Let us strive for a practical approach
We must adopt programmes that are both pragmatic
and practical in our approach to conserving the elephants in Sri Lanka,
while balancing the needs of elephants with those of the human population.
No Government can ignore the legitimate aspirations of the people to a
better standard of living. Therefore, economic policies are more likely
to have priority over ecological concerns. Economic development must continue
but it should be channelled in a way that minimises the threats facing
elephants and other wildlife. This is however easier said than done.
Elephants are the largest terrestrial mammals in the world, and containing
them within a patchwork of protected areas has proved difficult. Parks
and reserves are not islands, and elephants spill over and range frequently
outside the borders of even the largest conservation area in Sri Lanka.
The socioeconomic and political pressures that increasingly confront our
protected areas are among the serious issues facing elephant conservation
today. There is a relationship between tolerance of wildlife and human
population density. At low densities, people in general accept wildlife
in their neighbourhood. But when people become numerous, even among Buddhists,
the relationship progresses through time from acceptance to intolerance.
This has already become apparent today in many rural areas, where a large
number of elephants are being killed, even though these hapless animals
are tuskless, and there is no local market for elephant meat or hide. However
difficult it may be, for successful elephant conservation, we need to design
policies that would help persuade the people to change their attitudes,
from intolerance to some form of accommodation. Thus grandiose master plans
for elephant conservation are doomed to fail, if we do not make adequate
provision for protecting human interests.
Conservationists recognize the inability of Sri Lankans in reaching
a consensus. This is indeed a serious impediment to any conservation effort.
Our academics, scientists, researchers and managers are a very contentious
lot Some carry sizeable chips on their shoulders. This is why we have never
been able to reach a common ground and discuss the issues amicably. But
the answer to this problem is not to open the flood gates to foreign consultants
but to seek ways in which we could bury our differences and work together
for a common cause. There is sufficient expertise already available among
local people, which is adequate for the formulation of sensible conservation
programmes. Besides, foreign consultants are not cheap, and the help they
render is not always the help wanted. Furthermore too much reliance on
foreign consultants may confirm local feelings that conservationists largely
for outside interests.
Charles Santiapilai
Dept. of Zoology,
University of Peradeniya.
Jayantha Jayewardene
Biodiversity & Elephant ConservationTrust
Tale of money- strange but true
On October 31 when I leafed through the pages of
newspapers I came across a supplement and my eyes fell on the launching
of "Punchi Hapan" and "Hapan" Children's savings account
schemes for kids up to 7 years and between 7 and 16 years respectively
by the National Savings Bank.
Further the minor can maintain and operate an account like an adult.
This is a way of attracting them to the bank. "Catch them young"
is a good slogan to go by and take measures to inculcate the concept of
saving as a lifelong habit.
There is more to it than that. I believe the wise bank officials know
the following story as well. The irony of it is that I came across it on
31st of October, 1998 - World Thrift Day. It is a tale of money - strange
but TRUE.
From tiny streams...
When a private bank "Child and Co" opened its new building
in Fleet Street in 1880 a small newsboy came in, clutching a few pennies
in his hand, and asked to see the manager.
"What is that for?" asked the manager, eyeing the handful
of pennies. The boy pointed to the notice on the door, "Child's Bank".
This story has a morale for bankers. Such small sums of money, trifling
in themselves, all together form a substantial part of the money in our
banks today.
Mallika Perera,
Colombo 15
May the true Buddhist doctrine spread
Let me offer my heartiest congratulations for the
editorial in The Sunday Times of 8th instant. You have very rightly drawn
our attention to the present trends of indiscipline and mis-conduct among
some of the younger members of the Buddhist laity.
The most pure and profound doctrine of the Theravada Buddhism withstood
the ravages of wars and strife for over 2000 years due to the patronage
and untiring efforts of our noble monarchs.
History reveals that Codes of Discipline for the monks in various monasteries
were drawn up from time to time. The earliest codes of rules were inscribed
on slabs of stones as seen at Mihintale.
In later years rules of conduct for the monks were agreed upon in an
assembly of monks.
This was generally done after a convocation for the purification of
the Sangha. Such agreements were called Katikavatas. The first of these
Katikavatas was drawn up during the reign of Parakrama Bahu I, presided
over by the most Ven. Dimbulagala Mahakasyapa Thera.
Mere bestowing of material gifts and granting of worldly favours and
positions will not help the progress of pure Theravada Buddhism. Such political
manoeuvres will only result in schisms among the Sangha as well as among
the lay Buddhists of Sri Lanka.
D.P.B. Ellepola
Veboda
When will it be really safe?
I had earlier written an article about the urgent
necessity for the reintroduction of the Dealth Penalty - but I do not think
anyone has taken me seriously.
It is most appropriate now that Richard Pathirana MP has brought up
this matter in the House of Parliament that every right thinking citizen
who loves his motherland (this does not apply to those narrow minded megalomaniacs)
to give priority to this vital matter. I need not reiterate that even during
the time of the Sinhalese kings there was hardly any crime in our Island
Paradise - chiefly because the punishments were so severe. So much so that
it was a well known boast that any maiden could travel from Dondra to Point
Pedro without molestation.
Can that be said of Sri Lanka with all its sordid happenings today?
A Dharmishta Government abolished the death penalty to what purpose? -
mysterious disappearances, killings, burning with tyre necklaces and mayhem
resulted. Today, for a harmless citizen to be assaulted by thugs or innocents
to be gunned down for the most trivial reason - is the order of the day.
Life has become so cheap that the judiciary is treated with scant respect.
Yes, we can have all the freedoms but without the freedom from crime
and respect for the law, our freedom will only be a pie-crust. Thank goodness
sanity is prevailing at last and that we have a stalwart patriot like Richard
Pathirana who has the guts in the midst of an Assembly of Holier-Than-Thou
Hypocrites to fearlessly bring forward the Motion for the re-introduction
of the Death Penalty.
Therefore, I appeal not only to all MPs but to all religious dignitaries
including the Maha Sangha to shed all Holier-Than-Thou principles and to
support Richard Pathirana in such a worthy cause which is for the good
of Mother Lanka.
When can we proudly tell the world as in the days of the Sinhalese Kings
- "Sri Lanka is not only an Island Paradise but any maiden can fearlessly
walk from Dondra to Point Pedro without molestation." May that day
be not too far away! We can still try to achieve it by supporting Richard
Pathirana's genuine call.
Capt. L.P.Juriansz,
Dehiwala
