By Hiran Gunaratne –
Dear all,
First, I would like to introduce myself that I am Hiran Gunaratne, Colombo Sri Lanka.
The aim of this mail is to express my views on mails I received from ‘lakgunegroup@googlegroups.com’ which is influencing to create racism among our Sri Lankan communities. I believe that my views would bring some result on the matter I am trying to express.
The whole purpose of this mail is to make you’ll to understand on very important matter which is harming us and making all of us as indecent Sri Lankan. Therefore, I kindly request all of you’ll to read this mail completely and if you wish you can share your views with me.As you’ll know we are just trying to stand ourselves as a nation after a bitterest experience of a terrible war of thirty years. The net result is, we lost thousand of good people in this country by destroying our wealth and increasing anger amongst our communities.
Now I will come to the subject what I need to discuss with you’ll. Why are we trying to start again a similar era hurting Muslims and Tamils? If you look at us as three communities Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslims are the only three set of people living in this country. Our history reminds us living together in harmony. That is why we are representing one national flag for one country. Unfortunately our younger generation is totally misguided by opportunists and politicians for their survival.
I am pleading, what we are trying do is nothing but fulfilling our dirty politicians and opportunists ideas. And as a good Sinhalese community we try to deteriorating our self by contributing for these evil acts of few uneducated individuals. In every society we can see good and bad people living. But we cannot blame the entire community. To handle bad action there is a legal system in our country.
Apart from our Sinhalese community, Tamils and Muslims we cannot reject. They are our Sri Lankan. They do not belong any other country. If you look at, Malaysia, 60% Muslims, 20% Chinese- Buddhist and 20% Tamils. Have you’ll ever heard any ethnic problems there? See how much they are developed than us and enjoy the life. The reason is, they do everything together and respecting each other and they enjoy good life. Take Singapore, 50% Chinese, 25% Muslims, 25% Tamils. Still they respect each other’s and do well in every area. The secret is that both countries are totally against discrimination and racialism. And they respect each other identity, religion, language, culture etc. They believe the success is only if you join together as human being.
If you’ll think of war we faced, who helped us financially? Not India or China. They are only trying to grab our country. China and India not given us anything free. If they give 10 rupees they make sure to take 100 rupees from us. China gave arms to us during war time on huge money. India the same. Today India is trying grab all the good lands in Colombo for what we are suppose to pay them as loan what taken. China is taking all the good projects in our country. And they are trying to split us again with their rivals.
The only countries helped us and still helping us are the Middle East countries. Not a single so call America and any European countries helped us substantially. All of us remember when UN went against us on humanitarian issues, all America and Europe countries voted against us. Ok, that is all right, what about India? Our close friend. India did not vote favor of us. Only Malaysia, Iran, Russia and other Middle-East countries voted us on favor.Today, what is our export? It is totally destroyed. Who’s responsible? Our politicians. Because of poor foreign policies and relationships and bad administration. How are we getting our foreign currency to pay back loans and our politicians to go around the world and spend million of dollars. It’s only from the salaries of our people go and work in Middle East countries. Otherwise, from where are we getting foreign currency? If Middle East countries stop our workers, that is the end of our labour export. That is the only export we have right now. All Europe, America, Japan and Australia are tightening their immigration rules to stop our people going to those countries. Only Middle-East countries are open for us to go and work and send money home.
Next, who give us oil for longer credit and on low price? If oil is stop what is our plight. Only middles east countries give us oil on concession price. Iran is contributing the large part of it. I think you must know that recently Iran donated us two billion rupees of money that we are supposed to pay them on oil. They donated us that money without taking back.
Pakistan is the only country who gave us technology during war. Their expertise knowledge in wars and experience shared with us to win the war. Not America and any European country. What did India give us to win the war?
Who buys our tea? Majority is Middle-East countries. India and Bangladesh captured the European market. Think positively, has any Middle-East country forced us on anything like India, China and European? We are a small country without technological power. We need to have good friends around us for us to survive in these global arenas. And no powerful country would help us other than these countries I mentioned above.
Your mails against Muslims and Tamils are receiving to most Sri Lankan abroad and other nations around the world. They all are rejecting your act as we are an uncivilised country. We are not opened minded and we still holding unpopular and unwanted differences amongst our people.
Because we are lack of enlightenment, we try to show anger and jealousy over Muslims, Tamils or anybody, see how much wrong we are doing within our Sinhalese community. So many killings, many rape cases, unjust is everywhere, politicians put us against each other, our wealth is only amongst few families, see our legal system which is more than hundred year old and not serving for innocents. Analyse our education system, it has totally destroyed. Look at our health system; it is only a big talk. What has happened to our farmers? Why are they suicide? What are we eating? Do our majority eat at least good one meal a day? All take-away. How can we bring a healthy society in the future? All will be sick people with malnutrition. The net result is, we would not have good thinkers in our society,
Muslims good at business because their religious leader, Prophet Mohammed led his life as a trader. And they go in that way. Tamils give more priority for education, hardworking and in that they are successful. We as Sinhalese blame the government from the day we got our degree from the university because government is responsible for providing us jobs. Whereas Muslims and Tamil, start at least collecting bottles and papers to start their living. And that way they become good business peoples. Don’t forget they have come up in hard way. What do we do? Without thinking on any innovative way, blaming the government that they don’t give jobs for us. Or we are jealous over successful people whether Muslims, Tamil or Sinhalese by wasting our time talking gossip around us.
Don’t forget we need the international whether we like it or not. All our good and bad acts are watch by them very closely.
Are we really raising our voice against the unjust happening in this country? No, we only know to do everything behind the back. (Not all, please)
Please, I am repeating don’t take me wrong. This is the truth. And I kindly beg from you’ll to think about truth of this.
We believe in Buddhism as our faith, but are we practising the same way? We break the main five principles every day. Can we call us as good Buddhists? No, we believe in multiple faiths like many gods. Aren’t we using our Buddhism for advantages in life? Whereas Muslims and Tamils are live with their religions to some extent. How much of liquor production in this country? It is getting doubled every year.
Who drink this liquor? Only Sinhalese 95% of it. Who destroy Buddhist temples and Buddha statues? Who kills Buddhist monks? Is it Tamils or Muslims? NO we who do that. So, can we call Buddhist? See how much of unknown killing happening in this country? How much rape cases happening daily? Is our media favour of us? No, they are in the pocket of our politicians.
– Talk to your inner mind (please, only those who are guilty)
So, can’t we raise our voice against our own wrong doings?
Why we jealous over petty thing of other communities? Can Muslims and Tamils get rid of from this country by pointing one finger at them while our three fingers pointing at us? (Please, those who know history they know what I mean) NO, they are our part of community. We need to go together than spreading these ethnically violent emails around the country and in abroad. In the international picture we have no place to stand because of our own dirty attitudes of some. We are famous in our hospitality. Is it only for foreigner? Why can’t we have that now within us? Like our parents and grandparents did?
I beg you thousands times, please stop such emails that you’ll spreading against our own part of communities. That only create unrest, unpleasantness and finally we are digging our own grave by showing our barbaric qualities to the world. We destroy our own soul, character, families, society and country. Finally we are totally living against our faith.
We will try to learn business from Muslims, we will try to learn hardworking from Tamils. Muslims and Tamil want to go together. But we who trying to spread anger amongst them. (Not all our Sinhalese, but few under political agendas, true Sinhalese are peaceful and good human beings) Just because they are good at hardworking and business we should not raise our voice and have jealousy over them. We should be happy to have such people in our society. We must mix our capabilities and talents to the economy of this country to develop as one nation. Otherwise we will continue to split and finally nobody would be successful.
I am not forgetting that, still our country’s society there are many good people living in and out of the country. I respect all of them. They are much opened minded, Understanding good human being. Also many good private organizations are there in our country try to treat everyone equally. At the same time sad to mention, certain private organization also executing hidden agenda on racism. Not forgetting to admire our Christian community who always choose to be very moderate.
Think as an individual. Don’t get trap with politician’s tricks for short victories. Think of our future that if all three communities live together in harmony only we can enjoy good life in this country. Unfortunately most of our Buddhist leaders are also behind this materialistic world. Therefore, we can’t expect any good from them. (Only very few Buddhist monks are good but they don’t come to public, because they know what Buddha taught us).
We will STOP Jealousy!!! Live by the true faith and values in this short span of life.
Cheers and thanking you for kind consideration
Hiran
*Cartoon courtesy Avantha Artigala
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / January 24, 2013
A very welcome message and brilliant cartoons. The attempt by the vermin in our society to creep out of their holes has to be resisted. There are such vermin in all countries and in all societies. They creep out of their holes occasionally to test whether the conditions are ripe for them to thrive, multiply and be destructive. The rule of law and clear abhorrence of such activities by societies at large, keep such forces under control in most countries. Most Sri Lankans abhor such vermin. Unfortunately, law and order is controlled by vermin whom we have elected to office. The vermin holding political office and those who are dredges in society are once again finding convergence in Sri Lanka. A situation that does not bode well for this nation. Is it the so-called Kuveni’s curse that bedevils our country?
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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Dev / January 25, 2013
Would the vermin also include a certain person whom you have praised for the ‘development’ work he is doing that tried to evict the Tamils living in Colombo in 2007 ? A move stopped by the fundamental rights petition of the ‘center for policy alternatives’ ???
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Idi Mahin / January 25, 2013
Why you fools? can’t you understand my master plan.
Create rift between Sinhalayas and Muslims
Show Muslim as threat to Sinhalayas.
All Sinhalayas (who are modayas between you and me) will rally around me since I have already saved them from the Tamil vermin.
Finito
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Buvanes / January 25, 2013
Dr, didn’t you notice the racism in his email?
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P.B / January 26, 2013
No I did not notice racism. I also think if these people claim to be good Buddhists with out knowing or understanding Buddhism .
Sri Lankan s think going to temple lighting alms 84,000 is better they think, never mind if it is with ill gotten money, go to sooth Sayers,, and vote for Prabhakarans or Rajapaksas. Sinhala ya is definitely modayas. If not for Prabhakarans and jayawardanas and Sinhala Hela OORas, one short curse blatantly lies on TV and cleans up after the president. With Sinhala Buddhists like gamanpila and Pataliputra fellow, stupid, racist, both educated, supposedly brilliant even, but totally useless to society. They have been given plum positions to clean up and run at a profit to help their countrymen . What have they done ? Build a miserable Norocholi that does not work , and not only that , the commissions are so big , he says it costs 63 rupees to produce a unit of electricity. So if not for these racist political leaders and freedom fighters , we would have been intermarried and so mixed up we would have had cleverer Sri Lankans
.I mean real clever unlike those I mentioned above. The trading genes, the hard working genes and the Sinhala ones all mixed up would have produced clever off spring.
What a pity we had these dirty politicians.
Now the president wants us to bring up unselfish children!!!!
What has he brought up ? Children who rob the nation?
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sach / January 25, 2013
the cartoonist is avantha atigala. He is in FB and has some brilliant stuff
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JULAAMPITYE AMARAYA / January 25, 2013
To Dear Dr Raja and to Dear Hiran Gunarathna.
Hiran, I admire your article and Dr Rajas reply too.
but I ,[a humble ,O/L educated,poor villager] want to ask you one question?,
[ thanks to my teachers, that i learned little simple, English.]
Did you sent any copies of this letter to Mahinda Percy Rajapakse, Gota baya Rajapakse,All the parliamentarians like Ranil W, M P Mr Sambandan,MP Chmapika Rnawaka, Douglas devananda,MP Rauf Hakeem,MP HISABULLA,Prof Nalin Kumara Silva,ven Si Lanka’s IGP, Chiefs of staff of Tri forces, Chiefs of All tri Buddhist Nikayas. and to So called Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim Nationalists,
List goes on to many, so called dignitaries and extremists.
specially some extremist persons like Mp DR Mervin Silva too????????????????????????????.
BECAUSE THIS NOT A PROBLEM OF SINHALESE.
NEITHER OF TAMILS, OR MUSLIMS.
WE SINHALESE HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING ,BUT THERE ARE FEW ROTTEN APPLES WITH SOME VIRUSES AMONG ALL RACES like most of formally mentioned.
To tell you the truth that, as a Buddhist Sinhalese person living in a Tamil and Muslim dominated area,
I have first hand experiences on this communal, racism.
In sri lanka, we all should be equal in all peripherals.
but there few rotten eggs who are spoiling and finding way to get advantages of the situation create ted by mostly Vulturous politicians and religious leaders.
[should not forget police and security forces].
THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO NEED URGENT LESSONS OF LIVING IN HARMONY WITH ALL HUMANE BEINGS.
THEY ARE THE JACKALS, VULTURES,AND SCOUNDRELS, WHO RUINED THE PARADISE.
And they DO NOT respect each other’S identities, religions, languages, cultures.
They do not believe that the success is only, IF you join together as human beings.
FIRST THOSE SCOUNDRELS MUST BE EDUCATED OF LIVING IN HARMONY AND SHARING EQUALLY.
NOT TO BECOME HITLERS, POL POTS,OR THE IN-INFAMOUS LAVRENTHI BERIAS [LOCAL BORIAS].
As some says, SINHALESE ARE NOT MODAYAAS, BUT BECOME A LAZY LOT.
BECAUSE OF CUNNING AND OPPORTUNISTIC POLITICIANS.
In the GRATE PHILOSOPHY OF BUDDHISM,
IT IS NOT MENTION OF HATE, REVENGE OR WAR FOR PERSONNEL GAIN.
BUT LOVE, SYMPATHY, AND COMPASSION TO ALL LIVING BEINGS.
DO OUR LEADERS FOLLOW THAT, AND CAN WE SHOW ANY EXAMPLE among them TO OUR KIDS.
I CAN MENTION ONE EXAMPLE AS THE RESENTMENT SPEECH TO THE PARLIAMENT DONE BY HONORABLE MP MR Mathiaparanan Abraham Sumanthiran.
DOESN’T IT AN EYE OPENER FOR OUR SO CALLED LEADERS.[ SIC]
TELL ME IF THE OWN HOUSE HOLD DOES NOT SHOW EXEMPLARY TEACHING TO OWN CHILDREN,HOW THE THEY CORRECT OTHERS IN OUTER SOCIETY.
THOSE LEADERS AT HELM MUST SHOW EXAMPLE TO THE MASSES AND LEAD THEM AS Singapore, Malaysia DID.
WE HAVE TO REREAD AND TELL OUR POLITICKAS TO READ THE OBAMA 2ND INAUGURATION SPEECH.
TO HIRAN AND DR RAJA,
THANKING YOU,
JULAAMPITYE AMARAYA
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JULAAMPITYE AMARAYA / January 25, 2013
Since early 1970s India wants to keep Sri lanka under their grip and doesn’t want to see Sri Lanka becoming powerful nation in south Asia. so India hatched a trick to start few civil uprisings to destabilize the S L economy.
and still doing but these IDIOT politiccas do not understand that an supporting Indians to take foot hold in sri lanka.
already they Encroached in many sectors and so many intelligence operative are in the country. [SUPPORTING locals also].
As they have open budget for this to throwing money by indians, who cares save SRi Lanka,
ONLY MONEY AND POWER MATTERS.
/
Native Vedda / January 27, 2013
JULAAMPITYE AMARAYA
“Since early 1970s India wants to keep Sri lanka under their grip “
Indian domination over the island be it Chola or Maha goes back many centuries.
Nehru warned Banda the island could not afford an interdependent foreign policy that of India was a warning shot.
Indra arm twisted JR to toe India’s pronouncement with a that lasted more than thirty years.
However Indra also allowed Sri Lanka to exercise “sovereignty” over Kachchative albeit temporarily. What did her goodwill gesture say about Indo Sri Lanka relation. Whether Kachchative is part of India or Sri Lanka as far as India is concerned the whole of Sri Lanka is the Sinhala state of Sri Lanka.
You say:
“doesn’t want to see Sri Lanka becoming powerful nation in south Asia.”
Are you being serious?
You say:
“ONLY MONEY AND POWER MATTERS.”
No you are wrong, wisdom of the people matters. Tamils and Sinhalese have a long way to go if they want to wisen up.
I am not hopeful.
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Prabath Gamlath / February 21, 2013
Well said.
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Geo / January 25, 2013
Guys like him represent everything that has gone wrong with Sri Lankan society since 1948.
At that time, men who came to the public wanted to serve the public they were rich in their own right and did not need to sell racism or their people to be in the limelight or to seek money, today we have to deal with the like of these people, all the good quality people have gone away !
Willing to praise anyone or to make comments to be in the limelight !
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Native Vedda / January 27, 2013
Geo
While we are in the anti racism mode can I point out SWRD Banda was reasonably wealthy and educated at a prestigious university in Sudda Land. Yet he turned against what he held dear to him.
Was he not a racist?
If the rest of the country was not racist I find it hard to believe how Banda was elected with two third majority. The country was and is fundamentally racists.
I am sure Tamils and Sinhalese compete to win the top place if ever there is a race race.
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Prabath Gamlath / February 21, 2013
Dr. Narendran,
Totally disagree with your first sentence. First cartoon is pointless, because not only Buddhist monk but also other religion leaders must equal responsible for subject matter. Why is there only Buddhist monk?
Thnks ,
Prabath
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 24, 2013
Hhhmmmm …Food for thought, one would guess.!!!!!
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Peter / January 25, 2013
KASumane – stop “guessing” and start “thinking”. Lot’s of ‘truisms’ here!!
We need ‘patriots’ who consider the WHOLE country and its inhabitants and not the myopic views of racists and rabble-rousers who thrive on violence and chaos. And we certainly do not need politicians who seem to be concerned only with the accumulation of wealth and power. These are the guys who are in the way of getting those ‘rural poor’ getting a share of the wealth that you are so concerned about, don’t you think?
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PresiDunce Bean / January 24, 2013
I am agree 95% what is you are saying. My grandmother is saying those days, “Sinhalaya modaya, kavun kanna yodaya!” But that is my grandmothers days no? Nowadays it is, “Sinhalaya modaya, kiribath kanna…crackers patthoo karanna…maha raja thoomaa ta jayaway waa kiyanna yodaya!”
Only way to peace in the country if all the buggers respect all the buggers religion, language and culture no?
Let the Sinhala buggers eat the ellawalu and bath and karawala and maalu and horen drink the arrakku and kassippu.
Let the Tamil buggers eat their vadai and thosai and rotti…and don’t increase price of piti and telling them to eat rice ok, and also respect their culture and language.
Let the Muslim buggers eat the harak beef and the chicken beef and if you don’t like harak beef just STFU!
Let the Christian buggers eat the Oooroo mas and the harak beef and the chicken beef and let them drink the arrakku and beer, and don’t ban the sale of arrakku and harak beef on poya because people who want to eat and drink will buy before the poya….so useless rule no? harak fellows still getting killed…and arrakku bottles still getting sold no? I am always thinking, “In 30 years war, not one poya day did they have ceasefire or stop killing of people.” Don’t know why? Maybe harak are more value than people? Deiyo thamai dannay.
I think if you do all that I mention above, maybe we can be like Singapore in nother 30 years maybe? But if we continue this present way we become like Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and North Korea all roll into one in few years time.
Truly Faithfully,
PresiDunce Bean.
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Ilyas Iqbal / January 24, 2013
Excellent!
Right thinking at the right moment!
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Chandra / January 24, 2013
The second cartoon is brilliant
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douglas / January 24, 2013
Hiran – I do not know who you are; but see you from your thoughts expressed above. It is very commendable to have stated your candid opinion and presume you to be very concerned of what is going on in our country.
After thirty (30) years of immense suffering, terror and tyranny, we managed to dispel with a sigh of relief, our suffering for a while. All of us (Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim) had great expectations and we exercised our most valuable “right” to vote and put this present Government into power to handle things in “good governance” and usher in an eara of happyness and prosperity. But see what has happened. They have brought the whole country to “tear” apart once again and with their “arrogance”, “greed”, “ego” brought the whole nation to disrepute in the international sphere. They (those in power) have entrusted the management of our (peoples’) resources in the hands of their “kith and king”, “cronies” who are most corrupted and incompetent resulting in colossal waste of immeasurable proportions. They even pass Legislations with 2/3rd majority to fortify their grip on every thing and consolidate power in one figure and those around him. Vertually it has developed into a “despotic” system of governance as recently demonstrated by the 18ht Amendment to the Constitution and the “Impeachment Cricus”and its aftermath leading to the appointment of the new Chief Justice.
The degeneration of the highly spoken social value system that existed in the country for centuries is another heart burning situation that has been bought about by the very custodians of those values. As things are at present there is no value to the very “life” of anyone and destruction of very existance has become the norm and that psychology has taken roots even in remote villages. This is accounted for by the day to day crimes (murders,rebberies, rapes etc.) that are being commited around the country. If you happened to be at the vicinity of the ex-CJ’s official residence on the day of her departure from the official residence, you would have seen this degeneration well demonstrated even with the participation of the Cabinet Ministers and highly placed Politicians. They were mingling with the “goons” and enjoying “kiri bath” on the road-side perhaps to celeberate the unceremonious exit of once a highly placed “confidante”. This is how they have spoiled and “kicked” out our social value systems.
Anyway to make a long story short, it is high time that everyone, irrespective of creed and colour to open their eyes and minds and say “enough is enough”, before things go out of control.
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Senguttuvan / January 24, 2013
Hiran means well. The ordinary people in the Sinhala South – outside the scheming political beneficiaries in the system – are coming around to identify the real culprits who destroyed their future and that of the country.
Hiran needs to brush up his political knowledge of Malaysia and Singapore. His statistics and understanding of both countries needs updating. Yet, I wish to identify with the good intentions and sublime spirit of his noble thoughts.
Senguttuvan
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samuel / December 30, 2013
Yes indeed, this is what I felt instantly after reading his sentiments.
How come all indians living in Malaysia and Singapore become tamils ? Besides, it is absolutely wrong to compare these statictics of S pore with those ours; ours is though comparable to those of Malaysia.
And the writer´s message is though clear to any healthy minded among us, but he should also share the view that the nature of current politics in the country is the root cause for all our problems; so we have to find remedies to face the life better by giving a chance to any good leader who will give the priority to democratic values, rule of law and order and the dignity of life.
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jan / January 24, 2013
Today the Sinhalese feel they are excluded from the economy . Poor governance, wrong economy and corruption of the corporates and politicians have created a status where by business benefit at the expense of the ordinary citizen. This problem of racism will never disappear until there is good governance. Articles of this nature only focusses once attention to the problem not to its solution. Deep down this is a issue of poor governance. It is time people and society demand good governance that will stop most disruptive social problems.
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Sam / January 25, 2013
A sensible email from Hiran. But, how to get those people out from mind set caused by the mahawamsa teachings? They are still trying to show that there was no any settlement occurred in the island from nearby South India before the legendary king from far north arrived in the cost 2500 years ago.
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Safa / January 25, 2013
We need to be introspective in order to develop ourselves. Sri Lankans need to look inwards instead of criticising and attacking people of other faiths. Country needs to stable and united to develop. The synergies and talents of all its people need to be harnessed.
This is where the policies of the govt fail. By playing the racial and religous card to stir up negative emotions just to maintain their political power. Treating people of different communities and different areas in different ways. Failing to maintain the independence of the judiciary and rule of law.
Racist and religionist are not only those who attack places of worship and flash their private parts but also those who plot, scheme and pass discriminatory laws. These are the real culprits.
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Krish Subra / January 25, 2013
Hiran,
I awaited several years with a dream of living in the manner you do wish to see the Sri Lanak.
Unfortunately, our Sinhalese mass have given the mandate to do the just opposite. Unless some miracle happens, the country may not ever see what you and me really want to takeplace.
Hats off to you.
A Sri Lankan Tamil
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AYMAN / January 29, 2013
SINHALESE NEVER GAVE A MANDATE TO OUR RUHUNU RULERS.
THEY CAME TO POWER ON A RIGGED ELECTION. WE ARE STILL
FINDING BALLOTS CAST AT THE LAST ELECTIONS FOR THE DNA
IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
NEXT ALL THOSE SHAMELESS BUGGERS WHO JOINED THE GOVERNMENT FOR CABINET POST AND OTHER PERKS.
ABOUT TIME WE ALL STOP COMMENTS.AND DID SOMETHING AND SOON.
BRAVO!! A SINHALESE WITH A SPINE HAS SPOKEN AT LAST,BUT NOT TOO LATE
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Mary / January 25, 2013
Hats off mate.. Plainly putting the present Sri Lankan society at large….
Mary – with malice towards none
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Watching With Patience / January 25, 2013
I think many would share your sentiments. Good & Right thinking. We are all born and bred in this country. Be it Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors(I woundnt use the term Muslim because it will turn out to be a religious war, unlike a race war it will be difficult to contain due to various international involvement),Malays and all the other mixed and minor races all are Sri Lankans. Until we identify us as Sri Lankans and we accept each others as Sri Lankans without any division we will be in the same state we are in for many more years to come(God Forbid). Many at the top would like to keep this as it is, devide and further devide, so that they would be in power for life long. Sad but true , what a loss -Brain drain, skills are migrating, what would be SL left with ? Chin-Lanka, In-Lanka or No Lanka, Seems the rulers dont care – No wonder the old folks say “Ceylon was a good country man”! Many now identify with that era than the present, I dont blame them.
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frank hilary / January 25, 2013
A good write-up.
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Rudy / January 25, 2013
As a non-sinhalese I thank you. The country needs more like you to raise their voices.
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kautilya / January 25, 2013
Congratulation! for your openness.Bottom line is “Buddhist, Sinhala”Extremism has raised it ugly head. On 19 January, around 6 pm I witnessed a horrible incident how an ugly crowd of men, woman,old and young including children headed by a group of head shaved yellow robed thugs, blocking the entire road and obstructing vehicle movements, surrounded the “NO LIMIT” shop in Maharagama and it was almost seized by them shouting racially flagrant slogans while huge contingent of Police was looking on.This situation gives the message that these unruly events has state paternity.When the country is hit with economic break down and International ire for blatant violation of Human Right,and Rule of Law only alternative available with a “Patriotic Government” is to inflame the racial and religiously hatred violence against lesser communicates (1983 July and 2013 Jan) and religions. Religious extremism and racial patriotism will magnetized people in tribal societies to rally around the politicians for purported campaigns and indulged in violence when the Ok is given by the mentors, forgetting what ever the difficulties they face in their day to day lives for survival of their families.. Although the government has announced about an appointing another fake PSC to study the extremism,it is an eye wash and time buying exercise to report that nothing such thing has happened and I therefore plead not to get caught to such mawkish attempt as we all know of What the earlier fake and flam PSC did for the Rule of Law in the country.
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kautilya / January 25, 2013
Correction: line 12 “lesser communities (1983 July and 2013 Jan)
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mahanama / January 25, 2013
Nicely written son! covers the issue from many angles. Hope the government will take action soo rather than wait till it goes out of hand. Bring to book all these mushroom groups who are instigating racial discord.
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AYMAN / January 29, 2013
ALL THESE MUSHROOM GROUPS ARE “GOVERNMENT SPONSORED AND FUNDED”
IT WAS A FEW DAYS AGO THAT WE READ OF THE GOVERNMENT IMPORTING
“RIOT FIGHTING EQUIPMENT”.
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Citizen / January 25, 2013
Hiran Gunaratne, we welcome your moves by all means. But a basic change has to take place as damage has already been done to the aggrieved communities. Everyone likes to live peacefully with mutual understand with one another in Sri Lanka. But having experienced many hardships on account of the blind and selfish policies of the politicians under unitary government, is it possible for all these three communities (Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslims) to live together? In addition, it is the politicians who had changed the bi-cameral system into uni-cameral system for the very purpose of consolidating their power. Had there been a Federal form of Government with Five Provinces, such nonsense would not have occurred. It is these politicians who had made a false propaganda that Federalism leads to separation. The truth is Federalism has the force of bringing all the communities and even the Provinces together. Moreover, there will be mutual understanding among the politicians of the Provinces as well as that of the Centre, all of which would have promoted unity and would certainly discourage separation of any form. Besides, because of the inter-action of the Provinces and the Centre, a sound economic policy would be promoted, while discouraging and nullifying any malignant economic policy. Had there been a Provincial government like in Canada or in the USA, an opportunity would be afforded to the respective Provinces to exploit the natural resources with the assistance of the developed countries and several thousands or millions of youths would have been employed. It is absurd to state that Sri Lanka has no natural resources. Every country has its own natural resources. It depends on how we exploit the natural resources for which absolute civil liberties are a must and the interference of the politicians should be discouraged by a powerful Judiciary. There should be a Charter of Rights and Freedoms of the citizens as well as the express independent of Judiciary duly enshrined in a constitution which is possible only in a Federal system of Government or in a Government with federal features. It is sad that in Sri Lanka that a number of journalists are murdered, though a few of the journalists are suspected to appear to be in the President’s pay roll. Sri Lanka need not rely on foreign exchanges earned by housemaids from Middle East Countries, risking their lives. There are many people from South-East Asian countries ready to work in Sri Lanka, should there be a Federal form of government in Sri Lanka on the models of Canada or USA. Are the present ruling politicians ready for this change. They wanted the entire powers within their hands to earn big commissions and not worried about the plight of Sri Lankans. If Sri Lanka is to be made a paradise, are the Sri Lankan politicians ready to follow the Canadian federal system and abide by the Canadian tradition of respecting other’s rights. Canada is a country with more than a hundred of races, yet they are united and happy. The politicians rely on racism for their own survival, the result of which saw the emergence of Tamil terrorism, which ultimately saw the deterioration of Sri Lanka’s economy. They acquire other’s land on various pretexts and also want to do business of their own, while damaging other’s entrepreneur. There are politicians like Wimal, Mervyn, Dillon, Chamal, Keheliya Rambukwella and a host of others who talk utter rubbish and have to learn a lot from Canadian politicians who always cherish civil liberties and respect United Nations and Commonwealth values. Sri Lanka cannot develop itself because of the narrow-mindedness of the politicians. In Sri Lanka there are news that the President’s close relative imports formalin for manufacturing kasippu, President’s son imports 19 Lamborigini cars when average citizens find difficult to have a decent meal, etc, etc., all of such malpractices cannot be seen in Canada or in other western democratic countries. Had there been a Federal system of government would such malpractices have happened. If past glory of Sri Lanka is to be restored, then it is time that Sri Lanka adopts a Federal constitution which will have the force of healing all wounds of pain and return back to joice of all communities.
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Victor / January 25, 2013
I totally agree. Sri Lanka is a totally lost country.We lost our path in many occasions historically,even now and future too.After destroying every thing we look back and blame others.Sri Lanka is the only country which can do guerrilla marketing system.We started this in 1956 and all the time put forward religeion, nationalism and patriotism other related topics to grab power. Then do all notorious things and cover up with the label of nationalism , Buddhism and patriotism saying all others are traitors. This is a funny country with bunch of idiots. But funny literacy rate is more than 92%. Do all dirty things to grab power.But later on every body who abused were telling they have done wrong thing but now cannot be corrected(Including former CJ and CBK).
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Ronny / January 25, 2013
Yes, it is quite true. If all the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Moors and all those with Sri Lankan identities could live together AS SRI LANKANS, our country could be developed beyond Singapore, Malaysia and even England since we have all the natural resources in plenty. Also, the present political culture should be completely changed as they are ruining and looting our national wealth and dividing the people for their political survival. If we can live in peace and harmony with foreigners when we live in other countries, then why is it difficult to live in peace and in harmony with our own brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka. Why are we fighting and why are we asking for a separate state. All of us should not forget that our ancestors have come from other countries except may be the aborgines. Let us live as Sri Lankans irrespective of our culture, religion, colour and political beliefs. Why is it that only in Cricket we get together. The politicians should encourage this togetherness in all our activities. Most of those who are creating these unwarranted and unwanted problems have atleast visited other countries or even lived there.
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Ramani S / January 25, 2013
Majority of people live as Sri Lankans nowadays, only a few extremists for their personal advantage promote disunity, society do not welcome such ideas.
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A W Abdulkany / January 25, 2013
A brilliant article, a very broad minded person, he spoke the TRUTH fearlessly, Hiran, is a shining example and a very good practicing Buddhist, may God guide him to be a person who could make a difference in the Sinhalese society.
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Kalu Nangi / January 25, 2013
Excellent…we need more right thinking people like you.
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sach / January 25, 2013
An eye opening article though with minor errors, like Malaysia voting for us and india acting against SL. We have to understand SL is in Indian subcontinent and we share almost everything with them, be it religoun, language, customs,etc. Most of us practically came from there. So practiclaly it would be better if we can maintain good commercial and defence ties with India. I believe a stronger india is a stronger SL if we can manage it.
Our society has phobias from time to time. Once it was india and now muslim. We as a race need to grow up. So I agree with the intention of the writer of this article. What we need is peace and understanding between races. That is what we should be working for. But the stupid monks do find it difficult to grasp the reality. What makes me feel sad is how other right thinking sinhalese let these goons to steal the show and drag us and our children to the pit. I think we need to rise above them. It is the time we sinhalese meet these fellas head on and control them.
I hope more such sinhalese would join our cause. Because this hysteria is destroying this country and our community from within.
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premalal / January 25, 2013
Please use facebook twitter etc too to prevent the spreading of racist views in Sri Lanka.
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JAGGER / January 25, 2013
Hiran, I admire you for having contributed of your precious time and energy to note some pertinent thoughts and express your innate desire for a better world, that almost all of us in my circle agree with. I just want you to know that I personally have had the opportunity to be part of a particular programme that gave us a unique experience of coming face to face with the ordinary people of this country from Dondra Head to Point Pedro and I want you to know that the common man in this beautiful country of ours echoes your thoughts, my friend, they all feel the way you do. So, though I know that we are all despondent with the prevailing times, we can rest assured that the masses do not subscribe to the opinions of a few.
However having said that the common man cannot withstand the combined onslaught of a dictatorial Executive that has a Legislative in tow with no Judiciary to check its voracious appetite for material gain and unbridled power with a 4th estate wearing a muzzle.
So people like you give people like us hope. So Hiran thank you for you!!!
Feel like a passenger on the sinking Titanic right now! Never felt like that in the last 30 years we were at war.
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Banga / January 25, 2013
If real peace is to ever come to Sri Lanka, the ruling government must enact by constitution that any person or persons propagating Racism, Religious Hatred, etc must be banned and the people involved must be imprisoned to minimum 10 years RI non bailable. Maybe this might be objected by a certain coalition party within the government but must be bulldozed like all other acts that have been done in the past.I am sure that for the first time in history of Sri Lanka the rest of all the political parties will support this amendment….
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Vipula / January 25, 2013
hats off to you sir. thnak you
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dingiri / January 25, 2013
The main thrust of the article is to combat racism against Moslems in Sri Lanka which is commendable and timely. There is a great deal of incendiary rubbish being spread about Moslems over the internet.
However it is interesting to note the clearly anti-Indian, anti-Chinese and anti-West tone in Hiran’s letter. According to him, only Pakistan and Arab countries helped Sri Lanka for the love of us whereas all the others are here to exploit us. Also, he believes Malaysia, where Moslems are the majority (although not 60% as he claims) is devoid of ethnic tensions and majoritarian laws. Perhaps he has not heard of Bhumiputra.
” How much of liquor production in this country? It is getting doubled every year. Who drink this liquor? Only Sinhalese 95% of it.”
He claims, revealing a certain intollerance for those who enjoy a drink or two.
He also attributes Islamaphobia among the Sinhala racists to nothing more than pure and simple “Jealosy”.
All these makes me wonder who Hiran really is :-)
The cartoons however are spot on. As usual, Avantha Artigala has not failed to encapsulate it all..
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a.h. Perera / January 25, 2013
Beautifully written Hiran, thank you!.
Reading this brought a tear to my eye. It reminded
of my school days- Tamil, Muslim and Sinhalese
getting along as friends.
Rise Sri Lankans!.
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Jim Softy. / January 25, 2013
HIRAN:
There are no Sinhala ONLY political parties. Muslim or Tamil Specific political parties are there to promote racism and both Tamils and Muslims did that even when the British colonials were governing Sri Lanka.
Christians are harassing muslims all over the world. Muslims are giving torturing Chritians, Hindus and Buddhists all over the world. Read news and see.
Muslims are Islamic banking system, Halal foods, Hijab and other face covering by women all over the world. They are using the country’s system to do that. Even in Sri Lanka, why Muslims are learning Arabic ?
Most people are innocent for most of the time. But it is the other fores who are active.
SO, Hiran: first reveal whether you are a FOX hiding inside Saint cover. If not understand the reality.
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Hussain Fahmy / January 26, 2013
Racism is a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
Why not respect each others way of life, focus on the common good and contribute to the process of development of Sri Lanka.
Asking politicians to save the economy is like asking Bernie Madoff to manage our household budget and John Wayne to entertain our young children. Politicians by their very nature and their very presence distort/destroy/sodomize economic order. Politicians create law after law to alter human action and the resulting human interactions we label an “economy”. Politicians also steal from the unborn and create economic distortions in the future, kind of like meddling time travelers.
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Silva / January 26, 2013
Jimsothy: first reveal whether you are a FOX hiding inside a Buddhist cover. Dirty RACISTS like you should be wiped out from the face of this earth for human kind to live in peace.
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Native Vedda / January 27, 2013
Silva
You may have to kill at least 20 million of them for human kind to live in peace in Sri Lanka.
How quickly can you do it?
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Hussain Fahmy / January 28, 2013
Let’s learn to live with the Fox in sheep’s clothing. Nature has it’s own way of eradicating racism.
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AYMAN / January 29, 2013
JIM, YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.
LET ME SORT IT OUT.
MUSLIMS LEARN ARABIC BECAUSE IT IS THE LANGUAGE IN WHICH QURAN IS REVEALED AND WRITTEN AND ALL PRAYERS ARE IN ARABIC. NO ONE
ASKED YOU TO LEARN IT.
MUSLIM BANKS ARE FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT INDULGE IN “INTEREST”
HALAL FOODS ARE FOR MUSLIMS WHO DO NOT EAT SWINE-FLESH, DEAD
MEAT ETC.,AND HIJAB IS THE DRESS CODE FOR MUSLIM WOMEN.
IF THERE IS FREEDOM FOR A WOMEN TO BE SEMI-NUDE OR SUNBATHING IN THE NUDE,WHY DENY THE FREEDOM FOR THE WOMEN WHO WANTS TO BE MODEST
FOR MUSLIMS FROM BIRTH TO DEATH, FROM MORN TILL NIGHT, WORK
OR HOME LIFE EVERYTHING IS GOVERNED BY STRICTLY LAID DOWN RULES.
IN SHORT FOR MUSLIMS, RELIGION COMES FIRST.
ANYTHING WRONG IN THIS?
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