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The article captioned 'Living politicks' what India has taught me (DN
6/19) being excerpts from the Nexus lectures delivered by the Congress
President Sonia Gandhi should be read and re-read especially by our
politicians. They would do well to ponder over the following gems of
principles expressed by Sonia Gandhi.
".....No Government can last if it is seen to pursue narrow interest
and is insensitive to the concerns of all sections of our society".
"Politics... must be anchored in truth". "Politics must have at its
heart one guiding principle to achieve its goals, through just and
ethical means. Coersions, expediency and the cynical manipulation of
popular sentiment and public opinion to attain one's ends, no matter how
worthy they are, can never be justified."
If the name of Sonia Gandhi shines and shines, almost alone, a star
amidst the tens of thousands of names of politicians, Statesmen and
leaders of nations, the reason lies in her adherence to this and other
lofty principles in politics.
G. RUDRA,
Wattala
----
A white water rafting ride at Kitulgala which claimed the life of
charming Waruni is something that cannot be forgotten and forgiven. It
is unbelievable that this event decided the fate of innocent Waruni.
Much has been spoken and written about this tragedy.
According to Ajith Pushpakumara, an eye witness to the tragedy who
was on duty at the construction site of the bridge, the cable in which
she had got entangled (the cable which at other times had helped others
to come to safety), the defective life jacket and the high level of
water had been her death traps.
The cry of 'Aiyo' from beneath the raft which had capsized caught up
in the current, one can imagine keeps ringing in your ears. This
particular place known as Pokunuwala is said to be a dangerous one with
over 60 feet in depth, which participants should have been made aware
of.
It is very unfortunate that the tragedy had claimed three lives. The
one who unhesitatingly came to her rescue too had been drowned.
His sincerity was reflected in his noble deed which he sacrificed
with his life. We must honour those who truly deserved to be honoured.
Organisers who handled the office trip I am sure would have been alert
to their responsibility and taken all precautions. But still the saying
that the 'good die young' happened in the presence of their eyes.
They should have understood how important it is to see to every
little detail and continuous monitoring would have averted this disaster
and Waruni and others would have been among the living today for their
loved ones.
It is high time the authorities took proper action in providing
better security and safety to its participants. I support the view
expressed by Li Kuang Shu of Kandy (DN June 25).
This simple elegant personality - Waruni carried a special charm. She
has had a very rapid rise in her career.
As a Sujathian not only Waruni, her whole family paid her gratitude
to her Alma Mater to the last.
A beautiful life was lost. My heart goes for her beloved daughter who
had lost a beautiful mother.
It is too much and really too much to bear the burden of this great
loss. Can anyone on earth replace Waruni for the three year old sweet
little child?
The answer is a big 'No' for there is no one in this universe like
the mother - your own.
RUPA BANDUWARDENA,
Dehiwela
----
Kingsley Heendeniya says that Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda has missed
the wood for the trees in his article (DN June 27) as he has not pointed
out the Vinaya offence of Monks storing food.
I think that it is Heendeniya who has sadly missed the wood from the
trees as he has fail to:
1. To remember the Buddha in his days relaxed and imposed Vinaya
rules depending on the necessities, circumstances and request that arise
from time to time; For example wearing of sandals, bathing, storage of
Pirikara etc.
2. To grasp the essence of this noble discourse imparting invaluable
knowledge and a clear vision to all concerned which is a paramount need
of the hour.
H. M. PUNCHIBANDA,
Pepiliyana |
