Committee to probe myths doing rounds
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
A special committee is to be appointed comprising representatives of
the Social Services Ministry, Defence Ministry and all main religions in
Sri Lanka to probe numerous myths, fabrications, obsessions and
falsehoods and those behind them, which are currently tending to mislead
the public.
Racketeers and wrong-doers who are thus playing on the credulity of
the public through these myths and fabrications, such as mythical
creatures are to be exposed in the country through this committee.
Genuine persons involved in legitimate practices are to be given due
recognition, Social Services Minister Felix Perera told the Daily News
yesterday.
Minister Perera said the myths such as the monster fabrications, are
baseless and more dangerous than the dengue fever because they create
havoc in people's lives and promote unrest among the people.
"The Buddha visited Mahiyangana and chased away all devils.
Therefore, no devils exist in Sri Lanka.
"If devils existed, all the funds and human resources expended on
killing LTTE leader Prabhakaran could have been saved," he added.
"It is evident that more Sri Lankans are now tending to believe in
myths. There are persons and organizations which 'cure' patients and
profess to chase away ill effects, diseases and disabilities.
"In following these myths, some serious patients die without relevant
medication and medical care," Perera said.
"No science, doctors and hospitals are required if these myths work
and they actually cure people.
"The only entity that exists behind all these myths is misleading
magic.
"All these crooks, 'institutions' and 'organizations' perform magic
very well. Their tool is pure magic," the minister explained.
"All these persons claiming extraordinary powers, 'organizations' and
'institutions' are to be exposed to the public soon once the committee
is set up.
"The same committee will give due recognition to any genuine persons
with extraordinary capabilities who help humans in trouble," Perera
added. |
