Feature: Hope and Peace amidst the Storms

By Timothy A. Edward

Sri Lanka has once again been gripped by adverse weather conditions, affecting many parts of the island. The sight of dark clouds looming overhead and the fury of the winds striking against your face was truly frightening. Ghastly winds and torrential rains have wreaked havoc across almost all districts. These are indeed challenging times for families, businesses, authorities, and first responders. As members of the business community, we must remain courageous, support one another, extend care to affected communities, and continue with our essential day-to-day responsibilities.

Resilience in the Face of Disaster

When disasters strike a nation, the resilience of its people to overcome and recover is tested. Thanks to advancements in technology and science, weather channels were able to predict the deep depression and cyclonic storm with remarkable accuracy. As a result, many organisations, foundations, and businesses were on red alert, preparing for the worst.

The Power of Hope

Yet, during this season, we speak of hope and peace. Through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, many businesses become channels to deliver hope and peace to affected communities. Hope is a vital element in our lives. Disasters bring trauma and despair, but when hope enters, the road out of misery and pain becomes clearer. In the hearts and souls of those affected, sunlight breaks through, and a new day dawns.

Restoring Peace

Natural and man-made disasters often distort peace. The absence of peace manifests as fear, guilt, hypertension, shame and disease. When businesses support affected communities through their CSR efforts, they extend favour to the poor and those enduring misfortune. More often than not, disasters strike hardest at the poor, marginalised, and vulnerable - children, the elderly, women, and the sick.

A Season of Reflection

Coincidentally, on Thursday at Havelock City, I witnessed people preparing to sing Christmas carols beneath a tall, beautifully decorated Christmas tree. This season reminds us of Jesus’ advent and its symbols. Many of us are familiar with the story of the angel appearing to Mary and saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.” In a sense, this natural disaster offers business communities the opportunity to have an angelic influence in our country - showing favour to those who are afraid and who have lost their peace and hope.

Lessons from Nature

Natural disasters remind us of humanity’s helplessness before nature’s power. Yet, they also teach us why we must never give up, but instead keep hope alive and work to restore peace. During this season, we remember that God came in the form of a helpless babe to give us hope and peace. If we fear, it means we do not trust Him. In times of disaster, we must trust that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

As Sri Lanka faces these storms, let us not lose sight of the greater message of hope and peace. Disasters may shake our foundations, but they also remind us of the strength found in unity, compassion, and faith. May this season inspire us to extend kindness, restore peace, and hold fast to hope - for in hope, we find the courage to rebuild, and in peace, we find the strength to heal.