Good year ahead

With the dawning of the much anticipated Year 2000, the focus shifts to what lies in store for us in Sri Lanka this year. Will it be war or peace is what concerns Sri Lankans most. The Sunday Times spoke to reputed astrologers for their predictions for the year.

By Hiranthi Fernando

Ramanthan Kurukkal, the Swami of Torrington Sri Murugan Temple, sees the Year 2000 as favourable for Sri Lanka.

He predicts that peace, which is foremost on our minds, will be realised before the year ends. "There will be understanding reached between all parties to resolve the problems in the North and East. The positioning of the planets before the New Year in April should be favourable for Sri Lanka to go forward in its peace efforts. However, while there are indications for achieving peace, there is also room for some forces to attempt to disrupt the peace process.

"After May 18, till the month of October, there will be planetary changes, which could adversely affect peace moves. So the ideal would be if the peace process could be concluded before that." he said.

Swami Ramanathan added that the public must join together and pray for peace.

"All religious developments will progress in the New Year," Swami Ramanathan said. "The economy will improve and new developments will go on. There is room to think that the banks will be of particular service to the people. The construction industry will flourish and there would be room to start metal industries. International trade will be favourable to Sri Lanka and foreign investments will come in. We will have an especially good relationship with our neighbour India. Farmers too will have increased crops during the year".

In the field of education, Swami Ramanathan predicts progress in new educational methods such as computer studies. It will be a favourable year for doctors. Women will achieve good positions, progressing in professions and their fields of work. Some cyclone effects and floods are to be expected although they will not be severe.

Swami Ramanathan stresses that public support will help unite all parties. Faith in the religions will grow. Religious faith must be affirmed for the country to progress. "I pray that all people in Sri Lanka will unite and enjoy peace and prosperity," he said in conclusion.

Daniel Gamaariya fore-casts a bad spell with many conflicts, various problems and threats both internally and externally, in the first half of the year. "Until June 6th, terrorism, gun power and violence and killing will be on the rise, particularly during the period from 14th March to 6th June," Mr. Gamariya said. "There will be an increase in accidents involving planes, buses and cars. Even if we engage in activities for peace, these can be obstructed and efforts to overcome terrorism diverted. The leaders of the country and the defence authorities must act with thought and care. Secret enemies, who can be external or internal, can threaten us.

"The economic situation will deteriorate. Farmers will have problems and a shortage of food can occur. The suffering population may have to undergo further suffering. The economic situation will not improve much until November.

"What we need at the dawn of the year 2000 is not celebration but prayer and religious activities," Mr. Gamariya said. "Religious leaders of all faiths will show more concern for peace in the country."

According to Mr. Gamariya, after June 6, the situation will improve and there is reason to believe that there will be relative peace and a period of tranquillity. There can be various proposals for peace negotiations both internally and externally. The country will see some change in the system or governing body, which will be for the better. Ideas will have to change. After June 6, people will agitate for peace. Religious leaders in particular will cooperate and come forward more than usual.

Mr. Gamariya predicts that leaders such as Members of Parliament can have trouble ahead. Between March 24th and June 6th there can be bad effects such as violence and sudden unpredictable deaths. "All of us, leaders high and low, defence authorities and the public must be extremely vigilant and thoughtful in our actions.

"Individually, those coming under Aries, Taurus, Capricorn and Scorpio must act carefully since they will be more affected. The bad effects are more for the leaders than for the public."

Concluding on a brighter note, Mr. Gamariya said before 2000 ends, the situation in the country will improve. Both parties can have unity.

Jayatissa Dharmadasa, Director, Hewa Astrological Bureau forecasts a favourable position for Sri Lanka, according to the planetary situation in the horoscope of our country. Within the next three months, from January to March in the year 2000 there could be a change in the Cabinet of Ministers.

An uprising of labour movements will take place and 'strike action' will be an important issue. Amendments and reforms in labour legislation will be effected. Professionals such as doctors, engineers and scientists will seek greener pastures abroad.

"During this period, there is a threat of a severe drought which will result in serious damage to agricultural produce," Mr. Dharmadasa continued.

"From April to June, a normal environment will prevail in the country.

"Remarkable progress can be expected in the activities of the Government. During the period April to end of June, an important change will take place in the high positions of the country. Among the people of the country, a consensus of opinion will be formed that everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, race and class should cooperate and unite together in the interest of the nation."

Mr. Dharmadasa elaborated that from June 2, Jupiter enters Taurus, on June 8, Saturn enters Taurus and on July 30, Rahu enters Gemini and Kethu enters Sagittarius (here Rahu is exalted). These transits indicate progress in the development activities of the country as well as receipt of foreign aid. These good results will remain constant till the end of the year.

"Government receives the cooperation of labour movements and there could be constitutional reforms. This is a time when foreign countries will praise the Government for its development measures adopted in the progressive path. There will be opportunities for foreign investment too," he said.

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