Branding Sri Lanka: Thinking Sri Lankan
Posted on January 29th, 2012
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Shenali Waduge
When Sri Lanka united to celebrate the defeat of 30 years of terror, the world ridiculed the way people of all ethnic groups and political parties joined the jubilation to celebrate freedom from terror. The world told Sri Lanka not to indulge in ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-triumphalismƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ and people were made to feel it was wrong to celebrate the end of terrorism. Thus, a golden opportunity that brought people together was crushed decisively. It is clear that most of these ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-reconciliationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ acronyms being used currently by outsourced parties supposedly working towards bringing the people of Lanka together has bigger motives and their objectives are far from any desire for genuine reconciliation. Essentially, what we as citizens must remember is that unless we learn to love the nation we are born in and foster relationships among us demarcations on paper have little or no value. With the world closing in on Sri Lanka for varied reasons it is now time for Sri Lankans to think Sri Lankan.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is imperative that before we move to convincing tourists, investors & even fellow nations about Sri Lanka being a great place, we as Citizens need to work together and resolve to build the nation together. For that we must first be proud to be Sri Lankan. To say we are Sri Lankan without really meaning is unlikely to get us or the nation anywhere.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ We are a nation supposed to be independent. How far that is true remains debatable. To live in a democracy means far more than going to vote at the end of a term. Nevertheless, that single exercise leaves citizens doomed for the entirety of the term wherein laws, policies, legislation is passed according to the whims & fancies of those voted in. How far they listen to the voice of the people depends on how united the people project themselves to be and it is imperative ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ that the public are at all times united & not divided. In politics and for all political parties the general rule and their desire is to have the people divided. It is upto the people to change this status quo. The only possibility of that happening is to feel a sense of love towards one nation and to endeavor to protect oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s nation and its sovereign status at any cost. Afterall, Sri Lanka belongs to all of us and not only to a select few! Therefore, there is no need for definitions or to tag behind any political movement for when people are able to see right from wrong ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” that essentially becomes patriotism.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The message behind this article is the need to inculcate amongst us a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and our own duty towards the future of Sri Lanka. There is no country in the world devoid of troubles, some countries do have far worse records but even in the countries that walk away with the best country awards social crimes does prevail. Therefore, it is unfair to be ridiculing oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s nation thinking that there are better pastures elsewhere. Those that left Sri Lanka ridiculing it do not live in rosy environs. In the US an email suffices to say one is left jobless! The ideal solution would be is to derive ways of how we can lesson the malpractices. There is nothing that is impossible and it is important for us to move away from being pessimistic about turning the country around. No country is doomed forever. For that we must be a little imaginative, more creative and explore a whole range of possibilities on our own & by ourselves. We do not need third parties.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Unlike most countries Sri Lanka has only 3 ethnic groups. Unlike most countries the 2 minority ethnic groups have better living standards. Not many countries will have examples to project the 2 ethnic minorities combined making the majority in the countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s capital which translates to mean that they enjoy economic, social, educational and even political liberties and luxuries. These examples are not to be forgotten and need to be always highlighted whenever accusations of discriminations are thrown against us. If people must humiliate our country let them do so with facts and facts alone.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Living together peacefully is nothing impossible. There is no family that does not experience scuffles or arguments. Yet, we are at a juncture where the country needs to come together behind a single national identity.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ If anyone should ask ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-why should I be proud to be Sri LankanƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚? it is best that one answers ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-why shouldnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t you be?ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ No one is asking people to pretend to be a patriot or a nationalist. No one is asking people to fly the national flag or shout patriotic slogans & ridicule those they feel are unpatriotic. Patriotism is essentially far more than unwavering loyalty to oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s country. By loyalty it does not mean that we should not question the Government or its policies. Patriotism means far more than what it is made out to be.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Allegiance is not only to the nation ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” it is also towards the people of Lanka. It cannot be a half hearted attempt. Before setting out on any change campaign we need to obtain answers to questions. Why are we divided? For what reasons are we divided? Who is dividing us & why? Do we want to resolve these divisions or are they affording us opportunities & advantages politically & individually, why do the Sinhalese feel that there is no ethnic conflict and why do some Tamils proclaim there is an ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-ethnic conflictƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚, why are the Tamils rescued by our military reluctant to thank the armed forces for rescuing them? Why do they think twice about thanking the men & women who rescued them? Why are public servants not carrying out their duties as they should, why do political parties continue to create divisions to sustain their political careersƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚¦.these questions and more need answers.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ No nation is free from mistakes, no leader is also free from making mistakes, similarly no individual is perfect and as humans we need to understand the greater picture, the ambiguities and our own need to understand ground realities. The people of Lanka need to be aware that our country with geo-political advantages attracts foreign nations and these nations have found it an easy endeavor to take advantage of internal issues, at times creating and encouraging internal issues as well as funding these issues. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is time for us to confidently place our cards on the table. We need not live in times of ambiguities. Our politicians need to understand that they need to move away from projecting ambiguous statements politically especially at an international level. As custodians they are bound to ensuring that they keep the sovereignty of our nation in tact. As custodians of the nation they are bound to ensuring that the use facts to project a clear picture and negate all accusations being thrown at us. If countries are aspiring to engulf us it is the duty of those appointed to ensure that we do not compromise our nation at any cost and that does not mean we allow our nation to be served as a piece of cake for anyoneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s fancy.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ When external forces are able to weaken political parties it is left for the nations people to join in solidarity for the risk of loosing a nation is far greater than petty political differences amongst us. No external force dares to upset a nation that is united. That is why countries are targeted with various ways to divide which facilities the next move to challenge and make demands upon the political party in governance. Rescuing a political party challenged thus should come with the realization of that government that it should not dilly dally with issues that need conclusive solutions. The ugly chapter that has been a curse to our nation needs to be finally concluded and it is imperative that we do not continue to use it for individual or political advantage.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ As for us individuals, the question we need to ask is how far we love our country and whether that love is greater than affinity to a political party.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Wake up! Sri Lankans are all need to think Sri LankanƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚¦! We need to really around a campaign that would inculcate unity amongst us and encourage a united Sri Lanka and united Sri Lankans.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Shenali Waduge
January 29th, 2012 at 2:03 am
The island has no ethnics. You find “ethnics” in countries colonised by Anglo saxons, French and other Europeans since the rise of European including British.
All Tamils and other Indians have arrived since 1792 and are colonial parasites.
Ethnic is a wrd used to identify people who migrated recently to countries like Canada, australia, New Zealand etc to didtinguish first arrivals from recent arrivals.
Sri lanka ( Ceylon, Ceilon, Seylan) has no ethnics.
January 29th, 2012 at 9:44 am
Christie
you are a hardcore racist not an ordinary one . As I said before it is very sad people like you exist
I have wonderful sinhala friends all over the world and happy with their presense I am happy when talking to them . Majority of sinhalese are good decent people
You are a bad apple . It is very very sad my beloved sinhalese or the country Srilanka get bad name sometimes because scumbags like you
These are my advise to you and people like you exist ( both tamils and sinhalese)
(a) find a meditation class or yoga class . go to your Budhist temple . Pray pray and pray to your Lord to heal you
your name Christie sounds like a christian name . If you are a christian like me go to a church as-ole. You make me ashame being a christian
find a pastor to pray for you .Find a healing church and a man of God ( pastor) who can pray earnestly to take the devil( satan) from you . You have to keep on going to church though . do not give up
you can not be healed rightaway . Your mental illness your fear of India all these psycho mental illness could be healed. Trust in God
(b) if Budhisim or hinduism or christianity can not help then find a good Psychiatric doctor . If he or she wants you to be admitted in mental hospital ,Go for it
(c) If nothing helps go and live in prison . You could be very dangerous person to the world we are living in
I am refering this advise to all Srilankans whether they are Tamils or sinhalese who can not live in peace as normal human beings
January 29th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Christie
I said you are a hardcore racist because all your comments I read in the past are against Tamils . I do not say simply a hardcore racisit to another human being . I noticed every comments you write you use your d-ck instead of God given Brain
January 29th, 2012 at 10:08 am
Christie
I said you are a hardcore racist because all your comments I read in the past are against Tamils . I do not say simply a hardcore racist to another human being . I noticed every comments you write you use your d-ck instead of God given Brain
January 29th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
It is good and a thing for aim for all citizens of Sri Lanka think that they are Sri Lankans first. However, we should not forget the very serious threat from racist Tamils such as Vaiko, who think in terms of Chola. We can ignore serious threats from TN at our peril. Praba was simply an\agent of TN racists.
January 29th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
” The message behind this article is the need to inculcate amongst us a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and our own duty towards the future of Sri Lanka.”
This is not so among all ethnic groups equally.
1. Sinhalese – 75% have a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and duty towards the future of Sri Lanka. That is why 95% of army, etc. are Sinhalese. NEVER demanded anything racist.
2. Malays – 75% have a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and duty towards the future of Sri Lanka.
3. Muslims – 50% have a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and duty towards the future of Sri Lanka.
4. Upcountry Tamils – 10% have a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and duty towards the future of Sri Lanka.
5. SL Tamils – 5% have a sense of pride in Sri Lanka and duty towards the future of Sri Lanka.
January 29th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Jimmy,
Your inability to TOLERATE others’ opinions make you a racist. YOU should go see a psychiatrist. YOU should do meditation to learn TOLERANCE.
The ONLY thing Christie is wrong is this part: All Tamils and other Indians ………….are colonial parasites.
This is factually incorrect.
95% of SL Tamils and 90% of upcountry Tamils have NO love for SL. This is the reality. 25% of Sinhalese have NO love for SL.
95% * 12% = 11.4%
90% * 5% = 4.5%
Total = 15.9%
74% * 25% = 18.5%
So you can see Tamils who have NO love for SL is ONLY 15.9% of the population but Sinhalese who don’t love SL is 18.5% of the population.
There are 16% MORE Sinhala traitors than Tamil traitors in SL.
All those who call themselves Tamils in SL TODAY arrived in SL AFTER the Dutch conquest (17th century).
There were Tamils before. They have become Sinhalese.
e.g. Bandaranayaka, Ratwatte, Periyapperuma, Ponnamperuma, Wellala surnames
This is what GOOD Tamils (those who love SL) should do – become Sinhalese. They will accept you with open arms. No discrimination whatsoever. No questions asked. Just follow your ancestors.
By becoming Sinhalese you renounce your relationship to that dirty, racist, disgusting, etc. Tamil Nadu and become blood relatives of the Sinhalese. When that happens, the 18.5% Sinhala traitors percentage reduces. Everyone wins.
Burgers, Malays, Chetties, Parsis, Bhoras, Panjabis, Chinese, Tibetians, etc. have become Sinhalese today. Why can’t you?
January 29th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Lorezo
repect your views. may not agree that tamils to become sinhalese
you could say Tamils to become patriots like kadhirgamar or Neelan or Alfred
I am sure it will happen
I want to see tamil leaders garland sinhala minister when they visit , show compassion and respect to the officials
I am sure it will happen
Good men women among sinhalese should treat tamils as their own and guide them instead giving up on them
do it in actions and trust me you will see differnce
Teach them patriotisim , Teach them to be successful . Do not be prejudice because of their look or cultcure or religion beliefs. Love and compassion will win . People will be touched by actions than words
I remember as kid seeing this little bearded man name Lional Fernando GA whom people adored . People respecedt this man , may be because his actons scored points. I do not know. still remember this mans mothers funeral in jaffna where thousands of tamils attended, and black flags everywhere in the funeral day
What Tamils need badly are dozen people like Mr fernando who could bring unity in Lanka and people to become patriotic.
Tamils do not have to become sinhalese tamils should become Srilankans and to be patriotic .
There is a hope and we should not give up folks
I never heard Bandaranayake was a tamil. You make me very proud now
Is SWRD B my distant relative then >
best news of the day
have a good night
I am going to take a break for a while in this forum .
I need to spend time in Gym, prayer and studies rather spending too much time here
Bye
January 29th, 2012 at 8:57 pm
“Tamils do not have to become sinhalese tamils should become Srilankans and to be patriotic.”
Won’t work.
As long as 3,000,000 Tamils live just outside 65,000,000 Tamils in Tamil Nadu, they will be influenced in every aspect of their life to go for a Tamil nation.
There is only one way it can stop. Shed the Tamil identity and become part of the majority. You can retain your religion.
“What Tamils need badly are dozen people like Mr fernando who could bring unity in Lanka and people to become patriotic.”
So did he bring unity?
Did he bring patriotism to north?
No. People got benefits from him and nothing in return FOR THE NATION.
January 30th, 2012 at 4:06 am
There are no “ethnics” in Mauritius, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South Africa, Myanmar, Singapore, West Indies, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and other tropical colonies of the former British –Indian Empire, now the Indian Empire.
Indians in those countries are Indian colonial parasites who went to those countries under the cover of British guns.
Indians and other locals from above countries who have settled in Canada, Australia, UK, and New Zealand are called “ethnics” among other ethnics.
These “ethnics” mainly from South Asia live in their ghettos and hardly have anything to do with the locals, be they Poms, Europeans, Africans, South Americans or Indigenous or other ethnics and etc.
So, as we can see from this website and others these “ethnics” find their solace in telling what the Sinhalese should do in the island.
The Tamils and other Indian “ethnics” from the island easily get absorbed in to the Indian “ethnics” from Tamils Nadu and Kerala and colonial parasites from other Indian colonies.
The Sinhala “ethnics” are treated as of lower castes by these “ethnics” and so the former clamour to adhere to the latter “ethnics” like Tamils from the island.
What we need is unity among the majority to beat the Indian supremacy (jadawadaya) wherever they are.
January 30th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Lorenzo
There are times I am proud of you , you make sense
There are times you talk nuts, crazy
You are telling Tamils to shed tamil identity? You are not a racist like Christie fellow
Right?