News
Stop wasting, share more
View(s):Some of us have forgotten that we had mother’s milk when we were babies. A father’s protection is gradually decreasing. Wedding expenses have skyrocketed. Divorce cases at courts are increasing in number. Siblings are fighting amongst each other. Even neighbours had difficulty in living in good fellowship.
The Lord Buddha preached about equanimity. Most people are selfish but they are unaware that selfishness does not bring lasting happiness to them or others. We see a significant increase in the elderly population and many of these elderly parents are seeking refuge in homes for the elders. This is a sad new trend in our country. Not many people have realised the gravity of this issue.
We see a desperate decline in the number of people who work for the common good in their job or their profession. There are a few who show the way and even if they set the example, only a few follow them. Today, we are talking about making Colombo beautiful. To make it beautiful is not so difficult, the bigger challenge in to maintain the beauty. For instance, see how the dengue mosquito is ruling over us, largely because we do not properly maintain our surroundings. We have been abundantly blessed by Mother Nature but our health conditions are generally poor. According to our doctrine, good health is the greatest gift. Are we to expect it from the State? No, it has to come from within us.
Because of the fear and insecurity experienced by the people, they lost faith in President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The development promises made then are being implemented now in Greater Colombo. For this, Army Headquarters and other security institutions had to be shifted out. There are reports that contractors are not being paid for work done at state institutions, resulting in hardships. Therefore, we may have to seek foreign contractors on account of this. It is also reported that the Government does not have funds to increase salaries of public servants as promised. On the other hand, people complain that though a reasonable salary is paid, the service provided is poor.
The fountain must be protected if we need water. Since the paddy produced by us has dropped in quality, we cannot store paddy or rice for long. So we have to sell the harvest quickly. It is reported that the price of paddy has come down to Rs. 17 a kilo.
From our rice to vegetable products there is no proper plan for the future. Emphasis is not given to local production. Most things are imported. Insurance is there to protect people in trouble and in need. But rogues and opportunists have got in and are destroying the insurance industry. So we see a downward trend in this and other sectors. The Cost of living is today sky high. We spend a quite a lot at the birth of a child. Though the priceless mother’s milk is freely available, infants are fed with powdered milk. No wonder the cost of living is high. We must not close our eyes to these but be vigilant. Since rubber prices are low the trade is at an abysmal level. The tea industry is in a similar crisis. Those who venture abroad are also in trouble. Most people are left with little or no choice.
When the country is in such a state everyone must think wisely and do our duties honestly and efficiently. We must put away our political, caste and creed differences, and bring about unity in diversity. We must speak the truth to put away divisive or harmful ideas we may have. We need to rise to the occasion to unite everyone including the wise and ignorant, and those who are capable or incapable. Journalists and the media especially need to be committed to the principle of unity in diversity.
Time is important to everyone. Instead of wasting several hours on meaningless programmes on Radio and TV, more time should be allocated for educative programmes on key issues such as agriculture and health care. Competent media personnel should take the lead. We must stop wasting valuable time on gossip and jokes.
Recently I heard that in prison, inmates share their meals with others. This is a good culture. Why can’tthat be continued in real life when they come out of prison? Governance is not sending people to jail or detention. It is the responsibility of the clergy, those in authority and all others to protect the people through careful planning.
The Navam Perahera is an experience in sharing. Some helped in cash, others in kind and contributing their labour. Everyone, all nationalities, people of all races and religions, and foreign tourists watched the Perahera. Not a single untoward incident took place. There were hundreds of dancers – some of them experienced and capable, others novices. But all of them did their duty well. Thousands of people watched the perahera and went home happily.
This gave us the inspiration to make a decision to have a small perahera at Gangaramaya at every full moon Poya at 7 pm. In this way, we can promote the talents of young artistes. We do not need much money for this monthly perahera. If a person could sacrifice one meal for a month and donate that money, it will go a long way to promote our culture and also help the tourism industry. Those who wish to cooperate could write to us. Take some steps to educate the people on the need to have a sustainable development plan for our country. With religions leaders showing the example, we need to cut down waste, share more and develop the land. Please keep us informed about your activities.
Take good care of our children. Try to overcome weaknesses and be strong. Stop wasting whether it be food, money or time. Give more time for the development of your mental powers and religious discipline. Do not get into debt. Settle outstanding debts. Don’t try the impossible. Do what is possible but do it right. Cast away hatred, cultivate peace. Avoid litigation, keep away from courts. Share good things with others. If we live foolishly we will degrade our country and our heritage.
Let fear and sadness pass away and let us be in good health. This is the blessing of the Navam Perahera. A grateful thanks to all those who helped us and came to watch the perahera.
Galboda Gnanissara Thero,
Gangaramaya Podi Hamuduruwo
Gangaramaya, 61, Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 02,
Telephone 2435169, 2327084