The top priorities for 2007
As 2007 dawns, the collective hope seems
to be emerging of the coming year being a better one in every respect
than the last one. Such anticipation of better things at the dawning of
a new year, conforms to a familiar pattern. With hope springing eternal
in the human breast, the human tendency is to yearn for a new leaf in
the affairs of the individual, the country and the world during the new
year.
However, as those who mean very well by this country, we hope the
State and the people of this land would make a collective, concerted and
energetic effort in the year ahead to put the past behind and take the
country to a new dawn of peace, brotherhood and prosperity. The progress
of any country needs to be premised on the unity, solidarity and oneness
of purpose among its communities and social groups.
The Government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa,
is in the process of laying the foundation for a new Sri Lanka, where
peace and prosperity would reign. The path to this better order of
things is not paved with roses but a concerted effort is underway to
make Sri Lanka a better place to live in.
It is the duty every woman, man and child, regardless of ethnicity,
creed and region, to unite behind these efforts of the President and to
strive as one man to make Sri Lanka an exemplary country where ethnic
peace and economic prosperity would thrive.
Needless to say, LTTE terrorism has been a prime problem in Sri Lanka
over the years. It continues to be so and unless and until such
terrorism is effectively defeated, it is unlikely Sri Lanka will savour
enduring peace and enjoy exceedingly robust economic health.
We have not had ethnic violence in this country of any sizeable
proportions since July 1983 and this speaks volumes for the
effectiveness of State policy in preserving ethnic peace but we are yet
to make a complete breakthrough to a stable peace.
The State is at present engaged in the challenging exercise of
resolving our conflict by political means but we have miles to go before
we could rest content that enduring peace has been achieved.
Until then, it is the bounden duty of all in Sri Lanka to back the
efforts of the State to bring peace. This needs to be done in a spirit
of understanding, accommodation and tolerance.
Knowledgeable sections of the public need hardly be reminded that
bringing a durable peace to Sri Lanka is no easy task. The LTTE has
proved consistently recalcitrant and has continually shunned
well-meaning peace efforts of the State.
This is not news any longer but some sections continuously aim their
barbs and brickbats at the State's conflict resolution exercise as if
they are totally ignorant of this reality.
The Government is of the view that the conflict needs to be resolved
politically and has established a broad-based exercise through the APC
to arrive at a solution which would meet the just aspirations of all
concerned. Until then, the State should be backed wholeheartedly by all.
On the other hand, all peoples of this land should unite to defeat
LTTE terrorism which is ridding everyone of his or her peace of mind.
The real enemy of the people of Sri Lanka is the LTTE which seems to be
following a policy of undermining the State's conflict resolution
efforts, over and over again.
Therefore, the Government's two-pronged approach of working towards a
political solution and militarily defending our national interest must
be unreservedly backed if the twin objectives of peace and prosperity
are to be won.
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Programme for a pragmatic political solution
Majority of the Tamil speaking people are
opposed to the continuation of violence and war. The basic demand of
the Tamil speaking people is a reasonable and just solution to the
burning ethnic issue. The people long and wait for a meaningful
political settlement. All the people in Sri Lanka sincerely long for
a peaceful life, irrespective of their religious or ethnic or
linguistic differences.
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Value formation in human resources and national development
Human Resource Management has rightly located
the heart of the employee at the heart of the business universe. It
is now accepted that it is a vital part of the development process.
Consequently every business organisation has a sacred duty to
develop this resource while inculcating the correct values and
business ethics.
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Sanath the joy of millions
The coastal fishing village of Matara became
known and as famous as Lahore, Calcutta or Trent Bridge, amongst the
Cricketing world. Matara Mauler, Marauder, were the names coined by
commentators, who were stunned by Sanath's blitzkrieg.
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The challenges for early childhood educators in Sri Lanka
A significantly high proportion of learning
takes place from birth to the age of six. It is a time when children
particularly need high quality care and learning experiences.
Practitioners and educators must provide a comprehensive range of
services for young children.
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