Saturday, November 16, 2024

My wish and Hope for Sri Lanka. Mahendra Gonsalkorale

My wish and hope for Sri Lanka

Mahendra Gonsalkorale


You wanted change
You needed change
You demanded change
You have this change

Fed up with dishonesty and greed
Fed up with nepotism and corruption
Fed up with lies and deception
Fed up with bullying and chauvinism

You now have your chance
Your new rulers can only succeed
If you change too
it is a two-way street

Temper your expectations
Change takes time, be patient
Embrace a New Culture
One Nation, One Country
With a proud multicultural heritage
Believe in Humanity and universal love
Cast aside Divisions and unite as one family

34 comments:

  1. Mahen
    I appreciate greatly your timely poems that encompasses most thing we despised about Sri Lankan politics and almost everything we expect for our future. I do wish you would send these to the Sri Lankan papers as you have so brilliantly summarised the hopes and aspirations of us all in so few lines and in simple English.
    This brings back memories of the transition from Apartheid which Nelson Mandela managed with a genuine affection for South Africa. He ruled the country for the benefit of all its citizens whatever colour or creed.
    Many in old Ceylon had these aspirations of a true utopia after independence from British rule. Bigotry and ultranationalism ruined it all. Our ambitions and expectations were dashed. There was an epidemic of corruption that engulfed our country. This was so entrenched in our society many felt that was the norm. With the fullness of time the country was brought to its knees. We were holding a begging bowl to our neighbours and the IMF.
    Unity of all nationals in Sri Lanka is the key to a prosperous future. The ability to express our views without fear is important. Freedom of the media and the judiciary are the important tenets of democracy. Law and order need to be maintained. The due process should take over to punish and prevent corruption.
    Let us hope for a bright future for Sri Lanka and all its citizens.

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    1. Thanks, Nihal. Let us hope that our dreams will come true. There is a long way to go but I feel we are moving in the right direction. The most encouraging aspect is their victory appears to be a genuine outcome of what the people want. I hope that external forces with their own agenda won't stand in the way. Our geopolitical position will always pose a danger.

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  2. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”.
    Change for the better will take time. The consequences of more than half a century of poor governance cannot be changed overnight and would indeed take many years. It is like jetlag after a long flight. You just got to put up with it.
    There is now a good workable 2/3 rd majority to bring about change. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a famous quote by 19th century English historian Lord Acton. Power also is addictive.
    An effective opposition is crucial to provide checks and balances in the government. Without an effective opposition the government of the day can become dictatorial and unaccountable.

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    1. Patience is required. Results may take some time but the next steps taken by the goverment will indicate whether promises will be honoured. It is as much as steps taken as well as steps NOT taken that will be watched with interest. I hope our friends based in Sri Lanka will offer some pertinent comments, after all they are the swimmers while we are only watching!

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  3. Thank you Mahendra for the excellent and very apt poem. Nihal, I tend to agree with all your sentiments. The Cabinet was announced few hours ago. There are three Medical doctors as well as other professionals and academics. Harini is the PM as well as the Minister of Education and Higher Education; no riff-raff like chain snatchers! Let us all hope for the best!

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    1. Sanath,
      It is wonderful to get an inside view of how things are shaping out in the new political milieu in Sri Lanka. I am an expat who has lived abroad for over half a century and my views and opinions may not be accurate. Nevertheless I have left my heart in the country of my birth and my affections run deep.
      Your brief summary gives me great hope for that pearl of the Indian ocean after its many struggles with incompetence and corruption since independence.

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    2. Thanks, Sanath. We are all full of hope and expectations for our lovely country. I saw the list of cabinet appointees and they look very capable and well educated. Let us hope they are honest and worthy of respect too. I am very optimistic..
      I would love to hear from more friends on how they see the situation

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  4. Thank you Speedy for your poem. You have captured the problems, challenges and hopes and aspirations of our country and it's pe ople
    So far those elected into power by an overwhelming majority are keeping their promises.
    The vastly reduced Cabinet members, and cuts in extravagant expenditure are definitely encouraging.
    It's also refreshing to see educated and qualified members being appointed to the Cabinet. Though of course they are inexperienced in the game of politics perhaps it's a good thing.. New brooms sweep clean!
    But it's not magic it's going to be a long hard task to get the country back to even keel.
    Let's give them time and hope that they keep to the lofty ideals they have stated .and not let their crowns get tarnished... As Nihal had said Power corrupts and absolute power like they have now well over 2/3 majority..they can do as they please.
    I pray that AKD will keep the assurance that he gave the nation that they will not abuse the power but use it responsibly.
    We as citizens can do our part by resisting division and acting honestly and responsibly.
    Suri

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  5. THIS IS FROM DHUSHY VEDAVANAM
    If my dear Late Husband Veda, your batchmate, was alive I know that he would agree whole heartedly when I say the following:-

    What a beautiful poem Mahen. I agree with the sentiments you have expressed. Yes change cannot materialise overnight. People must be patient and understanding and work together to bring about this change.

    The President has an educated team. May be they don’t have experience in Politics but they will soon learn. All parties must work together for the betterment of the country.
    I have every confidence that AKD will make efforts to unite the various communities to live in harmony .

    As Nihal has said the new Govt has a 2/3rd majority and they must legislate to bring about change to eliminate corruption and focus on good governance. Albeit there is a danger too, ‘power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely’ quotation from Julius Caesar when Caesar, Cassius and Brutus were after power but Brutus was the the noblest of them all.
    I hope from the lessons learned from the previous regime hopefully AKD will be noble in his leadership to foster harmony and build a strong and prosperous nation.
    This is my fervent prayer.
    With Best Wishes
    Dhushy

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    1. Dhushy, we regard you as part of our Batch "family". You make such an effort to maintain contact and all of us value that very much. Veda was great chap and it is such a pity that I lost contact with him for such a long time. If he was still alive, I am sure he would have agreed with your sentiments. All the best and thanks for your contribution.

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  6. Mahen, Thank your for your poem. You have expressed what we all feel. I am hopeful. I hope AKD follows through with his promises and that the ministers he has appointed and the others in his administration will treat all the people of Sri Lanka with fairness and respect. I hope that Sri Lanka will show the world how Democracy should work. Many people were nervous about the ruling party getting 2/3 majority, thinking that their power will corrupt. I truly hope that won't be the case. The people of Sri Lanka should also realize that we all need to work together. It is not just the politicians who are corrupt. AKD seems to be setting the correct example and tone. I hope people will follow his leadership.

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  7. Hi Speedy, Thanks for your response to my comment. Your statement about the varying reactions of those who are guilty in whole or in part for the mess our county is in is spot on! There certainly will be many who for various reasons will hope and even give a helping hand to make the new Govt fail ( while shedding crocodile tears)
    Thank you for the Bible quote. Very apt. I am impressed!!
    Warm regards Suri

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  8. One mistake we must not make is that intelligence and academic achievement are directly correlated. It is sadly possible that the most intelligent people also possess the skills to be dishonest (and escape justice)

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  9. Mahendra
    Let me congratulate you on your lovely poem, appropriate for the moment.
    With the landslide 2/3rd victory of the NPP, it has left us hoping for a bright future.
    They have restricted cabinet ministers to 22 to reduce expenditure. It is a relief that educated and qualified poeple are appointed to the cabinet.
    I feel they will reduce expenditure and eliminate corruption.
    As promised they will take those Polititians who have abused power to task.
    They are an educated lot, I feel they won't abuse power and be honest.
    I do hope they would take us out of this abyss we have fallen due to actions of the previous regimes.
    Let us hope and pray that Sri Lanka is in for a bright and prosperous new era.
    Chira

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    1. Thank you Chira. We all hope that the new regime will succeed. Only time will tell

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  10. Mahen
    Great poem and pleased to hear the encouraging response from the batch mates within and outside Sri Lanka.They appear to be singing from the same song sheet in good voice.
    The new government sounds genuine with honourable intentions, has got off to a good start but the road ahead is full of hazards, a big mess to clear up.
    Lets hope the people who voted for them appreciate the problems ,be patient ,continue their support and not expect too much too soon.

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    1. Bora, thanks for your positive comment. The new regime so far has lived upto expectations. It is early days and as all of you have said, we must be patient. What will be crucial would be the processess they set in motion. If they are good, then success will follow just as Rajasuriya treads the path with his faithful retinue!

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    2. Mahen
      I arrived in Sri Lanka on 19. 11. 24 to enjoy the feel good factor following the elections. At the departure lounge in Heathrow I had a very brief chat with Indrajith ,a very experienced banker who new a thing or two about the state of the Sri Lankan economy.He mentioned that the new regime had made a good start. That made my day.

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    3. Borah, that is very encouraging. Have a great time in Sri Lanka and I look forward to having a chat when you return. Please don't live up to your name and consume too much toddy- "Bo(ho)" "Ra"! I know toddy is nice but.....

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    4. Bora, good to hear (from knowledgeable people) that SL has turned the corner. How long will you be in Colombo? I won't get there until Dec 31.

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    5. Mahen
      "Bull Hooch" days are long gone, now I can manage a glass of wine only.Shall give you a feed back on my return.

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    6. Bora
      How very true, just cant manage the whiskies I downed including the one for the road. A glass of wine is my limit too. Although the limit has reduced sadly the requirement to feel good hasn't reduced. Now it is just a drink to remain social. The fine quote "Old age is not for Sissies" is attributed to actress Bette Davies but has stood the test of time.

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    7. I think all our "personal" computers of the alcoholic memory type are getting overloaded and running out of memory. I am most impressed that the two of you, Bora and Nihal can manage a glass of wine (I am assuming it is a rather large glass). Reminds me of a dear old lady I saw on a Home Visit (gone are those days I understand-sadlym as it was a very useful one when done for the right rwaeasons). I suspected that she was drinking too much and did the usual thing which was to look at the black bin with used bottles waiting to be collected, and found a rather large number of bottles ( a trick I learnt from a wonderful Geriatrician Dr Joshi. I then went back to her and asked her whether she drank any alcohol and she looked at me innocently and said "only one glass of Wine at night doctor". I asked her whether she wouldn't mind showing me the glass she used and she obliged a bit hesitantly I thought, with the biggest wine glass I have ever seen in my life!

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  11. Speedy well written this needs publication and pray the leaders will finally bring stability and prosperity to our dear motherland. Wander what happened to those who raped our country of its wealth. Hope our friends can enlighten us.

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    1. Thanks "Anonymous", whoever you are! I share your wish for stability and prosperity of "the Resplendent Island in the Indian Ocean"

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    2. Mahen, I think this 'Anonymous' is our good friend Rajan/Patas. Let's wait for mim to own up!

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  12. Hi friends, I just finished reading this beautifully written article about Sri Lanka in the New York Times Magazine travel section. The theme of the series of articles was about the significance of flowers in the cultures of various countries. This article was about the ubiquitous lotus flower in Sri Lankan art and religion. I felt that the writer, who was raised in India, really connected with Sri Lanka and its people. It was not just about the lotus flowers. He delved into history, both recent and past, and conveyed substantial information about the country. He ends the article with this about the lotus flower. "- and in the sight of it resplendent over a bed of nourishing mud, we had recognized our longing to rise above the muck of our lives." I think it is an apt metaphor for Sri Lanka at this time. May she rise resplendent above the muddy muck of the past!
    ( I hope everyone will be able to open the link.)


    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/t-magazine/lotus-flowers-sri-lanka.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bU4.7SqQ.X5s81JTexdDT&smid=url-share

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    1. I shall read it Srianee. For those who are not sure how to access it, the easiest way is to highlight the whole link with your mouse. The selection will turn into a blue box with the text in white. Then keeping the mouse pointer within the blue area, Right click your mouse and choose the option "go to https:// ...............".This will open your article in a new tab. I hope that is clear!

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    2. Mahen, Thanks for the tip on opening the link. I just tried it and it worked.

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  13. Indra AnandasabapathyNovember 21, 2024 at 8:50 AM

    There is evidence of a start in trying to fill cabinet positions with educated and trained individuals. I had always hoped that we will emulate Singapore in this area . The little island an economic power and short on natural resources like water has a cabinet of graduates often with not one but two degrees , from the top Universities in the US and England. Shortly after independence its Prime minister travelled to Sri Lanka to study its inner workings as to why it was successful. We know what went wrong since then and who was to blame.

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    1. I agree with you Indra. I am full of hope. A proper salary structure for public servants is crucuial. Although we cannot condone corruption, one way to prevent it is to pay public servants a proper salary (Lee Kuan Yew did in Singapore) so that they don't need to resort to illegal financial incentives- e.g., Teachers make it clear that after school or weekend tution is necessary (fo money) by deliberately not teachig properly in class. Once a fair pay structure is agreed it must be made crystal clear that any irregularities will be dealt with severely. The NPP has so far done all the right things. Long may it continue.

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  14. From Douglas
    Dear Mahen,
    Thank you for the reminder. I have read your poem many times. What a lovely poem. It says it all. Let me quote from your poem.
    'Temper your expectations
    Change takes time, be patient
    Embrace a new Culture
    One Nation, One Country
    With a proud multicultural heritage
    Believe in humanity and universal love'.
    Every time I read it, I get smothered with a sense of Pride and Humility and hopes for Mother Lanka to be an excellent example of democracy, good living and harmony among the various ethnic groups as one family. Though I am not living in Sri Lanka, I have been following the developments with keen interest. I now feel the possibility of our dreams coming true. Your poem was very timely and reading through the comments I feel happy and proud to belong to a family that think and hope alike.
    Douglas Mulgirigama

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    1. Thank you Douglas. I feel like an innocent child who is eagerly waiting for the delivery of presents promised to him! I heard a pithy comment from a politician today about expectation. He said that when a couple gets married and go away for the honeymoon and return for the Home-coming ceremony, do people expect them to retum with a baby! In the same way, political delivery also takes time. I thought that was clever!

      If you want to contribute an article for the blog please don't hesitate Douglas- just email it to him. Your experience in writing several books might be a good area. Think about it.

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  15. Douglas, good to see your comment on the blog and hope to see more participation from you. Like you, I am also hoping and praying that this is a real change and that Sri Lanka will set a good example for the rest of the world. So far AKD and his team seem to be 'walking the walk' and not simply 'talking the talk.'
    Are you writing any more books?

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