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| Sunday, 28 December 2003 |
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Peace for all : Hope for 2004 by Rehana Amidon 2003 has been a tumultuous year with both man made and natural disasters rocking the world out of kilter, while the US-led Iraqi War dominated the world scene as did the on going Israel and Palestine conflict, closer home, there was glad tidings in the form of the on going peace process which, though the talks were stalled saw both the Government and the LTTE put forward their proposals to resolve the Northeast crisis. The year also saw the ceasefire hold firm, despite a few variations on land and sea. But tragedy never far away saw floods and landslides devastate several parts of the country. In the political sphere, 2003 experienced the upheaval of the take over of Defence, Interior and Mass Communication ministries by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. The country moaned the deaths of Agga Maha Panditha, Most Venerable Madihe Pannasiha Maha Nayaka Thera and Venerable Gangodawilla Soma Thera. The year also brought issues such as the spread of SARS, Global Warming, threat of nuclear weapons, and fear of terrorism to the forefront. 2003 was an year that captured our attention and brought a sense of happiness, dread, and regret. As we say goodbye to 2003, what do Sri Lankans hope for in 2004. We asked a cross section of people and this is what they had to say. Padmini Batuwitage, Director of Environment and Agriculture. My hope for 2004 is finding our prosperity. Let us go forth with responsibility with a long term vision making sure that the wealth we generate enhances the quality of the environment. Ruvini: first year student of University of Colombo. I hope that 2004 won't bring any major problems. I hope there will be no university clashes for it has taken so many innocent lives. Let there be peace forever. Vilma, a housewife. I Hope there will be no communal riots against Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists. Hope that everyone will be together with peace and prosperity. Sarath Hettige an Accountant. I'm hoping to rebuild my house for there's still much work to be finished. I would like to open an account for my son Arthiq, and also wish for, PEACE in the country. Without peace, there won't be any future for our children. Charitha Fernando, student of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. I'm hoping to continue my studies, and find a really good job that will satisfy me. I hope there will be peace that carries happiness and everyone in good health, and hope that Sri Lanka will be OK in the future. Asiri, student of Wesley College. I hope 2004 will bring Sri Lanka to a better situation and hope that everyone will be alive and happy. I wish for freedom. Minhaj Shan, a professor, Toronto, Canada. I wish for peace in the country. Let the cost of living go down. People fear that war will strike Sri Lanka again and so let us pray that war will not begin. Bring positive changes in people's lives. Anil Balasuriya, Programme Manager of TNL Radio. I hope we will finally have peace and that everything will be successful. The main goal is to achieve peace which all of us have been waiting for a really long time. As for 2004, I will stick to my new year resolution. M.H.M Yakooth, Officer of National Institute of Education. I don't have any hope at all due to the political situation in Sri Lanka. Politicians fight for political power and their status, not for peace. They fight for their political and financial benefits. They are not bothered to have a long lasting peace in the country. Until the next election arrives in 2 or 3 years from now, we can hope for peace. If not, there will be no future for our younger generation. The Peace process have not achieved anything. All we can do is pray that someday we will achieve peace and a sense of determination. Ramya Ramalingam, a housewife. I wish there will be no war and religious riots in the country. I hope that everyone will be in good health without any diseases. I hope that everyone would learn from their mistakes and start the year happily. Shehan Jayaweera, Computer Technician, New York City, USA. I hope that Sri Lanka will gain her strength in boosting its current state to a well stable condition. Sri Lanka should try a little more harder in achieving peace because we look forward to a future with a hope of transformation that had marred by failures of the past. As for our youngsters, always think positive, don't let yourself down and be cool. |
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