The worst “peace rally”

Shenali Waduge

17 August 2006 peace rally is something we should all keep in mind.

There are many amongst us who wish for peace. But they are not the people who hold international portfolios or are paid to propagate peace. Those who want peace are people like you and me – the simple people who cannot understand why our country continues to be embroiled in controversy.

What we saw across the media immediately following the broil that ensued on 17th August 2006 was most appalling to the eye. Especially when it was instigated by a man who stands for everything other than peace. We can but raise an eye brow at some of the other questionable characters joining that very camp for “peace”.

Buddhist monks or any other clergy for that matter should be involved in advocating the religious faith that they belong to. Their contribution through religion is most important in the context of the degeneration we see in society today. People have the power to express themselves and the Buddhist clergy should have respected that or perhaps gathered another group advocating opposite opinion somewhere else. Yet, the manner in which these monks were manhandled was most shameful and utterly childish to say the least. We can but question how these peace advocates who cannot “negotiate” a simple “intrusion” can ask two parties who are now veterans at “negotiations” and “war” to stop.

Another matter that should also be asked of these advocates of peace is why any demand for “talks”, “negotiations” & “ceasefires” are always aimed at only the Government. Why not rally to the North and demand the LTTE to stop their killings on innocent civilians. How come the “peace rallies” often stop short of making wild accusations on the LTTE or its leadership? We often see a short note to say “both parties” but most of the accusations are leveled against the Government.