ask for help.”
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus