The 21st Century Fox

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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

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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

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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.