P-TOMS - for better understanding among communities
BY RANJAN Amarasinghe
AM I for or against P-TOMS? Being a writer, I know the paramount
importance of taking a firm stand on this important issue,
implementation of which would, I am told, immensely benefit us.
To me, at first, it seemed a perplexing issue, probing my conscience
to no-end, knowing well that I can no longer duck the question.
I must admit my liking for the JVP, is at best quite lackadaisical,
for their blood-smeared political history in my opinion is quite
unpardonable, which highly deserves unconditional condemnation.
However the atavistic fear expressed by a congregation of monks,
spearheaded by the Jathika Hela Urumaya culminating with high drama or
death fasts should be a subject worthy of analysis by sociologists and
religious luminaries.
After all Buddhism does not condone spreading the seeds of hatred and
the display of any fundamentalism or militancy by the reverend monks in
itself is a negation of the hallowed and sublime teachings of Buddha
which advocate non-violence and compassion towards all beings
irrespective of any distinction.
Furthermore, there is no provision in Buddhist texts, for the
Buddhist monks to engage in death-fasts which can be considered as a
form of suicide to further the objectives of any political or any other
agenda causing nerve-wrecking tension and cankerous hatred among the
people.
In the same token I am not an admirer of LTTE either, for its
ideology of mayhem and wanton destruction of property in furtherance of
its cause, had caused irreparable harm and loss of precious lives of
innocent civilians, amply proving to the whole world that it is nothing
but a brutal terrorist group fighting fearlessly for an illusive
homeland.
How far one can trust them to change their ways and enter into the
main political stream is very difficult to predict at this stage and
ironically some of our people would think any dealings with the LTTE as
a grand betrayal, for some of their children and loved ones have
perished in this protracted ethnic war.
Undoubtedly sweet time had been a great healer, in many instances in
the annals of distant history and besides Buddhists are renowned for
their compassion and loving kindness towards even their arch-rivals and
healing minds will be a priority which will go a long way not only in
pacifying the minds but also it will perhaps act as a trail-blazer
propagating pluralism in which diversity sowing of seeds of love,
concord and reconciliation would be a reality in the long run, giving
way to peace and ethnic harmony which remains a pre-requisite for the
rapid development of the country as a whole.
It is true I have been wearing a cynical attire for over many decades
as far as Sri Lankan political culture is concerned, with its theatrical
manoeuvres stimulating me to no end, with mild sensations and irony, it
also thankfully ensconced me with a kind of immunity from the
bombardment of political shenanigans in which rival politicians of
varying hue, competitively parade showing in no uncertain terms their
buffoonery ineptness, and also superficial genteelness very specially
towards their electors.
Therefore it is not very surprising when I first came to contact with
this magical abbreviations P-TOMS, I was delighted, however frivolously,
for a fleeting moment, for it activated my mind with a visual image of a
peeping tom roaming in the LTTE controlled areas, with camaraderie and
blessings of the LTTE the cadres of whom hitherto have guarded the lands
and the people under their control with Tigers alertness and iron-will.
Alas, intermingling with their subjects, for any purpose up to now
has been strictly prohibited, committing of which would have resulted in
summery justice of instant execution.
Opening up of doors, or liberating minds and hearts I find anytime as
an alluring proposition in which there may be ample scope for one to
indulge in tactile sensations.
Furthermore considering the fact that innocent children and young and
old civilians will greatly benefited from tsunami aid, generously handed
over by the many donor countries, I am compelled to decide in favour of
P-TOMS. Of course, still I have my nagging doubts about it being a
thumping success, well-knowing the intransigent nature and hegemony of
the LTTE, but giving it a chance, which after all would last only for
one year cannot by any stretch of imagination be considered a
treacherous act, betraying the interests of the Sinhala people, who may
be eager to explore the possibilities of having an intimate dialogue
with their Tamil brothers as well as sisters with a view to enhancing
mutual benefits.
It may naturally entail some minor risks but overall the meeting of
hearts of different communities living in the same country in a
compromise, I find quite desirable and fruitful proposition rather than
as a threatening omen. |
