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.