Sri Lanka- Forever a Nation in Tears

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bbs-saffron-brigade-and-a-nation-in-tears-forever/

‘Buddhist Sri Lanka’ perceived as the ‘sole protector’ of the Dhamma is where all beings irrespective of caste, creed, religion or race are supposed to live in peace, compassion and harmony. Then why is this tiny tear-drop shaped nation in the vast Indian Ocean destined forever to be in tears? Where did Buddhism go wrong for Lanka? Or should it be where was Buddhism made to go wrong for Lanka?

Never before in recent history has the populace of this comparatively ‘small’ country - Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim - been as ‘largely’ polarized as we see now. Physically we are so very near to one another but yet so far apart. For today we are a nation where not only are the Sinhalese and Tamils surveying each other with fear and suspicion, but the Sinhalese and Muslims as well. Whodunit!

Jaffna- From Shell Shock to Culture Shock

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/jaffna-from-shell-shock-to-culture-shock/

My last visit to Jaffna was almost nine years ago (2004) in an official capacity as a Director of the former Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP), an office that came directly under the President of Sri Lanka.

 

In a context of time nine years seems like a long period but in fact it is not. The Jaffna I saw then and the Jaffna I saw a fortnight ago seem like two different places. Of course nine years ago we had a Norwegian brokered cease-fire between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka in place. Our movements, despite a cease-fire, were under a heavy blanket of security as the LTTE violated the very spirit of the truce with impunity.

However my recent visit to the North was as a private citizen and therefore afforded me greater freedom of movement and the chance to mingle and interact with the common man of Jaffna. Of course within a short space of three days one cannot grasp much, but what I did see and hear was a revelation in more ways than one.

Bigotry of Sinhala-Buddhism

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bigotry-of-sinhalabuddhism

It appears that the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) and its acolytes have taken a page from the book of the Anagarika Dharmapala (Homeless Protector of the Dhamma) in espousing the same flavour of bigotry as he did in pre independent Ceylon. Intolerance of the religion of the other was the ‘Dhamma’ protected, practiced and propagated by this ‘National Hero’ the Anagarika Dharmapala!

 Given the sociological climate of pre independent Ceylon one could appreciate the fact that the Anagarika was rebelling against the British colonial invader who were subjugating the masses in the most deplorable way. But when one takes a closer look at the obvious, he was not fighting the colonial invaders on behalf of all Lankans as a whole but only on behalf of the Sinhalese Buddhists in the country. In such a context can he be regarded as a National Hero?

Sinhalabuddhism in Sri Lanka

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sinhalabuddhism-in-sri-lanka/

“A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side” Aristotle

If Lord Buddha were here now there is one thing he would do- ban Sinhalabuddhism in Sri Lanka! - With apologies to Mark Twain.

As a Sri Lankan and a Buddhist by faith I take it upon myself, as others have not the right, to define the significant differences between the philosophy of Buddhism as per the teachings of Lord Buddha and what is practiced by the majority in this country under the umbrella of Buddhism. This I do, not to wear my religion on my sleeve but to explain to my fellow multi religious Sri Lankans and others who may be in a confused state regarding the current goings-on in this country by the name of Buddhism.

The 21st Century Fox

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-21st-century-fox/

These is always a reason why people do the things they do or don’t do!

It is indeed a strange and ironic phenomenon in the system of governance of Sri Lanka that when it comes to sound policies to solve issues of a national nature, those in power appear to be at a loss, while those in the opposition seem to have all the best policies to solve the country’s ills.

In Sri Lanka today, there is much written and talked about the perceived inaction of a certain Opposing individual who is looked upon by many especially his loyal following, as one who is able to salvage our country from the social and political quagmire it is sinking into.  Because traditionally as mentioned above, those not in power are expected to have all the right solutions.

The perceived ‘silence’ of this Opposing individual has bewildered many, mostly amongst his loyal supporters giving rise to much personal attacks, ridicule and criticism.

However I see it differently. Some may regard it as a figment of my over-dramatic imagination while some may not. But in a democracy and as a citizen of this country I believe I’m permitted the freedom of looking at things my way, therefore “outside the Box”. 

The following is an Allegorical Narration of the Status Quo

Sri Lanka's Political Lab Rats

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sri-lankas-political-lab-rats-2/comment-page-1/#comment-482223

Each time I hear the term “Sinhala Buddhist” uttered in today’s context I can’t help but feel an uneasy sense of foreboding tingle up my back. To me it sounds like a time-bomb waiting to explode. As a Sinhalese and a Buddhist by faith I have every right to ask “What on earth is a Sinhala Buddhist anyway? Is it a branch of the Sinhala race? Is it another nationality in Sri Lanka under the Buddhist flag?” For I’m confused!

We are today nothing but a nation of dysfunctional lab-rats used by myopic and selfish politicians over the years. In their laboratory of politics they carried out their deadly political experiments by injecting us with various sociologically toxic viruses that generations of us have been carrying around and spreading, oblivious of its long term repercussions. These deadly political experiments commenced soon after we gained independence from the British and go on unabated even today!

Intentionally or otherwise these virulent viruses have today contaminated our society almost in its entirety. This is a legacy passed down to us by our political forefathers which we are now blindly passing down to future generations, very much to their detriment.

As a result of these virulent experiments many amongst us lab-rats are now confusing their nationality, ethnicity and religion. Our national identity has become further obscured with the virus of religious extremism infecting the gullible.

Stoking the Tinderbox of Extremism

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/stoking-the-tinderbox-of-extremism/

As a Sri Lankan and as a follower of the Buddhist philosophy I have every right to take umbrage at what is going on in our multi religious country under the guise of a “Buddhist nation”.

First and foremost the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka do not own the Buddhist philosophy. Lord Buddha was not a Sinhalese and neither was he a Sri Lankan. And he certainly did not appoint the Sinhalese as the guardian of his philosophy!

In this context not everyone who drapes himself in a sacred saffron robe and shaves his head is a genuine representative of the Buddhist faith! Not every Buddhist in Sri Lanka regards this country as a “Sinhala Buddhist” nation! Not every Sri Lankan regards other religions and ethnic groups as inferior!

What we are now beginning to see is the Idiocracy stoking the tinderbox of ethno-religious extremism by manipulating Buddhist extremists to distract voters from mounting burning issues facing them today. If this trend continues unabated we are looking at another protracted war, this time on ethno- religious grounds, which would make the 30-year ‘War on Terrorism’ look like a cakewalk.

Where is the Miracle?

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/where-is-the-miracle/

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest"- Confucious

As I rapidly approach the half-a-century mark on my birthday calendar I have a choice of three ways to sum up my life; so I opt for the third “......and third by experience, which is the bitterest". Like those of my generation thirty of fifty years I have known only war, bloodshed and communal hatred. Shortly before that my school classmates and I were ripped apart and shoved into compartments labeled the Sinhala, Tamil and English stream. Somewhere during this time my mother kept complaining about bread queues, kerosene smelling fabric and everything being rationed. I also recall my parents having to pull strings, grease palms and creep through back doors to obtain the requirements of my annual school book-lists. I had no toys (I still envy those kids today) so I ended up loving books instead, which was a good thing; but I still would have loved to have had a few toys.

That more or less sums up my fifty years as a Sri Lankan and I’m still looking for the much-trumpeted but evasive Miracle Sri Lanka! I envy those who lived before me in the not-so-miraculous days of our country. It had to be better than this. So in my eternal quest to discover the miracle I have returned to fables that I loved so much as a child!

Vil Uyana- My Idea of Paradise

Nestling amidst the luxurious serenity of Rangirigama in Sigiriya, where the soothing breeze, rustling leaves and chirping birds make the loudest sounds, is a first-in-the world, unique artificially created private nature reserve with a wetland system, spread over twenty-four acres of extensive flatland with lakes, paddy fields, marshes and forests, and the 8^th wonder of the world- The Sigiriya Rock as its neighbour.  

Jetwing Vil Uyana has allowed for the first time in Sri Lanka, for dwellings to be built over water. Individual dwellings luxuriously appointed within, are located over lakes, marshes, paddy fields and forests, which blend seamlessly into the rural landscape.

Jathika Namal Uyana

The Jathika Namal Uyana is a lush and exotic wonder in our paradise island, located in a small village called Ulpathgama or ‘Village of Springs’, in the Kekirawa District, in the North Central Province.

Namal Uyana is a spectacular man-made forest, with hundreds of acres of Na or Iron Wood trees- the national tree of Sri Lanka. 

Kaludiya Pokuna in Kandalama

This is not to be confused with its name-sake in Mihinthale.

Kaludiya Pokuna, dates back to the period between 853 – 857 A.D., during the reign of King Sena the 2nd. The sacred precincts of this ancient site served as a meditating center for the Buddhist monks who resided there.

The approach to this site is very pleasant. The dirt track which passes through paddy and vegetable cultivations is typical rural Sri Lanka. The cultivation gives way to beautiful stands of tall, dry monsoon forest.

Ritigala Kanda (Mountain)

http://www.island.lk/2008/10/26/leisure1.html
 

Ritigala is yet another archaeological site of historical and cultural importance in Sigiriya, which has been overshadowed by the grandeur of the Sigiriya rock fortress- the Ritigala Kanda or Mountain which has an ambience all of its own.

Pidurangala- King Kashyapa’s Temple

Sri Lanka is blessed with such a variety of archaeological sites of historical and cultural value that the visitor is often spoilt for choice. While the grandeur of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is difficult to surpass, there are lesser-known sites like Pidurangala in Sigiriya, Ritigala, Namal Uyana etc., which are overshadowed by the grandeur of the Sigiriya rock fortress.This frequently stems from the fact that many of these sites lie off the beaten track, are on a smaller scale, and encircled and even encroached upon by jungle.

Located down a dusty gravel track off the road leading to the Sigiriya rock fortress, the Pidurangala monastery was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th Century A.D. There is said to be a strong connection between Sigiriya and Pidurangala. Although Sigiriya was his kingdom, King Kashyapa’s religious center was at Pidurangala.

Discover Sri Lanka- ‘The Gathering’

When I launched my TV series Discover Sri Lanka’ in 2008 on state television, my vision was to highlight some of the lesser known marvels of Sri Lanka. My first programme in the series was on one of Sri Lanka’s wildlife wonders which defies conventional wisdom - ‘The Gathering’, regarded as the most spectacular event in the international wildlife calendar.

‘The Gathering’ is a massive concentration of our Elephants, which takes place each year, from around July to October when the dry season sets in, and the elephants go in search of food and water. Over three hundred wild Elephants, from far away as the jungles of Wasgomuwa and Trincomalee converge on the receding shores of the Minneriya Tank, in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka.

15th SAARC Conference held in Colombo in August 2008

After I had severed connections with the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) in December 2006, I was looking forward to a peaceful life of retirement as a house-wife, which I found was far more challenging than any of my professional functions before. I promised myself that I will never get myself involved an any government service ever again, despite being an ardent patriot of mother Sri Lanka.

However my challenging but peaceful house-wife role was short lived, when the senior management of the state television station Rupavahini invited me somewhere in June 2008, to return to Rupavahini in order to produce programmes in English. I broke the promise I had made to myself, and this "for the sake of the country" mania I suffer from, sent me back to the state run TV in an honorary capacity, which meant I was working free of charge but in return, I requested for transport for official duties.

Peace in Pieces in Sri Lanka

(Following is a slightly different version of what the Frontline magazine of 1st February, 2008 carried under the title ‘Requiem for truce’)

http://www.flonnet.com/fl2502/stories/20080201501901700.htm

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal”- Martin Luther King

Sri Lanka holds a record for its failed peace talks and ceasefire agreements! We have had so many since the Tamil national liberation struggle became militarised in 1983.

The first was signed prior to the talks in Thimpu in 1985. Then came the infamous Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord in July 1987. Thereafter came the rather carelessly worked out ceasefire in February 1990. Yet another one in January 1995, and the last- the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) of February 2002 which is now dead. Not that it matters, because it was brain dead any way!

There are many of us who regarded the CFA as born to the incompatible parentage of the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and ‘mid-wifed’ by the ‘peace’ facilitator Norway. The CFA was used by the LTTE for their own gain, and it maligned and abused all of us Sri Lankan Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese. I’m amongst many who believe, that it was the most damaging of all Ceasefire Agreements foisted upon this country.

Peace in Sri Lanka- What a Process! (Published in the Daily Mirror of 14th February, 2007)

Many were the frustrations and drawbacks we had to live with in trying to tame the blood-thirsty LTTE who violated the spirit of the CFA through and through with impunity, while all we at SCOPP could do was to change the adverbs in the GOSL ‘condemnation template’ i.e. “The Government condemns/strongly condemns/ unreservedly condemns/vehemently condemns/ condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of……..” and dish out media releases which the LTTE couldn’t give two hoots for. The suppressed journalist in me could only sigh in frustration.

Dr. John- A Genuine Peace Pundit (Published in the Daily Mirror of February 21st, 2007)

As far as Sri Lanka goes, it has produced only one genuine Peace ‘Pundit’- Dr. John Gooneratne, a former Secretary General of SCOPP. Dr. John, as he was affectionately referred to at SCOPP, is a subject in propia persona!

Birth of ‘Business Matters’ 1989 to 2004

Somewhere in mid 1991, the management of Rupavahini decided to launch a series of programmes in English, in order to give the open economy of our country a boost. Ajita Kadirgamar Perera, who was my best friend and I were selected to handle the programme and we were granted carte blanche to carry out our ‘business’ with no interference from the management.

This was to be the beginning of a saga, which ended with the devastating Tusnami in December 2004.

Travails & Tribulations of a Television Interviewer

As I mentioned before, of the numerous hats I wore at Rupavahini was that of a TV Interviewer, and I had the privilege of interviewing a cross section of distinguished personalities, including visiting Heads of State, prominent business personalities, film stars, scientists etc. and a world infamous criminal as well.
One day in March 1992, around 4 o’clock in the morning, when yours truly was dead to the world, the telephone started ringing, right next to my ear. This had to be President Premadasa I thought, because he had a habit of waking people up and giving instructions at all odd hours, when the rest of us were fast asleep. Groggily I picked up the receiver. Lo and behold, it was good old A. J. Ranasinghe (AJR) who was at the time the Minister-of- State for media.

This is how the conversation between AJR and myself went:

Travails & Tribulations of a Television Newscaster (1989 - 2001)

I was thrown in at the deep-end when I was requested by the management of Rupavahini to read the English news bulletin on the 12th of August 1989, because the ‘others’ had vanished into thin air because of the death threats by the ‘red fellows’. I didn’t have any apprehensions about taking this challenge on because I had already undergone a thorough training in news reading in 1988, at SLBC, under veteran broadcasters such as Merle Williams, the late Livy Wijemanne and the late Jimmy Bharucha- regarded as a ‘colossus in Sri Lanka's broadcasting world’. Mr. Bharucha took me entirely under his wing thereafter and he became my Guru. This was the beginning of my twelve-year career as an English newsreader!

Rupavahini- My University of Experience! (1988 – 2004)

The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation was set up in 1982- a gift from Japan to the people Sri Lanka. At the time, there were the crème de la crème of professionals, from the very top to the bottom.

With the years catching up and before I start to suffer from dementia, I decided to indulge myself in reminiscing about those good old days at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation - the State television station, which I refer to as my ‘University of Experience.