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Saturday, 4 December 2010

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Moving towards a new Sri Lanka

A new era for Sri Lanka has dawned, and with the President assuming office for the second term, he did clearly explain his plans and the expectations from the people who will in time to come, benefit from all the vast changes envisaged. In his speech he mentioned, "What lies ahead is a period when all of us will have to work hard for our country."


Community participation in development activities vital. File photo

All of us means each and everyone of us - politicians, administrators, the public and private sector employees and all others who are the citizens of our country. All this means that it has become very important for each and everyone to become aware of the clear path laid out for the country's development and this includes the changes that must take place within each individual in addition to the infrastructure development that is already taking place. The 'Rulers and the Ruled' both have an important part to play in working towards achieving the set goals.

Foreign domination

After centuries of foreign domination though we got freedom in 1948, the impact of colonialism continues to remain in some areas. Still we are guided by some laws and ordinances given to us by the colonizers and most of all the attitudes of some who are in power are surrounded with 'bureaucratic arrogance'. From time to time statements like 'Serve the public equally', 'Peace dividend should be enjoyed by all' and developing positive attitudes are made by the Head of State and these carry a lot of meaning. If this is understood and shown in behavioural terms it will contribute to effect vast changes in the attitudes of those who are mainly responsible for building a new Sri Lanka.

Very recently the statements made by the President to the Secretaries are very relevant and it can apply to all public servants- 'Responding to peoples' requests and making the people's aspirations a reality through hard work and commitment'.

All this underscores the importance the Head of State has given the people. This fact is often forgotten by some when once they come to the position they were aiming at. What is important for each and everyone, whatever the position they may be in, is to really understand and look at the changes being made in the country in a positive way. To do this they must develop positive attitudes and in order to do this it is important to develop greater awareness of one's self.

People as a resource

Knowing more about oneself is very important, for the tendency is always to look at others through ones own paradigm. How you view yourself, whether it is right or wrong provides the framework as to how one view the outside world. The outside is viewed with the colour of the lenses you wear and the analysis is always subjective. As individuals, who ever we may be, we all belong to the human race.

We are similar and different, have both strengths and weaknesses and each individual is unique. We always refer to people as a resource and they are the richest resource of any Nation. Hence it is very important to always uphold the worth and dignity of any human being.

This fact is given prime importance in the Mahinda Chintana and the Head of State always emphasizes this in what he says and does. Thus one very important change that must take place is attitudinal change and developing positive attitudes is something which each individual has to do for oneself. This is very important if Sri Lanka is to become the Wonder of Asia.

Developing greater awareness of self or acquiring adequate self knowledge enables a person to recognize oneself with ones own annoying habits and other positive behaviours which makes us what we are. This is very important in order to understand others. If you develop a genuine desire to do so, you can succeed.

Here are some Do's and Dont's for you to ponder, to develop greater self- awareness that can facilitate the development of more positive attitudes;

* Always try to avoid 'acting'- trying to show what you are not. Do not act calm and pleasant when you are really angry. Do not pretend to have the answer to everything when you do not have them. The younger people may be better updated when it comes to theory and techniques. Do not appear loving when in reality you feel hostile.

In other words 'BE REAL'. Do not act in one way on the surface and experience feelings to the contrary underneath. This is important to keep you stress free.

Wearing a mask, pretending to have what you do not have in reality is often done to hide a deficiency in either knowledge or skill. This can build a wall between yourself and another and this can be an obstacle towards establishing a satisfactory positive relationship. If you demand respect, always think that you are trying to fill an empty space within.

* Give time to understand another person. Control your desire to react. Reaction is negative. A response can be positive. Do not be judgmental or rush in to show mistakes. Show respect and genuine concern. This will help to build a better understanding and a relationship that will help to develop positive attitudes, in the person you are working with.

* When you develop an over estimate of yourself, depending on the position you hold, you can develop a tendency to underestimate others.

However always remember that the person you are dealing with is a separate individual with unique experiences, knowledge and skills different to yours. Hence always try to accept the feelings, attitudes and beliefs as real to that person you are dealing with.

* Be approachable. Always try to keep open channels of communication where others can communicate their feelings openly. In the present day world there are some 'Bosses' who others have to believe that 'they make no mistakes'. To work behind closed doors without allowing the people you are working with to reach you, is actually denying an opportunity to feel the pulse of the organization. This will tend to develop hostile attitudes that can have dire consequences on the organization.

It is important for all to keep in mind that we are living in a changing world. Sri Lanka today is not what it was 30 years ago.

We have reached an era of development and this does not only mean infrastructure development.

People are very important and now the time has come for each one to maximize their potentials and contribute in whatever way possible towards realizing the goal of making 'Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia'.

Developing a greater awareness of oneself is a prerequisite to effect positive attitudinal changes and this is a must for each and everyone, for this is our country and our Motherland.

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