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by Lloyd Fernando

I wish I loved the Human Race;

I wish I loved its silly face;

I wish I liked the way it walks;

I wish I liked the way it talks;

And when I'm introduced to one

I wish I thought what jolly fun.

- Sir Walter Raleigh

The 21st century is on with new challenges and a still greater need for the solidarity of action of man and woman worldwide dedicating to promoting the ideas of peace and understanding. The need of humanity have not changed over the years; there are still the tragedies of poverty, disease, pain and loneliness that people must face.

This year, particularly in Sri Lanka, we have not only sought to reach this objective but also to create the framework within which we can move forward in the years to come, in the unification of the country, in solidifying our status as the moral conscience of our society.

It is imperative that our solidarity of purpose as we move forward in the new century, includes a strong realization in the importance of unity and country strength. Today is the time to determine how we may involve ourselves in answering the needs of tomorrow. Solidarity in helping to establish goodwill and harmony among communities certainly a prime objective as we proceed step by step, is witnessed today at various fora. They symbolize the global understanding that is intrinsic to the international appeal for peace, understanding and fellowship.

Everyday, in different corners of the world, they are striving to make life better for people in need. And needs do vary from community to country to continent. Our participation in today's community programmes do in fact, tend to take precedence over long term goals. This is not surprising, for our immediate concerns are just that - immediate and we may postpone determining how we can have a part in answering tomorrow's needs.

There can be no doubt, none whatever, that we must seize every opportunity to meet the objective we have presently established be they in our own communities or beyond our borders. We must acknowledge that our dedication to the concept of "pulling together" imperative requires us to visualize the world of tomorrow.

Doing so will help us to formulate plans for the future, plans that will enable governments to continue improving lives and living conditions across the poverty-stricken areas. Our communities are even changing - and long term programmes should be established in such a way to ensure that tomorrow's needs will be answered with the greatest efficiency.

This decade should prove to be one of dramatic worldwide change. As human needs grow, so must we. If we are to look forward to a safe and more powerful world, the planning and groundwork need to be done now. We must keep pace with a changing world and the ever-increasing challenges. We must also think ahead to future goals and accomplishments that remain to be achieved.

Let us carry our efforts at proving a shelter to every citizen of this land. Let us provide a job to one member of family, at least. Let us keep the whole nation contended. let us work towards self-sufficiency. Let us move freely from North to South and from East to West, not outside the country but within our shores, in search of new pastures to help ourselves and the country.

Let the Northerners build in the South and the Southerners in the North. Let us appreciate our cultures, our customs and habits; let there be oneness in our thoughts just as much we have it in our hallowed places of worship such as Kataragama, Munneswaram, Kochchikade Church, St. Jude's in Yakkala, and the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

Let our educationists, our religious leaders, our social workers come forward in this hour of need and try to inculcate in our people, Sri Lankans, our heritage stemming from common roots and the importance of merging into a single society for the greater purpose of rapid development and progress, greater understanding and co-operation, and a bright future. Let us inter-marry. Let us integrate. let us revel in the thought that Sri Lanka is yours and mine.

North is North

And South is South

But the twain shall

meet and greet,

So, please feel free,

Come, let's have a treat!

What will emerge as the realities of tomorrow depends entirely on what we plan and do today. We must make every effort to strengthen the entire structure of our community and country programmes, and recognize that the Sri Lankan identity is a top priority. We need to stand back for a moment to reflect upon our proud heritage and all that our forefathers have accomplished during the last millennium while going forward on another. This done, we will better understand where we are today and what our potential holds.

In the world of tomorrow, Sri Lankans should be bigger, more involved in answering needs in our communities, and recognized in still greater measure for accepting the challenges of a united Sri Lanka. Our needs grow, our commitment grow, our capacity to reach out and answer these challenges must likewise keep pace. Peace dies when the framework is ripped apart. When you know no longer where your friend is to be found.

The harmony that exists within the minds of individuals will surely be reflected in a harmonious society.

The family is the best test of

freedom; because the family is

the only thing that the free

man makes for himself and by

himself. - G.K. Chesterton

(The writer is the former Secretary to the Governor NWP)

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