Message of peace

Poson Poya is celebrated today around the country but the message it brings needs fresh reinforcement if Sri Lanka is to hang on to its fragile peace. 

It cannot be denied that with the advent of the Bodu Bala Sena and other hard-line organisations in Sri Lanka, the intensity of bigoted actions has increased. The number of derogatory racist remarks and tokenisation of religions and individuals, the warping of the diverse history inherited by Sri Lanka and the spread of virulent and often inaccurate information to whip up racial hatred was on the rise.

In the past few months the refreshing return to secular values seen in 2015 has been gradually diminishing with the worrying rise in incidents that have a distinct intolerant tinge. Faith in the Government being on the side of the people and upholding the sanctity of the law is fading rapidly and many are justifiably worried that the dark days seen during the previous administration could return. Unfortunately it would seem that the time has come again to remind the Government of its responsibility to protect all its citizens. 

Few would argue that the increasing power of extremist groups played a significant role in the presidential election. In fact even former President Mahinda Rajapaksa publicly admitted failure by his administration to take action against such organisations led to his downfall, though he prefers to see it as part of an insidious conspiracy rather than a personal fault. 

Voters were very clear in the message they sent the candidate who promised to promote peace and equal rights – they can stay so long as they do the right thing. The Government, which once seemed to get the message loud and clear, appears to be going increasingly deaf. It has taken action but there have been few results despite four police teams deployed to arrest the leader of the BSS and the lapse of several weeks with no results being seen. 

The people expect the Government to return to its initial stance in 2015 when they implemented the law even against religious organisations and allowed people to follow their faith in peace for the most part. They should also push forward stalled measures to promote reconciliation between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities, which despite many plans and pledges has stagnated. 

However, the spectre of religious violence is never far away. As a country healing after a three-decade conflict and ethnic wrongs that span even deeper into its history, everyone has to understand the precious fresh chance that has been given to this troubled island. They have to hold their public representatives responsible to safeguard religious tolerance and social equality. It is the people who have to ensure the best and highest aspects of their faith are safeguarded through peace and respect. 

Poson takes on even more poignancy in this backdrop. During this blessed time, all Sri Lankans must make an effort to return to the true Dhamma preached by Lord Buddha, to end hatred, foster peace and forge understanding. If this ultimate message is lost, then all of Sri Lanka will suffer the consequences.