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This is a question we Sri Lankans need to ask ourselves. In
pre-independence Ceylon and in the immediate post-independence period, I
believe that we did not get any foreign aid except from a few like the
Colombo Plan.
The amounts received, though I have no statistics, I believe was
minimal and were directed at specific well managed projects. However,
during the last four decades, the volume has been increasing and by the
end of the seventies our budgets included the ‘expected’ foreign aid as
‘income’.
We then started lobbying Western countries and Japan every year and
attending donors’ conferences with the aim of increasing the volume
donated.
Once the donors realised the importance of their aid to our budget,
they and the other international economic bodies started attaching
conditions interfering in our economic and later in our internal
political matters.
We should be happy that the present Government has the courage to
resist external interference in our political matters and is going ahead
with the eradication of terrorists who are not showing any inclination
to join a democratic political process to end this long overdue peace in
our Motherland.
We must extend our thanks to the Government for acting wisely and
getting the help of willing persons in the opposition to get rid of the
menace and rebuild the country.
We must also thank all those who decided to support the Government at
this vital stage while not changing the political alliance to their
party. They realised that it is a matter of national interest and not a
political one, to get rid of the LTTE is a must to resolve the ethnic
problem.
The next step, not only for the Government but for all Sri Lankan
citizens is to get rid of the dependence on annual foreign aid. I
remember about two decades ago India refused foreign aid and decided to
handle the economy sans it. We now see the results they have gained.
Even in the tsunami aftermath she refused foreign aid.
If not already one, very soon India will be a world power to reckon
with.
Some might argue that India is a large country. One need not be a
large country to prosper. We only need to rely and have faith in
ourselves. Singapore and Hong Kong are not large countries either.
But they even produce high tech electronics for the whole world. The
Singaporean economy is one of the largest in the world. Singapore is one
of the most advanced in medical research.
If the abled Sri Lankan politicians of all parties get together and
coordinate and cooperate with the intelligencia of Sri Lanka
disregarding the ethnic composition, to bring about a change of course
and introduce a viable development plan, we will be able to first get
rid of all current shady political characters, corruption and finally
build our own Sri Lanka to be proud of.
I hope the Government already has a planned vision in that direction
which need not wait until the terrorist problem is resolved and
political pluralism re-introduced in to the whole country to implement.
Otherwise, we will be at square one, despite spending so many lives
and wealth to win the war but not continuing the next stage, ‘The
development’.
GAMINI RANJIT
I wish to bring to the notice of the authorities concerned through
the medium of your newspaper a source of irritating noise pollution from
Shalika - the CTB owned grounds and hall at Narahenpita.
Invariably, every Saturday, Sunday, Poya Day and other national
holiday the ground is hired to organisations to conduct sports festivals
and cricket matches.
The problem is that these organisations install loudspeakers to give
commentaries on the matches and other activities taking place. Those
interested in such activities are present on the grounds. They can see,
hear and cheer. Then why is it necessary to thrust into the ears of the
residents living in the vicinity through high volume loudspeakers
commentaries and announcements in which we are not at all interested?
Why force upon us this noise pollution which disturbs our peace and
quiet and is an absolute annoyance especially during our holiday time?
Even during religious holidays like Poya, our tranquillity is shattered
by the noise from Shalika.
I have visited the grounds during such ‘sports festivals’ and have
been shocked to see people smoking and liberally consuming liquor
violating the law of the land which prohibits these things in public
places.
What is also alarming is that the so called reputed companies which
claim to be involved in Corporate Social Responsibility hire this ground
for their sports clubs and violate the very fundamental rule of CSR of
not causing annoyance and harm to the public through company activities.
The Shalika Hall is another source of annoying noise pollution which
goes on till late at night. At times it is a ‘Sale’. At other times it
is a musical show. These are not open air events.
The ‘Sales’ and musical shows are meant for those within the hall.
Why then harass residents with added noise pollution? We are not at all
interested in the ‘Sale’ and we are certainly not entertained by the
musical show. Is it not a fundamental right of residents in an area to
be free of noise pollution? From whom do we seek redress for this
violation of our fundamental rights?
The CTB which owns these two properties must ensure that loud
speakers are not used on the grounds and if at all, some sort of sound
system needs to be installed for a musical show and the volume must be
kept under control.
Hope the Ministers of Environment and Transport will look into this
problem.
G. PERERA
- Colombo 5
I refer to Tuan Risa Razool’s (USA) letter under the above caption.
In the New Testament of the Holy Bible, the Apostle Peter, who was one
of Lord Jesus’s own disciples writes as follows, in II Peter 1; 16 to
20.
“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to
you, the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For He received from God the Father honour and glory when such a
voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory. This is My beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.’
And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him
on the holy mountain.
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed which you do well to heed
as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the
morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy
of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came
by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the
Holy Spirit”.
The Bible is indeed the Word of God. The Bible was indeed written by
man/men, but was written as inspired by the Holy Spirit of God and
Jesus. There are no inaccuracies, no fiction and the entire Bible is the
words of God. The Lord Jesus says “Heaven and Earth will pass away but
My word shall, by no means pass away”.
Jesus is the one and only begotten Son of God. He says so and claims
this in the Bible. But He accorded to His heavenly Father the respect
and honour due to the Father when He said “Do not call Me good.... etc.
Jesus was all Man and all God. I agree with the writer regarding the
Triune Godhead, namely God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy
Spirit. And when Jesus came to the world to save the world at the
request of the Father, He also asked for the Father’s perfect will at
the point of His Crucifixion.
As regard the prophecy that Mr. Tuan speaks in reference to John
15;26, this is the coming of the Holy Spirit which was fulfilled as you
can read in the book of Acts, Chapter 2. verses 2 onwards.
The passages describe the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of
tongues of fire with the sound of a great wind and these rested on the
many who were gathered there at that time and they went on to speak in
different tongues (languages) and prophecies were given.
Jesus also said to beware of those who will come in the future,
claiming to be Him (Christ). Another worthy thing to note and remember
is, that Jesus said that all sins committed by man (or woman) will be
forgiven but any sin committed against the Holy Spirit will not be
forgiven.
KUMARA SOYSA
While thanking Tuan Riza Rassool for his letter on the above subject
(DN Feb. 16), I wish to make these observations:
1. I would kindly request Rasool to read in full the article titled
‘Does Buddhism condone or condemn meat eating by Susunga Weeraperuma
published in the Daily News (April 21, 2006).
2. According to Saivism: a main offshoot of Hinduism - the religion
and philosophy of those who believe that God Siva is the Supreme Being,
the slaughter of animals for ‘food’ or sacrifice is totally taboo.
3. The Lankavatara Sutra eloquently denounces non-vegetarianism in no
uncertain terms.
“Any thought, word or deed, directly or indirectly, results in the
destruction of life is surely contrary to the spirit of Buddhism where
much emphasis is placed on purity, non-violence, compassion and respect
for life.” 4. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion which need not
necessarily always be correct.
5. Finally, let me humbly state that God Almighty is the Supreme
judge for one’s actions - whether he/she is right or wrong.
PROF. M. SIVASURIYA
There are thousands of Sri Lankan expatriates working abroad who
badly miss the opportunity to watch a good Sri Lankan TV channel.
Expatriates of many other countries have a number of channels from
their home countries to watch over satellite television.
The Government should step in and make the two State owned TV
channels Rupavahini and ITN available free to air on Satellite TV
throughout the world.
It will strengthen the connection to home country for Sri Lankans
abroad and also give the opportunity to keep them informed of events
back home. It will also help to counter the misinformation campaign of
separatists and give the correct situation in the country to the world.
K.E. – UK
I support the Sri Lankan Government in their fight against terrorism
and the LTTE. I pray that the Government will continue their advancement
and fight in Northern Sri Lanka until the entire LTTE is wiped out.
ROMINA
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