Inspiring youth

The one who leads the way to prosperity....

Politics has deep meaning

Name: Venerable Thero Athuraliya Rathana

Motto in life: ”My heart should be sensitive in other people’s issues”

What made you to enter into politics?

In the year 2004, both the main political parties ignored the burning core-issues, especially the North-East. They considered those two areas as Ealam domain.

During the same period the majority of our people were addicted to alcohol, cigarettes and drugs in cities and the villages and also our political leaders were forgetting the fact that our youth should be raised under proper disciplinary background as ‘Dhamma’ has taught. But what was happening was the opposite. This was the reason I stepped into politics to shield our nation and the supra mundane Buddhism.

Why there is a trend among the young not keen to enter politics?

I think it is a bad sign. During the period in the 1980’s most of the parents were scared and did not allow the youth to join politics and at times they were ready to even to condone the child who was getting addicted to drugs. But now according to the World Bank report 15 per cent of smokers gave up in the cities and villages, after this government came into power. But I think most of the parents are still not interested in encouraging their children in politics due to their past experience!

Would you invite the other monks get into politics?

Just because a person has a good knowledge of the society or is a famous figure, one cannot enter into politics. Politics in general has a deep meaning, it should be able to be in contact with the humanity, patriotism, charm, frugality, disciplinez, art and culture.

We have come to serve the country with a goal, and through that, our mission will be is raise an intelligent, religious, disciplined and well cultured society. For that we need a strong Buddhist charisma. I think it is the people who should decide whether it’s should be a monk or some other person who should enter politics.

People criticise politicians’ vision as well as the person as an individual. This applies to bhikus as well. When they enter politics, how do you escape from this? thus man.

I think it is wrong to probe into other people’s personal lives. People do have the right to criticise politicians vision but not their personal lives unless it has a tremendous impact on the society.

Now, another example, when former President Chandrika Kumaratunga usually-gets late for all the functions and as the leader of a country, it did affect the country.

But if a person is trying to find something to talk about it is not right, I think as a Bhikku or anyone who is in politics should have a calibre to face criticism and what matters most is how much you know your self and the amount confidence you have within yourself.

What are the challenges that you see that the youth are facing?

The competition between each other, lack of patience and as a generation one cannot be happy because they seem to forget their religion, culture and traditions. If we take a country like Myanmar, people might conclude that it is a country which has not developed but in reality is just the opposite with people very independent and the Buddhist charisma they have not changed bit under the circumstances. It is a well-known fact that Buddhism is a philosophy and only the intelligent could empathise this. To overcome any challenge ‘Dhamma’ has taught the path.

What are the general features you would respect in the present younger generation?

We have very good set of youth who have knowledge in the English language and I think we should be happy about it as long as they are equally fluent in their mother tongue as well. If we take most of our legend any figures who were fluent in both languages. I also think the present youth can be used as a productive youth force as long as the seniors would guide them in the right path.

What do you think of the media in Sri Lanka?

When talking about the print media I don’t see any proper news being adopted or written. When it comes to the electronic media, they just copy everything foreign to us and present it is such away that does not help our youth or the country as a whole. I am not saying, we should stick to the same paraphernalia but it’s a matter of finding what is our own. Why not do something unique? In a country like India, even decades ago when a film or a teledrama is being screened, the first thing we see is a display of Picture of a god that they believe in or a piece of dialogue to stimulate patriotism. What our electronic media does is to get some half dressed youth who is neither fluent in their mother tongue nor with the international language and show up with lack of proper guidance.

Youth leader

Name: Dorini De Silva

Religion: Buddhist

Motto: “A winding path to success gives you a better experience than on a clear path”

Ambition: To become a journalist

School attended: Visakha Vidyalaya

What Education means to you?

For me education is not only gathering information, knowledge or passing the exams. I believe in developing an all-round personality. Education is dealing with life in a very practical and realistic manner.

In five years what kind of role would you like to play in society?

Irrespective of race, cast or creed, my wish is to help everyone. I would like to interact with people and share their sorrows.

What does community service means to you?

Community service needs totally dedication, and sacrifice. People should come forward and offer their services to those who are in need, which may vary. For example financial support, clothing, educational, counselling etc. It should come deep from your heart. I take it very seriously. It’s not necessary that it should be well organised or planned, but on the spur of the moment you can help. Because I strongly believe as human beings we should be concerned about mankind.

What does youth mean to you?

Being enthusiastic, energetic, having a vision, strength and courage to fulfil one’s ambition.

What are the challenges that you see youth are facing in the present society?

I feel unemployment and lack of educational opportunities are major issues that youth come across.

As a community leader at BCIS, what’s the role you need to play?

To be impartial, paying our sincere attention to the service which we render and to be totally honest and dedicated.