Heartening manifestation of
concern
The tens of thousands of
persons turning out for Sri Lanka, both here and abroad, in its
hour of need, testify to the profound concern and love in their
hearts for their motherland. These are rarely seen
manifestations of collective solidarity. They may even be
historic in nature. To be sure, these are not crude displays of
narrow chauvinism but are the proof that the people of this
country are moved by deep and abiding concern for their country.
This concern does not merely cut across region and community,
but transcends religion and culture too. The best proof of this
was the Adhistana Pooja of Monday evening in the heart of
Colombo which was amply attended by the clergy of all local
religions. Therefore, what we see here is a sweeping collective
heart-cry of concern for Sri Lanka and the supporters of the
cause seem to be swelling both locally and globally.
Accordingly, the resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC has
had the rather paradoxical effect of bringing the best out of
Sri Lanka, although the resolution should be fought tooth and
nail and defeated.
This momentous hour in the life of Sri Lanka needs to be
handled most judiciously by both the rulers and the ruled of
this country. What is of crucial significance is that the people
of this country are rising as one man to decry an injustice that
is being committed against it. This feeling of togetherness
among Lankans should be made the basis of a renewed attempt at
initiating a nation-building process. Such a process, correctly
understood, has been lacking in this country from the time of
political independence and it would be in order for policy and
decision-makers to utilize the current wave of support for the
country to forge a sense of profound solidarity and togetherness
among Lankans, for, this is what nation-building is all about.
To be sure, this country has never been lacking in patriotism
and patriots but it is open to question whether we have had here
national solidarity in the manner in which it is being
manifested today. That is, a coming together of almost all
sections of our citizenry as one man, irrespective of man-made
barriers. What is remarkable about the present moment is that
Sri Lanka is not being seen as the exclusive preserve of this or
that community or culture but as belonging to the totality of
the citizenry.
Therefore, this moment should be seized. The foundation
should be laid for a nation-building process and what this
involves should be correctly understood. What is understood here
as nation-building is not the generation of what may be referred
to as 'bellicose patriotism.' Of course, Sri Lankans should rise
collectively in defense of their country but this fervour should
not be allowed to degenerate into a species of xenophobia, which
could imply an implacable resentment of all persons and groups
of Western origin in particular.
If at all the West is being opposed, it is purely on
political and public issues and nothing further. This opposition
should not be permitted to degenerate into the inhumane
treatment of persons and groups of non-Sri Lankan origin. In
short, Sri Lankans should retain their humanity, whatever the
challenges facing them.
Therefore, the present opportunity should be seized to build,
strengthen and sustain bridges of amity and unity among our
communities and social groups. The idea needs to be conveyed in
the process of doing this that the land of Sri Lanka belongs to
all its communities, who would be equal partners in its present
and future progress.
These points merit mentioning and reiteration because
misconceptions have been numerous about issues concerning
citizenship and the like. It is not this or that group which
constitutes the 'true sons of the soil' but the totality of Sri
Lanka's communities. At present when Sri Lankans in their tens
of thousands are standing up for their country, it needs to be
emphasized that the bonds of unity among our communities must be
consolidated as never before. |
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