Sri Lanka is close to the abyss. A mere push, in the form of the ‘Final War’ or something of similarly strong rhetoric or action can, and will, take us over the edge. We will fall into the bottomless pit of lawlessness and chaos that Afghanistan, Somalia, Rwanda and other countries have had the misfortune of falling into.
This, then, is a time for reflection and, hopefully, action.
Too often now, we - Sri Lankans, Sinhalese, Tamils, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, UNP, SLFP, UPFA, JVP, Extremist, Peacenik – have been caught up in the quest for the final solution and, in the process, got lost in the maze of political discourse. Our individual political compasses, meanwhile, point in opposite directions.
Turn left and go straight to a Federal Solution. Turn right, pick up your weapons and get ready to enter The Final War. North takes you to Eelam. South leads to Communism.
We clash because we disagree with the directions that our fellow countrymen wish to travel in.
I choose, therefore, to not enter the maze at this juncture. Instead, I find myself posed with the following questions: is it possible that this Final Solution is not all it promises to be? Will it end the war in an honourable manner for all? Will it give us equality for all and remove discrimination? Finally – and this is, I believe, the most important factor– will it teach us the meaning of empathy? My fear is that without empathy, the Final Solution won’t be final nor will it be much of a solution.
Empathy is a funny word. Empathy is when Dinesh stops bullying his little brother Prassana because he now understands that such behaviour could hurt physically and psychologically. Prassana is happy that his big brother finally understands what he, Prassana, had to go through earlier. Any possible manifestations of anger stemming from this hurt is avoided. There is empathy in both sides. The first seeds of rebuilding relations between the two brothers have been sown.
In the great political discussions of the past few decades, ‘harmony’ and ‘peace’ are the words of choice across the spectrum of Sri Lankan society. Yet, few seem to understand that for ‘peace’ and ‘harmony’, we need empathy. Without empathy, it won’t be peace nor will it be harmony – only a situation of ‘no war’ will take its place instead. And that, as we have found out recently, is possibly worse.
Article comments
1 - Sanjay
Lack of pluralism? One acronym: LTTE
You don't see them holding any elections, do you? And you never will.
2 - Howard Dratch
Your article is fascinating but does not quite answer my ignorance or innocence. When I was younger and, obviously Sri Lanka was younger and more innocent, it was the symbol of paradise, the place where Arthur C. Clarke made his home, where the National Geographic could make lovely pictures and the home of beautiful women and ? tea plantations, perhaps.
Then we began to hear of Tamil guerillas and battles. I think we, outside of Sri Lanka, need more of your posts to form a better understanding of this country whose politics appear to mirror the 21st c that has begun so horribly.
Was the other Sri Lanka a myth covering over these tensions or are the tensions a manifestation of our times? Or...?
3 - Suranee
Greetings Mr. Theena,
I came across your blog by chance as I was looking for a site that can help me answer the questions on "the education system in Sri Lanka" which I'm seeking for the manuscript I'm writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Suranee
4 - Sintujan
Theena,
This is a great article! I really appreciate your confidence and dedication in finding a solution that will be acceptable to all Sri Lankans. Keep up the good work - I will support you 100% in your pursuit, for the better future of our children that they very much deserve.