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| Sunday, 2 May 2004 |
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Letters |  |
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I seldom indulge in praises, hosannas and hallelujahs for politicians but today I hasten to congratulate the newly appointed Prime Minister. He is the beacon of hope for us at this juncture. The nation is proud to have him in governance. It is well-known that he has inherited steadfast commitment to the service of humanity from his late father who was both revered and adored in his day as the doyen of Ruhuna. He has radical politics in his blood; for that matter all Rajapaksas have been leaders of eminence from the south. What I most admire in this gracious personality is that he has never changed his political dogma, through thick and thin and come what may. He has had his laudable political objectives right throughout his political career. He has never been an opportunist and stuck to his principles by being the epitome of rectitude and propriety. His hands are clean and not being tainted with corruption and graft and does not have a gory past compared to some of the elected louts in political history. How many could stand tall like him? Only a handful who are above-board! Some time ago when he was the Leader of the Opposition, I read in the print media that he had prevented a visit of some sixteen parliamentarians to the Middle East and thereby saved around two million rupees for the national exchequer. He never sought cheap popularity. He was always bent on doing the right thing. How nice of him! Now that the new Prime Minister has assumed the duties and responsibilities of the exalted office he has naturally to grant relief to the poor. Solemn pledges were made by one and all for a wonderful rosy future for the masses. It is granted and admitted that changes anon are not easily done as said. Yet we are certain that he will be a colossus and grant redress to the innocent needy for whom justice has been something remote. As a doughty defender of human rights he is expected to extricate the humble folk from the quagmires of bureaucratic bungling whenever required and warranted and ensure fair play and justice equally to every one with collective responsibility shared by all his Cabinet colleagues. We also hail the appointment of the amiable and cultured charismatic leader Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar with impeccable credentials and unimpeachable honesty and integrity as the new Foreign Minister. He is no novice and richly deserves the responsible office. It must be recorded to the credit of Mr. Kadirgamar that during his tenure of office he did not prostitute the Foreign Service to make political pay offs. I have read enough and more in the print media as to what the erstwhile Foreign Minister was up to. Since of late government service has also gone into hibernation. The lethargy that pervades the public sector has been the subject of constant and consistent public criticism, so much so that some prefer to call it public disservice. Most bureaucrats are better known to subvert justice than to uphold it although it behoves the administrator to ensure hassle free transaction of business in his institution by the hoi polloi. Very frequently we notice and witness lack of co-ordination; often the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. I have a specific case in point. An amendment to the minutes on pensions was gazetted by the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs and Plantation Industries on October 28, 1998 and the same was published in the Government Gazette of December 4, 1998. This particular amendment deals with the revision of pension whenever a retired public officer is re-employed due to the dearth of suitably trained/qualified personnel. Even after the Gazette notification, erroneous letters of appointments were issued by another branch of the same Ministry under the same roof. Public servants bid Goodbye to their career having given of their best and once they retire naturally they are feeble and a great majority become decrepit with senile debility. A vast number exist on medical treatment. As such the Pensions Department personnel must be made to function in an acceptable manner sans dilatory tactics and time consuming postponements for the simple reason that they deal with human beings whose life span is short and limited. Very many of the public are disgusted with this sick institution which is reeking with corruption and inefficiency. A viable incorruptible public service which is service oriented will boost the image of the ruling party and will earn the gratitude of the multitude ensuring a further term of good governance. The Establishments Code requires the replying of communications from the public promptly within a specified time frame. Inter departmental correspondence should receive similar attention. The Department of Pensions taking 34 working days to a reply a letter from the Department of Valuation is a specific case of undue delay which could easily be classified as an official misdemeanour. (Letter dated 18.12.2003 was replied on 11.2.2004) These are facts which are stubborn. I would earnestly suggest that the new Minister of Public Administration takes these observations seriously and cause the issuance of a General Circular reminding those concerned that they would be held responsible for their official conduct. Public servants should necessarily be required to be courteous on the telephone and not abruptly cut off the line without a complete answer to the query of a member of the public. Surely no one would indulge in an unnecessary conversation as that means an enhanced telephone bill. Let an allegation of impropriety be investigated into, the culprit at whatever level dealt with suitably and the complainant intimated of the action taken. Thereby please call a halt to the rot that has existed so far. Finally, I would earnestly suggest the setting up of a Flying Squad in a composition of Senior Administrative Officials at the Ministry of Public Administration and the fact should be given wide publicity through the electronic and print media. It should be entrusted with the task of investigating into complaints of delay or harassment immediately on receipt of same and those found guilty should be severely dealt with. Nanda Nanayakkara, Responsibility and duty of the temple The early definitions and the meanings given to the Pali word 'Bhikku', in PTS dictionary is found as follows: "an alms-man", "a mendicant", "a Buddhist monk", or :a priest". This particular way of using words in Buddhism is well-known even among the other religions in the 6th Century BC. As a well versed prince; the young Siddhartha was a specialist in 'world forming' and using them in newly proposed contexts. The words like 'stupa', 'ariya', 'kamma', 'brahma' and 'bhikku' etc are some examples. Here the word 'bhikku' is a term that proposes a religious meaning comparing to the original usage: "a great mendicant". A foreigner who had seen for the first time, how a Buddhist monk who goes on begging his food from door to door and later wrote that he had seen "a wonderful beggar" in Asia. He couldn't understand why the people were worshipping him even after giving some food to this extraordinary person that he had ever seen. This is how a foreigner tried to explain only one facet out of many among our cultural values that unfortunately we have neglected. Buddhism rapidly expanded and firmly rooted in the Asian civilisation because of its essential teachings such as 'refusing the creation of an almighty god', 'questioning the illogical background of class system' and 'the contemporary teachings of genesis. The communication of Buddhist 'sangha' was active at grass roots level social environment. Once Buddha was very humble to accept certain traditional ecological proposals brought to his attention by Mahaweera. And then he advised his disciples to accompany the travellers and merchants and also the importance of staying near the well-known places and trade villages of the 'silk way', during the 'vassana season' (rain retreat) (anujanami bhikkave sakata gamesu vassam). During his last days, He indicates the importance of Pataliputtra as a trade centre (pata bhedana) and as an administrative centre, in centuries to come. This extraordinary social consciousness and experience as a religious leader, was a result of His former life that He spent as a prince. This is how He built His personality as a superior. He was respected by the Brahma (Indian spiritual supremo) and He practically proved that the way of achieving the highest path (ariya magga) is based on both physical and mental renunciation. He is represented, throughout many centuries, by the artists as an empty handed 'bhikku'. Even after 2500 years the teaching is ideal to the people living both sides of Ganga in India, Thames in London or Seine in Paris. Fortunately, the monk candidates would not be a harm to the Buddhist philosophy (as it is already expanded equally in the East and the West as well as in the Far East), but they will create an unbalanced situation in the cultural history and in different Buddhist institutions. They would also supply, evidently, more proofs to those who are waiting to blame as the 'chauvinists; and the 'fundamentalists' in the Buddhist culture. This new tendency has proved the monk (known as spiritual guru) who was superior to the king of Sri Lanka, is getting an equal or lower position in his electorate and the parliament, comparing to the position he was bearing in 'Sama Mandala'. The factors are being gathered to create the segregation between the temple and the surroundings, divisions among the villagers themselves. A new temple tradition and a fresh group of Buddhist supporters would be envisaged. Under these unavoidable circumstances the temple has to select the traditional political path to serve the people instead of following the middle path. No matter wherever it is, both in the state sector or private, the importance of the MP in giving jobs is unknown to the European or Japanese politics. This tradition of job promise is still practised in our society as an attractive "a carrot for the horse" tradition throughout the election campaigns. The Buddhist clergy in Sri Lanka has been losing gradually their former attitudes of responsibility in academic and cultural heritage, for a couple of centuries. They are even losing the most important basic knowledge in Asian languages, Pali, Sanskrit and Prakrit. This fact is seriously affecting the contribution to the oriental studies. The percentage of specialists in these fields is relatively low. This indicates a possible drastic reduction of 'pundits' in the field of higher education. The historical guidance given by the elder monk-politicians to their novices, through this election campaign will affect the future younger generation of the Buddhist temple. We observe them to day on websites and different press resources, as an entirely modern young yellow world, lost their roots and original qualities of Mahavihara and even the relations of Malwatte, Asgiriya or any other leading institutions of Amarapura and Ramanna. The duty and the responsibility of this great community of Sangha would not have explicitly identified neither by themselves nor by their new opportunistic supporters. Dr. A. J. Ruhunuhewa, Fathima Inneth has stressed in the Sunday Observer of November 30 that prayer is one of the pillars that distinguished between Islam and disbelievers (non-Muslims). Therefore she claims fasting is of no benefit to those who refrain from prayers. Many Muslims who are thorough in their Islam prefer to remain silent on controversial Islamic issues to avoid misunderstanding, arguments and displeasure. Islam encourages healthy criticism and meaningful dialogue and it emphasizes that Muslims must not hold blind faith in Islam. To reach this stage one must digest Islam thoroughly and to digest it one must probe deep into Islam.On the contrary charlatans and fanatics take law into their hand and resort to violence against those who fail to fall in line with their cynical mindset by which they bring discredit to none but to the enlightened Islam. The Holy Prophet Mohamed himself was prepared to accept the fact there may be others who knew more about certain matters than even himself and who were therefore entitled to hold opinion that may prevail over his own. In the Sahitu Muslim collection his wife Aysha records that the Holy Prophet said - "I am but a human being. If I give you an order which is the fruit of my own opinion remember that I am a human being and you know your own affairs better than I." The dialogue between Muslims and the other people in this world is as old as the call of Islam. Holy Prophet used to talk to and argue with other religionists directly or through the letters he sent to their kings and monks. And so did his companions and Caliphs after his demise. Acquaintance with each religion by both sides was the result of such dialogue which all led to the establishment of good relations based upon understanding and co-operation for justice and well-being. To seek knowledge is the duty of every Muslim both men and women says the Holy Prophet and those who take the trouble to instruct themselves are, it seems, entitled to be treated differently from those who fail to do so. The holy Quoran in Chapter 39 verse 9 poses the question: "are those who know equal to those who know not?" Therefore the Muslims need accept the fundamental teaching in Islam that one cannot seek knowledge by taking for granted what is put forward by others. Whereas a Muslim need question, express his/her opinions with the view to enhance knowledge, debate and learn from each other. Islam it seems neither does it approve to force down one's throat any ruling nor does it prevent the liberty for one to voice his/her opinion. Islam is understanding, malleable and sensible. Take for instance, a Muslim advised to take the side of a non-Muslim if unjust is done to him by a Muslim, allowed to take the flesh of animals slaughtered by non-Muslims (people of the book), permitted to seek a woman by mutual agreement after the "hath" has been done (Holy Quoran Chapter 4 verse 24).There is no priesthood in Islam. It is the duty of every Muslim to be thorough in his Islam. The evil of priesthood is that it would lead people to be entirely dependent on priests for their religious guidance, and the priests can take advantage over their followers and the authorities to improve their position to blackmail the government and their critics. Nevertheless in place of priests, mullahs (clerics) are substituted. The functions of these two are more or less, one and the same. It is like using a dignified name for a watcher as security officer. Look at the mess we Muslims in Sri Lanka are faced with today. Divergent views and differences of opinion is the order of the day. Today Muslims are in a quandary as to what is right and wrong, they are asked to abolish traditional religious practices which have been passed on to them by their forefathers, who are better Muslims, compared to the present generation. Whilst the clerics schedule the day of the fasting and the festivals in the State calendar, invariably these functions fall on some other day to the dismay and inconvenience of several thugs resort to violence at Mosques and burial grounds to resist the customary religious practices. Religion has become politics. Whilst some wants the Muslims to follow the Islam what is practised in Saudi Arabia, the others uphold that what is ruled out in Iran is correct. By such revolution, only the rulers and the stooges of these countries benefit. As for Fathima Inneth's view that God will not reward the fast of those who refrain from praying and those who abandon the obligatory prayers, my belief is as follows: If a person for some reason or other deviate from a ruling of a religion, institution or society, he need be punished for that particular offence. At the same time it is nothing but proper, just and fair play to reward him for his meritorious deeds. Fazeer Radin (Rawdin) In the Sunday Observer of 29.2.2004 the proposal for Darwin day is very encouraging and timely for the world of science. The next proposal should be a day for Galileo too who paved the way to correctly understand the universe. For telling that truth Galileo was imprisoned and his supporter Bruno was burnt to death alive as a warning to everybody not to go against the truth in religion that declares the sun is going round the earth as a planet every 24 hours. According to Galileo's discovery 400 years ago the earth as a planet goes round the star sun taking 365 1/4 days for one trip as shown in figure (1). Under imaginary of Vedic Astrology the sun as a planet goes round the earth as shown in figure (2) every 24 hours covering the 12 zodiac signs or houses. The forecasts according to imaginary ancient astrology are all nonsense that mislead millions all over the world yet. The problem for science education is how long this killer nonsense should continue, even after 400 years ago when Galileo discovered the truth. C. R. de Silva, Sri Lanka Planetarium, Bhikkus should act with responsibility Various views and ideas have arisen among the population about Bhikkus competing with laymen at the recent election. The responsibilities of Bhikkus who have received ordination as followers of Lord Buddha are to uplift the life of the Buddhists population and create awareness about the Buddhist doctrine. According to the teachings that have been given to Bhikkus by the Lord Buddha (Charatha Bhikkave Charika, Bahujana Sukaya, Bahujana Hithaya) the Bhikkus should act with responsibility. Nevertheless, there are only a few Bhikkus who act according to this admonition. Bhikkus should live with exemplary character admonishing the Buddhists by advising according to the Buddhist doctrine with a view to live in the Buddhist way to succeed in this world, and in the life after demise. Buddhist Bhikkus cannot do monetary transactions, utilizing property and assets, personnel administration and maintenance work done by the laymen. The duties of the Bhikkus should be to admonish the Buddhist population on the value of living safeguarding five precepts and the Buddhism. The Venerable Bhikkus who have come forward for elections have to compulsorily explain to the voters their future intentions with the view of obtaining votes for themselves on the election platforms or at the sacred premises. In the process of delivering lectures on the destruction done to the country and the Buddhist religion so far by those administrators who were in power until now, it has to be mentioned even with regret that Bhikkus will lose the decency, patience, kindness and human love and will cause threats to the Buddhist Robe. It is quite clear about the greatness of the Lord Buddha from the stanza "Itipiso Bhagawa Arahan". So it is greatly regretted that those Rev. Bhikkus who are committed to expound the Lord Buddhas' doctrine to the Buddhist population with a view to make them non-violent and decent, will lose their greatness. It is also likely that the non-violent approach and disciplined attitude of these Bhikkus will deteriorate. O. M. Kumaradasa. Energy saving bulbs: not for reading I had a minor problem with regard to reading the letters on the TV, especially small characters and I had to consult my eye specialist surgeon at Kynsey Road Diagnoform, Colombo. The first question asked by the specialist was what bulb I was using to view the TV. When I said that I used energy saving bulbs, he strongly advised me not to use energy saving bulbs or fluorescent tubes as the rays emanating from them are harmful for the eyes. He also said that today children, even very small ones are brought for eye treatment, and the reason is bad reading lighting. In the past, when there were no electricity, people used coconut oil lamps which were very soothing to the eyes and people had very much less eye problems. People began using energy saving bulbs only a few years ago. These bulbs have been strongly advertised by the Electricity Dept backed by the govt. The Electricity Dept even issued energy saving bulbs on credit and we were allowed the option of deducting the cost in instalments from the electricity bills. Before doing all this they increased the electricity charges and it was only a ruse intended to deceive us. Children must not be allowed to read or view the TV under these harmful bulbs. Use an ordinary bulb of about 60w or 75 or even 100w depending on the largeness of the room. These are called day-light bulbs. V. K. B. Ramanayake, |
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