Best ever opportunity for lasting unity

Ven. Basnagoda RAHULA

The friends of Sri Lanka's terrorism have not given up yet-and some of them will hardly give up, of course-even after the dramatic collapse of the LTTE. Predictably, their plan now is to focus on the long-term objectives of how to inject a new life to terrorism in future by creating communal tension between the Sinhalese and the Tamil community. The gloomy future these enemies of peace are striving to paint says it all.

Some, for instance, have already begun to cherish the thought of imminent and persistent guerilla wars in Sri Lanka. Others are harping on the possibility that Sri Lanka will remain a land of divided races despite the end of the war. It looks like that some hostile local and foreign politicians, popular personalities, Tiger friends, and media persons are all in a tacit agreement in a single theme.

Without seeing any positive outcome of the demise of the LTTE, these critics, amusingly and strangely, envisage only the dangers to befall in future. We wonder why they are always single sided. Creating communal disrespect, distrust, and ultimate communal division appears to be their overall purpose of all these gloomy predications.

I should assert, however, that these opponents are depicting a false picture. Contrary to what they claim, we, the people of Sinhala and Tamil races in Sri Lanka, now have the greatest ever opportunity to begin a united and peaceful existence in this island nation. Numerous reasons strongly support this assertion, but, considering the length of this essay, I will limit myself to the most important three factors.

Reason 1: Absence of forceful elements and harmful rhetoric.

Now that the LTTE is gone, no powerful elements will achieve prominence to force the actions of the Tamil population. In the past, most Tamils, particularly those who live in the East, were caught between two minds: either to take their own decisions or to conform to the demands of the dreadful Tigers.

Now, for the first time after several decades, Tamils do not have to let outside forces dominate their decisions. They, instead, can exercise their freewill for the decisions related to their personal well-being. In such a situation, the Tamil population would find integration, rather than division, to be extremely effective.

Along with the downfall of forceful elements, disruptive rhetoric has also lost its ground.

Skillful-but selfish-rhetoricians distort truths and, consequently, corrupt our minds. They persuade us to develop unwholesome thoughts, speak unwholesome words, and commit unwholesome actions.

The power of such rhetoric has now diminished in Sri Lanka even if it will linger for a while in some western countries. I do believe Tiger mouthpieces, who still groan in Sri Lanka sporadically and more softly than before, will soon quit.

Of course, constructive counter arguments, as well as our readiness to listen to them, are essential for social progress. However, the highly biased voice of the destructive elements is always a dangerous sign for social integration. The absence of such rhetoric will be a key factor to secure unity between the Sinhala and the Tamil races.

Reason 2: Political leadership conducive to unity.

No political leadership has ever existed in Sri Lanka than the present government to enhance unity between the Sinhala and Tamil communities. First of all, we have a President who envisions a brilliant future for Sri Lanka, and he, no doubt, understands that racial integrity is an essential prerequisite for the progress of the nation.

"It comes but once" is a famous proverb in English. Once-in-a-millennium opportunity has now arrived-or, rather, ceaselessly has been created! Who else could do so other than the present political leadership! Be elated and proud, but at the same time, "Seize the opportunity to help the Tamil population" is all what we say.

We have all confidence that the Government is making a sincere and strenuous effort to develop the East and the North and to make people's lives better. We also understand that that the government is prepared to take whatever steps, such as promotion of sports in recently liberated areas, to strengthen the relationship between the two communities. This approach will certainly bring the two races together.

Reason 3: Our sincere respect for each other's religion.

Of course, this factor has been present throughout history. However, because of various hindrances, we rarely felt its enormous ability to strengthen the unity between the two races. Now that the hindrances are gone, the respect both races show towards each other's religion will play a major role in enhancing the unity between the two races.

If Sinhala Buddhists and Hindu Tamils fail to coexist peacefully, no two races of different religions in any country will ever be able to live peacefully! We are so elegantly intermingled! See the evidence. First, one hardly finds a traditional Buddhist temple without a shrine hall for Hindu deities, and Sinhala Buddhists unquestioningly accept Hindu deities as their own. Second, Buddhists visit and pray in Hindu Kovils, such as in Kataragama, with extraordinary devotion for Hindu deities.

Similarly, Tamils of Hindu faith also have sincere respect for Buddhism. Not only do they visit Buddhist temples and pay homage to the Buddha, but they also feel extreme respect for Buddhist monks. Some Tamil professionals, such as doctors and college professors, would rarely charge a fee from a Buddhist monk, or if they ever did, the fee is the minimum. Such is Buddhism to Tamils.

I am emphatic on this point because I have personally experienced the kindheartedness of Tamil professionals. By the year 1989, I had just finished my bachelor's in Sri Lanka and was looking for an English professor to guide my English education. On my request, Mettananda, who had previously taught me English speech, introduced me to M.J. Michael, a literature specialist of Tamil origin.

I am grateful to Michael who taught me literary criticism at his home, two hours every week, for two years entirely free of charge. His respect for Buddhism is enormous. We maintain excellent relationships. I never miss him and his family whenever I visit Sri Lanka.

My experience is very much the same with several other Tamil persons. Tamils in general do respect Buddhism, and Buddhists maintain similar feelings towards Hindu practices. This factor is a huge plus to bring the two races closer. We will feel the power of this factor now than ever before.

To conclude, let me appeal to the people of both Sinhala and Tamil origins. We should admit that we have made errors in the past, the errors that bred agony and lamentation. We must take lessons from the past. Time is now ripe, more than ever before, to get together. Only such unity will safeguard our cultural and religious values, personal success, and social progress.

The writer is Associate Professor of English at Montgomery College in Texas, USA. He is also an author of several publicatians.