A timely message

PRONOUNCEMENTS by scientists that it would be only a matter of time before another giant tsunami unleashes itself in this region, rather than triggering alarm among us, should underscore the importance of the President moving decisively ahead towards establishing the Tsunami Relief Council.

In fact this warning should be seen in a positive light as a reminder that we should take no chances but be prepared with the correct administrative arrangements and physical infrastructure to meet any future contingencies.

Therefore nature has, in a sense, proved the Lankan State correct. We cannot remain a divided people, squabbling bitterly and bloodily over a parcel of land but be united and strong, to not only face the challenge of nation-building but to also unitedly face any unleashings of Nature's fury in the future.

The tsunamy tragedy six months ago should have driven home to Lankans the urgent necessity of ending divisions among themselves and of uniting in a spirit of brotherhood and love under one, national banner.

For, in the face of Nature's furies, man's existence appeared so fragile and finite. In other words, man was reminded that he was nothing more than a puny mortal, capable of being wiped off the face of the earth in a split second.

Following this profoundly humbling experience, Sri Lanka has no choice but to build bridges of brotherhood among its communities and take all the necessary security precautions to meet future catastrophes, although we ardently hope and pray that the tsunami would be a thing of the past.

It stands to reason therefore that the Tsunami Relief Council proposal should be actively pursued and implemented because the Council offers the prospect of the country's communities working unitedly towards the common good.

What is left to be done now is to actively disseminate factual information about the Council among the populace. In other words, public awareness must be raised. The aim of the State should be to educate the "silent majority" on these questions and win them over to the side of the State.

As proposed, the relevant information should be taken to the grassroots, for, herein resides a substantial part of the majority.

There will be always a microscopic, dissident minority. Such sections are likely to remain "unconvinced" and violently opposed to the proposal.

However, if the majority is enlightened and brought firmly round to the State's point of view, dissident opinions are unlikely to take root among the people. The State, then, needs to be active on a number of fronts.