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Terrorism and politicsToday we are faced with the consequences of disastrous political decisions. A glaring example is the meddling with the far-reaching educational policies introduced by late Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara. Had the past Governments since early 1950s continued with those policies, our country could have escaped from most of the conflicts and chaos we are faced with at present. At last, the Government has felt the need in the proficiency of the languages and decided to introduce all three languages, Sinhala, Tamil and English as compulsory languages. However, the implementation of this decision is a herculean task. Conflict is the result of suspicion and misunderstanding created by inability to understand each other. We have reached a situation at which wise and sensible decisions in keeping with democratic concepts cannot find solutions. We have to learn from history that terrorism can never be curbed only by rational methods. Our greatest teacher Gautama Buddha, at certain instances, when it was not possible to find a solution to a problem, resorted to 'Irdhi Prathiharya'. When he first visited his birth place after attaining Buddhahood, the learned teacher had to display psychic powers in order to convince his lay relations who were intoxicated with pride. Angulimala and Devel Chief Alawaka were tamed in the same manner. Let sanity prevail at least at this late stage. Let us not preach the virtues of democracy at the helm of terrorism. Elections, change of the ruling parties or change of President or Prime Minister are sensational slogans resorted by psychopaths and opportunists. Constitutionally elected rulers should properly mobilize security forces. Every patriotic citizen should assist the Government in this task. Divulging the details of strengths and weaknesses and the methods of operations should be avoided to the maximum level. The only expectation of a responsible citizen is a solution to this menace. The public servants have a distinct responsibility at this grievous situation. They must act with responsibility and refrain from creating problems including demands for enhancement of salaries and wages. Let us think about the country. Let us eradicate reign of terror. Let us have solace by the grace of the Triple Gem. D. A. RUPASINGHE, ---- Barbaric LTTEI strongly agree with the letter sent by ADS, USA. Each time we hear of a bomb attack, our hearts cry. It's such a shame sometimes we don't want to talk to anyone. We talk to rest of the Sri Lankans around to console ourselves. The day 60 people in a bus at Kebithigollewa was killed, we (Sri Lankans) were promoting our country amongst the international community at the British International School (BIS) in Jakarta. It was such a pleasure to attend to the numerous enquiries that were made by parents and teachers of BIS, but finally at around 12.30 p.m. when we heard about the bomb in Kebithigollewa, we were so let down. I'm sure all of us (Sri Lankan - BIS Community) were in tears. It was such a disgrace. Our promotion was so great, we thought had we got an airline ticketing counter we could have sold some tickets too. The foreigners were so impressed; some have already been and would like to visit again and again. But, what are these barbarians doing? Isn't it enough we tolerated these barbarians? Isn't the international community yet happy with the patience Sri Lankan Government have had? Our children love to come to Sri Lanka at least for a holiday. It's time all these electoral parties (SLFP, UNP, JVP etc.) stop taking digs at each other and think about the country. Finally, it would be quite sad to note that all the intellectuals will be gunned down by the barbaric LTTE and thereafter the power hungry people of all parties will be nowhere. K. D. S., ---- The banning of 'Da Vinci Code'I respond to Mr Jayalath Silva who wrote in your forum: "But, the film does not indicate that it is fiction, and so, the viewer could come to the wrong conclusion that this a true story." Aren't all films fictional by default unless they indicate it is based on a true story? Why should this one have to insist that it is not a true story? "The true freedom of expression does not give the licence to distort the truth". Yes it does. It is up to the listener/viewer to make up their own mind as to the veracity of the subject. Are you really saying that all we can speak is the truth? Then either the Christians or the Buddhists are lying, since one group believes in God and the other group doesn't. God either exists or he doesn't. So if a Christian and a Buddhist 'expresses themselves' about God, one of them must be lying. To counter this you might say that neither of them is lying because they both believe what they are saying is true. But is the Buddhist not hurting the Christian's feelings if he speaks out against God? And is the Christian not hurting the Buddhist's feelings by denying his atheism? That is freedom of expression for you : people's feelings get hurt. Deal with it. It is better than killing one another over religion or ethnicity, or taking advantage of poverty to convert people. "The book and the film 'DVC' attack the very basic belief of all Christians (i.e. the Divinity of Christ) by cooking up a story (fiction)" The story is not fact. Similarly a belief is not necessarily fact. Non-Christians would argue that the Christian belief is as much fiction to them as the Da Vinci Code is to Christians. "How can anyone classify such fiction as truth?" Where did SK or anyone else classify DVC as truth? To ask people to digest the information and decide for themselves is not classifying it as truth. "Isn't it the so-called 'freedom of the majority' that is mainly responsible for the present ethnic conflict which has so far claimed the lives of more than 50,000 Sri Lankans?" No. It's the lack of enough true Statesmen. Whatever few were there have been killed off by subversive and terrorist elements. There is no such thing as 'freedom of the majority', as you imply by 'so-calling' it. Freedom is a universal right: its scope is well-defined; writing fiction which happens to offend a segment of the population is definitely within its boundaries. F. C. HIRANJITH, ---- Bullet proof carsWith the death of Maj. Gen. Parami Kulatunge, we have lost a great officer and a patriot. Its time that the authorities allocate the bullet proof cars imported recently, to Heads of Armed Forces and officers immediately next in line for we cannot afford to lose them as they are the saviours of our country. We live because of them. On the other hand politicians live because of us and they are there to serve themselves. LTTE will not think of getting rid of them now as they pose no threat to them, but on the other hand they are a great encouragement because they know that politicians can never win a war so long as they are there corrupt to the hilt. The TNA, will again create an uproar in Parliament to divert attention, let the other fools in Parliament silently watch, for "they also serve who stands (sit) and wait". C. C., ---- Ethnic crisisWe agree fully with what Sangaree says. We also agree with Dayan Jayatilleka who wrote in the Sunday Observer of June 24. "President please act. We know you are committed to solving this crisis with the minimum loss of lives and before our beloved country falls down and becomes the failed state that some say we are." SUNETHRA, } |
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