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Thursday, 26 April 2012

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Government Gazette

Uphold religious harmony!

Much to the consternation and pain of mind of moderate opinion in this country, tensions of a religious nature erupted in Dambulla recently. Such developments make a mockery of the oft heard claim that religious disharmony is alien to this country. Our earnest appeal to all concerned is that the misunderstanding at the heart of the dispute be cleared up forthwith in the name of peace and good will among the communities of this land.

Social conditions are far from ideal and conflicts among groups cannot be ruled out but there is no alternative but to resort to peaceful means of resolving these questions. Peaceful approaches to conflict resolution are upheld by the religions of this country and it is such methods that must be resorted to when tensions arise over conflicting claims. It is a matter for much sorrow and regret that the central teachings of our religions are, thus, quickly downplayed when disputes arise.

Right away it must be said that the people as such are not party to these conflicts. The vast majority of the people are inclined to be peaceful in their ways and it would be inaccurate to describe incidents such as those which erupted in Dambulla as featuring communities. However, those at the centre of these incidents constitute an influential minority and they could ensure the spread of these tensions by playing on the emotions of their supporters.

Accordingly, we call on all concerned to put their hearts and minds together in an effective effort at defusing these tensions which could be easily stoked into a conflagration by rabble-rousers who may be really having as their end the undermining of religious harmony in this country. We need to state very emphatically that there is absolutely no need for confrontation and contention on these questions.

The parties concerned should collaborate with the state in peacefully and tranquilly resolving the question concerned. Though small in physical terms, this country is large enough to accommodate all the religions of this land and to provide them with the necessary space to conduct their relevant observances. It is only a matter of sitting together and having a fruitful discussion.

As far we can ascertain, the issue in Dambulla could easily be resolved provided a spirit of compromise and understanding prevails among the parties. We call on the reasonable and the rational among all relevant groups, who constitute the majority, to prevail on any contenders and impress on them the need to give top priority to rational discourse in this matter, for, an appeal to emotion could prove disastrous for the country.

At all times, the consideration needs to be borne in mind by all concerned that the constitution of Sri Lanka provides for the right to worship on the part of all our religious communities. It is a fundamental right that is enjoyed by all. Any attempts to subvert this principle would be tantamount to destroying the democratic basis of the Sri Lankan polity. It needs to be also remembered that religious fundamentalism tears apart states and societies and plunges them into prolonged and inexorable suffering and turmoil.

Sri Lanka is enjoying the prospect of blossoming into a number one regional economic power, having put behind her a 30 year conflict which all but destroyed her. What is needed now is a prolonged spell of social peace which would enable us to recoup our losses and traverse the path of development dynamically. All conditions are in place to make this and more happen. However, social and religious tensions could reverse and destroy these plans, perhaps forever.

The rational majority needs to come out strongly against the stirring-up of tensions of a communal and religious kind. Sri Lanka needs to be protected from the wasting scourge of religious and kindred fundamentalisms. It is best to remember that these cancers have only spelt disaster for other societies. May it not be Sri Lanka's lot!

Parental role, key to preventing drug abuse

According to the 'Handbook of Drug Abuse Information - 2011' released by the National Dangerous Drug Control Board recently the incidence of young people falling victim to drug use is on the rise. According to the report the total number of drug related arrests was 29,796 in 2010.

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Socio-economic scene

Self-reliance and development

In 1945 Mao Zedong wrote: 'On what basis should our policy rest? It should rest on our own strength, and that means regeneration through one's own efforts.' Self-reliance, defined thus, has been the cornerstone of China's development policy since then.

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Water-splashing New Year in Thailand

April is a month of celebration for almost all Asians due to the harvesting of crops with the help of monsoon winds and people have ample time for fun and frolic in the spring. As we Sinhalese and Tamils celebrate the New Year this month, it is a month of celebration for the Thai people as well. They call it the Songkran festival which has been celebrated from time immemorial.

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In Focus

Through ‘Foreign’ eyes

The Motor Traffic Law in Sri Lanka and its effectiveness have been continuously focused and discussed by many in print media by way of ‘Letters to the Editor’ of newspapers, in electronic media and television too, highlighting the alarming rate of road accidents in this country.

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