The Challenge of Building a Racism-Free United sri Lanka
By P. Anandanayagam
The word united is common, but often seen to be ineffective where people are gathered together in organizations, groups, clubs, associations, societies etc. This is basically due to the lack of co – operation in these gatherings where insufficient knowledge of human behaviour is predominant; and this in turn causes disharmony and chaos that can hamper the progress of a nation in general, and increase the number of unsatisfied minds who are capable of creating unpleasant situations not only for themselves but for others too. We fail to see and recognize the word unity which means joined together to help one another, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
In this context, if we are to have a deeper understanding and a clearer perspective of the prevailing situation of our country, Sri Lanka, whose unity is essential in all aspects, in its progress as a nation, we are certainly expected to see her people free of racism. In the abundance of innovations, social scientists, through long years of striving and effort, to study human nature, have brought us a definite statement that race is not a reference point among the developing aspects of a nation.
We intend building a united Sri Lanka, free of racism, which definitely means one form of development within the concept of human resources, and we would all agree that when our minds are at peace it will certainly lead to all other aspects of development as well, considering the nation as a whole.As stated earlier, the central theme that brings about a new and promising outlook into the matter as a whole is a systematic analysis of the nature of human behaviour in all its aspects where individuals are gathered in order to engender a sympathetic and questioning attitude towards each other which would enable people to understand one another with clarity of mind.
One is likely to get disappointed or discouraged by having to face problems day in and day out; but life without problems is not going to activate any of our drives that can improve our intellectual capacities which would definitely enable us to cope with the existing environment. Problem solving behaviour which is also seen in animals proves man is capable of solving most of his problems. Besides as a group or a nation for that matter, people should be capable of meeting today’s challenge of building a united Sri Lanka, free of racism.
As a nation Sri Lankans is home to a variety of people belonging to different cultures. Our culture as we know it is about man in a certain group which exposes his talents and capabilities using various expressions, as the behavioural scientists call it. These expressions are ever changing and we cannot deny the fact that we encounter similar expressions in different groups. These similarities to a certain extent, prove the origin of man to be unified and any explanation regarding his behaviour is found to be cohesive and something that could be comprehended as a unit. When we continue to analyze human behaviour we come across enculturation which means that a human being is initially expected to improve within his or her own groups before he or she makes an attempt to learn of other groups.
In the event of the latter there is a tendency to leave room for ethnocentrism to a certain degree, which would prevent deeper insight into other groups which is not favourable due to the probabilities of forming feelings of superiority. Although this attitude is inherent in human nature, it can be brought under control for all practical purposes by active participation in activities of as many groups as possible. This phenomenon which is termed ‘acculturation’ helps us build a healthy attitude and a better frame of mind, where one would be able to see genuine concern among human beings for one another, which would contribute to a large measure towards the eradication of racism.
When we function as a unit or even make an attempt to function as unit the phenomena stated above could be observed or received, retained and recollected at times of necessity, so as to make good use of them for the betterment of our country and basically to the enhancement of peace and harmony among human beings.One may include religion and the principles it propagates within a religious sect as long as men are led to behave sensibly and with a certain degree of authenticity when it comes to civic consciousness where any human being is confronted with the existence of another as long as we are alive in this world.We must not be oblivious to the fact that religious activities too contribute towards the culture patterns of groups. Sri Lanka is a democratic country and we are expected to respect and regard the voice of people of this nation as a whole if we are to build a united Sri Lanka free of racism. This is a must and an essential aspect of the matter discussed; but one should also take into account the fact that we at times do not know for certain what we are asking for.
In the sequel the authorities concerned are expected to implement certain specific functions of control which may appear at the first sight as restrictions that are unpleasant, but later be revealed to us as goodwill and genuine efforts to maintain law and order in the country. We must realize the fact that in any nation the majority speaks and the decisions taken by them collectively, considering the fair representations of all sects of the country are tested for their feasibility adherent to democracy in every sense of the word. Even constitutional amendments are subjected to a rigorous test by throwing it open for thorough analysis and discussion before they are affected, largely safeguarding the interests of the people, not forgetting the minorities. Sociologically speaking this is a process of interaction between groups of people, bearing in mind that any process of interaction, whether it is between two individuals or between two groups of individuals or between an individual and a group of individuals, is beneficial to both parties or to be precise to all concerned.
Alienation or a mass mental derangement is acutely increasing among our people. From a psychological point of view this derangement could be explained in terms of the phenomenon called ‘the ideal self and the real self’ of an individual in society. It is a natural tendency for us to want something; or to be more precise we view ourselves to be in a higher position; but our actual or real position is below this imaginary self. It is learnt that there should be a certain amount of disparity, between the ideal self and the real self in order to have sufficient motivation that could activate our exploratory drive or the so called curiosity, to prosper in life through an insatiable appetite to learn and to build up an appropriate background of knowledge to cope with the ever changing environment. But when the disparity is not within comfortable or healthy limits, it gives rise to chronic anxiety, nervous tension, feelings of inferiority and self hate. This malfunctioning of our nervous system, with the above mentioned complications, deprives us of functioning effectively in society and among people of various categories, who are on the alert over our progressive attempts and the methods employed by us to achieve higher positions in life.Those of us who are philosophical about religion whatever denomination we may belong to are apt to think that purity of heart will definitely invoke God’s blessings upon us.
The general opinion of the masses that are undergoing a mental derangement is in the form of an expectation of revival in their thinking pattern.This obviously means a necessity to implement sufficient, effective remedies to bring about a disparity between the ideal self and the real self under healthy and comfortable limits, in order to help people progress in life. We are, when confronted with such malfunctioning of our system, expected to work hard, to keep our minds occupied in whatever field of activity that interests us, which will control our thinking patterns and create in us originality and productive thought that will enable us to achieve our aims and aspirations in life.Having analyzed the situation that confronts us here in Sri Lanka today we are apt to think of our literacy rate. The fact that it is higher than many countries brings about an understanding that unity can be achieved by being industrious in our endeavours and by maintaining a problem solving attitude towards life. This will be rewarding in the long run.These actions will act as incentives for further development.
Our intention should be to unite Sri Lanka and we are therefore expected to behave sensibly and do the right things in order to bring about a friendly atmosphere among people of all walks of life, who consequently must equip themselves to be of use to themselves as well as to others, under whose observation and watchful eyes we have to exist as long as we live in this world
harshana somapriya said,
March 4, 2008 @ 6:36 am
“…. we at times do not know for certain what we are asking for.”
Since a longlasting peaceful solution to the Sri Lankan crisis can only come from a solution that does not promote separation, it is vital to analyse the concerns & demands of the stakeholders of the conflict.
We have to understand clearly the issues specific to the Sri Lankan Tamil community. Most of the problems highlighted seem to be psycological & some other’s are common problems which are not SLTamil specific.
This does not mean to deny the legitimate grievances of SLTamils, but it is obvious that most of the said problems are due to misinterpretations & misunderstandings.
This holds true with regard to negative attitudes of Sinhalese towards Tamil aspirations.
Unfortunately the war has only widen the gaps & brought more insecurity to the minds of Sinhalese & Tamils. This has prevented a realistic, progressive and open minded debate about a good solution to our problems since the both sides are in defensive mood.
Time has come to put aside the emotional aspects & look at the problem in a pragmatic approach, inorder to find a realistic win-win solution. Until such sincere effort is made both Sinhalese & Tamils in general will continue to be in a loose-loose position!
Anonymous said,
March 4, 2008 @ 7:02 am
Hats off for publishing this article sir. Lot of extremist will say there it is impossible to build the racism free country form fractured Sri Lanka. But it is responsibility of intellectuals of the country to show there is a way to live and share together in one country
S Rasalingam said,
March 4, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
I fully endorse this writer’s point of view. We need to concentrate on the common human objectives of employment, food, clothing, shelter and SECURITY. These apply to all people, irrepective of race. If you a poor person irrespective of race, you get pushed around by the police, the security forces, the politicians,– you name it. Your children get nabbed by terrorist groups who convert them into cannon fodder.
The ethnic groups should concentrate on business, commerce and such things that matter, and avoid political confrontations. The Tamils must support people like AnandaSangaree and follow the principle of “responsible cooperation” with the other communities. We MUST give up the false politics intiated by S.J.V.Chelvanayakam with his idea of a Tamil Arasu Nadu, demanding racial enclaves in the North and the East where the Tamils have special prerogatives that the Muslkims and Sinhalese and others do NOT have. Everybody has to be dealt by the SAME laws and RIGHTS every where in the country.
Rasalingam.
dias said,
March 4, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
A well intentional piece though highly theoretical and unrealistic. The author overlooks the deeply entrenched discords among the communities — for example the majority Sinhalese conviction that Sri Lanka is fundamentally a Sinhalese-Buddhist nation that bestows them a privileged position. How does one go about discovering solutions that can transform these deeply entrenched mind-sets?
Furthermore, it is a grave mistake to believe that the nation’s problems can be encapsulated into a narrow this or that – i.e. economic, racism or political – it is not that simple. What may be needed is a holistic view that recognizes the problem as a complex mix of social, political, and economic challenges with inextricably linked interdependencies buttressed by complete breakdown in the spiritual values of the people. What we need in Lanka is a not merely a political solution rather parallel solution plans for social, political and economic up-liftment supported by an underlying plan for spiritual awakening.
But what nonsense are we talking here? Our leaders have opted for diametrically the opposite – to wage a war that has already begun to create further animosity between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. Needless to say, things are bound to get a lot worse before they will even come close to getting better.
Unattached said,
March 6, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
“Madness is rare in individuals, but in organizations, groups, clubs, associations, societies, it is the rule” Friedrich Nietzsche
Does Analysis of this quote mean that wherever there norms/principles agreed to be adhered/attached to there is prevalence of madness or is it just adherence/attachments to norms/ principles that is the irrationality (Madness)?
In asking these questions one tends to question the necessity of one’s need to adhere/attach to a principles, however much those principles may be true and right, and does not adhering/not being attached makes one not understand/live life that would reflect those principles or is it one’s need for crutches that makes one adhere/attach to those principles.
What happens to one by adhering/being attached to principles, is it an extension of the process of understanding or is it the total lack of understanding that reinforces one’s crutches (mental)
If there no attachment to norms/principles then would two observing a problem see the problem differently and hence see the solution differently, and their looking at the problem without norms/principles make those norms/principles cease to be.
Hence a Tamil and a Singhalese looking at the problem in Sri Lanka may see the problem and the solution (for the problem and solution are one, not many as how many interpret it according to their attachments ) without the fear of their identity(Tamil and Singhalese) being erased because of their non adherence/non attachment to truth of their being.
But then if people start behaving this way then those who have the need to follow will loose leaders and those who need to lead will loose their followers and where will all those enticement of power, the thrills of play, the pride of having played the game for the games sake, and most importantly the question, what would be the essence of communication between people?, for haven’t humanity only lived, learned and communicated, for whole of its documented history, on the basis of attachment to norms and principles.
What I would like to say here is people need to learn to think together, not according to each others inhibition and attachment, but think together. That is what is need to realize peace, most importantly to eradicate the madness within humanity
Otherwise it would be a case of one’s madness against another’s madness, which is what is happening in the Island and what basis of madness would be used to judge which as being the correct madness. As it is the island has extended this madness to the international forum where competing madnesses have moved in to profit and reinforces their own madness, for they say madness is the rule but it should conform to the rules of play. While all this is going on man has justified the taking of another’s life on the basis of each other’s madness
I only hope that one day when peace arrives, those who took decisions which resulted in death and injuries, directly or indirectly, can justify their decision to themselves. And may others who endeavor peace learn to think together
Dilan said,
March 18, 2008 @ 4:19 am
I am Sinhalese and I hold the conviction that Sri Lanka is essentially a Sinhalese Buddhist nation. The Sinhalese language and the Budhist religion must be given pride of place in the island. Firstly, Sinhalese is only spoken in Sri Lanka and this is its homeland where it grew and flourished. Secondly, Buddhism has history in Sri Lanka second to that of only India. Sri Lanka is the oldest continually Buddhist country in the world. While it disappeard in its land of birth, it survived in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is where the Pali Tipitaka was first put down in writing. It is where Buddhagosa wrote his commentaries. It is where the largest Buddhist monuments in the world were built. It is where the Buddhist flag was designed. It is the country which took Buddhism to Thailand and Burma. To divorce Buddhism from Sri Lanka would be to tear its soul out. The Sinhalese language and ancient Buddhist history is the heritage of all Sri Lankans regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
That given, I don’t expect any other privileges as long as minorities accept the Sinhalese Buddhist ethos of the island. I would even support the removal of Buddhism from the constitution if minorities accept the Sinhalese Buddhist ethos of the island. Everyone must be treated equally before the law and ethnicity and religion should be no bar for anything. I will happily vote in Tamil or Muslim presidents.