Advocacy, Colombo, Peace and Conflict

Salute to Tissaranee, Sara and Jehan

As I scanned the Sunday newspapers today,  I saw the ‘wanted’ faces of Sara and Jehan and the bold article by Tissaranee who are but a few brave patriots in our country who are virtually sticking their necks out to uphold the time tested values of  justice, peace and equity in our beautiful isle.

Criticizing  the regime is deemed as high treason and poor Tissanayagam  had to pay the price for it through a showcase trial that warned everyone to shut up or else! Yes, many of us had a gut feeling that we were headed in the direction of a dictatorship but were never thought it will catch up on us so quickly and stealthily. Corruption has pervaded out entire system of governance led by the executive. Ironically, the victory over terrorism has given the leadership a free hand to behave in a dictatorial manner. It is easy to govern a poverty stricken unsophisticated mainly rural populace whose sole focus is rightly on economical survival. The masses now live in bondage to a feudalistic fiefdom called the Rajapakse dynasty which is surrounded by sick sycophants representing the elite from both the public and private sectors and now the academia as well who are thriving on the status quo which creams off whatever that is left of a failed state -wealth that is made though corruption, bribery and sacrifice of national interests in order to perpetuate their own power. It is indeed sad to see that pictures of the Tamil business sector kowtowing to the President purely for self aggrandizement in exchange for keeping their mouths shuts against the lack of freedom and respect for their own community starkly represented by extrajudicial internment of IDP’s. It is in this milieu that true patriots, who have little or no stake in the bid for power, have to operate, facing hostility and perversity from all quarters.

Religion has been abused the world over as a tool of suppression, division and persecution by repressive regimes. As far back as the Pharonic period in Egypt, religious dogma and ritual have been useful tools, used by the rich and powerful, to keep a poverty stricken semi literate majority in fatalistic bondage to their rulers. Sri Lanka is no exception and continues to do so to date. One cannot blame our society as even the clergy are culpable as they emphasize religious dogma and ritual over observance of religious values in daily life. It is only through the elimination of poverty and improved education that secular governance has emerged in most developed nations. Spiritualism and religion are now considered personal and private matters whereby it is not even taught in schools in the West. The post Christian era is now characterized by much deeper and more encompassing values such as a strong sense of social responsibility, environmental consciousness and realization of an interdependent and common destiny for all mankind in this world rather than the hereafter. In keeping with the times, even the Vatican has extended its list of mortal sins of murder, adultery, stealing and lying to name but a few to include 21st century issues such as genetic experimentation, pollution, social injustice, drug abuse and excessive wealth.

Unfortunately, Sri Lankans are still caught up in a time warp whereby belief in the supernatural and performance of rituals are paramount. The rulers also find it a convenient means of displaying their piety and religious fervor in public to mask their covert greed for power. This is the sad reality of our socio-political culture and that of many authoritarian regimes who are now our ‘good friends’ such as Burma which uses Buddhism, Iran which uses Islam and Nepal which uses Hinduism for political gain.

If we are to escape the trap of bigotry borne mainly out of sectarian beliefs, we need to look towards the West in search of broader more humane values which underpin the reality of the delicate balance of life on earth and the need for mutually sustaining relationships. It is foolish to condemn and confront the West for past injustices as they have already treaded the path of development we are on right now. We have much to learn and gain from their experiences in order to avoid the pitfalls in pursuit of the fast track to progress.

We must dismantle the counterfeits who claim to lead this nation out of violence and poverty. Terrorism can be conquered by counter terror but for how long? Inequity breeds hatred and deprivation which in turn leads to discontent and violence. Hatred will continue to breed in the heart and minds of the marginalized if they are not provided with recourse. Let us support those who advocate the time tested values of democracy, justice and equity for all irrespective of caste or creed. Support the true patriots!