An act to abhor without restraint

Terrorism left a nation and a people scarred; to languish the pain and hardships for generations to come. But what might be worse – terrorism or treachery? The actions of our fellow countrymen to wilfully tarnish the image of Sri Lanka and its people evoke a sentiment of resentment and repugnance that knows no bounds. The furore over the Hikkaduwa Beach Fest, or rather the alleged ‘Nude Fest’ can only be the result of pathetic minds; a people and party with no vision or love or hope for the future of this country.
Any action to discredit the nation and its people in the eyes of the global community and even amongst fellow Sri Lankans is an act of treason. To showcase a national tourism event as an orgy that traversed every boundary of decency and ethics is an act that we must abhor without restraint. It is deeply shameful and disheartening that fellow Sri Lankans have stooped to such lows to tarnish the future of their countrymen. What gain or end did they seek? Could it be political will, or a whim and fancy of the culturally fanatic? To add to the controversy, the perpetrators stem from a recognised non-governmental agency that fronts the creation of lasting change in communities by changing behaviour. What a fine example they set for the world and its countrymen. What a fine service they are doing for the country and its people. How must we respond? This merely demonstrates the decadence and low that so-called national-minded individuals and organisations would stoop to. Can we permit their prevail? We need action that would serve as a firm example and our resolute against such practices.
For a tourism industry poised for recovery, the twin shocks of people and controversy would do little to instil confidence. Such degree of action incurs great concern over the mindset and commitment of some of our fellow Sri Lankans. What ails the want of progression? Are we so chaste to cringe from a world that they claim is impure? We, progressive Sri Lankans in government and civil society must put in place measures to uproot such ideology and action. Such whims of the political and culturally pathetic must not prevent our thrust and want for development.
Sri Lanka has a lot to do to grasp the opportunities put forth by a global economy emerging out of the throes of recession. People and policy must go hand in hand with effective leadership to put the country on course for success. As we mentioned last week, the President’s commitment and action to secure GSP-Plus for Sri Lankan exports stands as a firm example of good things to come. We must encourage the extend of such good measure into all aspects of industry and governance, and root out instances and avenues for malpractice.
That is a responsibility and duty for all Sri Lankans. It could be opportune to revisit the Economic Clusters set up under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber to push principles and policy to accelerate the pace of development. Business must look to engage government in dialogue and charter a platform of developmental policy. Let us reminisce the spirit and solidarity we observed during the rebuilding effort following the December 2004 tsunami. It is that passion and spark that we seek to propel Sri Lanka to a developed future – a future of unity. We forged togetherness through calamity, and there’s no reason why we cannot for prosperity.