Peace in the New Year 2010
by Nilma Dole and - Ishara Mudugamuwa
The dawn of the New Year 2010
marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka. With the Presidential elections
steering democracy forward, it is the people of the country who will
bear witness to the fact there is now peace when they run around doing
shopping and meeting their kith and kin during the New Year.
The Sunday Observer magazine spoke to a cross-section of the public
to get their views on the New Year 2010.
 Hashini, a banker said that she will mark the New Year with something
charitable since we all got the gift of peace, It is our duty to give
back, “Often we are caught up in our shopping and partying that we fail
to think about the people less fortunate than us you really deserve a
Christmas like those who lost their loved ones in the war and the
tsunami”, she said.
Jayaratne of a leading firm in Colombo said that we should set aside
our differences and work on building the country together. “Even though
the war has ended, we still have to change our thinking about the ethnic
minorities so I hope people will accept everyone as Sri Lankans and not
be separated” he noted. A hotel manager said, “I am happy that the war
is over and we can walk on the streets safely.
However, I hope that the authorities are careful when they close the
roads suddenly because it is cumbersome to move around. Other than that,
I am happy with the present Government and hope the President comes back
into power.” The reaction of a peaceful New Year has also brought a ray
of hope for all those trying to go abroad for jobs. “The end of the war
has made us feel safe and want to earn in our countries.
While there is a severe economic recession in the West, at least in
Sri Lanka, you can survive in Sri Lanka to some extent”, said an
employee at the World Trade Centre. Further he said, “I had to write my
last will since I feared the terrorists will bomb the WTC but
thankfully, with the war coming to an end, I don’t have that fear
anymore.” A public sector employee Perera said, “We are happy that the
war is over and already our thinking is changing about peace.
When there was war, it was a troubling time in Sri Lanka but the new
Year 2010 will make a major difference in working together to build the
country together from this day onwards.” Observer also spoke to some
students who said, “We feel much safer when we go to school and we hope
our education system picks up.
As the year 2009 was the year of English and IT, we hope that people
still continue to learn English because it will get them good jobs
instead of going on strike and forcing the Government to give you jobs.”
Dilini, a college student said, “We are not compelled to go out of
our country now that our people can benefit from what we study here.
There is a big brain drain problem so I hope that Sri Lankans around the
world come back and help steer the country forward.” A 12 year old
student Maheesha said, “Those days our parents used to warn us about
playing in unsafe areas but today we can play safely without any
problems or complaints.” Her mother said, “Now we are happy to take our
children out and go for functions because the fear factor isn’t there
anymore. So we are very happy that the war is over.”
All in all, the reactions of Sri Lankans with regard to the New Year
2010 is a positive one with hope for a better tomorrow by working
together to build our country.
Sunday Observer wishes you a very Happy New Year 2010! |
