'United Republic of Sri Lanka'

Now that anti capitalist humanitarian socialism is no more in vogue, let us change the name of our country once again while retaining our historical name of 'Lanka', to something more appropriate.

Let us re-name our country as the 'Republic of Sri Lanka' and if we wish to reflect on our diversity but also our unity, then let us call our country the 'United Republic of Sri Lanka'.

With the fortunate advent of this new Government and its slogan 'Yahapalana', our President Maithripala Sirisena and the Government should give serious thought to this- for national unity is the foundation for good governance and should be our goal. This should find expression in the name of the country itself, which should reflect our values.

In the first instance, as a Republic, we have a form of democratic government in which power resides in elected individuals representing the sovereign citizens, and government leaders exercise power according to the Constitution which enthrones Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights.

We value the fact that we are an ancient country, with a proud cultural heritage, we also value the fact that though we are a predominantly Buddhist country; tolerance of other religions and other ethnic groups has added value to our image, though the manner in which we handled the Tamil issue was wrong, this administration is in the the process of putting that right.

'Compassion and Tolerance' is our motto for it is not only the essence of Buddhism but also of Christianity. We also value democracy and all it entails; the fact that ours was the first country in Asia to give its people free education, free medicare and also free food for the poor. We are also the first country, from among those colonised by the British, to receive Universal Suffrage even before some countries in the developed West enjoyed that right. We have also elected governments without an interruption for over 65 years since Independence; So we do have much to be proud about as a democracy. Let us rename our country simply as the 'Republic of Sri Lanka' or as the 'United Republic of Sri Lanka' and move forward.

K. Godage. Via-e-mail.

Erosion of ethics

Sri Lanka has a history of more than 2500 years. Though the arrival of prince Vijaya and prince Panduvasadeva is important, the most important event is the arrival of Arahat Mahinda. It was after his arrival that Sri Lankan society, which was uncultured became civilized and cultured.

Then society changed completely. The main livelihood was agriculture and a society based on the five precepts was born. There was rapid development in social values, arts, crafts, sculpture and architecture. Family bonds became stronger. There was mutual respect love, affection, compassion within society. The people emulated a simple lifestyle.

With the arrival of Westerners after the 15th century, everything changed including customs, tradition and manners. The worse thing was the disrespect for the five precepts. Killing human beings like killing animals, stealing property, sexual abuse and addiction to liquor. All these misdeeds spread in society. Money become ‘god’. The place given to ethics and moral values vanished.

Can even a few of us be called true Buddhists?

This degradation spread in the whole of society and deterioration of all values followed. In place of Buddhists now there are a number of drug and alcohol addicts. The Sinhalese are proud of their past, specially of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras but now people are so inhuman that the impact of these two eras are a forgotten past.

If immediate action is not taken, this country and society will vanish and we will be subject to cultural dominance in the context of globalization.

It is essential to strengthen law and order in the country as soon as possible. More useful strategies should be implemented.The labour force should be used for the benefit of the country. Otherwise this society will be subject to the harmful effects of the fall of social ethics. Parents, teachers, professionals civil society activists and political leaders have to take the leadership in this venture.

G.H.P. Nimalasena

Wewegedara, Haliela

Open drain - a health hazard

The open drain alongside Dhammarakkita Mawatha in Kataragama, dug to prevent nearly 50 houses being inundated, has become a health hazard because of stagnating water.

The drain was cut by the Hambantota District Executive Engineer of the Road Development Authority, W.E.P.S.Aruna, on the request of residents. Water stagnation in the open drain is due to the culvert being blocked by unauthorized constructions put up by unscrupulous persons.

Residents urge the authorities to clear these culverts and allow the water to flow and prevent mosquito-related epidemics.

M.Nelson Piyaratne Kataragama Group