For the Palmyrah to bloom...

By Dishan Joseph

The Northern Province of Sri Lanka is a vast and often arid region, marked with lush green areas of cultivation that once boasted of bountiful harvests. Ancient Rajadhanis flourished here centuries ago, beautifully consummating religion, art and culture.The advent of selfish politics slowly began to erode the social fabric which culminated in three decades of bloody conflict. The theatre of battle engulfed the entire province, as the weary civilian population was burdened beyond redemption. Everything comes at a price and freedom or liberation as some opine, was ushered into these areas at the cost of many Sri Lankan lives.

Restoration is a process that consumes time. It is somewhat difficult for those bearing the physical and deep emotional scars of a bitter conflict to adjust and move forward with hope. The situation is made confusing by politically orchestrated statements. Amid the genuine march towards reconciliation by a majority of Sri Lankans the country has witnessed some snares with racial overtones. There still remain many issues that the authorities has to face and resolve. Answers will take time, so the citizens must exercise greater patience and remain positive.

Land

Foremost on the list is the allocation of lands belonging to civilians. This is a long process as it covers a plethora of legalities. The IMSMA opined that there were one million mines and UXOs (unexploded ordnance) in the province. Credit must be given to the military and some NGOs who undertook the task of demining. It is a risk laden mission, clearing explosive remnants of war (ERW). At present 16 flail machines are being used to expedite ground verification. As the civil population is deprived of other social needs, the perceived delay in resettlement is seen with frustration as many have been living away from their ancestral lands for years, subjecting them to low social esteem in a society plagued with caste based prejudice.

The second priority is unemployment. There are only a few thousand in the entire Northern Province who can boast of doing a Government job, which has been obtained with political favour.- this is the case in every province in Sri Lanka. Thousands of men still work inconsistent daily paid jobs and find it difficult to maintain their families. The women don’t have income generating options apart from sewing and similar jobs. It creates a void within the family unit which may be one of the reasons for the rise in crime trends, with an increase in theft which is not reported. Residents in the Killinochchi and Mullaithivu areas are afflicted with severe hardship. It is sad to note that young women (married and single) are engaging in reward based promiscuous activity. Pregnancies out of wedlock are common but hidden under the blanket of religion and culture.

Illness

Another issue to counter is the overpowering cloud of mental illness. There are hundreds of people who need clinical counselling and support. Children show clear signs of disturbed behaviour patterns, including selective autism. Some display a horrifying habit of eating sand and bouts of manic crying. Adults have fallen into the abyss of depression- mourning for family who have been killed and maimed. Others cry about families who have been separated for years, as many sought asylum overseas. (On the other hand we cannot forget the mothers of gallant soldiers who also cry for their departed sons). These are the terrible nightmares of war. As the sun sets these are all Sri Lankan mothers.

Widows, mostly aged 20-35 struggle as single mothers, some burdened with as many as three children. Local authorities must take the effort to create jobs for these women closer to their homes so that they too can live with dignity and enjoy life, without being obliged and dependent on others. Many silently endure verbal and physical abuse. The lives of older folk aged 65 and above should also be enriched.

Water

Water sustains life. Every civilization flourished around rivers and lakes. To the people of the North clean drinking water has been an issue even before the conflict. Neglected and destroyed wells have made it worse.

It is common to see men and women riding bicycles hauling gallons of drinking water. Infrastructure must be improved to enrich agriculture and dairy farming, which once thrived here. Large scale free range poultry farms coordinated via village Cooperative Societies would be a rewarding alternative for a steady monthly income.

While many of the roads are in good condition the public don’t have transport to facilitate social interaction. Both, private and CTB buses can be increased. The citizens have been using the bicycle for decades, and it must change. Cycling in the dark is a hazard, where one can encounter a truculent buffalo or elephant. It is pathetic to see pregnant mothers precariously balancing on a cycle heading to the clinic, as three wheelers don’t operate in villages, especially, when in need of a medical emergency. The islands of Kayts, Delft, Karaithivu, Punguduthivu and Mandathivu need better facilities including vocational training schools to upgrade technical skills of the youth. Projects related to seafood, such as, dried fish can be upgraded. A Treasury owned company, North Sea Ltd, was established in 2001 to manufacture fishing nets to meet local demand. The tourism potential of these resplendent beaches can be a model for eco tourism with the contribution of the locals.

Positive

Young minds must be influenced with positive thinking. I witnessed an alarming increase in the consumption of alcohol, among the youth. As peace was ushered in its benefits have begun to be gradually misused.

Young boys, who once cycled to the kovil, now pedal to the wine shop to the disdain of their pious parents! These young souls have nothing to engage in, not even a hobby, and are misled into excessive drinking as a form of mental release.

Some staff of the magnificently restored Jaffna Library confided that the number of students who genuinely read is slowly decreasing. English books are also not read much, even among graduate teachers.

This is sad as the library was envisaged and built by many scholars and clergy including, Fr. Timothy Long, the late Rector of St.Patricks College and the linguist genius, the late Fr. Dr. H.S. David. The youth must be directed towards sports. It builds team work. Once again the military can take some credit for organizing sports related tournaments in collaboration with certain schools.

The palmyrah tree

Another dormant northern treasure is the Palmyrah tree. The structure of the tree is all about survival. After germination the Palmyrah takes one full year to produce a single leaf, a slow, but steady growth. It begins to flower in about 15 years. This tough tree teaches us a valuable life lesson- growth takes time.

The palm reaches heights of 30 meters and lives to a grand 120 years! There are about 9 million palmyrah trees in the North, thanks to the replanting efforts of the Palmyrah Development Board (set up in 1978). The products could be improved (food and handicrafts), and emphasis placed on marketing its eco friendly side to consumers, including tourists, as Colombo is now engulfed in an ‘organic’ purchasing trend.

Another issue at divisional level is the issuing of documents such as birth/death certificates, marriage certificates, national identity cards and deeds.

Over the years, many have not had the ability to obtain them which is being addressed by the Resettlement Authority, established in 2007. The verification of details given takes time, and again people are subjected to a waiting period.

Prosperity

While we all have our own ethnic background we must unite in our common Sri Lankan identity. It is of paramount significance if we are to reach sustainable prosperity, ensuring the rights of every citizen. The census of 1881 indicates 1,370 Sinhalese and 10,416 Muslims living in Jaffna. In 2012 these figures remain at 32,300 Sinhalese and 32,360 Muslims.

While this may seem like an increase it is not sufficient for a period that spans 134 years. Multi -ethnic integration in the Northern Province is vital to dispel doubt and make people understand and respect cultural diversity.

Embracing diversity is the key that upholds nations like America, Australia, Canada and England where many Sri Lankans are domiciled.

In this backdrop Colombo -6 (Wellawatte) is a brilliant example of all communities co -existing harmoniously, though the predominant majority are Tamil speaking persons.

Therefore, the northern citizenry must willingly accommodate their Sinhala and Muslim brothers in the vast lands of the resplendent North, while still amiably holding to their traditions, sacred rituals and ways of life.

This is the ultimate hallmark of brotherhood and reconciliation and would dispel the biased doubts of both domestic and global critics.

It will forever silence political predators that thrive on division. May all Sri Lankans unite and aspire to make this a reality.