Politicians dragging Lanka towards anarchy

(August 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Mankind that evolved through the Stone Age has now arrived at the doorstep of interplanetary travel. During this period of transition many great religious personalities and philosophers attempted to civilise humanity presenting various theories.

Following some form of religion has become part and parcel of mankind because of the fear and sorrow ever present in everybody’s life. Religions advocate the following of precepts to make life better and build a peaceful society.

However the brutal events of war, death and destruction taking place in some parts of the world including Sri Lanka show that religions that were born to civilise mankind appear to have failed miserably proving that humanity has not changed much since the Stone Age.

Sri Lanka also claims to be a country with a rich cultural heritage. For over 2000 years Sri Lankans have been following one of the four major religions, all of which speak of peace and harmony and a life free from sorrow and fear.

The majority of Sri Lankans follow the non-violent path shown by the Buddha to be free from the evil cycle of birth. We can see Buddha statues in every nook and corner in Sri Lanka and the rulers falling down on their knees before them promising to rule the country righteously.

However at present there are two battles raging between members of rival groups here — one on a racist basis and the other on a political basis — attacking and destroying each other and their properties. Thousands of people — all citizens of this country — have perished in this useless battle.

The racist war is a deliberate creation of extremist Sinhala Buddhist politicians who are avaricious of enjoying life at public expense. Sinhalese, Tamils, Buddhists and Hindus are of the same origin according to legend, but are exploited for personal gain by shrewd politicians and politicised bhikkus.

The enormous loss caused to this country due to the racial conflict cannot be estimated and has been disastrous economically and socially.

The prevailing lawless situation in the country is frightening and the country seems to be drifting towards anarchy day by day.

The law enforcement authorities failed to arrest and produce in court a notorious politician for several days despite a court order to that effect. There were other pre-election acts of arson carried out by underworld goons employed by politicians with police protection.

The notorious politician who evades arrest is allowed to sit in parliament by the grace of the President himself and has disgraced the image of Sri Lanka internationally.

The politicised Buddhist monks too have caused immeasurable damage to Buddha’s philosophy of non-violence by clamouring for war.

Politics in Sri Lanka has proved an easy way for politicians to become rich fast. Many politicians who have not had a proper education, but the ability to dupe people with their rhetoric are having a field day. The racist war created by them for personal gain has reduced this country to a pariah state where only rulers enjoy life while others starve.

These so called patriots lead thousands of young and old to their graves while they themselves travel about in bulletproof luxury vehicles and live in virtual fortresses for fear of their lives.
- Sri Lanka Guardian