Politicians, heed the great teachings

By Dr. C. Srideva, Colombo

Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country with multi-religious, multi-cultural communities. All politicians seem to have forgotten the teachings of the Dhammapada, Bible, Bhagavad Gita, and Quran. These are the holy books of this country.

I wonder how many of our politicians and citizens have read, understood and practised the concepts in these holy books. If they had,the country would not have got into this present state. The problems started rolling with the ethnic conflicts in 1958.

Remember that we as human beings, in this mundane, temporal world, need only six feet of land space when our bodies are discarded. No one can take with them what they have earned or enjoyed during their lifetime. Earning too much can spoil the future progeny. Too much power and money will automatically lead to ego, lust, envy, pride, and attachment, which in turn lead to delusion, anger, improper reasoning, and finally destruction.

As politicians, do your karma, action, or duty with love towards the people and the country, without expecting anything in return. Treat all human beings alike, irrespective of race, religion, caste or creed. Justice on humanitarian grounds should prevail all over the country. Revenge, vengeance, retaliation should not be the answer.

Human values are forgotten today. To rectify this, the teaching of human values should be included in the educational system of schools and universities. Politicians should be selected on the merits of their educational background, respect for human values and community work.

Remember that when elected to power, members take their oaths in a solemn manner, and promise to create a peaceful atmosphere in the country. If Sri Lanka is to blossom, think well and act fast, shedding all political, racial, religious, ethnic, and social differences. Think of the triple purity, ie, purity of thought word and deed. Work for unity in diversity. Politicians should be sagacious with forbearance and work in a pragmatic holistic manner.

Politicians, we need your fullest support without envy, hatred, vanity and selfishness to establish justice, unity, dharma and righteousness in the country.

Create a society of people with fortitude, hospitality, and sublimity, so that the entire world could eulogize Sri Lanka.