Seeing development in its true perspective

by Nisansala R. Aryachandra

Development in many spheres have sparked off mixed reactions in the minds of various segments in the society. The outcome is as varied as the steering forces in the forefront of developing our country.

Perhaps, one has to chew the cud before looking or even preparing for the future. After all, it is the failure to understand the lessons in the past that often proved a lost labour in most instances.

There are definitely improvements in the development of this country. One cannot deny such facts as it speaks for itself. Be it in the economical, agricultural, cultural and even technological aspects.

In most aspects, development is under way, but why is it not enough? Why is it that in spite of these efforts, we fail to see the yielding results or rather try to look at it with blinders on that makes us wonder...

One reason could be because there is a conflict - when something that is cruel, spanning over two decades, is experienced, somehow at the back of our minds we do not see or rather do not want to accept anything other than the reign of terror that made us all - as one - suffer the draught. If this was a 'thing' of the past, of not more, at least a couple of months behind, then may be we may see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Unfortunately, it is not a 'thing' of the past, it is very much a thing of the present and out of fear, a probable 'thing' for the future too. In the fear of the future of our ones to come, the fear of seeing their growth barred and their innocence shattered.

It just may be the fear of not being there with them, see them grow in a safe and secure environment where they can fully enjoy their childhood or may be the fear of losing them altogether.

In such circumstances or better put, mindset - how can we truly enjoy development? Nevertheless, we cannot stagnate in every aspect just because of this 'reason'. As a nation, we are just too strong to mope and shudder in fear at a corner.

In more than one instance, we have shown our strength, the might of standing tall with our heads held high in times of strife, disaster or obstacles. We are just too strong for that...

Talk of development, it is everywhere. One might say I cannot 'see' any development. People in the city expect development to be speedy and mega, whereas people in rural areas see it in a different perspective altogether. Whatever the benefits envisaged for the future, people are likely to see the development irrespective of where they live.

People would like to see any development that addresses the immediate issues such as roads, wastage of water etc. Any change or improvement to these people will understand and feel.

You cannot expect the ordinary layman to go deep into the modalities of development like the professionals do. So it is high time those who matter should understand to address the feelings of people rather than talk of development in professional language, or in a vacuum.

Today development is everywhere. However, do people see and feel it apart from appreciating? In most development work, it is only the widely publicised grand openings that can be seen. In some cases, the preliminary work is carried out and kept for years to stagnate. This is expensive for the Government and also to the tax payer.

A country that had no proper vision all these years, to steer the country to progress at least now have a vision. A vision laid out. Anything can be brought into it. It is so vast.

What remains here is to note whether what has being laid out and what brought in. Talking of a vision on the platform except for a few is slowly becoming weary unless you keep it live with progressive action.

The country after slogan singing regimes and nature's worst known devastation has turned back for the better. Slowly, yes. However, it is a very satisfying feeling. But, does the majority of the population go with it. Not clearly. This is what matters. Long term development must be initiated while addressing the day-to-day issues.

Many administrative arms are there to carry out these. But, are they really sincerely doing it?

Unlike earlier, people undergo stress willingly and in faith. For how long is the question. More attention should be given to the immediate pressing needs. Breaking the set up for better rule and enforcement may be considered for political progress and administrative development.

As the ordinary man feels, it lacks the so-called honest people, at least, some with patriotic feeling and commitment. This is the reason why progressive development is at a standstill.

It is a very great relief the development now starts at the grassroots level is from the village. There is no need to elaborate the effect it will have on the economy. Experience has taught us not even the layman in the city is sustained by the village.

This is no easy task. As the people and their thinking now faithfully will undergo hardships for a better tomorrow, the time is ripe for long and short term constructive development. There are many progressive development we see but, do not realise.

One such is bringing in other opposing factions into a common forum in the political arena. This may be viewed in different colours, as a blessing or a curse, that of course, only time will tell. But for the time being, it seems to be working.

It is obvious among these, there are those who never liked the stagnation and inactivity as their own survival depended heavily on it. It is questionable what these will contribute other than to satisfy their own interests, judging by their early commitment to the nation even the layman can expect 'progressive good' to the nation as long as they are in this fold. So, anybody will even reluctantly accept the common platform created through this vision.

It is not only the physical development of the country we must encourage but the mental development as well. With the passage of time and experience it is taking its change now, the best time we can expect, let's hope.

After all, no development can take its final phase in such a short period. We can safely assume the turn of events are for the progressive development of the country, but not without pitfalls.

People of every walk of life will definitely be the beneficiaries. May be we should not be in a hurry to see development, patience is always good.