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| Sunday, 8 June 2003 |
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Letters |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Please forward your letters to [email protected] in plain text format within the e-mail message, since as a policy we do not open any attachments.
My wife and I from Frankfurt, Germany, have lived in Sri Lanka for the past six years, and we have been enthralled and enraptured by the scenic beauty everywhere as much as by the warm reception accorded to us by smiling faces wherever we travelled. We have watched with close interest the progress of the peace movement initiated by your leaders with the LTTE. thirty Nations from all over the world have pledged firm assistance to rebuild the devastation in the North, East and South caused by a fruitless war of 20 years. No other country in the world will be the beneficiary of so much unprecedented aid. However, now with the dawn of Peace on the horizon for a nation brutalised by war and terrorism, we are dismayed to find some sections of the Sinhala people opposing the peace moves for obvious political reasons, instead of going down on their knees to thank the donor countries for their munificence and gesture of goodwill. The Sihala Urumaya has also aligned itself with the PA and JVP to oppose and derail the peace process for political gains. The most amusing feature of their stand is that they will set up suicide squads to counter the LTTE if war breaks out again. This really is the joke of the century. Because, on several earlier occasions too we have witnessed many vociferous public demonstrations led by the hierarchy of many leading temples among others, announcing their fierce determination to recruit over 10,000 youth to bolster the army against the LTTE. But, sadly, they could not muster even 200 youth to join the armed forces at the time. We thought there would be a show of patriotism and a resurgence of national feeling when the LTTE bombed the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, the most hallowed Buddhist Temple in the world, destroyed the Central Bank and Katunayake Air Port. But, there were no protests and scarcely a whimper ! Small wonder then that all over the world the Sinhala people were branded as loud talkers but utterly puerile in their actions. Where are the so-called heroes ? Even now, disgruntled politicians are attempting to destabilise the government in power and destroy this once in a life time opportunity for peace and progress. The entire world is aghast ! The Prime Minister should be firm and not yield to these rabid opportunists who are not interested in the welfare of the nation but are solely motivated by dreams of personal gain. We also observed with much sadness that not one Minister or person of highranking profile in his entourage has openly announced in full view of the media and TV cameras that "The Tamils have been our brothers in this land for centuries and fought for our Independence side by side. Therefore we must live in peace and amity and not try to destroy each other". Such a genuine declaration would have had a resounding impact, not only on Mr. Balasingham and Mr. Prabhakaran, but also on the entire world keenly watching the events here. It would also help to restore the old spirit of confidence and cameraderic which existed for centuries between the Tamil and Sinhala peoples. We can recall only one instance of a gesture of such magnanimous goodwill when we recently watched on T.V. a professor from the Dental Faculty, University of Peradeniya, who interrupted his lecture demonstration to translate his discourse in fluent Tamil "for the benefit of our Tamil brethren who may be viewing this programme". It is time that the Ministers and politicians follow suit. Joseph Wagner, I really don't know whether Fathima Thair knows the gravity of what she wrote-wheather she didn't seriously consider what she said or whether she meant it. But I totally condemn the attitudes of Dr. Marina Refai, Ismaeel Marikar and co. It is the duty of you learned people to correct youngsters and not point the barrel at them (She Miss Thair might be even regretting what she wrote). The Holy Prophet (Sal) did this by climbing the step of every house - sure among the non-believers - to preact the religion, but we have to correct people like Miss Thair first. That is the duty of every single Muslim - to teach whatever you know. To Miss Thair, I hope you wrote that, not with an intension of condemning a command of Allah, and I hope you regret doing so - He is forgiving. But neglecting and not accepting it are two different aspects. Eg. Praying 5 times a day is compulsory. If someone says, "Go to hell, who could be doing all that", Allah forbid, scholars, declare him a 'Murtad'. But if he says, "Inshallah", I'll try it in future", although he is committing a grave sin, he is still a believer. And sacrifice is the command of Allah - You have to accept it. Logic does not work here. Eg: You are advised to perform ablution (with water) before prayers. Logically - It is to be clean before you face God. But in case of no water you are asked to perform ablution with dust! Any logic in it? No one could ever understand the logic behind Allah's orders. Most youngsters are interested in reading the translation of the Quran or even the 'Thafsir'. They read a small part of it and get all sorts of different ideas. Even those who are well versed in Arabic are not permitted to provide the meanings of the Quran (Hadees). So how come you could get the meaning from a translation. There is no language to give the correct form of even a single Arabic term. Even scholars (Aalims) say they do not totally understand the Quran. This is why most of them advice you not to go for 'Thafsir' - it could lead you astray. Many laugh at the idea. Not just 'Thafsir' even 'Hadees' collections cannot be understood by illiterates like you and me. Miss Thair could be a perfect example. Finally, Miss Thair, Your letter has caused many non-Muslims to laugh at the command of Allah - "do you have only flesh to feed the poor?" and so on. Little things like this could lead to a major problem: Non-Muslims saying that you are correct - animals should not be sacrificed - other Muslims argue that it should be done etc.... This verbal argument could turn physical - That's the last thing we need. Arshad Nadheem, This refers to letter written by V. Jayasooriya of Moratuwa on the question 'Should animals be killed to appease God' (SO, May 11). From a layman's point of view, 'to kill' is to put to death or deprive of life of any living being, whether it be a man or animal. I cannot see any disparity in killing for food, for sport or to appease God. Jaysooriya refers to "perfect sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ by His death on the Cross". According to Bible "there were two thieves crucified with Jesus, one on the right hand and another on the left hand (St. Matthew 27:38). Then Jesus cried with a loud voice saying "Eli! Eli!! lama sabachthani" meaning My God! My God !! Why hast thou foresaken me ? (St. Matthew 27:46). If this was the position, Jesus did not sacrifice Himself on the Cross, but was crucified on the orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman General appointed by Tiberius, as the prefect of Judea, the chief town in Jerusalam. The Bible clearly says "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 29:13), and Mr. Jayasooriya says "The sacrifice of Jesus was a permanent cure for sin". Leaving aside the theological argument over killing, why should animals be killed to appease God ? Cannot it be done by prayer, without harm to anyone? Killing should not be interpreted in the way it is wanted. Killing is an unmerciful act where pain and suffering entail wickedness of man. Why not follow the golden rule "Hurt not others which hurts yourself". Either to appease God, or to fulfil the gluttony for meat, killing is an act that should be avoided wholesale. Aryadasa Ratnasinghe, Promoting cricket commentaries As a sports journalist, I have been stressing the importance of carrying our message of heritage to world scene, when international cricket matches are being played here, during interludes of TV cricket commentaries, in collaboration with respective authorities. But it has fallen on deaf ears so far. Promoting Sri Lanka's tourism through cricket fiestas, over TV channels, to billions of cricket viewers throughout the world, may be a money-spinner in earning foreign exchange. In the absence of such fruitful efforts, it is heartening to watch the efforts commissioned by the National Craft Council of SL and SL Tourism to erect a massive creation of lion's paws as an emblem of the eighth wonder of the world - Sigiriya Rock Fortress, at the entrance to the SL pavilion in the Berlin trade fair. This type of promotion to carry the message across world tourism should be lauded by every Sri Lankan. Kasturiarachchi Warnakulasuriya, Preoccupation with foreign stars Every day newspapers turn out stories often with vulgar pictures of foreign film stars. Sunday papers are half filled with stories of "who divorced whom, who is carrying on with whom" - as if our world hangs on it. Why do we have this pre-occupation with foreign film idols? Not that their lives are exemplary either quite the contrary. Alcoholism, addiction to drugs, struggling with family problems, divorce, child abuse etc, seem to make the main news. Surely, there is much more good in this world - much better more beautiful people abound. It may make interesting reading - but we forget that we are giving horrible ideas to our youngsters to follow. Are we willingly letting the youngsters lose their dignity under the false sense of glitter by portraying these people who sell their lives to be in the limelight? Will the newspapers stop thinking of making a few fast bucks and adhere to responsible journalism? Is it that they do not know their power or is it that they want only to ignore their obligation to society? Dr. Mareena Reffai, It is a common feature in most government departments to employ two or more personnel for the work capacity of one. This position would invariably divide the responsibilities as above, where none would be working to his or her full capacity, leaving the work in arrears. Accordingly, employment of personnel should be strictly according to the capacity of functions available, while ensuring those engaged are capable and hard working, who by their education and experience and the desire to serve would adopt proper working systems and procedures, preventing accumulation and multiplication of works. This would enable discharge a smooth flow of functions, quickening the departure of those who seek redress, lessening the congestion created otherwise, thereby achieving the targets as well. In addition to the above, heads of departments should ensure that their subordinates work to full capacity, ensuring that the above is realised. To remedy the above situation, I suggest that the present cadre is reduced eliminating the passengers and reduce the payment of over time as well, which under the prevailing system is an inducement to create work to claim over time, on a regular basis. This is similar to burning the candle at both ends, which we as a developing country cannot afford to tolerate any longer. Only then could we talk of development, and achieve same. Tommy Wanigesinghe, Regional defence and security of nations is left to the overall overseeing by the biggest power in the region according to the present day pattern. Sri Lanka strategically placed in the Indian Ocean with her largest natural Trinco harbour comes under the Indian defence and security umbrella and this position is confirmed in the letters exchanged under the Indo-Ceylon agreement. Sri Lanka is very soon likely to be a hot-bed of world power politics, consequently conflicts undermining her sovereignty and independence and eventually tie her to the war-chariots of contending hegemonistic powers. With balance of world power tilted to one side, hegemonistic behaviour undermining of even greater nations, whilst paying lip-service to UN Charter, was evident in the recent campaign against Iraq. Regional pacts like NATO, SEATO, CENTO, Warsaw Pact served a purpose in guaranteeing security and sovereignty of member countries when world power was balanced between two blocks. But with the demise of Soviet Union, even the countries in powerful NATO find themselves uncomfortable if they decline to toe the line of the mighty! Despite spending nearly 30% of the national revenue on defence smuggling of arms and ammunitions into the country goes on unabated due to inadequate patrolling of the sea belt. In these circumstances we are left with no alternative but to entrust defence of our vital coastal belt to neighbouring India, with whom we have so much in common. India maintains a far greater defence surveillance over her vast coast which could be conveniently extended to cover our shores as well, as external threats to Sri Lanka could be eventually a threat to Indian defence. W. Samaranayaka, The topic of reintroduction of death penalty has been drawn to a point where still a conclusion has not been reached though a great deal of agitation has burst out among the public on the issue and it has become the focal point for all communities other than the ongoing peace process. The cause of the reintroduction of death penalty which was suspended by J. R. Jayewardene, perhaps with the objective of forming a righteous society, not having such draconian punishments, is said to be an apt solution of surmounting the rapidly growing crimes all over the country. It is said that it'll be a difference to this formidable trend. The idea must have taken the government's attention as its necessity rise from the society. However many an intellect and the public have already expressed their opinions on the subject whether they are partial to the action or not. Personally, I don't agree with the idea of justifying the death penalty that it'll be a difference to the criminals of course, it may be applied to a few cases whereas the majority are not subjected to the action. In accordance with the current law in Sri Lanka, the fact that the capital punishment can be imposed only on murder cases and some terrorist activities seems to have been entirely forgotten by those who recommend it as the best solution to the problem. Nobody can find a country in which the crimes have been eradicated or overcome by capital punishment alone. For instance, I would quote some countries of which the law is strict even about the cases considered to be trivial. In Singapore and Middle East countries etc., they also impose death penalty but in fact if there is any shortage of crimes in those countries it's not because of death penalty but due to their well-established legal system. On the other hand in the USA which has the best legal system in the world, it's been reported that a number of innocent people have become the victims of execution on wrong verdicts. So who are responsible for such innocent lives? One person who expressed his idea on this in the Sunday Observer, argued that crimes most affect the poor not the rich or intellects. It's not a matter of the poor or the rich but really a cancer which is at its crucial stage in the body of the country. Another fact is that the increase of crimes has been greatly caused by loopholes in our legal system criminals commit crimes as they know and have experienced that they can easily handle the law, as they wish, with their money. In addition political interferences badly affect the matter. So as I suppose rudimentary steps to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings must be taken first and the last alternative should be the capital punishment. To solve this deep rooted crisis, the country needs nothing but a well-planned mechanism and a legal system without corruption and political interference. D. V. D. Bulathsinhala, I am a housewife having two grown up daughters. I follow with much concern the debate on the death sentence. I read both Sinhala and English newspapers daily and find that the righteous society which President J. R. Jayewardene envisaged in Sri Lanka in 1977 never came into being. He would have discontinued the death sentence with good intention, but it has really led a huge wave of crimes such as gruesome murder, rape, contract killing, child abuse etc. Though we call ourselves very religious, I feel our society has become extremely violent. Perhaps this may be due to the war that was dragged on for 20 years. The country is now full of army deserters estimated at 60,000 or so and an underworld which is equally large who are armed with latest sophisticated weapons and terrorize the entire nation. Thanks to the Prime Minister, we can breathe a little, as there is no war now. But I am very frightened. Like politicians and wealthy businessmen, I have no security service, so I am very concerned about the safety of my two girls. When you read newspapers, you find that every day girls are being raped and murdered (in addition to all types of other brutal killings, which neither the State nor the NGOs and the Clergy could contain). Many rape cases are not reported, as the victims are shy to divulge information and suffer in silence. So, I believe my fear is well founded. When the sun is setting and my daughters are getting late after tuition classes, I am really frightened. There is a stretch of about 1 km from the main road upto my residence, which is really a cart road. This runs through desolate coconut estates where the fences are really shrub jungles in which even the elephants can hide. There is a stream and a jungle patch as well. Who knows whether any army deserter is hiding to grab young girls? We have no car, so my two girls have to walk up the distance like thousands of other village girls. There are no houses nearby. There are no street lights. I am unable to walk upto the bus halt everyday as there is a problem with my knee cap. Whenever I can I go, but it is not sufficient protection. As a woman and a mother of two young girls, I wish to raise my voice and say, please re-introduce the death sentence to combat crimes. When the village girls are being dragged into the jungles, so - called "intellectuals", the clergy and the society or the politicians will never come to our rescue. the police station is five miles away. The road is dark. Death penalty is a deterrent punishment. it that will safeguard the weaker parties like us and innocent village girls who are still in their teens and school going. This is the cry of thousands of mothers, the cry of the poor and the helpless, especially village girls. May God hear us and have mercy on us. Seetha Kumari Dissanayake, According to recent articles in newspapers we can assume that a majority of males and females in the country are in favour of capital punishment with only a few against it. Those who are against it try to make us believe that they are really the advocates of compassion and mercy. There is a note of hypocrisy here. The question is to whom are we going to be compassionate and merciful ? Just imagine the Hokandara massacre. The victims were the land owners whose land had been used by kassippu dealers to brew kassippu. The owners won in a court case to evict the unlawful kassippu brewers from their land. The result was the brutal massacre. Human Rights Commission chairperson Dr. Radhika coomaraswamy says loop - holes in the criminal justice system could sometimes result in innocent persons being executed. It is a well-known fact that witnesses to murder cases are being threatened with death. There are instances where murderers escape prosecution for lack of evidence as witnesses fear to appear before courts due to life threats. So, when such criminals are let loose more innocent people are liable to fall victim to these murderous elements which would be almost nil if the legal system is improved further and execution established. We happen to come across numerous middle east workers and they would tell you that no such crimes as contract killings, gang rapes and murders are taking place in those countries, with such callousness as in Sri Lanka because the punishments there are so severe they act as deterrents. If human rights stand as criterion for abolishing death penalty there are people who resort to various crimes such as robbery, prostitution, cheating and numerous other crimes due to their poverty. If they are found guilty and prosecuted and confined to prison this also could be considered as violations of human rights because they may be the bread winners of the family. So law of the jungle has to prevail to preserve the human rights of all citizens of Sri Lanka. S.M. Razeek, |
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