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| Sunday, 8 January 2006 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Resolutions
that make the difference
Light Refractions by Lucien Rajakarunanayake This is traditionally the time for people to make New Year resolutions, when many a cigarette smoker firmly resolve to quit the habit, which lasts only till the next lighting up. This is true of many who resolve to quit imbibing too much of the good spirits, too. No sooner they meet at a regular water hole and hear the call of a round of drinks the resolution gets swallowed down with the next drink. US problem Those who can afford to think about it, have their attention drawn to obesity, which is largely a US problem, as much as having George W. Bush as President. In this strange world where overeating and obesity has become a problem while thousands of children die of malnutrition daily in many countries of the world, this New Year saw a large number of persons make firm resolutions to have balanced diets, or do away with junk food. However, this resolve has lasted only till the next gargantuan feast laid out for the season, or the mere sight of a MacDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet. They find it very difficult to stop being votaries of the Big Mac or KFC. There are more important resolutions for the New Year. It is learnt that President Mahinda Rajapakse has made his New Year resolution a renewal of his earlier resolve to implement his Mahinda Chintana to the fullest, breaking through the various bureaucratic barriers and political obstruction in achieving this; a daunting challenge he is determined to beat, come what may. Top of the order here is bringing about peace to the country by talking with the LTTE. Deep in the Vanni, Velupillai Prabhakaran has hardly made a change in his New Year resolution. Rituals to deities He continues to chant the mantra of Eelam, and nothing but Eelam, with great determination to lead the Tamil people into further misery, increase the level of violence in the country and also ensure that many more children are forced into carrying arms for the LTTE. He has resolutely convinced himself it is only by increasing the level of violence that he can provoke a reaction by the armed forces and thereby halt the fast losing sympathy for the LTTE's cause, worldwide. He has also resolved to ask his cadres to perform various rituals to deities other than the Sun God, which he claims to be, to break the patience of Mahinda Rajapakse in the face of repeated provocation; it means a negotiated settlement is furthest from his resolve.One learns that the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Conference have also resolved to continue issuing statements condemning the escalating violence in Sri Lanka, calling for both the Government and the LTTE to stop prevarication and begin negotiations. Of course they have also resolved to only keep warning the LTTE of dire consequences unless they stop the escalation of violence. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has resolved to obtain larger ledgers for record keeping of Ceasefire violation in 2006, with its acquired knowledge that the LTTE will carry out a geometric increase in the number of Ceasefire violations this year. Greater silence It is learnt the new Norwegian Peace Envoy for Sri Lanka has been instructed by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry to firmly resolve not to limit his judgment of the Sri Lankan crisis to the expertise of Minister Erik Solheim. He has, therefore, resolved to come here with an open mind, hopefully not vacant, and avoid being called the apologist for the LTTE. Across the southern political divide, Ranil Wickremesinghe has resolved to overcome all opposition and remain at the helm of the party, with a determination to lead the UNP to yet another defeat. He has also resolved to learn how to clap to the rhythm of music at public rallies of the UNP, and maintain greater silence on the political stage to prevent promises of a new Perakum Yugaya. Up in the hills, Arumugan Thondaman has resolved to somehow keep his hold over the Thottam, in the face of rising opposition to his style of leadership. He will also not to waver from always looking at the most personally profitable bargain, in extending his dwindling political support to any bidders. It is reported that just as the New Year dawned Rauff Hakeem had kicked himself harder on his own buttocks. He has resolved to join a new gym with a sports trainer to teach him how he can leap back into a bargaining position as a leader of the Muslims. As for former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, the resolution for her is made by many others. It is that she would keep the promise made at Asia House in New York, in September last year, that she would celebrate her exit from the presidency by doing more painting, reading the vast number of books that had remained unread due to her work, and also share her political experience with others, whether in Sri Lanka and abroad, if asked to do so. Happy New Year even though somewhat late, and May all of you be able to keep to your resolutions throughout 2006. |
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