I have beeen meaning to update this blog for so long that I realise i'm just going to have to write something and be satisfied that what i write is not the sum total of my opinions as it is such dynamic process living here in Sri Lanka when new information and new challenges come to light almost hour by hour, continuously.
It has been very difficult living in Anuradhpura and trying to do projects when i am so deeply affected by this conflict for better or for worse. My two poems the "War of Minds" and "Helicopters in the sky" hopefully give some idea of what I am going through.
I feel there is a lot of misinformation about this conflict also, that acts only to fuel hatred and ongoing conflict further. Also I have my own guilt that I'm not doing more.
As a sinhalese person I am always questioning whether I am being biased towards my own race, even though I myself identify with the Human race first and foremost. Perhaps this doesn't matter as long as we have key role models who identify more strongly with their ethnicity?
Nevertheless I would like to offer a reflection from Independance this year - I have already posted and exceprt from the Presidents speech in a previous post - which I feel was positive.
Independance Day
I was in Colombo on Independance day this year. The night before I was fortunate enought to witness a street parade, like a mini Devali - where religious Hindu devotee's were standing on floats on the way to the Kovil (Hindu temple). These devotees were parading down the street, "loud and proud", some wearing costume others just as is, talking the entire street as the entire street happily and peacefully accomodated them, with smiling on lookers who, like us, came out to observe the festivities.
The scene made me think about what messages are being portrayed overseas about Sri Lanka and who there is Genocide against the Tamils. Just one event like this doesn't stand as proof of anything per say - but it just add to my already formed perception based on personal experience that the Sinhala people nor the Sri Lankan Government are performing Genocide against the Tamil people.
I know from working in Anuradhapura hospital that often receives victims from the conflict zone and the Tamil civillians get better treatment than average patients because of the fear of being perceived at racist. This is not a trait of a genocidal nation.
If you talk to any Sri Lankan they know that the Tamil people only enrich society - it is the LTTE that is their fear beause of the threat they pose. The concept of genocide only acts to serve the LTTE's means to thier cause (ie violence, child conscription and suicide bombing).
There is no genocide of Tamils by the goverment - this is LTTE Propaganda.
The concept of genocide ("Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group" Wikepedia defnition) is so abhorrent that such a label and concept is need by the LTTE to create a sense of hatred against the sinhalese people, in both the people of the North who's mind they have degree of control over, as well as the diaspora overseas who will keep funding this war from the LTTE perspective.
There is also government propaganda which i will talk about below, which also serves to keep the war going.
I do beleive and know that Tamil people in the North and East are really suffering to this I have no doubt. They are suffering because of the war. But the real questions are why is there war? and how do we stop the killing ?
Right now the LTTE have an opportunity to let the civillians go. The Sri Lankan government are making arragement to improve the conditions of the IDPs by strengthening the hospitals in the North Central Province allow referrals.
In addition to using the Tamil Civilians as human shields the LTTE have not been letting the civilians cross over to the goverment sides. They have even been shooting at civilians which caused the latest outcry by human rights groups.
Some of these shot victims came to Anuradhapura hospital and were treated here. The treatment of these civilians resulted in Amry casualites having to be transferred to other hospitals. There are all sorts of reports of the Army trying to harm civilians - why would they do this if these civilians would then displace their army colleagues ?
This is LTTE Propaganda.
Having said that - the goverment counter propaganda is also rife - they are under reporting the action toll of casualties in civilians and the army. The hospital sees about 700-900 army casualties per month.
War is a raquet (see warisaraquet.com ) - and it is a terrible thing. There is no doubt in my mind as a doctor and more importantly as a human being, and definitely as someone who ascribes to Buddhist philosophy which respect human life.
We the civilians and supporters of any side need to work together to save this current humanitarian crisis. For this we need to end the war - and to do this there need to be a concerted effort.
I believe the fastest and safest strategy is for the LTTE to surrender to the political mainstream with the back of an international broker. However, there is no trust of the LTTE by the Sri Lankan goverment - thus they will need to show committement by having their leader show their face.
Karuna and Pilliya (former high ranking officials in the LTTE who broke away) have now joined the political mainstream and Pilliyan is the Chief minister of the east. I am sure the Sri Lankan society would even go as far as to accept Prabakaran himself into the mainstream despite the long stream of humanitarian crimes, just as long as the LTTE ceased their militiary and terrorist activitites.
There is definitely corruption withing the govermental system here - but there is in any goverment. The key is to be able to control this element and accentuate the positive. I personallly have had a very good experience working with the provincial health department and know that there are many caring and efficient individuals within the goverment system.
Oh well those are thoughts for today.
Friday, March 6, 2009
The emails that weren't sent
I usually like to stay connected with my friends around the world with at least a group email every 3-6 months. My friends who have know me for some time will know that i'm pretty good with this. In the last 6 months I've sent nothing, despite desperately wanting to write and send out a message.
The reason has been two fold - I feel there is an insurmountable amount of PhD work to do and I'm always behind - ie Guilt for spending time on a creative piece of email work (my supervisors ar on my list after all - not that they would read this sort of stuff with much enthusiasm i'm sure!).
But the other reason is I like the emails to be a brief reflection of my life and thoughts, and no group email in current times could happen without a comment about the current political and war situation.
It has been so increadibly difficult to write about this because in a few paragraphs you cannot capture what is in my mind. Also the thoughts are so dynamic I become somewhat tongue-tied - or "dont-press-send on the computer-bound", if that makes sense. There have been two drafts just sitting on my computer of the last bit of my next group email which i will post below
From February 09
And from March 09
The reason has been two fold - I feel there is an insurmountable amount of PhD work to do and I'm always behind - ie Guilt for spending time on a creative piece of email work (my supervisors ar on my list after all - not that they would read this sort of stuff with much enthusiasm i'm sure!).
But the other reason is I like the emails to be a brief reflection of my life and thoughts, and no group email in current times could happen without a comment about the current political and war situation.
It has been so increadibly difficult to write about this because in a few paragraphs you cannot capture what is in my mind. Also the thoughts are so dynamic I become somewhat tongue-tied - or "dont-press-send on the computer-bound", if that makes sense. There have been two drafts just sitting on my computer of the last bit of my next group email which i will post below
From February 09
The conflict
And finally it’s been a really difficult time here in Sri Lanka regarding the situation of war and conflict. It doesn’t matter who is right or who is wrong, what your perspective is, the bottom line is “conflict” is painful to all even those who are not directly involved with violence. If you look at it from a “human” perspective.
There is so much misinformation that is being brandied about regarding this conflict, which adds to the pain of all sides, which only adds to the pain. In my opinion there is no genocide going on in Sri Lanka – there is a terrible war in the north, and I for one want it to stop. The majority of the country peacefully coexists. There “is” a definite Tamil cause and we need to make the Tamils of Sri Lanka more feel valued and appreciated as equal members of society. However Terrorism will not pave the way for this. Nevertheless the end of the day all we can offer, (including what I offer) no matter how well researched we appear to be is our own perspectives, based on our own experiences and our version research.
There are too many thoughts and emotions that have gone on within me since coming back. A glimpse of this had hopefully been captured in article, prose and poetry in my Peace Blog. Please leave your feedback, either on the site or by email.
All this conflict has made doing research very challenging task – but I will continue to progress despite all this. This extra delay and challenge I cannot expect my supervisors nor Australian University to understand fully, although I’m sure they do to some degree – for they are not me, and unlike them I am a Sri Lankan ‘through and through’ whether I like it or not, and really there is nothing I’d like to see more than lasting peace in this beautiful country.
And from March 09
The conflict in Sri Lanka
There are too many things to say here and it would be wrong for me not to say anything as the conflict itself and the unfolding developments have consumed much of my mental and emotional energy since coming back this time.
The best thing is to read my blog which represents a myriad of my views at different stages.
The first thoughts must go to the Tamil civilians caught in the no fire zone of the government army and LTTE – they are currently suffering the most. My thoughts and prayers to them . Then it goes out to the rest of Sri Lanka – we are all suffering at the hands of this country no matter where we are – either directly or indirectly. Last Friday the lights were out in Colombo as the LTTE was dropping bombs in the city centre – one of my research assistants was only metres away from a building which was being bombed at the time – luckily he was okay.
One thing that is important to me is that people out there know there is a lot of false information being brandied about.
Excerpt of Mahida Rajapakse Independance day speech - 4th February 2009
I think the key elements in the conclusion of Mahinda's speech shown above are that he is describing in no uncertain terms that all communities are the future of the land, and that we must make an extra special effort to help rehabilitate the north and the east.
I guess the president can put the idea about this out there, but it is up to "us", the community, to empower these words of peace and unity.
"Similarly, let us extend the cooperation of the entire nation to the people of the north and the east who suffered under the grip of separatist terror for many years, to once again step towards satisfaction and freedom in life.
Let us come forward both in word and deed to bestow upon them the kindness, friendship and prosperity they deserve.
This 61st anniversary of independence has given us the opportunity to realize the pride and dignity of our freedom. The time is now ready for the battle to raise Sri Lanka to the dignity of a country that is energetic, powerful, virtuous and wise. Let us as patriotic Sri Lankans achieve success in that battle too, without delay. Let us dedicate ourselves to bequeath this true freedom to our country.
Friends,
I respect the maxim that the motherland and ones own mother are comparable to paradise. At a time when our motherland is united under a single banner, I invite all parties to come together irrespective of ethnicity, community and party differences, giving the opportunity to all to do their duty by the motherland. What greater satisfaction can Mother Lanka have than all of us being the children of a single mother? I, therefore, appeal to you to join us to bring that great satisfaction to our motherland.
Let us look at all the children of our motherland - Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay and of all other communities, spread throughout our land, and living with no divisive thoughts among them. They look upon us with great expectations. They question us and hold us to task. They seek their future from us. They are the future of this land. May you have the strength and courage to take our country in a new direction on their behalf.
May you all receive the Blessings of the Noble Triple Gem."
I think the key elements in the conclusion of Mahinda's speech shown above are that he is describing in no uncertain terms that all communities are the future of the land, and that we must make an extra special effort to help rehabilitate the north and the east.
I guess the president can put the idea about this out there, but it is up to "us", the community, to empower these words of peace and unity.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Too much going on!
It's a month since I posted my last entry and i feel the same vibrations of emotion throughout my body when I think about this conflict. This represent the fadt there has been so much going on here in Sri Lanka in the last month. Where does one begin to even describe?
I guess backwards is the way to go.
Firstly tomorrow is independance day and a public holiday.
There are 250,000 internally dispaced persons from the Wanni (LTTE controlled areas) who are being housed by the Sri Lankan Army in a safe zone. The LTTE is still preventing the excape of Tamil civilians from the areas that they still control using them as human shields.
On Saturday 3000 Tamil people took to the streets urging the LTTE to release Tamil Civilians.
I was heartened to see the following response in the comments
Its a healing time for the Jaffna tamils to come out and protest against the LTTE. I am sure every family in Jaffna would have lost a young man/woman to LTTE. There was a time before LTTE was born, Jaffna town was always filled with Singala tourists buses as Singalese from the South used to visit Jaffna. I sincerly hope that trend will restart again. Its one thing wiping out LTTE, but its very important to rebuild a positve relationship between tamils and singalese.Tamils in general are very innocent and open harted people until Prabakeran emerged and wiped out the culture of Tamils. Tamils have love and compassion. On the other hand Singalese people are also very sincere and great for party and entertainments. I HOPE THE TWO SIDES REALISE THEIR POSITIVE QUALITIES AND ENHANCE EACH OTHERS MORALS TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER IN FUTURE. They have to or else the doom and gloom in that beautiful Island will only remain as a violent society even if Prabakharan's is gone. Just look at Trinco and Batticalo. There is still a lot of violence there. All i can say to the readers is, forget the past and pray for true peace in future in a way we can all shake hands or hug each other without any barriers. Only every individual can achive that without depending on any leaders to guide us. We as individuals have that love within us.
Posted By: ##### Lingam
I guess backwards is the way to go.
Firstly tomorrow is independance day and a public holiday.
There are 250,000 internally dispaced persons from the Wanni (LTTE controlled areas) who are being housed by the Sri Lankan Army in a safe zone. The LTTE is still preventing the excape of Tamil civilians from the areas that they still control using them as human shields.
On Saturday 3000 Tamil people took to the streets urging the LTTE to release Tamil Civilians.
I was heartened to see the following response in the comments
Its a healing time for the Jaffna tamils to come out and protest against the LTTE. I am sure every family in Jaffna would have lost a young man/woman to LTTE. There was a time before LTTE was born, Jaffna town was always filled with Singala tourists buses as Singalese from the South used to visit Jaffna. I sincerly hope that trend will restart again. Its one thing wiping out LTTE, but its very important to rebuild a positve relationship between tamils and singalese.Tamils in general are very innocent and open harted people until Prabakeran emerged and wiped out the culture of Tamils. Tamils have love and compassion. On the other hand Singalese people are also very sincere and great for party and entertainments. I HOPE THE TWO SIDES REALISE THEIR POSITIVE QUALITIES AND ENHANCE EACH OTHERS MORALS TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER IN FUTURE. They have to or else the doom and gloom in that beautiful Island will only remain as a violent society even if Prabakharan's is gone. Just look at Trinco and Batticalo. There is still a lot of violence there. All i can say to the readers is, forget the past and pray for true peace in future in a way we can all shake hands or hug each other without any barriers. Only every individual can achive that without depending on any leaders to guide us. We as individuals have that love within us.
Posted By: ##### Lingam
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Reflections on the Capture of Kilinochchi
3rd January 2009 - Dickwella, Sri Lanka
Whist I sit here at my laptop working on my PhD thesis, I couldn’t help but read the news reports of what was in most people's minds a very significant event in the political history of Sri Lanka and the ethnic conflict.
Yesterday the Sri Lankan defence forces captured Kilinochchi from LTTE terrority. I was not so interested in the strategic consequences of this, but more so in the way the news of this victory was delivered to the masses by our head of state, and his interpretations of this event. As I had alluded to in my previous blog entries over a month ago, I felt that the military defeat of the LTTE was very likely, however, the magnitude of consequence this had in leading to a lasting resolution of conflict in this country would be in part attributable to how this military defeat would be handled. Here I present some brief thoughts and my interpretations of this.
Journey to the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka - Jan 2nd 2009
As I was driving down in the deep south of Sri Lanka yesterday, I received a text message from Ada Derana (the news agency that sends text message news updates) stating that “troops captured Kilinochchi” and that President Mahinda Rajapakse will address the nation at 4pm. Unfortunately I was in the car (just passing Weligama at this point) and would not have been able to see the speech live, so I listed to the only radio station that I could tune into from this part of the country which was a Sinhala channel called “net FM”. I heard the entire speech, but still could not understand enough to really get the meaning.
However, at the end of the speech I felt happy, because I felt that the President was taking “Option 2” of the hypothetical options that I had laid down in my previous blog entry (on Nov 9th 2008 - http://peaceandunity-bishan.blogspot.com/2008/11/very-inspiring-speech.html ).
The reason I came to this conclusion (despite not understanding fully the speech because of my lack of fluency in Sinhala) was that I detected a “reaching out to all people of this country” vibration in his speech. I also didn’t detect arrogance to the fact that the Army had take the most significant stronghold of the LTTE occupation, and I was also impressed by the fact that the President spoke some sentences in Tamil at the end of the speech, which is what I feel should be the case for all important speeches.
I have been led to believe that after the 1983 riots when President JR Jayawardene addressed the nation, the tone was very different, and the message to the Tamil people was very different. Today we are in a different time.
Now we are at the beginning of 2009 and many situations and attitudes have changed. I believe that the President’s speech and message to the Nation yesterday is a reflection of this.
Below are excerpts of the speech that I listened to in Sinhala yesterday. I will paraphrase the meaning that I took out of each of the salient messages in the speech:-
Here I am pleased to feel there is the concern for the aspirations of all Sri Lankans and the main ethnicities in Sri Lanka.
I am pleased that the President did not appear to try and turn this victory into a political banner against other parties in this speech. This would have been easy to do especially in the local political climate. The focus is on the victory for the “entire nation”, and not about “communities” over other “communities”
This last except speaks for itself – the message is a request from the head of state to build a multi religious multi-ethnic nation.
Of course, all this is “my interpretation” and the full English transcript speech transcript can be found on (http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090102_08 )
Peace in the future?
I believe peace is on our way. But there is a lot of work to be done by us all…
In no way should the sentiment of this blog entry “deny” the struggles, and suffering of so many in the past, this has never been my intention.
However, for us to realise the miracle, as it may seem, of “peace in Sri Lanka” we all have to all embrace “Peace in the Present” as the primary goal and put aside “past pain and loss”. This may seem “rich” coming from someone who hasn’t suffered directly in this conflict – but I am heartened find out that those who have also feel this way.
I will end this blog with a quote from a dear friend who is a Tamil Sri Lankan recently whilst enjoying a weekend with friends from different Sri Lankan backgrounds.
Her family had suffered immensely at the hands of this conflict, especially during the 1983 riots, like so many Sri Lankan Tamils, if not all at that time. However, despite this she has written the following (I’m sure she will not mind me sharing this with you – ie the world) :
Please send me your comments. Speak the Truth as it is for you – just as I have done. I will not be offended by opposing views – I believe if we all discuss our viewpoints compassionately, and with respect, then we can all learn more. Learning is the path to resolution of conflict.
I would love to hear and see thoughts posted from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. (To date nobody has posted a comment on this blog – why not be the first?)
Best wishes for the New Year
Love and Peace
Bishan ☺
Whist I sit here at my laptop working on my PhD thesis, I couldn’t help but read the news reports of what was in most people's minds a very significant event in the political history of Sri Lanka and the ethnic conflict.
Yesterday the Sri Lankan defence forces captured Kilinochchi from LTTE terrority. I was not so interested in the strategic consequences of this, but more so in the way the news of this victory was delivered to the masses by our head of state, and his interpretations of this event. As I had alluded to in my previous blog entries over a month ago, I felt that the military defeat of the LTTE was very likely, however, the magnitude of consequence this had in leading to a lasting resolution of conflict in this country would be in part attributable to how this military defeat would be handled. Here I present some brief thoughts and my interpretations of this.
Journey to the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka - Jan 2nd 2009
As I was driving down in the deep south of Sri Lanka yesterday, I received a text message from Ada Derana (the news agency that sends text message news updates) stating that “troops captured Kilinochchi” and that President Mahinda Rajapakse will address the nation at 4pm. Unfortunately I was in the car (just passing Weligama at this point) and would not have been able to see the speech live, so I listed to the only radio station that I could tune into from this part of the country which was a Sinhala channel called “net FM”. I heard the entire speech, but still could not understand enough to really get the meaning.
However, at the end of the speech I felt happy, because I felt that the President was taking “Option 2” of the hypothetical options that I had laid down in my previous blog entry (on Nov 9th 2008 - http://peaceandunity-bishan.blogspot.com/2008/11/very-inspiring-speech.html ).
The reason I came to this conclusion (despite not understanding fully the speech because of my lack of fluency in Sinhala) was that I detected a “reaching out to all people of this country” vibration in his speech. I also didn’t detect arrogance to the fact that the Army had take the most significant stronghold of the LTTE occupation, and I was also impressed by the fact that the President spoke some sentences in Tamil at the end of the speech, which is what I feel should be the case for all important speeches.
I have been led to believe that after the 1983 riots when President JR Jayawardene addressed the nation, the tone was very different, and the message to the Tamil people was very different. Today we are in a different time.
Now we are at the beginning of 2009 and many situations and attitudes have changed. I believe that the President’s speech and message to the Nation yesterday is a reflection of this.
Below are excerpts of the speech that I listened to in Sinhala yesterday. I will paraphrase the meaning that I took out of each of the salient messages in the speech:-
Speech By President Mahinda Rajapakse – 2/1/09
"Friends. Although the leader of the LTTE had said only a few days ago that the capture of Kilinochchi was only a dream of Mahinda Rajapaksa, in truth it was not my dream alone. It was the constant dream of all Sri
Lankans, whether Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim, who are opposed to separatism, racism, and terrorism, and have always, sought peace, freedom and democracy.”
Here I am pleased to feel there is the concern for the aspirations of all Sri Lankans and the main ethnicities in Sri Lanka.
“One must not belittle this victory as one that has been won by one community over another. It should not be interpreted as defeat of the North by the South. This is a victory for our entire nation and country.”
I am pleased that the President did not appear to try and turn this victory into a political banner against other parties in this speech. This would have been easy to do especially in the local political climate. The focus is on the victory for the “entire nation”, and not about “communities” over other “communities”
“Let us all be committed to build one Sri Lankan nation that stands with dignity and pride under a single flag. Let us pledge to be a single nation in an undivided country. Our collective commitment will undoubtedly rise above all obstacles and challenges that may lie ahead.
May you be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem
May you receive the blessings of all Deities.”
This last except speaks for itself – the message is a request from the head of state to build a multi religious multi-ethnic nation.
Of course, all this is “my interpretation” and the full English transcript speech transcript can be found on (http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090102_08 )
Peace in the future?
I believe peace is on our way. But there is a lot of work to be done by us all…
In no way should the sentiment of this blog entry “deny” the struggles, and suffering of so many in the past, this has never been my intention.
However, for us to realise the miracle, as it may seem, of “peace in Sri Lanka” we all have to all embrace “Peace in the Present” as the primary goal and put aside “past pain and loss”. This may seem “rich” coming from someone who hasn’t suffered directly in this conflict – but I am heartened find out that those who have also feel this way.
I will end this blog with a quote from a dear friend who is a Tamil Sri Lankan recently whilst enjoying a weekend with friends from different Sri Lankan backgrounds.
Her family had suffered immensely at the hands of this conflict, especially during the 1983 riots, like so many Sri Lankan Tamils, if not all at that time. However, despite this she has written the following (I’m sure she will not mind me sharing this with you – ie the world) :
“The situation in Eelam is so difficult however, today, people unite, in a feeling of solidarity it doesn’t matter whether you are Tamil, Sinhalese, Buddhist or not even Sri Lankan. What matters most is that everyone should have basic rights. Everyone, has the right to basic freedom, basic rights, the right to express yourself. Most Sri Lankans work hard, live hard, party hard, die hard whilst at the same time living in and at the epitome that defines being Sri Lankan. The red earth that bleeds the lives of so many of our country that have not lost and yet are unknown. We, today, in silence, acknowledge and respect the lives, spirits, and the earthly bound. We are but if not spirits of the Earth, bound by many ties that bind. We are, if anything, one, if not a created, most single, important part of the universe. Let us use our force, our strength, our ties that bind. We are after all, one single, universe. Sri lanka is the tie that binds. United we stand, together are one people, one universe, one race, one star that shoots and impact earth, together, we are the stars that bind.”Let her words be an inspiration to us all.
Please send me your comments. Speak the Truth as it is for you – just as I have done. I will not be offended by opposing views – I believe if we all discuss our viewpoints compassionately, and with respect, then we can all learn more. Learning is the path to resolution of conflict.
I would love to hear and see thoughts posted from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. (To date nobody has posted a comment on this blog – why not be the first?)
Best wishes for the New Year
Love and Peace
Bishan ☺
Friday, December 26, 2008
Response to "Christmas in Sri Lanka 2008
Dear Ruki
Merry Christmas
I'm glad you managed to to spend it with you family
Unfortunately i had to be here at work in Anuradhapura and could not be with my family.
It was interesting to note that even here in Anuradhapura, despite being a Sinhalese Buddhist majority town the Christmas lights were shinning bright, and and to my pleasant surprise I even saw a Sri Lankan Santa Clause dressed in red, prancing in the main street of Anuradhapura as I ate my Christmas kothu rotti.
I read you reflections with interest, but also with some difference. I found what you had written to be very thought and emotion provoking - which has led me to contribute to this forum. Forgive me if what I have to say is somewhat lengthy but I feel it to be important all the same.
Ruki wrote:
- There were prayers for the rulers and the military that they will soon bring about an end to the conflict with their ongoing military operations, which is on the verge of “victory”.
- But there were no prayers for a negotiated, just, political solution that will meet aspirations of all communities.
I share you sentiment in agreeing that it is very saddening that we are at war. Living here you cannot escape this awareness. In fact this conflict is heartbreaking for anyone who is aware, as I'm sure many readers here will agree.
However, to me, your writing omits the fact that there "are" prayers by many Sri Lankan's for a peaceful end to this conflict - i can vouch for at least one person (myself) but know of many many more who have this very prayer. What you report is the lack of guided prayer on these topics by the Minister of your service perhaps, rather than the prayer that exists in the mind of ordinary people - a much more difficult thing for one to profess to know. I challenge everyone who reads Ground views to write in if they have themselves had a prayer to the end of violence, or knows of others who feel this way - i'm sure it is many in number.
When I talk to the public about what they want it is most definitely "peace" and not "violence". I live amongst many casualties of war here in the North of the so called "South". However there is a strong belief that, amongst the people with whom I talk, that the LTTE will "not give up their armed fight" for a separate state at any cost, and that a ceasefire without commitment will only lead to re-arming and further violent conflict. This is the only reason why they support the government military stance.
Whilst living here it has saddened me to learn at close hands that the civilians in the LTTE controlled areas are "erroneously" led to believe that "the Sinhalese" want to wipe out the entire Tamil race. One trip down to the capital of Sri Lanka and it is plainly obvious that this is not the case, as Tamil will be the main language one can hear being expressed in many areas of Colombo, however, the people of the Wanni do not realise this until they become the fortunate few who are able to leave (only to find that they cannot return without being at risk of conscription to the LTTE).
We know about this misconception because patients who are casualties of war are often treated in Anuradhapura hospital and they express these erroneous and hurtful views to the doctors treating them, often fighting hard to save their lives. Of course these civilians themselves are not to blame, because under Prabakaran's LTTE regime this is what they are led to believe.
There was incident not too long ago (within the last 6 months) where a Tamil patient from the Wanni was transferred (which is a common occurrence) for treatment of a traumatic injury and despite several hours of surgery and intensive care they eventually succumbed for medical reasons. However, the family member that accompanied them from the Wanni was adamant that medical care was withheld and their relation was killed because they were a Tamil. The consultant spent a very long time trying to convince the bystander that this was not the case - despite being in a very busy hospital and having other pressures, for the very reason that it was important to them they they did not have this wrong view that the Sinhalese are trying to kill the Tamil people, however, this these efforts were sadly in vain as there was no changing this deep seated view that had likely been the result of much brainwashing.
PEACE CAN START AT A COMMUNITY LEVEL FOR ALL OF US
I am not claiming there are no hardships faced by Tamil people in Sri Lanka today (scrutiny at checkpoints, which in some cases is clear harassment, being just one example of a difficulties faced by Tamils living in Sri Lanka at present), after all I could never know what it is to be a Tamil person in Sri Lanka. At the same time I also know that there is very little positive light being given to the ethnic harmony that also exists despite this ongoing conflict, at least in my experience. I have had the pleasure of working alongside people of all ethnic minorities in this country since i arrived here 3 years ago, and even in Anuradhapura, which is so close to the conflict. For the last 2 years I have had Tamil co-workers who were all clearly treated with equality to the Sinhalese Majority and other Ethnic minorities, as one would expected (but perhaps may not realise).
I was privileged to be able to offer a Puja at the local Kovil with both Sinhalese and Tamil colleagues together in Anuradhapura only a few months back. Here the the Hindu priest told us that he has been offering puja's and serving the community for years, and certainly throughout this conflict. What was heartening for me to hear was that he had such a good relationship with the local "Harmaduruwo" (Buddhist Priest), where he said that if there was ever a need they could freely call upon one another. The greatest conflict he had received was pressure from other Hindu priests residing the North of Sri Lanka who criticised him for maintaining his support of a Hindu Temple in a Sinhala predominant area, despite not having any trouble from this community. This was saddening to hear as such pressure only encourages separation rather than unity, however, it was pleasant to see his courage in doing what he felt was right.
I would like to re-iterate for this forum that the Sinhalese "does not" want to "exterminate" the Tamil people as Tamil people in the Wanni have been led to believe in order to continue fighting this war for the LTTE. This ideology is not only erroneous, but it is extremely damaging to all communities.
In my personal experience of working in this region, the only real threat of physical harm that has come to both me and my Tamil colleagues was when the LTTE planted a bomb in the local Anuradhapura "pola" (community market) back in February this year, which was luckily defused before it caused any damage.
Don't get me wrong, as far as I'm concerned "any" form of war or physical violence is terrible and a real mess- and I have always been a proponent of non-violence as you know. Anyone working in the medical sphere knows that the human destruction of military or guerilla/terrorist warfare is terribly devastating. I also agree that more thought and action can be done to help those who are casualties of war.
RIGHTS OF CIVILIANS IN THE WANNI
However, if feel the current conflict in Sri Lanka should always be presented as function of the conflict between two sides. A lack of attention to the terrible conditions the civilians in LTTE controlled areas have to face because of the LTTE is unbalanced reporting and also unfair to these poor civilians who do not have the benefit of getting their message out in a forum like groundviews. Where is the reports of the plight of families who have to give up not one but two children to be LTTE cadres? Or those who cannot return (even medical officers) who are at fear of being forcibly conscripted. These people cannot voice their opinion for fear of their own lives and their families lives. However, I feel I never read much of these people's plight at these sort of forums, sadly.
Ruki wrote:
- There were no prayers or mention of hundreds of thousands of displaced, men, women and children, with inadequate shelter, food, medicine, education, water and sanitation.
- There were no prayers for children and adults conscripted as soldiers, their families.
I agree that there should be prayers for these people, and publicly so.
WRITING WHAT ONE FEELS
I think writing about the conflict is a very difficult thing and I commend you Ruki to have the courage to write what you "feel", and I do believe this the piece your wrote here is primarily about "feelings"
So in response I have shared some of my thoughts and "feelings".
My main criticism of "feeling-based" writing (including my own piece of writing here) is that what ends up being presented is a usually a one sided argument.
One sided arguments run the risk of further to deepen the divide between "us" and "them" (whichever side, or view, you support) instead of realising the beauty of the oneness that we are all bound by.
I believe the media, including "groundviews" has a very important role to play in generating peace, by being as balanced as possible. The provision of the website to make comment and provide feedback is commendable. Thank you to the organisers for creating this platform. However the balance is only as good as the diversity of contribution so I encourage all with differing opinions to present their view as I am weary of reading the same viewpoints over and over, and I am sure there are other who feel the same.
I thank you for your patients with my "reflections", and will leave you with the best Chirstmas prayer that I can think of to achieve decreasing the divide between "us" and "them" in favour or peace for all.
I pray that we don't project only "despair" in our current situation as this will only lead to more despair,
Instead I pray that we start look for the light in the current situation,
As "difficult" as it may be because of the scars that we bear, and because of how dark it may currently seem,
And I pray for us to build upon what we good we have, no matter how little it may seem.
We should not look to blame others, but look for solutions for ourselves
Including the simple acknowledgement of the goodwill that exists in our communities are this very moment in time
I assure you that this goodwill is there- we just need to nurture it further
Only then as community we can find and promote lasting peace in Sri Lanka
God Bless
Ishallah
Om Shanti
Theruwan Saranai
Merry Christmas
Bishan - 25/12/08
http://peaceandunity-bishan.blogspot.com/
“Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong”
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected”
(quotes by Mahatma Gandhi)
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamour of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Merry Christmas
I'm glad you managed to to spend it with you family
Unfortunately i had to be here at work in Anuradhapura and could not be with my family.
It was interesting to note that even here in Anuradhapura, despite being a Sinhalese Buddhist majority town the Christmas lights were shinning bright, and and to my pleasant surprise I even saw a Sri Lankan Santa Clause dressed in red, prancing in the main street of Anuradhapura as I ate my Christmas kothu rotti.
I read you reflections with interest, but also with some difference. I found what you had written to be very thought and emotion provoking - which has led me to contribute to this forum. Forgive me if what I have to say is somewhat lengthy but I feel it to be important all the same.
Ruki wrote:
- There were prayers for the rulers and the military that they will soon bring about an end to the conflict with their ongoing military operations, which is on the verge of “victory”.
- But there were no prayers for a negotiated, just, political solution that will meet aspirations of all communities.
I share you sentiment in agreeing that it is very saddening that we are at war. Living here you cannot escape this awareness. In fact this conflict is heartbreaking for anyone who is aware, as I'm sure many readers here will agree.
However, to me, your writing omits the fact that there "are" prayers by many Sri Lankan's for a peaceful end to this conflict - i can vouch for at least one person (myself) but know of many many more who have this very prayer. What you report is the lack of guided prayer on these topics by the Minister of your service perhaps, rather than the prayer that exists in the mind of ordinary people - a much more difficult thing for one to profess to know. I challenge everyone who reads Ground views to write in if they have themselves had a prayer to the end of violence, or knows of others who feel this way - i'm sure it is many in number.
When I talk to the public about what they want it is most definitely "peace" and not "violence". I live amongst many casualties of war here in the North of the so called "South". However there is a strong belief that, amongst the people with whom I talk, that the LTTE will "not give up their armed fight" for a separate state at any cost, and that a ceasefire without commitment will only lead to re-arming and further violent conflict. This is the only reason why they support the government military stance.
Whilst living here it has saddened me to learn at close hands that the civilians in the LTTE controlled areas are "erroneously" led to believe that "the Sinhalese" want to wipe out the entire Tamil race. One trip down to the capital of Sri Lanka and it is plainly obvious that this is not the case, as Tamil will be the main language one can hear being expressed in many areas of Colombo, however, the people of the Wanni do not realise this until they become the fortunate few who are able to leave (only to find that they cannot return without being at risk of conscription to the LTTE).
We know about this misconception because patients who are casualties of war are often treated in Anuradhapura hospital and they express these erroneous and hurtful views to the doctors treating them, often fighting hard to save their lives. Of course these civilians themselves are not to blame, because under Prabakaran's LTTE regime this is what they are led to believe.
There was incident not too long ago (within the last 6 months) where a Tamil patient from the Wanni was transferred (which is a common occurrence) for treatment of a traumatic injury and despite several hours of surgery and intensive care they eventually succumbed for medical reasons. However, the family member that accompanied them from the Wanni was adamant that medical care was withheld and their relation was killed because they were a Tamil. The consultant spent a very long time trying to convince the bystander that this was not the case - despite being in a very busy hospital and having other pressures, for the very reason that it was important to them they they did not have this wrong view that the Sinhalese are trying to kill the Tamil people, however, this these efforts were sadly in vain as there was no changing this deep seated view that had likely been the result of much brainwashing.
PEACE CAN START AT A COMMUNITY LEVEL FOR ALL OF US
I am not claiming there are no hardships faced by Tamil people in Sri Lanka today (scrutiny at checkpoints, which in some cases is clear harassment, being just one example of a difficulties faced by Tamils living in Sri Lanka at present), after all I could never know what it is to be a Tamil person in Sri Lanka. At the same time I also know that there is very little positive light being given to the ethnic harmony that also exists despite this ongoing conflict, at least in my experience. I have had the pleasure of working alongside people of all ethnic minorities in this country since i arrived here 3 years ago, and even in Anuradhapura, which is so close to the conflict. For the last 2 years I have had Tamil co-workers who were all clearly treated with equality to the Sinhalese Majority and other Ethnic minorities, as one would expected (but perhaps may not realise).
I was privileged to be able to offer a Puja at the local Kovil with both Sinhalese and Tamil colleagues together in Anuradhapura only a few months back. Here the the Hindu priest told us that he has been offering puja's and serving the community for years, and certainly throughout this conflict. What was heartening for me to hear was that he had such a good relationship with the local "Harmaduruwo" (Buddhist Priest), where he said that if there was ever a need they could freely call upon one another. The greatest conflict he had received was pressure from other Hindu priests residing the North of Sri Lanka who criticised him for maintaining his support of a Hindu Temple in a Sinhala predominant area, despite not having any trouble from this community. This was saddening to hear as such pressure only encourages separation rather than unity, however, it was pleasant to see his courage in doing what he felt was right.
I would like to re-iterate for this forum that the Sinhalese "does not" want to "exterminate" the Tamil people as Tamil people in the Wanni have been led to believe in order to continue fighting this war for the LTTE. This ideology is not only erroneous, but it is extremely damaging to all communities.
In my personal experience of working in this region, the only real threat of physical harm that has come to both me and my Tamil colleagues was when the LTTE planted a bomb in the local Anuradhapura "pola" (community market) back in February this year, which was luckily defused before it caused any damage.
Don't get me wrong, as far as I'm concerned "any" form of war or physical violence is terrible and a real mess- and I have always been a proponent of non-violence as you know. Anyone working in the medical sphere knows that the human destruction of military or guerilla/terrorist warfare is terribly devastating. I also agree that more thought and action can be done to help those who are casualties of war.
RIGHTS OF CIVILIANS IN THE WANNI
However, if feel the current conflict in Sri Lanka should always be presented as function of the conflict between two sides. A lack of attention to the terrible conditions the civilians in LTTE controlled areas have to face because of the LTTE is unbalanced reporting and also unfair to these poor civilians who do not have the benefit of getting their message out in a forum like groundviews. Where is the reports of the plight of families who have to give up not one but two children to be LTTE cadres? Or those who cannot return (even medical officers) who are at fear of being forcibly conscripted. These people cannot voice their opinion for fear of their own lives and their families lives. However, I feel I never read much of these people's plight at these sort of forums, sadly.
Ruki wrote:
- There were no prayers or mention of hundreds of thousands of displaced, men, women and children, with inadequate shelter, food, medicine, education, water and sanitation.
- There were no prayers for children and adults conscripted as soldiers, their families.
I agree that there should be prayers for these people, and publicly so.
WRITING WHAT ONE FEELS
I think writing about the conflict is a very difficult thing and I commend you Ruki to have the courage to write what you "feel", and I do believe this the piece your wrote here is primarily about "feelings"
So in response I have shared some of my thoughts and "feelings".
My main criticism of "feeling-based" writing (including my own piece of writing here) is that what ends up being presented is a usually a one sided argument.
One sided arguments run the risk of further to deepen the divide between "us" and "them" (whichever side, or view, you support) instead of realising the beauty of the oneness that we are all bound by.
I believe the media, including "groundviews" has a very important role to play in generating peace, by being as balanced as possible. The provision of the website to make comment and provide feedback is commendable. Thank you to the organisers for creating this platform. However the balance is only as good as the diversity of contribution so I encourage all with differing opinions to present their view as I am weary of reading the same viewpoints over and over, and I am sure there are other who feel the same.
I thank you for your patients with my "reflections", and will leave you with the best Chirstmas prayer that I can think of to achieve decreasing the divide between "us" and "them" in favour or peace for all.
I pray that we don't project only "despair" in our current situation as this will only lead to more despair,
Instead I pray that we start look for the light in the current situation,
As "difficult" as it may be because of the scars that we bear, and because of how dark it may currently seem,
And I pray for us to build upon what we good we have, no matter how little it may seem.
We should not look to blame others, but look for solutions for ourselves
Including the simple acknowledgement of the goodwill that exists in our communities are this very moment in time
I assure you that this goodwill is there- we just need to nurture it further
Only then as community we can find and promote lasting peace in Sri Lanka
God Bless
Ishallah
Om Shanti
Theruwan Saranai
Merry Christmas
Bishan - 25/12/08
http://peaceandunity-bishan.blogspot.com/
“Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong”
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected”
(quotes by Mahatma Gandhi)
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamour of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Christmas in Sri Lanka 2008
This post is a letter that I wrote to Ruki Fernando a human rights activist who posted an article on Ground views which was about his thought over Christmas this year. His writing was both thought and emotion provoking for me which lead me to write the subsequent article, which covers not just Christmas in Sri Lanka this year, but many thoughts I have about the conflict.
First I will present his article
My response will follow
Ruki wrote:-
Christmas 2008 in Sri Lanka- Ruki Fernando
First I will present his article
My response will follow
Ruki wrote:-
Christmas 2008 in Sri Lanka- Ruki Fernando
Its Christmas day. For a change, I was at home with my family.
Early morning, I went for Christmas Mass in my parish. Many years ago, I had been active in the church, as a student and teacher in the Sunday School, as an Alter Server and in the Young Christian Students Movement. But I had not gone to my parish for a long time, though I have been visiting and staying in churches all over Sri Lanka, especially in the war ravaged North. I thought I will go today, as it was Christmas, also because of my family.
Unlike most people, I didn’t go to the crib in the Church. But I did have images of Jesus being born in a cattle shed 2008 years ago. That Mary was compelled to give birth to Jesus away from her home, as she and Joseph were forced to leave her hometown, while she was pregnant, due to an order of the rulers of that time.
I sat quietly in the church and said a silent prayer for the baby that I saw few weeks ago in Menik Farm, Vavuniya. She would be 40 days today. She had no name when I visited her. A baby born as her parents fled the advancing Army in Vanni. A baby who is forced to live in a mosquito infested, muddy and murky camp, as her parents are not allowed to live with their relatives, but confined to a defacto prison by the military, even though they are not charged with any crime.
The Christmas Mass was taking longer than the usual Sunday service, many prayers and long preaching by the priest.
There were prayers for the rulers and the military that they will soon bring about an end to the conflict with their ongoing military operations, which is on the verge of “victory”.
But there were no prayers for a negotiated, just, political solution that will meet aspirations of all communities.
There was no mention of a call for ceasefire by the two Anglican Bishops and three Catholic Bishops.
There were no prayers or mention of hundreds of thousands of displaced, men, women and children, with inadequate shelter, food, medicine, education, water and sanitation.
There were no prayers for children and adults conscripted as soldiers, their families.
There were no prayers for families of disappeared, those killed.
No remembering churches that were shelled and bombed, as they offered shelter to people fleeing the war, and no prayers for priests killed and disappeared as they were helping the war affected.
No remembering those tortured, those being detained merely on suspicion in inhumane conditions, worse than conditions that some animals are kept.
I wondered whether I was living in the same country, whether I was part of “one Catholic Church”.
Amidst my frustration and gloom, some gave me hope and inspiration.
A Catholic sister told me a while ago that she and a priest had shared about the plight of the displaced in the North during a Christmas Mass and asked people for their prayers and donations. People had donated more than Rs. 50,000.
After the mass, I visited three journalists being detained, one of who had written about children being conscripted as child soldiers just before he was detained. I went with a diplomat attached to an embassy in Colombo; she brought chocolates, and stood patiently in the sun with me for close to an hour, while waiting to get in. I will remember the smiles of the people we met and chatted briefly.
I also remembered the wife of one of the journalists, with who I had been in close contact. What would Christmas mean to her? What Christmas greetings, what Christmas gift could I offer her? Will my usual greeting, “Happy Christmas” have any meaning to her?
I met some Catholic sisters who were coming from the prison as I was about to go in. Several other priests - Anglican, Methodist and Catholic – as well as some other friends, who had got my text message, also told me they will visit detainees in the coming days.
So this is Christmas in Sri Lanka, 2008 December.
I could not help reflecting that if Jesus was to be born in Sri Lanka, he would not be born in the Church I went for the Christmas Mass.
It is possible though that Jesus might be born in a Church in the battle zones in the North, that offers shelter to people fleeing bombing and shelling from the sky and around them. Or probably in the prison I visited. Or in the house of a family member of a disappeared. Or amongst the hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
Happy Christmas from Sri Lanka.
Ruki Fernando
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