Columns

We are fond of trying to read our future. We go behind soothsayers or fortunetellers who mislead us. There are so many who come up with fortune tales when a misfortune happens. Of course with the genuine divine power and with the development of brain power certain factors are predictable.

During the last Vesak season many were involved in charitable and religious observances. If not for such acts, the misfortunes that took place later may have been more devastating. We had severe floods and landslides, one of the worst disasters in recent decades. But these gave us an opportunity to reflect more deeply on what we are doing or where we are going. I wrote articles that were published in the Sunday Times and Irida Lankadeepa last week. I wanted to show readers some realities.

We have to learn from the past and think of the future by judging the present. Let us look at the two disasters – the floods and landslides from May 15 and last Sunday’s inferno at the Kosgama Army camp. Many are aware how we dared to venture into into conflict areas during the war to help the needy. Most of us seem to have forgotten the past. For some the past is distasteful. If it is so we have to organise the people and be ready for any eventuality. We have to rise again, casting away our differences. It is the responsibility of the clergy and politicians to lead the people to this awareness.

The office of the Leader of Opposition was given to a Tamil party not as a right, but as result of a decision taken by the learned to show magnanimity. It was not given to the Tamil people as a right or an obligation but to encourage everyone to live and build the country in peace. When the posts of Chief Justice and Governor of Central Bank are now held by Tamil gentlemen, if some people or groups try to fan the ethnic flame, they should be immediately and effectively stopped.

In my article last Sunday, I tried to put forward the idea that after considering our past and taking into consideration the future of our younger generation, and in line with the vision of this Vesak season, we try to cultivate good qualities of charity including loving kindness, equanimity and peaceful coexistence. We have too often been raising ethnic or religious issues and fighting over them. Those who inflame religious conflicts do it with the aim of dividing the people. It is a matter for regret that some religious leaders and government leaders do not realise this. It will affect our future. Recently I tried to advice organisations that were highlighting and giving prominence in the newspapers to provocative speeches and actions of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jeyaram Jayalalithaa. It is a shame that some people in Sri Lanka try to highlight what she says or does.

Some of our local publications splash pictures of women and these cause concern or controversy. Some women do not seem to worry about what they wear or how they pose. There appear to be no precepts in this country to show the correct path to parents and children.

I wrote the articles last week with the hope that our leaders and people will work in peace and unity. If the Kosgama inferno is only an accident and not an act of sabotage, then it would not be so bad. Accidents can occur at any time and may affect anyone. We often take things for granted and find some excuse, like what court jester Andare had resorted to. The authorities must not hide the facts but disclose what really happened at Kosgama. When tragedies such as this happen, the correct story should be told.

I have heard that a person who stayed behind to protect his house and property during the Kosgama explosions died due to the unbearable sound. Many people may have gone blind and become deaf or mentally disturbed due to this? Are we taking a proper survey of all these people? Without focusing on those who died, the Government, other responsible authorities and benefactors need to look after those who survived and have suffered huge losses. We have to rise up to the occasion and help all those who have suffered due to this calamity.

If the well water is affected, the Government and volunteer organizations should provide drinking water to each house. If not, diseases will spread. I am writing this with great concern, since much help is needed at this time. We can learn lessons from history. When the tsunami came the rulers were not in the country and we did not get all the help we needed. When soldiers died in the war, the then President J.R. Jayawardene promoted them posthumously and the families benefited due to enhanced pensions. Protests were not made. The government must disclose the reasons for the Kosgama inferno and explosions. Mistakes can happen. If it is due to someone’s fault, that person should be punished. Some living in this country would have made money out of armaments. This can become a source of income for them. There are opportunists everywhere.

The Lord Buddha has preached about doing business in an ethical way. He advocated that it be done for the public good. Sometimes this can be an opportunity for those interested in public tenders as they can make quick money. We have drug peddlers and those who make a big business even in the health services. We still have people living on money they make from bribery and corruption. Think of all these. Those who love this country and are aware of the truth are requested to come forward to help Sri Lanka in its hour of need. We will try to do what is possible.

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Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thera, Podi Hamuduruwo, Sahana Sevaya, Gangaramaya, 61, Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 02