Congratulations to President:
Dawn of a new beginning
Ven. Walpola PIYANANDA
On behalf of the Sri Lankan Sangha Council of America and Canada I
would like to congratulate President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the victory
over the terrorists who have held parts of Sri Lanka hostage. After
nearly thirty years the people of Sri Lanka can finally begin to live
without fear of terrorist activities. Your determination to end the war
clearly demonstrates strength and has proven beyond doubt the ability to
lead the country during the most difficult times.
We also give our heartiest commendation to the Defence Secretary
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, for his masterful strategy, and to Supreme
Commander General Sarath Fonseka, for brilliantly implementing the plan.
To the members of the Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force and Police we
all offer our undying gratitude for courageous service and for the
sacrifices that each of them and their families have made while
defending the country.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa |
Ven. Walpola Piyananda |
I am very proud that you, Mr. President withstood the arrogantly
applied pressure of the Western powers in their bid to force the
Government to enact a ceasefire, which would have given the terrorists
an opportunity to re-group and re-arm. The British, once our colonial
masters and one of the Government’s biggest critics, have fallen victim
to their national Karma for they cannot control the LTTE in their
country even though the LTTE are now finished in Sri Lanka. It saddens
me that Parliament Square is now referred to as ‘Tiger Square’ and that
the battlefront has moved on to other shores. US Ambassador Robert
Blake, was also highly critical of your Government’s war against the
terrorists, but I see that he personally called to congratulate you on
this victory a day or two ago. I’m happy to see that he changed his
mind, and hopefully he will put in a good word about our country’s
efforts to establish peace for all its citizens, if and when he assumes
his next post as Deputy Ambassador for the entire South Asian Region.
As Buddhists we believe that all men are equal, and that we must
respect one another regardless of race, religion, gender, caste, colour
or belief. At this time we have an urgent need to work together in
harmony as a team to rebuild our country, realizing that it is better to
consign the wrongs committed by all sides to the past where it belongs.
Now we have the opportunity of a new beginning and we should take full
advantage of it by living peacefully in each present moment.
I feel confident that you, Mr. President will be able to unite all
people of Sri Lanka under one stable, pluralistic elected government
where everyone has a voice. I know that you realize the supreme
importance of having us all put Sri Lanka first, and our identification
with anything else in the background. Let us hope that all of our people
will follow your example and see themselves as responsible Sri Lankan
citizens in order to build a bright future for the country. Working
together with patience, kindness and understanding, each individual,
through building a strong stable country will have the opportunity to
develop to their fullest potential.
At this time, we have to be careful of so-called offers of
humanitarian help for our people. We know how some NGOs and other
foreign organizations attempt to enter the IDP camps with their hidden
agendas. While their services can be accepted, they should be carefully
monitored. The decision to change any customs, traditions or cultural
aspects belongs to us; not to some outside organizations. Making use of
Sri Lanka’s most qualified individuals, the country can reach its goals
of a strong, independent democracy where her citizens can excel in all
their peaceful endeavours for themselves and their families.
Your Excellency, you worshipped the ground when you returned from
your recent trip abroad, an act demonstrating the esteem you have for
our homeland; that we all have for Sri Lanka. With the looming global
food crisis we support you, Mr. President, in your efforts to cultivate
the arable land and the surrounding seas to ensure the safety and
survival of all our people. May we all learn from the compassion of the
Buddha to treat each other with respect, giving each and every citizen
of Sri Lanka the opportunity to peacefully seek his or her own truth and
happiness.
Mr. President, may you have the Blessings of the Triple Gem.
Ven. Piyananda is the founder-president of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist
Vihara in Los Angeles, California, Sri Lankan Sangha Council of America
and Canada |