People in other countries change their lifestyles to face their problems, but not in Sri Lanka. In this country, even sewing needles are imported. Our people have become so lethargic that they do not even grow their basic food requirements.
India was once an under-developed country, but now it has grown from being a country of small-scale industries to a nation focused on atomic development. India has emerged as a world power. It is largely self-sufficient in food. Although poverty has not been totally eradicated, the poor have their basic needs satisfied. All this success is the result of the people’s determination, perseverance and self-reliance.
Indian nationals who have migrated to foreign countries give financial support to their relatives back home. They encourage them to produce and export items suitable for the foreign market. In this manner, foreign exchange moves into the national economy. India has also made great progress in electronic and computer technology, and in the film industry.
Sri Lankans have still not experienced the agony of real hunger and shortages of life’s essentials. The time has come for all of us to cut down on luxuries.
Investors prefer to venture into neighbouring countries where labour is cheaper and trade unionism less aggressive.
Politicians and responsible citizens should launch a nationwide rescue operation in collaboration with all religious centres to save our nation. We must forget racial, religious and political differences and usher in an exemplary mode of living for our future generations. Agriculture from ancient times has been the backbone of our civilisation. We must ensure the proper use of all cultivable land and increase yields wherever possible.
Let us have more trees. If a tree must be cut, then let two trees be grown in its place.
Everyone should be committed to bring about a duty-conscious and virtuous society, in which love for family and the sanctity of family life go hand in hand with love for our motherland. |
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