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A reply to Gunaseela Vitanage In "The Island" issues of 24th, 25th and 26th June, 1998 are published a lengthy article titled "National Issues and Christian attitudes". Ð "Response to Mr. Hemal A. Pieris" in three instalments - written by Mr. Gunaseela Vitanage. My relatively short article published on 24th April was a reply to a lengthy article in two instalments by Ms Kamalika Pieris, - as referred to therein. The contents of Mr. Vithanage's lengthy articles however while seemingly well intentioned, do not appear to me to have much relevance to what I stated - in my article; but in view of the fact that they refer the same title and is published as "a response to" me, I wish to comment at greater length than before towards achieving the same objective referred to by me, in my earlier article - i.e. "to help bring about a measure of goodwill among the various communities and groups referred to". Perhaps the key to Mr. Vitanage's thinking lies in the opening sentence of his second paragraph which states "what matters in this question is not the attitude of Christians as individuals but the attitude of the Christian Churches as the bodies represent in the Christians"? (Is he too not writing" as an individual"). He then goes on to describe a long list of perceived grievances, which he appears to have about pronouncements by Church leaders and proceedings of various Christian Organisations. In fact, in a prominent "Boxed" quote in the first instalment published on 24th is stated "The Buddhist cannot help but come to the conclusion that the Christian hierarchy, by their attitudes and sayings, has shown a tendency to favour Tamil separatism, not on the grounds of Christian principles; but on the ground of expediency and advantage. They seem to use the national crisis to steal a march on Buddhism". In stating the above, Mr. Vitanage seems to imply that his views are shared by most if not all Buddhists; but are they? It saddens me to read these (highlighted) words, as they reflect the deep-rooted mistrust, however well-intentioned, that seems to be ingrained in an important and articulate section of our Society? I have little doubt that the root cause is misunderstanding and a lack of meaningful and adequate dialogue - so essential to clear any such mistrust. I do hope my contribution which follows can help bring about a measure of healing, in this area and help to fill this void? In the first instalment of his article on 24th June the writer makes somewhat harsh criticism of pronouncements made by some Bishops including the Anglican Bishop and also the Catholic Archbishop and perhaps these amongst others prompted his 'Boxed' comments quoted above. At the same time he quotes the Buddha advising his followers "not to bear any ill will" to those who "speak ill" of him. Perhaps in the light of the Buddha's teaching, it is best in these situations to give the benefit of any doubt to the critics, and to seek a friendly non-confrontational dialogue? Without seeking clarification of these views from them, it would therefore perhaps be unfair to conclude that Christian leaders referred to "have a tendency to favour Tamil Separatism"? As stated in my earlier article, it has taken me many years to realise that one must not fear mere words - which can easily be interpreted wrongly - possibly with disastrous consequences, particularly when dealing with sensitive issues. Perhaps another recent example will help illustrate this? I read with interest a contribution published in 'The Island' issue of 17th June 1998 (P.13) titled "inaccurate quotations and misunderpretations - reply to Kamalika Pieris" written by Mr. Neville Laduwahetty. In it he has complained that he has been labelled as "supportive of Tamil Separatism" unjustly. Some of the Christian Leaders referred to above, are possible victims of such hasty conclusions? Mr. Laduwahetty concludes that "Attaching labels to persons holdings views, only diminished the quality of the debate". I would support this view and suggest we enter dialogue with a desire to respect differing points of view without attaching labels. (It is indeed in this spirit that I pen these words). While I do not disagree with the writer Mr. Vitanage that pronouncements of religious leaders are indeed significant and important, it is my view that sometimes what is more important are the views of ordinary honest men of goodwill - and happily in most societies, a majority are in that category - but often remain a silent majority? Particularly at critical times in a country's history - it is necessary to have their voice heard. In this article while stating my personal views, it is my hope that I may also be reflecting the views of the silent majority at least on some issues? In my earlier article I had referred to the on-going peace initiative in Northern Ireland, of the importance of the Third party mediation' (TPM). Happily since then, these negotiations have borne fruit in the form of basic agreement and what is more, the referendum that followed to ascertain the will of the people has been a resounding victory for those favouring peace. The silent majority have acted for "peace and justice" - (essentials also highlighted by Mr. Vitanage somewhere in his article) - thus negating the efforts of extremist elements. In fact an inflexible Protestant Christian leader a Clergyman could make little headway - considering the thirst for a just peace, by the people of Northern Ireland. Perhaps in our country too for peace to dawn the views of the ordinary mass of people need to be ascertained and made known? It is my hope and belief that most will opt for a just peace when given the opportunity - as happened in Ireland, following decades of bitter internecine conflict, and terrorism as we have seen here. We must also hope and pray that we can have political leaders like Mr. John Major and the present Prime Ministers of Britain and Ireland who can sink their differences, and move steadfastly and unitedly towards a negotiated settlement, considering the continuing devastation and the increasing polarisation of people - witnessed in our country, today. Another example from the international scene, of the meaningless devastation wrought in countries by avoidable wars, is the example of Vietnam and Cambodia from the 1960s. Robert McNamara who was one of the Architects of that war, was interviewed recently on T.V. on a book he had just published, when he described the absolute futility of the war imposed on tiny Cambodia which went on for over 3 years, including sustained 'Carpet bombing' by the US in an attempt to win the war in Vietnam. We now know both wars were lost and Cambodia is still reeling from the effect of that war, and the equally ruinous devastation wrought by the merciless Pol Pot regime which followed, in the aftermath of the war - when over a million innocent people were reportedly killed, including most of the country's intelligentia and middle class? Incidentally religion was relegated to the sidelines while all this took place. McNamara also explained that the American public was inexcuseably kept completely in dark during this period. We are aware it was finally the American public whose conscience was aroused, who moved en-masse to put an end to an unwinnable war. It is a credit to men of good conscience that the war did finally end with no winners - and that the Americans and Vietnamese are now becoming friends again. In Sri Lanka too many feel there can be no winners - and a just settlement needs to be reached at the appropriate time. We need to co-operate and work towards that end? As stated in my earlier article the timing is best left to our political and military leaders who are in a position to decide; but we all need to contribute our mite to create the necessary environment. The writer in his instalments Nos. 2 and 3 castigates at length the W C C and the N C C. I am not familiar with the workings of those two Christian organisations or with their pronouncements and it is best that their spokesmen deal with matters raised by the writer. They are not issues raised by me; but here too, I would suggest that any dialogue on sensitive issues be carried out in a non-confrontational spirit trying to understand different points of view. It is true as Mr. Vitanage observes that Christian Organisations are composed of both Sinhala and Tamil persons. While it is also true these can result in a conflict of ideas and objectives, within these organisations, as suggested by him, one must also see the potential for leaders in such organisations to play a positive role in any peace process as they represent diverse views, and are thereby more intimately aware of the needs of both sides of this deep divide? Let us therefore consider their views and advice, with an open mind. The other international event that strikes me as being relevant to our situation and deserves highlighting is the process of reconciliation in South Africa - under the benign leadership of President Nelson Mendala. Perhaps history will record him as the greatest Statesment of this Century - possessing unique qualities of statesmanship. He together with his colleague Bishop Desmond Tutu have initiated the "Peace and Reconciliations Commission" whereby persons including those who were previously considered to be "state terrorists" are being given an opportunity to come clean with their crimes and possibly to be pardoned? A good example are the white police officers who had kidnapped, tortured and killed the charismatic Black African leader Biko - who have come clean about their previous crimes, and are being given a patient hearing. Such initiatives, need tremendous charitableness and also foresight and clearly demonstrate in practice Christ's teachings in "the Sermon on the Mount" - about "Turning the other Cheek" to the man who slaps one. It is known that Mahatma Gandhi often quoted Christ and was inspired by those words - in his pursuit of non-violence. The founders of other great religions too have taught likewise on tolerance, and forgiveness. Perhaps in Sri Lanka's situation today, it is necessary to have such a forgiving spirit to be able to reach a negotiated settlement of the appropriate time. Considering the worsening economic and law and order situation in the country we can only pray that such a day will soon dawn - when, we can get down to the nitty-gritty of working for peace. We are a small country with limited resources and the regional imperatives make it clear, that there is no time to waste. Continued tomorrow |
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