It must not be forgotten that there were almost 200 police and others from the south in Jaffna at the time, because of the District Development Council election that was to take place at the time, who saw and knew what actually happened. The Police of old had self respect and valued the uniform they wore.

Let me recall, there has been one other instance in our part of the world where there was another such heinously and dastardly crime against humanity and that was in the 12th Century when the Nalanda University – the famous Buddhist seat of learning was destroyed.
Yes that was in Central Asia and 800 years before the burning of the Jaffna Library, which had a priceless collection of almost one hundred thousand books and irreplaceable manuscripts.

It was a treasure-trove. It was a heartrending experience for us Tamils who were living in Jaffna at the time.

The barbarians went on the rampage from May 31 till June 4 and during that time they not only burnt the Library but also the market area, the office of the Tamil newspaper Ealanadu and the home of a Tamil Parliamentarian Yogeswaran.  At the time of this carnage there were two Ministers of the government in Jaffna and one of whom was from a renowned Kandy school, known for the great sons it has produced.

The evidence of the carnage was seen and noted by the ICJ observer Mission that visited Jaffna a month or so after the crime was committed. The Jaffna Library was a part of the heritage of all the people of this country.

The government of the day did not institute an independent investigation into the crime for which it had to take responsibility, for it was in office and therefore responsible for the maintenance of law and order in the country.

Many Sinhalese including Godfrey Goonathileka, the late Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, Gunadasa Amerasekera, Carlo Fonseka, Hector Abeywardena, R. K. W. Gunasekera and the Bellanwila Buddhist priest amongst others, were horrified at what had happened – I recall that the late Ian Goonetileka wrote how depressed and grieved he was – and stated that the destruction of the library was an act of calculated cold blooded incineration; it is intended to wound the sensibilities of our Tamil brethren but it has outraged the humane feelings of every person in this country whatever may be his political, racial or religious persuasion –it is a crime against us all, he wrote.

Another Sinhalese, much respected by the people of the North, the onetime (much loved) Government Agent, Lionel Fernando also knew the truth but for understandable, yes understandable reasons remained silent.

No one other than a Tamil will know what we have been through since 1956, it has been an unbelievable story not only of deprivations and discrimination by the State relating to employment opportunities and education, which is sacred to us, but also the cruelties visited on us by our own people, particularly the LTTE.

This rehabilitation process can become a reality not merely by building the infrastructure in the North and East, but only when the Sinhala people reach out and touch the hearts and minds of our people for we have much in common and only language separated us.
The Sinhalese people must reach out to us and give us back our dignity and make us feel deep inside us that this country is as much ours as it is theirs, let us mix more and together build one Sri Lanka nation.

Reverting to memory of the crime committed on the 1st of June 1981, I conclude by quoting no less a person than President J. R. Jayewardene himself who, speaking to the Executive committee of the UNP on September 4, 1981 stated: -
“What is the example, we, as leaders of the governing party, are setting to our followers and the rest of our country? I must have reasons to be proud of the party of which I am the leader.

If I cannot control my party then it is better for me to retire from the leadership of the party and let those who believe that the harming of innocent people and property that has happened recently, is the way to solve the problems that face this multi-racial, multi religious, multi cultural society, then take over the leadership of the party”.

So said President Jayewardene! Need I say more?
S. Chelliah

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Monk’s Self-Immolation And The Cause

With the statement of Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero followed by Ven. Medhananda Thero and others that self-immolation is against Buddhism, it has overshadowed the main reason for this sacrifice.

It is to request the government to pass laws to prohibit cattle slaughter. Little have they realised that Sri Lanka is a multi-national, mufti- religious and multi-racial country.

The Sri Lanka’s constitution says in Chapter II – 10 that every person is entitled to freedom of thought .conscience and religion including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his or her choice’

Chapter14 [1] [e] of the constitution says ‘the freedom, either by himself or with others, and either in public or in private, to manifest his or her religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teachings’.

Although the majority is Buddhists, it does not as set down in the Constitution, to deprive others of their religious rites.

It would be relevant to mention here, the outcome of the `Sinhalese Only’ has brought about virtually division of the country under the 13 Amendment, as correctly pointed out by LLRC as one of the main causes for the ethnic problem.

A man in a hurry to become the Prime Minister of this country swallowed the poison of Sinhala Only given by Buddhist monks and we are today facing this problem, India playing a major role in introducing the 13 Amendment with ulterior motives.

Let not this cry for banning cattle slaughter bring about another situation which will be disastrous.

The Sri Lanka Constitution was framed and agreed upon by the Maha Sangha, hence it is obligatory on the part of the Sangha to abide by it
Let not our leaders of governments fall a prey to that old bogey, the ancient kings sought the advice and guidance of the Sangha and ruled the country accordingly. Can we compare those? They support governments in power for personal gains and recognition’
GADOL
Boralesgamuwa

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National Sea Sunday Service With Holy Communion

The Mission to Seafarers in Sri Lanka Colombo will celebrate the International Sea Sunday  service at St. Peters Church at fort Colombo on July 14 at 10.15 am.

St. Peters Church has been a sanctuary of prayer and solitude since 1821.  The church provides a heaven of peace and tranquility to all its visitors.Army, Navy, Air force and Police officers and personnel from other ranks will attend the ceremonial service.

Sri Lanka Navy brass band and officer cadets from the Chink Maritime Campus and other institutions will add more colour to the event.
The Seafarers Mission was founded in 1856 and its headquarters is in London. A global network of Chaplain’s serves about 300 ports around the world.

The Mission to Seafarers in Sri Lanka is at 26,Church Street, Colombo 1 since 1941 providing the tired and lonesome seafarers with a home next to their own.’

The Mission comprises Queen Elizabeth II and its president Princess royal.

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Statement From The Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of Sri Lanka

We have learned through the National Media that there is an intense debate going on with regard to the 13 Amendment of the National Constitution. This amendment provides for the devolution of power to the provinces and has been in effect over the last two decades. There have been a few examples of tension with regard to the use of devolved authority, but by and large the system has allowed greater participation of people in governance.

Even if this system may not be perfect, it is our contention that at this moment when Sri Lanka is striving to make permanent the hard won peace after a 30 year conflict, pondering upon this constitutional provision, may lead to over-centralisation of authority and to international meddling in the internal affairs of this country. Essentially the problem in the North is a national question for which the solution is to be found by the local political leadership of both the Sinhala and the Tamil communities.

What is needed is the proper study and careful consideration of all factors along with a broad based consultation of the different political parties and civil society groups before any changes are to be made. We are not convinced that this is happening.

It is also our contention that instead of tinkering with continued amendments to the Constitution, it is time for us to think about a totally new Constitution which is fair by all communities and all political and social forces and helps bind people together while respecting diversity.

For this reason, we the Catholic Bishops would request the Government not to proceed with the proposed amendment to the 13 Amendment or to its total repeal but to discuss with all parties, specially the Parliamentary Select Committee, and think about a totally new Constitution which would guarantee justice, peace and true prosperity for all citizens of this country irrespective of ethnic, religious or social differences. In that respect it is only fair that the Provincial Council election in the North be held as scheduled according to the 13 Amendment and later study the possibility of a new Constitution.

His Eminence Malcolm
Cardinal Ranjith
President
His Lordship Bishop Valence Mendis
Secretary General
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka

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Land Acquisition For Road Widening

Ownership of land is the most valued possession of any person or organisation.

On such lands along major roads, most owners have constructed buildings, some two or three storeyed and they are conducting retail businesses providing employments for themselves and few sales assistants.

In some lands the owners have lived for decades and after acquisition no more land will be left for them for any other construction.
From Kohuwala Junction towards Piliyandala the road is to be widened, acquiring lands with buildings that have retail businesses and domestic houses.

However, except for the politician who crossed over to the government, no one sees the need to widen this road, because there’s no traffic congestion at any time of the day.

This road was widened about 20 years ago and those who constructed buildings thereafter have their own vehicle parking areas.

These parking areas will be lost now and motorists will be compelled to park along the road causing more hardships to pedestrians
The state with all its cash flow problems – perhaps the funding for the widening is borrowed from foreign countries – can provide the funds to construct a few bridges in villages, the major voter base of the present government.

It can also improve the village gravel roadways.

It is not a secret that the crossed-over politician has saved his lands from the acquisition by diverting the road avoiding his properties.

The beneficiaries of this project will be motorists living in different areas than the persons living along the widening road.

Many wjp  travel by public transport services and walk on this road to bus stands or to their working places will suffer when crossing a four or five-lane road.

The government should invest this money to import more buses to help low income persons’ travel problems saving already established retail businesses.
Amor Patriae

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Logo Launched On 60 Years  Of Sri Lanka-German Ties

The German Ambassador with the embassy staff
launches the 60 years logo.

German Ambassador Dr Juergen Morhard unveiled the official logo to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Germany.
“On December 9, 1953, Sri Lanka and Germany placed an official seal on the bonds of friendship and cooperation,” said Ambassador Morhard. “Since then, our economic, cultural and development ties have strengthened on mutual respect and understanding of cultural values.

The launch of the logo marks the kick-off of the 60 year celebrations for this longstanding relationship.”

The program of events in this milestone year begins with the German National Day on October 3 and continues into December. On October 6 the Embassy will host a street festival at Nelum Pokuna Road featuring food, beverage, music, art and a children’s corner, as well as promoting grass-root economic and development initiatives.

Other activities include an exhibition of German brands organised by the Sri Lanka-German Business Council, a concert by the Chamber Music Society of Colombo on December 9 at Lionel Wendt Theatre, a travelling exhibition illustrating different aspects of the relationship, the opening of a German Centre at the University of Kelaniya and a touring bus highlighting the importance of vocational training.

Even though diplomatic relations between Germany and Sri Lanka were established in 1953, formal links date back to 1872 when Germany’s first official representative to Ceylon was appointed.

Today, a number of German institutions in Sri Lanka, such as the German Cultural Centre, the GIZ and the Sri-Lanka German Business Council as well as the ever growing number of tourists highlight the close ties of friendship and economic cooperation  between the two countries.

In her well researched and documented book, The Muslims of Sri Lanka-one thousand years of Ethnic Harmony, Prof. Lorna Dewaraja speaks of the various roles played by Muslims to keep intact the unity and promote the fragrance of brotherly concord and national harmony. They have been loyal and trustworthy citizens of this country. At the time of Independence, Muslims have co-operated without question and have adorned every government in power. They have never betrayed the trust reposed by the majority.

Sinhala king conferred the title ‘Rajakaruna’ on the Ge names of Muslims. They were the trusted physicians of the royal family on whom the kings bestowed honours and gave them land on Sannasas. The kings employed Muslims cooks as they did not have trust on their kitchen staff. Only Muslims women managed the Queen’s bath.

Muslim royal physicians lived close to the palace and the Adigars were not accommodated close by. Historical facts do not speak ill of Muslims and there were no evidence to show they were unpatriotic or traitors.

When the governments were battling with the menace of terrorism these long years, Muslims remained painstakingly with the regimes albeit suffering immensely under the jackboot of the Tiger Supremo. Against this background, it is frustrating and annoying to see Minister Champika Ranawaka in his article, “Now the country savours Freedom” in a weekly newspaper of May 19 directing some pot shots at the Muslims.

He states, inter alia, “Under these circumstances, it also be noted that so-called Muslim rights heroes would not be there to organise hartals, processions and hate speeches because by then the LTTE would have wiped out all those heroes and chased away all the Muslims from the North and East”.

He has been marking similar offensive remarks in his previous articles as well. He seems to see “islaminisation” in every bush. When these types of leaders allow their imagination to run riot it is indeed a tragedy for Mother Lanka. He displays his aversion to Muslim protests, processions and hartals saying they are a result of some fanatics and lunatic heading a hate campaign against the Muslims, the minister should know there is no smoke without fire. Yet, they never made hate speeches knowing its repercussions. How can we when we are half Sinhalese and half Muslims?
The Minister thinks only the majority has the God-given right to protest and stage hartals and it is a cardinal sin for a minority to do so. They label us Muslim as extremists, not realising this breed is nourished in their fold. Their myopic thinking is only the figment of their imagination. Some are of the view that Sri Lanka is their private property and the minorities have no right to exercise their democratic rights, and view these acts as extremist and unpatriotic. They even have the licence to comment on the dress code of Muslim women.

Don’t they have any Augean Stables to clear in the Buddhist society? Corruption, crime, rape and violence are rampant. Are they blind to un-Buddhist actives all round? The Siamese twins, Bodu Bala Sana and Sinhala Ravaya do not mew but bark ferociously to attack the Muslim to their hearts content, even instigating their goondas to attack their shops. These are the lunatic fringe who ignite racialism and violence- acts inconsistently with Buddhism. Further, these types of hate sentiments do no good for national reconciliation.

Buddhism has stood for over 2,500 years and for about 4 2/1 centuries under colonialism. Muslims believe in peaceful co-existence. Buddha extolled the virtue of Metta, Muditha, Karuna and Upekka.

If all of us practice our faith daily and eschew extremism in the communal divide, there is space for national integration and reconciliation, so essential when vested interests are trying to throttle Mother Lanka.

M.Azhar Dawood
Dehiwala

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Inspiring Dream, Indomitable Reality: Lyceum Celebrates 20 Years

Lyceum in the beginning (June 14, 1993)

‘To teach, on rapid wings, the curious soul
To roam from heaven to heaven, from pole to pole,
From thence to search the mystic cause of this
And follow knowledge to her secret springs.’

This was the dream, the desire, the dominant wish. It took form 20 years ago in the innermost thoughts of an extremely simple, modest individual. Today, that idea has transformed itself into a magnificent educational group — the Lyceum Group of International Schools. From very humble beginnings comprising one parent school at Nugegoda, this group has now spread from Nugegoda to Wattala, Kandana, Panadura, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Nuwara-Eliya and Anuradhapura.

The man of foresight and fortitude of the great venture is none other than the Managing Director, Mohan Lal Grero. To translate a dream into reality, he had to traverse the thorniest paths possible. Yet he plodded on, learning how to focus on his main objectives in the midst of strife.

‘Service’ is the motto of his life and as the founder of the Lyceum Group of International Schools, he plunged wholeheartedly into the task of spreading wisdom and knowledge among numerous children in the island. Now all the schools have a total of 15,400 students and 2,000 staff.

The parent school founded by its Managing Director Mohan Lal Grero on June 14, 1993 at No. 3/1, Raymond Road, Nugegoda now has 4,400 students and a staff of 600. The Lyceum International School, Kandana Branch which commenced on September 6, 1999 has now over 330 students and a staff of 42. The Lyceum International School, Panadura Branch commenced on May 3, 2000 and now it has 2,127 students and 300 staff.

The Lyceum International School, Wattala Branch which commenced on September 3,2001 now has 5,000 students and a staff of 550. The Lyceum International School, Ratnapura Branch commenced on January 6, 2005 and it now has 1,180 students and a staff of 180. The Lyceum International School, Gampaha Branch which commenced on September 4, 2006 now has 1,776 students and staff of 250. The Lyceum International School Nuwara Eliya Branch commenced on April 1, 2012 and it now has 646 students and staff of 100. The Lyceum International School Anuradhapura Branch which commenced on January 2, 2013 now has 26 students and staff of 12.

The name Lyceum comes from that of an ancient Athenian School founded by the Great Philosopher Aristotle in 335 BC in a grove sacred to ‘Apollo Lyceus’.

The Principal and the Warden are in charge of the administration of the school, and act with the Coordinating Principal and the Managing Director. The panel of teachers is selected on the requirements of the school. All teachers are qualified in their areas of instruction. Strong emphasis is laid on qualifications, teaching experience and staff development.

Each school is fully equipped with airy classrooms, air-conditioned state-of-the-art libraries and laboratories where students can pursue their academic goals in comfort. At Lyceum, the adage, ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ is introduced into the curriculum and this is facilitated by football fields, basketball courts, swimming pools, athletic tracks, tennis and badminton courts, volleyball courts, and karate halls. Other extra-curricular activities are scrabble, drama, debating and public-speaking which attract many young amateurs to learn the basic rubric of these activities.

It has always been a strong belief of the school management that what builds society is creative, inventive, vital activity and this is fuelled by integrity of mind and purpose, a spirit of tolerance and hard work. To achieve this, the very vital ingredient is DISCIPLINE. In Lyceum, it is clearly evident that even though students work and play together, bound by a dynamism and energy, a heightened sense of discipline as well as restraint is in all activities. There is a unique awakening of awareness in every heart. This has truly enriched everyone’s life.

The Lyceum is a closely-knit family and it welcomes brothers and sisters from various religions. The cordial atmosphere appears very conspicuously on its daily agenda. The school begins its day’s duties with prayers from the four major religions of the Mother Sri Lanka, recited over the public address system. Religion also features on school’s daily timetable. With this aura of spiritual peace engulfing, the Lyceum proceeds with its daily routine.

Time marches on and the ‘family’ grows day by day, headed by the school’s Managing Director and his able wife, Kumari Grero – the Coordinating Principal. She is a lady of immense grace and nobility, who unites this ‘family’ with her gentle and courteous temperament.

Another extremely happy event was the appointment of Wenuri Hettiarachchi, a past student of Lyceum Nugegoda as the Principal of the institution. There are staff members, who have been with the school for over 18 years and have witnessed this school, which began with seven students and five teachers, bloomed and blossomed over the years. There are new staff members continuously enriched by the devotion and dedication of the senior members. Even the grandchildren of some of the staff are now a part of this ‘family’. What a proud moment it is!!
Every year, every day, every hour brings forth new horizons, new frontiers to be attained under the able guidance of the Managing Director and the Coordinating Principal. With them the school can always be galvanized into action tasting glory. In our own way, let us shed a tiny ray of hope, heralding the dawn of a brighter future for Sri Lanka.
Let us never forget

“True knowledge leads to love;
True dignity abides with him alone
Who, in the silent hour of inward thought,
Can still reverse himself,
In lowliness of heart.”

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Immolate Ignorance

People were looking agape at the monk when he doused himself with petrol in front of the Dalada Maligawa on May 24 demanding the government to take action to stop slaughtering cattle. None interfered to stop the self-immolation even though many people were at the scene, but when he set fire himself they roughed and tried to douse the flames in vain.  However, the gruesome suicide or self immolation brings forward many questions about the practice of Buddhism in Sri Lanka nowadays.

The foul propagandists of Buddhism have been increasingly exploiting it to fulfill their selfish ends – to foot other religious concepts, to capitalize racism, to divide ethnic harmony – and to make the country a hell of hatred and destructions.

Many yellow robes wearers think that their bounded duty is to foot other religions and the views of the other ethnicities in the country, not knowing or deliberately neglecting that by doing so they are destructing the very essence of the Buddhism.

A fine example for misusing the Buddhism is their interpretation of the despicable suicide before Dalada Maligawa. The political leanings of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist exploitation say that the monk’s killing himself is his great sacrifice to protect innocent animals from dying and hence it is not against the Buddhism.

The Gauthama Buddha never acknowledged killing including suicide, but the preservation of life. People avoid killing animals only after when they understand that it is a grave sin or when there is logical reason why they should not do so.

When the proponents of animal killings seem getting their grounds against those who opposing killing, the monks, as disciples of Buddha, should prove logically according to the Dhamma that killing should not be done because it harms innocent lives as well as it causes them grave harm at the moment they die.

The gravest acts that they have done come forward mentally and connect with the reincarnation. If they have done good acts more often, the thoughts they receive when they die definitely may be one of them while if they have done great sins, of course they would remember such grave sins which push them to hell or bad reincarnations.

Buddha asked any one who needs to understand His Dhamma to come and examine it without taking into account some other’s interpretations of it.

The monks should help laymen to understand deep Dhamma not by committing suicide but by explaining it in an understandable way. When monks self-immolate to explain the Buddhism, the essence of the Buddhism that they should follow on collapses thus providing false concepts in others’ mind.

The Buddha said not to allow our minds astray due to false perception.  Only with discussions and agreements that anyone can get others to their folds and it is the way Buddha used to discipline bad influencers or people.

Within this backdrop, one does not need much time to understand that Buddhism nowadays has been exploited by many sectors to gain power and cling to the power at any cost.  As long as people are in ignorance they can keep their power intact de      ceiving people from every side.  The very Buddhism that can help people to get rid of ignorance is now exploited to keep the people in ignorance. The monk who committed self-immolations was a victim of ignorance.

No one heed what he sacrificed for since majority of Buddhists in Sri Lanka still can understand what is merit and sin.  Monk should preach everyone the good things in life rather than committing suicide.  They should be knowledgeable in Dhamma before they preach others to follow them.

If they do things that cannot be interpreted by any Dhamma, of course they should be exposed and obstructed without compassion for the betterment of others.

W. Nandasiri Fernando
Moratuwa

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Bodu Bala Sena And Caning

Ven. Galabodaaththe Gnasara Thero of the Bodu Bala Sena roared and thundered on the eve of Vesak to punish those who celebrate Buddhist religious events wearing masks and to send a team with canes to punish them.

Realising the monk’s utterance itself is against Buddhist preaching, a member of BBS Dilanthe Withanage had said this statement was only a joke as the BBS does not promote violence

As a lay Buddhist may I know why the monk targeted the Buddhist people when-such celebrations are sponsored with the blessings and instruction of the Buddhist priests. It is they who call for contributions and organise peraharas where olu bakkos and masks are amply displayed.

In a book titled The Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening by Ven. Master Chin Kung states Buddhist monks should teach others, practise cultivation as well as encourage others to do likewise. What is the driving force? Compassion. But if we do so for wealth or fame, then it is purely business and this is totally wrong for it totally violates the very sprit of Buddhism. The most recent deviation is a film which portrays the great person. However, this deviation has gone too far trying to convert Buddhism into a cult. The attempt is not new. It appeared from time to time in last thirty to forty years. The exploitation of Buddhism by this evil cult has gone too far, they take advantage of the weakness of human nature, creating chaos by cheating, and misleading people, endangering the safety of the people. Some of their propaganda and deeds can sound extremely enticing and appealing. However, if we join their activities, we will ruin ourselves. By the time we realise our mistake, the damage will have already been done, it will then be too late to repent.

A Buddhist

So on May 6th I went there with my daughter and daughter-in-law with the necessary equipment. We were there by 7.30 am. In spite of my telling that I was a retired staff nurse who worked with this doctor, I was not allowed into the clinic. Several attempts were made by my daughter and daughter-in-law to approach the male attendant in order to go in and speak to the doctor, which proved futile.

Then our very own driver went to that almighty guy waiting at the table outside so my visitors were allowed to go in. Sad to say the staff maybe minor to major did not allow them to see the doctor. Maybe they were under a false and arrogant impression they were on a higher pedestal than the doctor.

We took along the lens which had to be kept in the fridge. So by 8.00 am my daughter-in-law went out to buy ice cubes to keep the lens under controlled temperature.

Hanging around till 10.00 am we realized everything was futile. Being a retired staff nurse who worked for nearly 45 years in two foreign hospitals too caring for patients with dedication, this is the treatment I received at the hands of the arrogant, nasty employees. They should be advised to be more tolerant and considerate towards patients. I just cannot imagine what the other poor patients who come from faraway places have to undergo at the very hands of these employees.

A disgusted retired staff nurse,
Embuldeniya, Nugegoda.

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Bhikkhu Commits Suicide

A Buddhist Bhikkhu had burnt himself demanding to ban slaughter of cattle for meat. Why are a few extreme minded Buddhist, specially the Bhikkhus demeaning the valued Dhamma with ultra sensitive requests? As a Buddhist and as a person who has not consumed Beef since about 1970s is opposed to the concept to prevent persons of other religious beliefs from consuming Beef. It is an inherent right of a person to choose his or her eating preferences. Buddhist should not attempt to involve the State to ban the slaughter of any animal for food, but the Bhikkhus should first attempt to persuade as many as possible Buddhists to refrain from consuming beef and also refrain from consuming alcohol. Thus the beef eating will be limited to Christians and Muslims, as Hindus for religious reasons are not consuming beef. Acharya – Dr, Durga Das Basu in the book, `Essence of Hinduism’ says, “Large sections of the world’s population still belong to this lower rung who covert non-vegetarian diet which obviously adds variety and taste to the diet and, human nature as it is, outside the class of hermits, few people would readily agree to forego animal food.”
Writer is not eating Beef for religious reasons, from about 1970. While in employment in the 1950s and 1960s watched with great admiration the village folk’s attachment to Cows and Bulls. Most of the villagers own their animals, and the Cow, the Bull and the Calf’s were looked after and cared for as human beings and as members of their family. The Cow’s milk provided mainly the children with a nutritious diet and the bull was responsible for the movement of the cart, the then villagers’ only means of produce and human transport. Thus for such reasons the villagers were not consuming beef and most of them were not consuming any animal flesh and they were not sold in village shops. But few villagers will hunt and kill a wild animal for food but not favoured by the village majority.
Thus the Buddhists and others with different religious beliefs should have the freedom to consume food on personal preferences than being forced upon them to decide on the dictates of a few extreme minded persons. Now even in most village shops different kinds of meat are sold and the village children too desire to eat some items their parents may not consume. We too should not forget the economic aspect where animals are reared, and chicken now is consumed by most of our people, and organizations that rear such animals for edible purposes have provided employment opportunities especially for the youth.
The rate of murder of elders, children and mothers committing suicide with the children are fast increasing. Majority are Buddhists. Thus these Bhikkhu Organizations should first concentrate in reaching Buddhist families and where necessary educate them with Buddhist principles and prevent and or reduce these criminal acts. Tourist Hotels providing Casino gambling facilities are due to be opened, horse racing related Bookies are all over the country, but the Bhikkhus and other Religious Clergy have not made any protests. Illicit slaughter of cattle cannot be prevented but at the Kohuwala Public Market the Beef stall had been closed for want of sales.
Banning beef eating will never win any appreciation of any foreign nationals, but they will look down on -Sri Lanka Buddhists as suppressors of the needs of persons of other religions. Bhikkhu Dr. Walpola Rahula in an address in 1981 in Taiwan had said, “The members of the Buddhist Sangha should not be influenced by aggressive, fanatical tendencies prevailing in some parts of the world today.
The Sangha should preserve with dignity and courage, the long established glorious tradition of the Buddhist understanding and tolerance.” The concept of Buddhist tolerance will lose its significance if a few Buddhist engage in damaging utterances and demand State interference in matters the Bhikkhu should educate and influence the Buddhist to deceit from engaging in practices not worthy of a Buddhist.

Buddhist mind

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A New Initiative To Industrialization

A new blend of thoughts should be authoritatively spoken to promote the private sector entrepreneurs to venture into commencing some of the industries that prevailed about four or five decades ago, but were closed down mainly for the reasons that the then newly appointed District Ministers introduced unproductive labour employees, who because of the political backing interfered not only with the technically competent machine operating employees but also attempted to dictate terms to the qualified Engineers and other Administrators compelling them to resign and leave the’ country seeking more financially advantageous employment abroad.
That is an experience to learn from to allow the private sector enterprises to manage their affairs without political interference. Thus, the Government should publicly invite some of our industrial minded entrepreneurs to commence some of those ventures that were closed down, including cement, plywood, hardware, steel and any others including agro based industries even with foreign participation. The writer still uses spoons, knives and forks of the former Hardware Cooperation and not Chinese or Indian products. Recently the Income Tax provisions had been amended to provide tax benefits up to about twenty-five years for new hotel or tourist projects, similarly the State could consider providing tax and other incentives, on a project to project basis and create a promotional atmosphere. There should be no need to seek political or ministerial approval other than registering in terms of the established law to commence a new industry. Provincial Councillors will make efforts to publicize their involvement and compel the owners to employ their supporters. Some industries that were commenced a few decades ago, Maliban, Jinasena, Harischandra and Edna to name few are still our pride and provide employment to large numbers and should be providing an income to the State in addition to the payment of income tax. Japans industrial success after the last Great War was the adoption of innovative techniques to manufacture and market their products in competition with reputed products of many other countries.
While such heavy industries are promoted, the Small Sector Industries [SMIs] should also be promoted with the necessary incentives; and quotes from a book on `The Rise of the Soviet Union’ in an article on the `Early Attempt to Manage the Economy ‘ Peter Kenez says.
“Lenin eased his control of the economy by instituting the New Economic Policy (NEP), which allowed small-scale private business to operate free of government control. In addition, the Russian peasants, who made up 80 percent of the population, were allowed to keep their land and freely market their products.
” The large scale industries, banks and foreign trade were at that time state owned.

Kasi Silva

•     I will not allow, the Senior Citizens who have devoted their lives for their children and the country, to be lonely.
•      Their pensions will be increased in line with the public servants’ salary increases.
•      Anomalies in the present pension payments will be rectified and the pension system will be amended to reflect the self-respect of the Pensioners. Those senior citizens with visual impairment will be provided with spectacles free of charge.
•      A deduction of 50% of the fares as levied by the public sector transport operations will be offered to senior citizens who are above 70 years of age.
•      A free railway warrant will be issued once a year to senior citizens to go on pilgrimage.
•     A series of Homes for the Aged will be established for the benefit of destitute senior citizens with the assistance of NGOs and the private sector.

The pensioners having faith in the above promises voted to elect Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa as President. However, the promises were not kept.
Then again, in preparation for the Presidential Election 2010 the promises were published in the Daily News paper of Monday 18, January 2010 under the heading “Mahinda Chinthana – Vision for the Future – Towards a new Sri Lanka”, on Page 12 under the heading “Support to our Pensioners” and the following promises were reiterated:
I intend to implement the following measures to ensure that retired public servants who possess a wealth of experience are able to contribute with dignity to the development process of our country.

•    While rejecting the perception promoted by previous governments that the monthly pension drawn by public servants is a “charitable donation”, I will take measures to establish that pensions are an honourable and dignified payment in recognition of their valuable contribution to the country.
•    I will initiate action to accord further preferential treatment in addition to what is being already accorded, to pensioners who visit public places such as government institutions and banks. I will also introduce a scheme for them to receive similar priority in other Institutions as well upon the production of the Pensioner’s Identity Card, Senior Citizens Identity Card or Elderly Identity Card.
•    A scheme will be introduced where the pensions are delivered to the respective residences of the pensioners in order to avoid the waste of time and effort to having to collect their pensions.
•    I will synchronise the pensions of government servants who have retired prior to 2006 with the respective salary structures of 2006 and make the necessary provision from the next budget.
•    A new Health Insurance Scheme for government pensioners will be introduced subject to a limit of Rs. 10,000 per annum, so as to assist them to meet expenditure on healthcare facilities, medicines and doctors’ consultation charges.

On 14th January 2010, addressing around 5000 pensioners invited to Temple Trees His Excellency the President, specifically gave an undertaking that the anomalies arising from the salary increases granted to public servants effective 1st January 2006 will be rectified with the ‘Next Budget’.
Former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Public Administration and several Ministers from time to time indicated that the salary anomalies arising out of the salary increases granted to public servants as of 1st January 2006 will be removed.
However, up to date that has not been done despite promises made over and over again that the anomalies will be rectified.
Frustrated over the failure to keep to the promises, the pensioners signed an appeal to His Excellency the President requesting that the 2006 salary anomalies be rectified.
Pensioners from all parts of the country signed it. The Pensioners’ Associations thereafter pleaded for a date to hand over the petition to the President.  That plea was not granted. Since the promises were made, nearly 60,000 pensioners have died without their pension anomalies being rectified.
Members of Parliament become entitled to a pension after five years in Parliament whilst having increases from time to time being added to their pensions automatically. To deny state pensioners the same process, is discriminatory.
I would conclude with a quote from the President. Addressing a large crowd following the commissioning of the Kinniya bridge the President said, “1 am a leader who always keeps my promises. I would do what I say and would not say anything which I can’t do”.
(Daily News of Wednesday October 21, 2009).
Thus the state pensioners are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the election promises made eight years ago, with regard to rectifying their pension anomalies.

Upali S. Jayasekera
Vice President
All Ceylon Pensioners’ Society Ltd

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Prosperous  Sri Lanka

We Sri Lankans irrespective of the caste, creed or social status are supposed to enjoy the peace achieved through the long struggle by our valiant Armed Forces against the world’s most ruthless terrorist outfit the LTTE.
This deadly ethnic war that lasted for more than thirty long years losing several hundred armed service personnel and innocent civilian lives as well as the destruction and loss of property worth billions of rupees for no useful purpose.
Although, the fire power war ended the people of this beautiful country are still fighting a cold war within them against so many other elements in their day to day lives such as; the rising cost of living including the recently increased electricity tariff, inflation, war against rape of our women folk and young children, war against powerful politicians who are controlling the area they represent, and their unlawful enforcement of the rule of the jungle, war against robbery and hooliganism, war against murdering of innocent lives, war against hate speech and spreading racial tension between the peace loving people of our country.
Recently we heard about a sixteen year old boy stabbed to death by another boy of the same age for a trivial matter.
All these crimes indicate that the society is ill disciplined and has lost its sense of balance as human beings and the urgent need of the hour is the services of the Prelates, the Rev. Fathers, the Moulavis and the Kurukkals to conduct series of bana (sermons), Pothanai and Bayan to promote peace, tolerance and rational human behavior.
With the above religious activities the government for its part should enforce strict law and order and discipline the people, especially the so-called politicians to respect law and order. Then in a couple of years from now we may be able experience Sri Lanka as the ‘Miracle of Asia’.
Maya
Colombo

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Ornaments Offered To  Sri Maha Bodhiya

A news item revealed that “a great religious ceremony was held at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya on Saturday (11) where millions of flowers were offered along with ornaments made of gold and silver and gem studded objects.”
The offering of flowers is valued and appreciated, even offering of one flower without offering of millions of flowers can bring inspirational Buddhist values to those who participates in any Pinkama.
But on which Buddhist principle were ornaments of gold and silver and gem studded objects offered ? Could the respected Bhikkus who participated, including Asgiriya Chapter Bhikku Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha offer a Buddhist principle and the future use of such ornaments for the Sri Maha Bodhiya, as we fear that such a ceremony and not a Pinkama degrades human and Buddhist values.
The ceremony would have provided some form sensual pleasure for the organizers but not an encouragement to get away from sensual pleasures, greed and lust for the Buddhist public.
For the children who would have been present at the time the gifts were made, betrayal of Buddhist principles would not have surprised them.
Surprisingly a leading front rank politician perhaps has not participated. This concept in the future will be observed by other Pansalas to the detriment of Buddhist principles and observances.
In a book on Buddhism ‘ The Soul Of A People’, H. Fielding Hall has documented that, “
Surely this is a simple faith, the belief that the world has known that is free from mystery and dogma, from ceremony and priest craft;”

Buddhist Mind

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Defining The Word `Motherland’ And Its Real Meaning

So the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is now over, and all of us in Sri Lanka are hoping for better things in life – such as happiness, good health, prosperity and goodwill to all of our citizens – no matter their caste, race, creed or even religion. Added to all of this, is a hope for a real and heartfelt ‘reconciliation’. When I first arrived in Sri Lanka in May 2012 – after an absence of 13 years, there was so much hope in my heart, for my fellow Sri Lankans – whom I’ve always loved so deeply and genuinely. I couldn’t make it in time for the ‘Victory Day Celebrations’, which was the 3 rd Anniversary of the end of the terrible civil war with the LTTE. I’m sure if I had attended it, most probably out of almost 1000 photos that I had taken from al I my visits – the first photo that I would have taken – would’ve been from the ‘Victory Day Celebrations’.
Keeping in mind, I had visited places like Trincomalee, Habarana, Hikkaduwa and even the Blessed and Spiritual Esala Perahera in Kandy. I was fortunate to see the Randoli Perahera – and also the Day Perahera the next day. To me, even though I am a Catholic Burgher; it was like a ‘Spiritual Pilgrimage’. The best photo I took from the whole lot was one of a young Muslim mother, wearing the Sri Lankan colours, along with her Hijab at the Semi Final of the T20 World Cup last year Sri Lanka vs Pakistan.  Goes to prove one thing – there is only ONE MOTHERLAND the country of your birth.
A very special thing happened to me, just 4 day’s into the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. It was about 2.45pm and I had just come out of this Restaurant after having had a cup of Tea.  I wanted to make my way from the Eye Hospital to Moratuwa. I walked past this Blessed Buddhist Priest and somehow noticed he was walking very slowly. I thought to myself; “He is okay, no need to help him”. I then just turned around, and I didn’t see him. Something told me, he wasn’t alright. I then walked up to him – and I saw a grimace on his face; each time he took a step. I then told him in my ‘broken Sinhalese’- “I think you need a drink of water, it’s too hot -just come over here and wait, and I will get you a drink”. I moved him to a shop entrance, but before I did, he raised his Robe and showed him this ‘plastic urinal bag’ he had strapped on. After I brought him the water, he took a long drink. He stopped and I believe he started to ‘bless me’. I’m so glad I had stopped and helped him. He was truly de-hydrated and would have collapsed further down the road.
Religious Tolerance is the first step in any ‘Reconciliation Process’. Sri Lanka is in the process of building the largest Buddhist Statue 80 metres in height – all Sri Lankans should be proud of that.
Carlyle Walles

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An Open Letter To The Bodu Bala Sena & Other Groups

As a layman, I find the shocking antics of the BBS similar to that of the World War 2`shock troops’ used by Hitler to roundup non-Aryans (Jews) for extermination! This letter is impartial to any religious group but intended to express how sad, embarrassing and disgusting it is that mobs of people led by saffron-robed monks terming themselves BBS are agitating against the beliefs of religions other than Buddhism.
My intention is to voice my opinion about the senseless, foolish attitude of these monks sworn to obedience and tolerance by the teachings of the Buddha.
Buddhism was founded in 500 BC by an Indian Prince, Siddharta Gautama, who lived an affluent life until he saw a poor man and a corpse. Shocked and distressed at the suffering in the world he left his family to seek enlightenment through asceticism.
He sat beneath a bo-tree and vowed not to move until he attained enlightenment. After that he arose as the “Buddha” – “the Enlightened One” and spent the rest of his life teaching the path to liberation (Dharma) and establishing the monk order (Sangha).
The Buddha’s Eightfold Path (in Pali-Ariyo atthangiko magga. Sanskrit- Aryastangamarga)

1.    Right Speech
2.    Right Action      SILA (Morality)
3.    Right Livelihood
4.    Right Effort
5.    Right Mindfulness      SAMADHI (Meditation)
6.    Right Concentration
7.    Right View      PRAJNA (Wisdom)
8.    Right Resolve

Here are some Quotes of the Buddha for guidance of Humanity:

a) Do not believe in anything simply because you heard it
b) Do not believe in anything simply because it is rumoured and spoken by many
c) Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books
d) Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders
e) Do not believe in anything in traditions simply because they have been handed down for many generations
But after observation and analysis, when you find anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of all, then accept it and live up to it.

The BBS and their non-adherence to Buddha’s principles

It is plain to note that the BBS as Buddhist leaders are defying and denying the truths of the Buddha by their unruly and unjust behavior towards non-Buddhists and minorities which is leading to chaos. Instead of spending their time, lives and efforts in creating harmony they spend time using innocent people in fruitless demonstrations. Just look at some of the faces of those demonstrating monks who are depicted in pictures – full of hatred, anger and violence, some in the act of throwing stones and other missiles!
The Gautama Buddha said: “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”,. “The tongue is like a sharp knife… Kills without drawing blood”, “However many holy words read, however you may speak, what good will they do if you do not act upon them?”, “Better than a thousand hollow words is one who brings peace”, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only love; this is the eternal rule’: Is there anything clearer than this?
Dear unruly and misguided monks, did not every one of you learn your theology in a pirivena? Did you not shave your head, takes vows of mendicancy, tolerance and obedience to the teaching of Lord Buddha? Why has Satan taken possession of your senses? I make this urgent appeal – there are more important matters that need the intervention of the Sangha. such  All religious leaders, Buddhist monks Christian priests and pastors and other religious leaders are bound in one accord – to teach Peace, Love and Obedience to God and the government, and not to break laws.

The three Basic Laws (Signata)

Anicca – impermanence – everything changes, nothing is permanent
Dukkha – unsatisfactoriness – no goodness or beauty
Anatta – unsubstantiality – no permanent essence, self or soul

The Four Noble Truths

1. There is Suffering – Suffering is common to all (Dukkha)
2. Cause of Suffering – We are the Cause of Suffering (Samudhaya)
3. End of Suffering – Stop doing what causes Suffering (Nirodha)
4. Path to end Suffering – Everyone can be enlightened (Magga)

Therefore all you raging and boisterous monks I beg you to refer to the Second and Third Noble Truths – because of you all the other monks too have to hang their heads in shame.
What is astounding is the fact that the Mahanayakes of these sects just let a few monks tarnish one of the world’s most ancient and honoured religions.
At this juncture, it is quite in order to ask all these religious warriors this question: Buddhism has become an international religion with temples and Buddhist monks serving in many Western nations dedicated to spreading the gospel of the Buddha – and what will be the result if these institutions are ravaged in retaliation, by known or unknown mobs?

In conclusion I wish to further quote more gems of wisdom from the Dahmmapada:

“The man/ woman of little learning (ignorant) grows like a bull whose flesh grows but not its wisdom “
“Bhikkus all is burning. And what is all that is burning? Bhikkus, the eye is burning, visible forms are burning, visual consciousness is burning, visual impression is burning, also whatever sensation, pleasant or painful or neither painful-unpleasant arises on account of the visual impression, that too is burning – burning with what? Burning with the fire of lust, with the fire of hate, with the fire of delusion; I say it is burning with birth, ageing and death, with sorrows, with lamentations, with pains, with griefs, with despair” (Aditta Pariyaya Sutta).
B. Jayasekera
Pannipitiya

Nevertheless it will be of assistance to a large segment of people of all communities.

A Tamil Officer functioning in any capacity will have occasions to refer to an NIC issued in Sinhala.

Similarly, a Sinhalese Officer will have occasions to refer to an NIC issued in Tamil and many persons checking NICs will not be able to read them if they are issued only in one language.

As such I wish to suggest that in both instances in addition to the language of the NIC, the full name should be provided in English as well.

Though there are people who cannot read a document in Tamil or Sinhalese, with assistance, even a Police Officer will be able to read the name in English.

Once the name and identity are established to the satisfaction of the person checking NICs, other information could be provided if necessary.

Kasi Silva
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Electricity Tariffs, Corruption And The People - A Supplementary Response

The letter titled “ Electricity Tariffs, Corruption and the People “ from J.P.de Silva of Rajagiriya, (The Island – 08.5.13 ) properly continues the many objections raised by the public and political parties and by almost the entire country, against the recent tariff hike. It is fit in this context to draw attention to the suggestions and more this writer made in an Open Letter to the PUC (“Sunday Leader” of 31.3.13 titled “ Electricity Tariff Revision – How a Tariff Hike can be easily avoided”).

These suggestions and the many others forwarded to the Chairman, PUC, Mr Jayatissa de Costa, PC, at his specific invitation were of course not heeded one jot and summarily dismissed. In fact in my letter I surmised that the Chairman’s invitation for representations may be feint, in these words :”Its bona fides, that is, whether it’s a feint, hogwash or otherwise, will be seen in due course, depending on whether your Commission will take serious note of representations made, and react accordingly”. In the event the Chairman inviting submissions before deciding the issue of a tariff hike, etc. proved to be an empty, seemingly dishonest gesture, as I believe not one of suggestions made by the public were implemented, in part or wholly. In fact, I also surmised that “a possible price increase appears to have been already decided on, though calling for representations, perhaps as a feint”.

The gravamen of the suggestions made in my “Sunday Leader” letter, apart from the others such as weeding out corruption in the CEB, reducing administrative costs, excess staff, waste, etc. was that the PUC must, as a possible means to avoid a tariff hike, demand that the Treasury, subsidise /meet the CEO’s expenditure/ costs deficit. The Treasury meeting such deficit seems possible and practicable, as the PUC had strongly recommended that the Treasury advises the Government to lay off at least for the moment, wasteful and lower priority expenditures, especially those on certain unnecessary or currently postponable infrastructure projects.

I asserted that the Chairman of the PUC had a duty to demand of the Treasury, that if it could allocate such huge funds for comparatively unnecessary and postponable expenditure, it should allocate funds for the CEB to meet its deficit.

The funds that could be released by the Treasury, if it can persuade the Govt, as it must, to postpone/ abandon its immediately unnecessary and grandiose projects and other wasteful expenditure on travel, perks and privileges to its Ministers, MPs and others. Otherwise it will be a huge burden for the public to carry, a public that is currently overburdened with the cost of living.
Mr J P de Silva’s letter is self-explanatory. Others too must continue this agitation.

Colombo 5

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Road Widening For Bus Route 120

Surveyors are seen surveying the road from about Kohuwela junction towards Boralesgamuwa for the purpose of widening the road.
Even during the busiest hours of the day vehicles are not delayed due to traffic congestion. As such this road needs no widening and about ten to fifteen years ago the road was widened.

The road widening is the need of politicians and their supporter contractors and the beneficiaries are the vehicle owners who drive down this road from Ratmalana, Piliyandala, Kesbawa and other distant locations and the victims are the residents on either side of the road. If the President was to drive down this road at leisure, he will notice that most of the small houses and small scale businesses located on either side of the road will be demolished and their income sources lost.

With the electricity hike the small income earner is already furious with the government and for the unnecessary road widening their anger with the government will be a burning issue and will last longer. At a time the government should win the sympathy and goodwill of the voter instead of widening this road for the benefit of a politician and his contractors, the money so allocated could be utilized to construct a few bridges in remote villages, and thus win back some of the lost prestige due to the electricity hike.

Development through construction has not benefitted the vast majority of low income groups and villagers. The writer is not affected with the road widening as he is living about hundred and fifty yards away from the road. However this not the time to arouse the anger of the people.

Amor Patriae

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Favoured Treatment For High Profiles

It is almost the rule that high profile individuals receive favoured treatment in our prisons, hospitals and courts of law despite assertions to the contrary by the responsible authorities.

Granting of bail, discharge of cases for ‘lack of evidence’, trivializing or exaggerating injuries depending on the personage, favoured treatment in obtaining long leave, paying ward status, special privileges in prisons, etc., are such a common ­occurrence that even opposition politicians are reluctant to complain as they too may stand to benefit at a future date from such treatment.

The consequences of this discriminatory treatment could be most distressing to the public, damaging to the professionals and to the aggrieved parties when medical professionals seem to be swayed by the influential, whether socially or politically.

It was for this reason that concerned professionals made representations to the Ministry of Health and to the SLMC that when dealing with high profile individuals who need to be medically examined, it is more prudent for a medical board of at least three specialists to make recommendations instead of an individual specialist.

This is especially so, if the other party requests that a medical board should sit in judgment of the client for justice and fair play.
Such is the extent of politicization, influence peddling and corruption in high society that even the respected medical profession is now fast losing its image of honesty and integrity.

Hence the necessity to minimize, if one cannot obviate, chances of abuse of privilege and prerogative.
I sincerely hope that Honourable Minister of Health or Secretary, Dr Nihal Jayatilake would initiate a dialogue with the medical professional organisations to assure the public that where medical specialists are concerned they are guaranteed justice and fair play.
Over to the Ministry of Health, please.
R. Vidyasekera,
Dehiwela

Dear Aunty Pat,
My boyfriend has other female girlfriends. It’s just this one girl whom I feel he’s too close to. Am I being paranoid, or should I voice my fears? Do you think he will get annoyed with me and this will push him away? I have other guy friends too, but my boyfriend is top on my list and I always am with him. I’m a bit worried but I feel a bit silly and scared asking him if he feels anything for this girl. Maybe it will put him off? What do you think I should do, aunty?
Kay.

Dear Kay,
If you don’t feel comfortable with this relationship, maybe you should discreetly check if they had a past history together as a couple. If this is the case, you could say you got to know this and you’re not happy that he’s such great chums with her. You can’t tell him to sever connections altogether, that will really make him think you’re trying to control him. There is no point in your being suspicious in secret. It’s better to tell him you’re not so happy about this connection. Of course, you both obviously have to have other friends of the opposite sex, and you should tell him this. But you have to be his best girlfriend. You shouldn’t have to feel threatened in any way. So even if it leads to an argument, you should have it out with him and then take it from there.

Aunty Pat.

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Dear Aunty,
My best friend and I have been in school together from playgroup upwards. We have always been close, even though we went to 2 different countries to University. Now we’re both back here and both of us are working. But we call each other daily and meet very often. We always visit each other’s houses. About six months ago, she started dating a guy and after that it seems that she has no time for me. Even if I call her, she’s either with him at home of just about to go somewhere with him. I’m very hurt as I feel she doesn’t want to be friends any more. We meet quite seldom and even our telephone conversations are short. Do you think I should ask her why she’s treating me like this? Or will she think I’m jealous that she has a boyfriend and I don’t? I’m miserable but I can’t talk about this to anyone because I think I will sound so childish. Can you advise me? I don’t want to lose my friendship with her.

Miss Miserable.

Dear Miss Miserable,

Yours is not an uncommon scenario. When a relationship starts with a member of the opposite sex, sometimes people forget about the other people in their lives and neglect them. It’s not that they mean to do it, but they are so wrapped in a new relationship they are oblivious to the rest of the world. You could mention to her that you miss the times together and ask if she could set some time aside for you. I’m sure she hasn’t realized you feel this way and will respond positively. In the meantime, I’m sure you have other friends too, move around with them without brooding about your pal. It’s understandable she will want to spend time with her boyfriend, but tell her you also want to be in her life as well. I’m sure she will then realize her mistake and make amends. But don’t wait around only for her, do things with others as well and you will find that you will be occupied and happy.
Aunty Pat.

Born in Kandy and educated at St. Anthony’s College Kandy, and thus not only the people of our country but also the people of all cricket playing countries and all international cricketer will appreciate our decision to honour him. Subsequently, a life size Statue of him in his favourite bowling posture should be unveiled. If Murali agrees his collection of awards and other cricket related trophies could be displayed in a specially constructed Muralitharan Cricket Museum.

Murali married a girl from Chennai; the Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu prohibited our cricketers playing in IPL matches played in Chennai and thus our naming an International Cricket Stadium after him will reflect the judicious thoughts of our people.

Writer [Mirror- 16.03.13] requested that the recently constructed National Athletic Stadium be renamed after Dunces White the first Ceylonese to win an Olympic Medal in the 1948 London Olympics. A difficult decision for the Head of State to rename a Stadium, but the decision will be appreciated by the vast majority of our people and many Australians where he later lived.
Kaki Silva

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BASL And The Judiciary

In the wake of concerns expressed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASS) and members of the legal profession on the unprecedented transfers of judges and the appointment of a judge of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court by the President bypassing the President of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, the question is posed as to whether the BASL and/or members of the legal profession has a right to express its concerns on such transfers and appointments.

Under Article 114 of the constitution it is the Judicial Service Commission (JCS) that is vested with the power of appointment, transfer, dismissal and disciplinary control of judicial officers. Under article 107 of the constitution as amended by the 18th amendment the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal and every other judge of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal are appointed by the President after considering the observations from the Parliamentary Committee. The Parliamentary Committee does not in practice functions and therefore it is the President who makes these appointments.

These powers regarding judges is vested in the JCS and the President on trust that these powers will be used by the JCS as well as the President for the purpose for which these powers are vested with the authorities and for no other collateral purpose.
It is well established as to what is expected from the JSC and the President in the exercise of these powers.

It is to uphold the independence of the judiciary. No authority vested with any power under the constitution can exercise those powers in violation of the basic structure of the constitution which is to establish a government based on democratic values.
Two main, pillars of such a democratic form of government is the Rule of Law and the Independence of the Judiciary.

Therefore; not only the BASL and/or members of the legal profession but any citizen of the country has a right to question any deviation from the trust reposed on these authorities by the people ,under the constitution.

Therefore the question as to whether the BASL and/or members of the legal profession has a right to question transfers or appointments will depend on the answer to the question whether the authorities has acted in such a way as to infringe on the independence of the judiciary.

If it has acted in such a way as to affect the independence of the Judiciary in making such transfers and/or appointments the BASL and/or the members of the legal profession has a right to express its concerns.

It is not the person who is appointed to the Supreme Court that matters. The important question is as to, whether it infringes on the independence of the judiciary or will it be seen to be an infringement of the independence of the judiciary.
The appointment made to the Supreme Court bypassing the President of the Court of Appeal and deviating from tradition needs an explanation.

The people are entitled to know the reasons for such an action and if it is not forthcoming, it will lead to speculations that will cause loss of faith in the administration of justice. This is so, especially as this extra ordinary situation has arisen in the heels of the ill fated impeachment process against the Chief Justice and the actions of the executive that followed; that has gravely damaged the standing of the judiciary of our country and challenged the concept of separation of powers.

Lal Wijenayake,
Chairman
BASL Standing Committee on Rule of Law
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Tariff Concession – Places Of Worship

It should be clearly stated, the present high tariff increase in electricity is due to the undue delay in undertaking the construction of the Coal Plant at Norochcholai, merely because of baseless objections by the then Bishop of Chilaw, who feared the Shrine at Talawila will be affected.

Even with the assurance of local and foreign experts, the objection continued till the country faced a six hour power cut. On the other hand the government did not pay heed to warnings of eminent experts in the likes of Dr. Mohan Munasinghe, Honorary Energy Advisor to the then UNP government, Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya and knowledgeable engineers of the CEB, fearing losing votes of the Catholics. This fear was disproved when the Vayamba elections were held after undertaking the Norochcholai Coal Plant, Catholic voters voted with the government.

In my personal effort, I met the late Ven. Madihee Pannaseeha Thero at Maharagama Bike Training Centre and explained him the contents of Rambol’s Report and requested him to intervene. He gave a patient hearing, but nothing materialized.

Then I met the incumbent monk of Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, handed him a copy of M/s Rambol report and explained the relevant section of the report pertaining to the objection of the Church and requested him to discuss this matter at the Inter Religious Organization, the correct forum to discuss , I believe, is said to be a committee member. His understanding of the problem was that it may bring about a religious conflict and did not pursue the matter any further. I leave it to the intelligent readers to decide whether this would have brought about a religious conflict, as this is not a matter Buddhist against Catholics but a matter concerning the State.

This above account is only to show unwanted fear the government has on religious influence when at election time and the insensitiveness of religious dignitaries towards the struggling masses with cost of living rising every day. On the other hand, we see at temples, eye catching notice boards prominently placed at the entrance, calling devotees to donate to meet the electricity bill.
These donations far exceed the actual monthly bill. Beside do these temples conserve electricity?

A tour round Colombo, will show temples are lit throughout the night giving a carnival atmosphere, not heeding the desperate call of the government to conserve electricity. As the temples do not feel the payment of electricity bills, it is suggested that the concession be done away with. Instead charge them the domestic rate. This would enable the CEB to increase the first slab to 100 units. It is hoped the clergy would not grudge this sacrifice for the sake of the poor, a charitable gesture . A great relief to the lowest group indeed.

G. A. Sirimal
Boralesgamuwa
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Public Transport Authorities – Act Now!

The public was well aware of a youth who fell off a train in broad daylight from the foot-board about an year back was recorded at the Veyangoda Railway Station while he was in a great hurry trying to get off before the train stopped at the Station and succumbed to his injuries.

This was the worse train accident ever occurred in a railway station during that year. He was also a resident of Veyangoda.
Travelling on foot-board is a common scene in every compartment violating rules and regulations of the Railway Authorities and has become a matter between life and death.

The Media, after the said incident, repeatedly kept on reporting of the dangerousness of travelling on foot-boards in trains. Still for all there is no decrease, but increased a great deal in foot-board travelling even after such a disastrous occurrence in the said Station.

There are a thousand and one worthless laws and by-laws enacted, but for whom? Nobody obeys any law in this country and the laws have gone bad to worse and even beyond. In trains, outside every compartment within an inset vastly highlights a warning sign in all three languages “Travelling on Foot-Board is prohibited”. The law enforcing authorities appear to have taken no steps whatsoever against these offenders to stop this dangerous act until now. I presume the time is right for corrective action to be taken swiftly against these offenders.

B. M. Mahinda Piyaratne
Negombo

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Chennai Ban On Our Cricketers

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had prohibited our cricketers playing in Chennai during the IPL cricket matches and the perhaps the IPL authorities conceded to the request.

The ban is on international cricketers as such the International Cricket Council should take notice and make necessary inquiries and for the insult inflicted on Inter National Cricketers prohibit, at least for a period of three years, any international cricket matches where foreign players will participate being played in Chennai irrespective of the participating country.

Amor Patriae

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Is It The Beginning Of The End?

The Buddha advised his disciples that two of them should not go in the same direction in propagating his doctrine. There never has been of drop of blood shed in the name of the Buddhism. The Buddha is said to have converted the hostile Alavaka to his way of thinking by words and not deeds.

Recently a Buddhist Bala Senava (an army of some sort) has been formed to further Buddhism.

We should not forget that 54 years ago it was a Buddhist monk who shot the Prime Minister of this country.
The High Priest of the Kelaniya Temple, a place where the Buddha trod, was one of the accused. So a ‘senava’ is detrimental both to the religion and the country.

Buddhist monks have staged a protest against cricketers plying their trade. When did cricket become part of the religion for the monks to be involved in it? Today the monks, especially the young monks, cannot deliver a sermon without recourse to a text in front.
This means they are not conversant with the subject matter, which shows that it has become a part time job. The only worldly possession the Buddhist monk should have is the begging bowl.

Though it is part of the ‘Atapirikara’ we do not see any priest carrying it even for an almsgiving. It is said the rust that forms on the iron finally erodes the iron. So are we witnessing the beginning of the end of Buddhism the in the country?

Chandra Weeraratne
Ratmalana
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Birds At Mattala Airport

Newspapers revealed that at the new Mattala Airport an attempt is made to drive away the migratory birds, for the safe landing of airplanes but the birds are the farmers delight, to watch the migratory birds seasonally appearing in the backdrop of the blue sky. The Airport was located at Mattala as the people, mainly the farmers, protested having it at Wirawila and though there was no immediate necessity, the political mind was not prepared to care for the peoples’ thoughts or the birds and other animal life, for which Hambantota was well known. For the benefit of the readers an experience of Chairman Mao of China, is quoted from a biography from Jonathan Clements. Mao engaged ten million peasants to hack and shovel a number of canals and reservoirs to bring water to cultivate dry land of over 20 million acres with grain cultivation. Later Mao found the `Four Pests’, rats, sparrows, flies and mosquitoes had damaged his concerted effort. Thus he ordered the Chinese people to kill off every sparrow in China, both by direct hunting and constantly scaring them away from their natural perches until they eventually dropped from the sky with exhaustion.’

Thus there were no sparrows to consume the grain. But Mao now found a new pest in the caterpillars, but the caterpillars were not an earlier problem as the sparrows lived on the caterpillars. Similarly those attempting to drive away the migratory birds may leave many pathetic problems for the farmers and the birds were a tourists attraction and many young earned a living from the visiting tourists.
Kasi Silva

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Electrifying May Day

The May Day carnival is over to the reverberating applause. What will the effect of these reductions, firstly by the PUC and now by the President will have on the original proposals of the CEB? The original proposal would have had the expenditure envisaged Capital works, Maintenance and improvements to the system, Overhead Charges in maintaining the staff etc. and of course a sizable amount to set off the debt. With these reductions now proposed it is inevitable for the CEB to prune down drastically the expenditure which would mean no new capital works, essential maintenance and improvements to the network resulting in frequent ‘Break Downs’, etc, cutting down on overtime and other payments to the staff and phasing of debt repayment for a longer period. As the Sinhala adage goes Bada sudda una namuth Leda Maruna – Stomach cleared but patient died. Under the circumstances it is best the government takes over the debt by stopping further investments on unproductive projects and close down certain institutions, specially the PUC, which functions could be entrusted to the respective ministries or departments.

This predicament the CEB faces as often said is solely due to political bungling in not allowing the CEB to implement the Generation Plan, which included a coal plant, on schedule. The curtailment of work planned, due to paucity of funds, as said earlier will certainly bring about failures in the system, and to correct them will need funds in the future.

K. D. Kalupahana
Kotte

Do you, perhaps, have something 

Dear Aunty Pat,

You are the only one who could help me in this critical situation. We are planning to go on a trip to Puttalam during the Vesak weekend and we are to go with some of our best friends. I feel so tempted to go but in another six months time I will be sitting for my O/level exam and I am planning to study during the weekend. Unfortunately this arose and I’m so tempted to go as this will be my only chance. Aunty, I am stuck in two minds. Please tell me what to do, should I stay or go? Please help me, as I am desperately seeking your help.

Helpless child

Dear Helpless Child,

What a drama queen you are! I told you before to learn to relax and enjoy your spare time. One weekend in six months is not going to fail you an examination. You need to rest your mind at intervals as well to obtain the best results. In fact, I noticed that both my daughters fared very well if they had taken some kind of break before an exam, because once they got back to their books, their minds were relaxed, refreshed and invigorated and they got back to their studies better than they would if it was at an unbroken stretch. If you really feel guilty, you can take a couple of books along and maybe just read through for one hour first thing in the morning and last thing at night. But I strongly advise you to take a clean break and enjoy the weekend and then I know you will hit your books with a vengeance! Anyway you are supposed to take breaks during study, either walk or do some kind of sports activity or dancing for about an hour each day. You will find that you will be much better focused when you return to your books. So run along and pack your bag and enjoy your weekend!

Aunty Pat

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Dear Aunty Pat,

My daughters were always at loggerheads when they were living here as they are just one year apart in age and they felt they had to compete for everything. They are now married and live abroad. It so happens that they are both expecting their first child around Christmas. One is in New Zealand and the other in Dubai. How can I be in two places, but each one is adamant that I should be present. Much as I am looking forward to helping them and see my grandchildren, I really don’t know how I can be in two places simultaneously. Which ever one I go to, the other will be angry, because the sibling rivalry is so great. What am I to do? One has a mother-in-law, but she is very feeble, and my husband has left the decision to me. So, Aunty Pat, please advise me. I’m in a quandary and can’t reach a decision. I should be happy and looking forward to such events, but I’m so stressed out I can’t say I feel good about this.

Distressed mum

Dear Distressed Mum,

Are these two adults you are talking about? They sound like selfish, spoilt kids who are used to getting what they want when they demand it. Tell them firmly that you can’t clone yourself and so can only be in one place at a time quite obviously. Tell them to discuss it between the two of them and come to a solution, because it is unfair of them to put this burden on you. Say you are perfectly willing to help the both of them, but they will have to decide when and where you come to each of them. Don’t get upset if they sulk, but be firm and tell them they will have to discuss this and decide between the two of them. Say you don’t want to be the one to choose. They will eventually have to make the choice, so bide your time and let them do it. Enjoy your stay with the new arrivals,
Aunty Pat.

Nowhere in Sri Lanka in any of the mosques have harsh words been preached against other communities or influenced violence against others; instead the congregation is advised to be tolerant and not hurt the feelings of others. This has been going on since the `Halal’ problem was created.

The BBS Secretary has further said that only Sinhala Buddhists love Sri Lanka and the rest – the Tamils, Muslims and Christians do not love Sri Lanka, because they are aliens, who want to destroy Sri Laka. Now from where did he get this feeling and what is his theory. It s very easy to bring out accusations, but it is difficult to prove it.
Mydeen Calander Lebbe, Colombo.

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RELIGIOUS HARMONY

Your ‘Focus’ in The Sunday Leader of 14.04.2013 dealing with Religious Tensions and various other matters connected to it and BBS’ activities is a complete situation report on that subject. It really mentioned how and where all this started and who was behind the whole affair.

However, it was not a wise move under any circumstances by anyone to have aroused Religious Tensions to cover up Government inability to tackle a trivial matter like the rising cost of living, democracy deficiency or any other matter, as it could have lead to a very serious problem between the two races that lived side by side interconnected to each other through various traditions and day to day living for centuries. The worst of all is that the Buddhist clergy, who according to the teachings of the `Noble one’ should have adopted ‘Peace’ and ‘Tolerance’ to solve all the problems; instead became aggressive and violent in their speeches and actions, which made the situation worse.

It is the duty of all right thinking people of this beautiful country of ours to use all their resources to bring an amicable and peaceful settlement to this most important and urgent matter without palming over the responsibility from one to another, so as to avoid more bomb blasts and `Blood Baths’, such as those which took place during the 30 years of war. The people who experienced and suffered during this period would not want to go back to that same dark era once again. Let all of us work together to achieve eternal peace in our country, so that all our people could live without suspicion or fear.

C. Mohamed, Colombo

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Road Traffic Accidents & Writing Books For Profit

Hardly a day passes when one does not hear of a tragic road accident claiming multiple lives including little children, while those empowered, well paid and delegated with the responsibility to solve this menacing problem, from which we have been expecting a solution for decades, living in strange silence.

Apart from the loss of lives it is also estimated that the annual loss to the economy is a staggering Rs. 72 billion or so which means that in ten years time the loss will exceed Rs. 720 billion sufficient to put in place yet another new expressway or railway let alone the irreparable damage to life and property.

One document in my possession is the Interim Report of the Select Committee of Parliament (series 6) to look into the alarming increase in traffic accidents dated 2008. My curiosity was driven to one of the recommendations of this Committee to create a post designated as “Director Injury Prevention and Control” standing prominently as a very important new job. It was very clear that those who had gone before the Select Committee presenting themselves as a “national body” had deliberately kept out the group who really has the proven ability to find solutions to the increase in traffic accidents and giving unwanted prominence to injury prevention which is their business. I have in my possession a document of the WHO that says that RT injuries cover all other types of injuries also. But we have interpreted it the other way and think that all injuries will cover road traffic injuries also – a laughing matter.

In Singapore during my training I was shown how the Traffic Engineers controlled the timing of traffic lights. The engineer having done so immediately informs the police who had to monitor the effects of such change and report back to the engineer. In Sri Lanka the reverse is happening. Duties of the engineer, he police officer (enforcement), the doctor are all blissfully mixed up and the survival of the fittest is the end game.

In this scenario it is timely to assess the benefits from these works available for sale (money) to the benefits of the (free) seminars and exhibitions as given below.

Clear, visible and continuous lane markings of uniform width that even the least educated driver/road user can easily understand.
Correct markings at junctions and roundabouts controlled or uncontrolled.

A unique and cheap solution for unprotected railway crossings where many lives are lost and no effort made by anyone to come up with any kind of solution.

An intelligent combination of bus halt cum pedestrian crossing that will prevent fatal accidents at pedestrian crossings. A unique solution of a five lane system for Galle road controlled by overhead traffic lights.

A unique proposal for a pilot project on Parliament road from Devi Balika junction to Pelewatte roundabout with leaflets in two languages explaining the rules to five different categories of identified drivers and road users, to be distributed two weeks ahead of the commencement of the pilot project. Overhead traffic signs and lights minus any type of advertisement that has no relation to traffic movement.

Other matters:

Off peak hour travel concessions to reduce peak hour traffic build up and avoid overloaded buses and trains during peak hours and empty buses and trains running after peak hours.
No fines except advice and warnings during the entire period of the Pilot Project in order to gain the corporation and confidence of all road users to the project.

In a country like Sri Lanka that had never known the basic principles of Lane Discipline as demonstrated in the physical model used at the exhibitions the starting point has to come from outside, if it is already not too late. The basic principles of lane discipline are simply mathematical. It is only under such thinking that we can even develop a mathematical definition for a road accident, explain different types of road accidents, give a mathematical interpretation for the basic principles underlining it and even give a mathematical explanation how rules at roundabouts work, which no engineer, academic or policeman had done up to now.

Eng Anton Nanayakkara,
Former Senior Member
NCPA & WHO Training in Singapore
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The Electricity Tariff Hike Formula - ‘The Most Unkindest Cut Of All’

The harshness and extreme severity of the recent electricity price hike has been amply demonstrated in numerous ways since its imposition (demonstrations, through the media, meetings, seminars, in Parliament etc.) so further elaboration of its grossly abusive nature (abuse of the helpless consumers) is redundant. There is however, one particular facet of this abomination that needs to be stressed and highlighted, if for no other reason than its total and gross insensitivity to ordinary standards of fairness, equity, reasonableness, justice and even simple intelligence.

This impossibly unjust feature of the tariff hike has been pointed out by many and especially by the JVP, but needs no excuse to be emphasized again, hoping that it will sink into the perverse heads of the relevant authorities and prompt reconsideration. Or are they too dense to make such reconsideration a forlorn hope for the consumer, while they (Government Ministers, MPs, and the lot) wallow in their tariff-concession and other privilege-filled perks. These perks are well known, but here is a sample of these cost-free endowments to contrast with the additional costs ordinary electricity consumers will now bear: subsidized luxury meals in the Parliament canteen, official rent-free housing, travel/ fuel/ telephone allowances, chauffeur driven cars for the entire family, huge security contingents for the entire family, (security even for even every two-bit Minister and his family) etc., etc., etc. almost ad infinitum!

Is it surprising that not one of them (including even erudite, well educated ex-Civil Servants, Academics and Leftists) will stand up and be counted by protesting effectively and meaningfully against this terror-hike, by resigning or walking away?

The repellent feature I mentioned is the ‘most unkindest cut of all’. Among the many stabs the CEB has now inflicted upon us consumers, is that when the lower consumption slab is exceeded by even just one unit, the higher tariff rate is automatically applicable.

Surely, can a consumer be expected to monitor his electricity metre minute by minute to check on the progress of his consumption of electricity, in order to avoid crossing the deadly Higher Rate Rubicon, leading to a financial nemesis in context of his electricity bill?
If there was some kind of alarm that could warn consumers that they were approaching the limit on each slab, some consumption reduction measures may be possible. Even so charging the maximum for the entirety of the higher slab, simply because the lower slab had been exceeded by just one unit, is wilful and horrible murder of the consumer. Some relief needs to be given to the consumers and this obscenity eliminated or drastically reduced.

Your Excellency, Mr. President, you have to help the consumer NOW … NOT NEXT YEAR!

S. Perera, Colombo 5

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The Two-third Majority

Numerically we have a parliament where two-thirds of the members are pro-government. But is this the peoples’ choice?
Under the PR system political parties are allotted seats according to the number of votes polled by that party. People – the voters who are proclaimed to be supreme – vote for a particular party because they prefer what that party has to offer and the likely MPs. Thus every MP who enters Parliament should realize that he is there because of the party he represented and not on his own merits.

It must be emphasized that a vote is valid even if no candidate is indicated but is invalid if the party (or symbol) is not indicated.
What has happened is that turncoats and rats that entered Parliament through the party vote crossed over for their personal benefit, denying the voter of his rights i.e. to have that number of representatives of that party in Parliament.

The ethics of offering of ministerial posts, not by need but by creation, is better left unsaid. Isn’t this two-third majority contrary to the wishes of the voters, who these very same people proclaim are supreme?
W. R. De Silva
Dehiwala.
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Bus Fare Hike

Whenever the Private Bus Association is alleged to stirrup agitation for a hike in bus fares, it is the plea of all the passengers to the Transport Minister, to look into the matter of fixing the bus fares where the balance change receivable by the passengers from the conductors is not Rs. l/-, i.e.: 9/-, 14/-, 19/-, 24/-, 29/- and so forth. They make thousands a day from the innocent passengers by not returning the balance Rs. l/-.

This is also one reason that the Private Bus Association does not want to change even the minimal fare of Rs.9/-.
This is an earnest plea to the Ministry concerned.

Imalka Perera,Kawdana Road,Dehiwela.
26 April 2013
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Construction Development Consumes Excessive Electrical Power

The imposing construction development related projects would be consuming excessive electrical power, but the planners would not have thoughtfully planned the generation of additional electrical power and thus it is one of the major reasons for the present electricity crisis.

The new harbour in Hambantota has not been immediately a money spinner for the State, but it should be consuming daily an unimaginable amount of electricity. Perhaps, because of the low income generation, it cannot pay for its electrical consumption. If without completing the project in haste digging the valuable land and constructed it partly in the sea bed, taking even ten years, the planners would have had adequate time to plan the development of additional electrical power. It is the political haste to complete in six years and celebrate the opening function that has caused the planning short-sightedness.

The Mattala Air Port was not an urgent necessity, as the internal uprising had been suppressed and if it was planned to be completed, while additional electricity generation was also planned and generated, the present crisis would not have occurred. Currently perhaps the income inflow may not be adequate to honour arising payments, including amounts due for power, water and fuel and the voter has to bear the burden.

Developing the Southern Province was overdue and the families that represented the people as politicians over the years should take responsibility and the cricket stadium at Suriyawewa costing over Rs. 600 million, where during an international match crowds are not adequate to fill the stadium, and thus the income not adequate for its maintenance. Though only few matches for a year are played for its safety the electricity needs at night should be heavy, perhaps the Cricket Board may be honouring the payments.
The choice of place is the root cause. Though the New Highway has helped the urgency conscious drivers to travel faster, yet, in the nights, it is so brightly lit consuming additional valuable electrical power.

During the construction period of all these projects the electrical needs would have been high. The improvements made to develop the City of Colombo too consumes additional electrical power and with the construction of proposed new hotels in the City, additional electrical power will be required and to generate the additional requirements may have not dawned in the minds of the decision makers. From all these projects the majority population has not benefited, but now has to pay a high electricity bill monthly.

Of recent times the Ministers claim authority of all projects, thus the Engineers and Administrative Officers should not be blamed and they are least recognized even at conferences. The Government’s reference to an ‘economic collapse’ reveals the short-sightedness of policies and hasty construction to suit dates of opening ceremonies.

“If the whole of an increase in output is devoted to building up a country’s military strength or putting up monumental public buildings with which to impress the population and foreign visitors, then that is not economic development.” An Introduction to Development – Walter Elkan
Amor Patriae

During that time, a site in Norochcholai was selected for the coal plant. Then Bishop of Chilaw, the late Rt. Rev. Frank Marcus Fernando vehemently protested against the construction of the plant saying it would affect St Anne’s Shrine at Talawila that was 12 Km away from the proposed plant. However, local and foreign experts allayed the objection or the fear. The CEB too carried out a massive campaign to educate the masses about the project. The energy expert and honorary advisor to the then UNP government, Dr. Mohan Munasinghe, energy expert and consultant Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya and also CEB engineers such as Dr Susantha Perera, Shavi Fernando and D.C.Wijeratne were amongst the distinguished people who helped educate people about the project.

However, the government did not heed the experts’ advices nor their persuasions. Instead the then government selected a foreign consulting firm, Messrs. Ramball of Denmark. This firm also confirmed that building the power plant incur no harm to the shrine. The bishop then pointed out that the power plant would cause environmental pollution, which was also debunked.

Amidst the protests, I met the late Ven. Madihe Pannaseeha Thero at the Maharagama Bhikku Training Centre and handed over a copy of Ramble report and requested him to intervene. Although he gave a patient hearing, he did not intervene in educating the protesting people. Then I met Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero, handed over him a copy of the report, and explaining the relevant section requested him to bring this up at the Inter Religious Organisation where he was reported to be a committee member. I was amazed when he said that it might lead to a religious conflict.

I cannot understand even now why they refused to help a matter with national interest saying that their help might create a religious conflict. Even the authorities kept our discussion under the carpet and the media did not carry them either because of political and religious intervention. This illustrates that the government and religious organisations are not interested in the welfare of the people and the country, but in their own.

This meaningless objection and lack of political will delayed the Norochcholai Coal Plant construction. It later resulted in over six-hour long power cuts. To remedy the folly, the authorities asked private suppliers to invest in power generation and they did with diesel plants at a high cost.

This should serve as a lesson to politicians and prelates to be reasonable sidelining their interests.and serve the people and the country. They should rely on sound professional advices and act upon them if their real intention is to develop the country.
G.A.D. Sirimal
Boralesgamuwa
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Aggressive Bhikkhu Speeches And Political Gambit

Some Bhikkhus recently have addressed aggressively to the Bhddhist Public even though they did not intend to antagonize them. However Buddhists as well as others expect from the Bhikkhus soft spoken expressions with gentle persuasion that can earn them the listeners’ respect.

The Bhikkhu Dr. Walpola Rahula addressing a conference in Taiwan in December 1981 on the subject, ‘For Peace and Development of Mindfulness’ said “The members of the Buddhist Sangha should not be influenced by aggressive, fanatical tendencies prevailing in some parts of the world today. The Sangha should preserve dignity and courage, the long established glorious traditions of the Buddhist understanding and tolerance. The members of the Sangha can set an example to the world in this respect.

Today humanity is threatened with the possibility of a nuclear war that means unimaginable and unprecedented destruction and suffering throughout the world.

It is the bounden duty of the Buddhist Sangha to spread the message of compassion and wisdom among all people in order to achieve world peace”.

When the halal label issue making severe unrest in the country recently, though the protests of the Bhikkhus and lay-Buddhist against it justifiable, it is understandable to anyone that their protests should have been done inoffensively and gently.

A student of comparative religion, John Waiters after realizing the wisdom of Buddhism published a book titled Mind Unshaken and his assessment of the Bhikkhu according to the Buddhism is, “The simplicity of attire had to be matched by simplicity of conduct and manner.

The first Buddhist monks were exhorted to be gentle, modest, pure in mind and body. They were warned to shun the four sins of the tongue – lying, slander, abuse and idle chatter; and to shun the three sins of the mind -covetousness, hatred and error. Don’t swear, but speak decently and with dignity. Don’t waste time with empty words. Either speak for a purpose or keep silent. Finally, cleanse your heart of malice; cast a side all anger, and ill will; cherish no hatred, not even against your slanderer or those who harm you, but embrace all living things with kindness and benevolence.”

Winning or loosing appreciation and goodwill was further illustrated when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar decided to embrace Buddhism after studying all other religions.

On the day of the conversion he had decided to refrain from reciting, Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha; as he had a reservation of the conduct of Indian Bhikkhus at that time.

However, the Ceylonese Devapriya Walisinghe who was present on invitation at the ceremony convinced Ambedkar that he would not be recognized as a Buddhist by the rest of the Buddhist world thus changing his mind.

Thereafter, he and his wife recited: Buddha Saranam Gachchhami; Dhammam Saranam Gachchhami; and Sangan Saranam Gachchhami. ‘Bhikkhu Piyadassi of Vajiraramaya Colombo in a booklet titled Buddhism A Living Message has expressed, “Today the world is characterized by inordinate haste leading to quick decisions and imprudent actions. Some shout when they could speak in normal tone, others talk excitedly at a forced pitch for long periods and finish a conversation almost exhausted”.

Had such passive Buddhist thoughts and soft expressions prevailed, the Pepiliyana incident would have not occurred.

The State had decided to develop the Colombo city and lease/sell certain properties to a few foreign investors to construct new tourist hotels, and gambling places.

While the city was developing rapidly, Sangha and the Maha Nayaka Bhikkhus were silent and suddenly a few young Bhikkhus have made severe protests, perhaps they delayed their protests on the terms of waiting until some of the construction being completed.
With the amendment of the Betting and Gambling Bill new investors may get tax holidays for periods up to 25 years and Sri Lanka may become a centre of gambling and other vices.

When the foreigners come to the helm of businesses, it is possible that Colombo becoming a den of investment thieves. Several politicians involved in gambling crossed over to the government from the opposition and they are now heading high government ranks.

Perhaps they may have seen the future opportunities by joining the government when they were in the opposition.
Buddhist mind

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Laws Of Governance

George Bernard Shaw’s expressions given below are extracted from a special publication titled Bernard Shaw: Major Critical Essays.
“Democracy is really only an arrangement by which the governed are allowed to choose the members of the representative bodies which control the executive.

“It has never been proved that this is the best arrangement ; and it has been made effective only to the very limited extent short of which the dissatisfaction which it appeases might take the form of actual violence. An Enemy Of The People.”

“There is no such thing as the ideal State. There may be a combination of persons living by the practice of medicine, surgery, or physical or biological research; or by drawing up wills and leases, and preparing, pleading, or judging cases at law; by painting pictures, writing books, and acting plays; or by serving in regiments and battleships; or by manual labour or industrial service”. An Enemy Of The People.

“The government is of course established by the few who are capable of government, though, its mechanism once complete, it may be, and generally is, carried on unintelligently by people who incapable of it, the capable people repairing it from time to time when it gets too far behind the continuous advance or decay of civilization,” – Siegfried As Protestant.

He had a deep respect for some authors yet, he had canny expressions in respect of some writers and journalists:
“Charles Dickens is known to us as a guy with a human head and face on top”.

“Shakespeare is a laundry advertisement of a huge starched collar with his head sticking out of it”.

“Dr. Johnson is a face looking through a wig perched on a stuffy suit of old clothes. All great women of history are fashion plates of their period”. The Last Four Plays.

“When the little men you patronized have become great, and the great men you attacked have been sanctified and pardoned by popular sentiment in the tomb: all these inevitable test the quality of your journalism very severely. Nevertheless, journalism can claim to be the highest form of literature; for all the highest literature is journalism. The Sanity Of Art.

His observations on religion are not quoted; on his death he was cremated without a religious ceremony in accordance with his wishes.
K. Silva
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Matale Mass Grave – Who Is Responsible?

The State holds the right to suppress uprisings that are to topple a duly elected government. Hence, the Northern uprising was brought under control by the Sri Lanka’s Army.

Core analyses of the revolt showed that innocent, unsuspecting youths were lured to join the rebellions because the leaders of the rebel party promised them future prospects. The youth sacrificed their school and university education to bring in the prosperity to the motherland. But the unrests their leaders created in the country killed thousands of citizens and public officers as well as destroyed many public assets.

Every one will agree that the state holds the right to suppress uprisings ignited by various forces to topple a duly elected government.

Therefore, a main responsibility of the commission should be to trace the persons who lured the youth and trained them to use weapons to kill the innocent and punish them since they should take the responsibility of deaths of these innocent people who were killed by the arm forces that has no options, but to prevent people from rebelling against the elected government.
Amore Patriae

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Urgent Need For Judicial Ombudsman

Justice is what one seeks from a court and if it fails to elicit justice, he or she should be able to take his litigation to a higher court and even to the Supreme Court.

But today poor litigants cannot bear enormous litigation costs of pursuing justice at a higher court, so he or she is destined to suffer injustice.

Therefore, for the poor who have no place to seek justice because of high cost in seeking justice, the authorities should form an establishment or appoint a Judicial Ombudsman.

Such an establishment or authority can also help mitigate and even abolish faults in the judicial system that hinders justice to poor people.

On such a matter if they go to Human Rights Commission or to the Commission to Inquire Bribery and Corruption, both will say they cannot investigate it since the matter is out of their scope.
Therefore, installing a Judicial Ombudsman is an urgent need.

When a lower court has given an erroneous verdict, the poor cannot complain it to the Police because that is not their jurisdiction.
The authorities should consider this matter as a national priority and should take appropriate steps to help poor people who are deprived of justice because of our costly judicial system.
E. D. W. Jayamanne
(Tormented Poor Litigant)