Tsunami's agonizing aftermath

Tsunami's agonizing aftermath

R. M. A. B. Dassanayake, The Island, Asia News Network, Colombo

In the tragic aftermath of the vast inestimable devastation of
physical life and property caused by the unfathomable
subterranean forces of nature which exploded as if in revolt
against widespread terrorism, murder misdeeds and immorality
among human beings in this part of the world -- South Asia -- it
is opportune to reassess and re-examine the wicked and callous
conduct of all of us who are mere earthlings in this planetary
concourse.

It is generally believed by the older folk that when
lawlessness, violence and murder become the order of the day in
human habitations most of those inhabitants become susceptible to
punitive consequences of the inexplicable unseen forces of nature
around them.

It is also said that some of the people who perversely defy
their religious beliefs and cause intolerable conflict to others
of different faiths and wage war against other communities in a
misplaced sense of inferiority or superiority complex and also
when those in their conceited sense of self arrogance resort to
foul mouthed virulent vindictive utterances and threats against
others who do not subscribe to their views and actions, such
people are prone to suffer some kind of devastation.

But what is tragical is that it is very often the ordinary
poverty stricken people who are seen to be suffering most of the
first waves of nature's disastrous upheavals. This is a most
saddening feature noticeable in certain happenings.

In any event, what has happened should be an eye opener for
all those criminal careerists including politically vindictive
aggressors to shun their destructive activities and to restrain
and reform themselves to traverse the path of peace and
reconciliation with respect and understanding individually and
collectively towards their fellow beings.

It is heart-rending to observe the mass scale suffering caused
to thousands of people including little children not only in the
south of our land but also in the north east sectors where there
is immeasurable trauma and trepidation among all those who were
able to save themselves from the massive oceanic onslaught.

It is a matter for great consolation that the whole nation
irrespective of race, creed and political differences --
excepting a few gangs of looters -- had rallied round and risen
wholeheartedly in a concerted effort to provide relief and
succor to the agonized and displaced homeless people to some
considerable extent.

Just as our southern sector needs food, clothing and shelter
it is equally necessary to provide the needs of those devastated
in the north east too.

This devastation, therefore, amply proves the fact that no
part or sector of a country could survive in the face of high
voltage natural calamities without aid and support of the whole
nation.

In the context of the present national disaster that has
gravely affected their own community in their isolated territory,
it is time that the LTTE leaders and their retinue shun their
chauvinistic intransigent attitudes and intentions and integrate
fully with the rest of the nation, for their own survival and
protection.

The selfless services already rendered by our defense forces
personnel in the north east in evacuating and providing safety
measures to a vast number of tidal wave victims should be greatly
appreciated by all concerned.

Properly directed and coordinated relief measures are urgently
called for, in utilizing the international financial and material
aid to rebuild the devastated infrastructure housing, road and
rail transportation in both the south and the north east.

It is undoubtedly a task of the highest magnitude to rebuild
the nation to what it was from the ashes of destruction.

It is hoped that this national disaster would indicate a
silver lining in the dark clouds -- a form of redeeming feature
-- by way of a progressive process towards the much needed --
reconciliation.

Let us hopefully wish that the new year 2005 would usher in a
peaceful and prosperous future for our nation and all her people.