During 'Satana' political debate of Sirasa TV (03rd July 2014) JVP candidate slammed govt representative for bringing up fake statistics and misinterpreting figures to general public to cover up bad governance and lawlessness of the country.
The Gvt politician Eirk Weerawardana claimed that after war Sri Lanka is a country where people can protest and discuss problems, issues with rulers and that shows restore of democracy. The road networks are being expanded, schools are being building, schools are being upgraded, more expenditure on education sector, health sector etc. So development under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's govt is visible to people.
The JVP member of Provincial Council Wasantha Samarasinghe responding to him said that he was wondering where such a country exist? If govt says people's issues and problems are solved through discussions, then why fishermen who protested in Chilaw die by gunshots; if govt solve matters through discussions, why labourers are being shot dead for protesting EPF ETF fraud. After a laborer was killed, the chief of police who ordered to shoot the laborer dead was sent to Brazil as Ambassador. That is how law and order is being maintained in the country. At Rathupaswala protest for clean water the officer who shot at people was once suspended, later he was given back the job.
About current educational policies he said that investment on education has drastically decreased. The expenditure of 2.8% GDP on education in 2006 is dropped now to 1.7% GDP according to Central Bank report in 2013 (see http://www.cbsl.gov.lk/pics_n_docs/10_pub/_docs/statistics/other/econ_&_ss_2013_e.pdf . See also World Bank http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/srilanka).
When 300,000 students sit and qualify for University only 20,000 is allowed to enter the university. When students chose boat to migrate to another country, the number of entrants to university increased to 21,000. Those university students, the cream of the society have to strike without studies protesting for free education and protest Govt's budget cut down on education. When national income increases, the expenditure too has to increase. But in reality the opposite happens.
Same applies to other sectors including healthcare and agriculture. Sri Lanka has free medical care, but no patient leaves dispensary or hospital without a prescription to buy drugs from pharmacy outside paying a lot of money.
The tax payers money has been utilized not to upheld public services but to upheld President's family. For example, the luxury vehicle bought for presidents son cost Rs 520m (US$ 4m) duty free. Same goes to luxury lives of ministers and their families. Duty free or tax free means a loss of income to the nation. Taxes are there to cover up expenses to maintain free services rendered to people. The loss of taxes to maintain few families means people have to pay taxes in high prices for commodities, drugs, school fees, fertilizer. The expenditure of the govt has grown more than the income. They say country is developing but the truth is one family (President Rajapaksa's family) is developing and people are watching...
June 18, 2014 Daily News: Minister Wimal Weerawansa tells Parliament
NAYSAYERS, GREATEST BETRAYERS" Protect hard won peace. The victory over terrorism brought protection not only to a single family but to the entire country, said Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa in Parliament yesterday.
He also said if Parliamentarians do not stand against the move to hold an international investigation against Sri Lanka to investigate the final stage of the humanitarian operation against terrorism, that would become the biggest betrayal in Sri Lanka's history.
"It would amount to an act of treachery," he said.
Minister Weerawansa made these observations joining the debate on the motion moved stating that the investigation against Sri Lanka mandated by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights should not be allowed. The motion was moved by nine members including UPFA MP Achala Jagodage.
Minister Wimal Weerawansa stated that the benefits of the victory over terrorism are equally enjoyed by all who stood for and against the operation.
He added that the UN is attempting to take the Security Forces and the leader of this country before an international tribunal by investigating only the last stages of the humanitarian operation against the terrorists.
While claiming that Sri Lanka will not allow a single inch of the land
to be taken away, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that in the
four years since humanitarian victory there were many strategies tried
out by some outside forces to rule Sri Lanka.
“There will be no room for separation, President Rajapksa said
addressing the Humanitarian Victory Parade at Galle Face green this
morning.
“The armed racist terrorism that existed for several years was used to
control our country in the way that external forces wanted to. Foreign
forces and pressures, foreign invasions are not new to us. In the four
years since this great humanitarian victory there were many strategies
tried out by these forces to rule our Motherland. These included the
Arab Spring, grease demons, the independent of the Judiciary, media
freedom and human rights. There were attempts to make us file answers to
such charges almost every six months. It is these sinister aims that
are put forward as the protection of human rights and democracy.
However, what is hidden below this is the expectation to break up this
country,” he said.
“I believe that the feeling that we should all live together in a single
country is once again emerging in the hearts of the Tamil people,”
President Rajapaksa said.
Prabhakaran and his cohorts destroyed the erudite society that could
build the culture of the Tamil people of the north. Just as Prabhakaran,
the political parties that are propping up the Diaspora are still
engaged in an effort to drag Tamil society to destruction. As long as
these groups exist the Tamil people need no other enemies, the President
said.
The time has come for the people of the north to have a good
understanding of the honesty of those who claim to speak on their
behalf, President further added.
Full text of the speech :
Today we have the fourth opportunity to celebrate with dignity the great
victory of our Motherland. Today we also commemorate another great
moment in the history of Sri Lanka when our Motherland was united. It is
also great the great moment when Sri Lanka was freed from the deadly
fear of terror. With great sacrifice of lives by our people, we were
able to liberate the largest number of hostages in the world held by the
forces of terror. Today we remember all of this.
Friends,
We must bear in mind that thousands of heroes like this sacrificed their
lives for the country to obtain this great victory. Many lakhs more
offered their blood, sweat and tears and lost their eyes and limbs for
this land. I am pleased to state that we have elevated all of you as
high as the national flag flies to give you the honor you deserve.
In the midst of efforts by some to take our war heroes to an
international scaffolding we have provided welfare benefits such as
housing, schools, scholarships, income sources, facilities such as the
Mihindu Seth Medura and Abimansala for the benefit of their families,
their children and their parents. We have carried out such services for
our war heroes to encourage those citizens in the future who think of
making a commitment to the future of the country, and to give them the
confidence and strength to do so.
If one is to fully understand the great service provided by these heroes
we must recall how the people of this country lived before May 2009.
There was no freedom at that time to walk freely at Galle Face Green
where you are gathered today. It was the time when even the Galle Face
Green was also closed. The LTTE was able to destroy the Central Bank
building that you can see from here,and also send a bomb laden lorry
right before the residence of the Head of the State. The hotels around
this area were destroyed by bomb attacks.
We recall that the Tigers who attacked the Sri Maha Bodhi in
Anuradhapura in 1985 later came to Colombo and attacked with bombs and
killed the NayakaThero at the Fort Buddhist temple. In 1990 the Tigers
killed hundreds of worshippers at the Kathankudy mosque, and their
ability to strike and spread throughout the country that 19 years
laterthey attacked a religious procession at the MataraGodapitiya
mosque. Minister MahindaWijesekera who was a victim of that attack is
still bedridden.
Most places in this country were then identified by recalling bomb
attacks by the LTTE such as the junction where ParamiKulatunga was
killed, the place where Navy Commander Clarence Fernando was killed, the
junction where Major Muthalif was killed, the street where Mr.
Premadasa was killed, the place where Minister C. V. Gunaratne was
killed and the house where Mr. Kadirgamar was killed.
At that time this was a country where fear of death was brought by a parcel that had no owner.
The Tigers were able to do as they wished at any place in the country. There was no place to escape or be safe from the Tigers.
There was no one who came to save the people of this country.
In 1977, the first Executive President of the country who had the power
of a five-sixth majority told the people when they were under attack by
the Tigers that they must look after their own safety . The next
President who took office, ordered 700 policemen to surrender and
betrayed them to the Tigers. They were killed by the Tigers. The Tigers
were also given arms. He was also killed on the road.
The Tigers also killed in Tamil Nadu the Prime Minister of India who
brought them for peace talks and gave the LTTE leader a bullet proof
vest.
Subsequently, although a ceasefire agreement was signed with the
intervention of several foreign countries, and a part of the country was
betrayed to the forces of terror, those who were responsible for that
agreement could not prevent bomb attacks in Colombo. All those who ruled
the country at that time acted in this humiliating manner because they
believed that the Tigers could not be defeated.
We were also told by the entire world not to clash with the Tigers. We
were told to give what they wanted. If we too were so fearful and lowly
we would still be living in a country where one is afraid of a parcel on
the road.
Yet, we had complete faith in the heroism and strength of the youth of
our country. That faith is in you. We had trust in the heroes who were
born from the wombs of the mothers of our land and love the country. We
believed that our young heroes had the strength to take this country
from shame and defeatism to heroism. That is why this country is today a
great nation that is free of the fear of death.
Whatever anyone forgets, or tries to make us forget, there is one thing I
believe in. It is that this great victory was best felt in the hearts
of our small children.
The children of the people in what were then called border villages, who
sheltered to save their lives at night under the large leaves of
habarala plants, and the children of the mothers who guarded the gates
of their schools under the scorching sun, will take this story to the
new generations. Our children will never let this part of our history be
forgotten.
My dear children,
We know that those who had ceasefire agreements that betrayed the
country to the Tigers are making every effort to make us forget the
heroism of this nation. It is those who betrayed the country with the
ceasefire agreement that during the same period, in 2003 proposed to the
World Meteorological Organization that the name of our great king
Mahasen who built 16 tanks should be used to name a great storm. All
international media have mentioned cyclone Mahasen. Will those who
sought to insult King Mahasen who was known as “MinneriDewiyo” for
building the MinneriyaWewa, allow your great service to the nation to be
recorded in history? Are we ready to forget such action?
Friends,
This era should be not go down in history as an era when we were
warring, but an era when war was ended. Not as an era of murder and
bloodshed, an era when tyre pyres were burning at every junction, but as
an era when bloodshed was stopped. Similarly, this era should go down
in history as one that carried out a major transformation to prevent the
occurrence of war again.
Friends,
It is the people in the North and the East who would and should feel
this most. Today, in the north and east of the country, there are twelve
political parties carrying out their activities freely. However, all
political parties that attempted to function freely at that time had to
face the Tiger’s bullet. EROS, PLOTE, EPRLF, EPDP and TELO -- all of
them suffered the same fate. The former leader of the Tamil United
Liberation Front saved his life by living in Colombo. From Duraiappa to
members of Parliament such as Amirthalingam, Sam Thambimuttu and his
wife, and Raviraj – all were silenced forever.
Prabhakaran and his cohorts destroyed the erudite society that could
build the culture of the Tamil people of the north. Just as Prabhakaran,
the political parties that are propping up the Diaspora are still
engaged in an effort to drag Tamil society to destruction. As long as
these groups exist the Tamil people need no other enemies.
The time has come for the people of the north to have a good
understanding of the honesty of those who claim to speak on their
behalf.
You will know that after thirty years, we have given the opportunity to
the fishermen of the north to earn their livelihoods freely at sea.
However, when the fishermen of north go out to sea there are others who
come and grab the fish that is found at that area. It is those who grab
this wealth of the people of the north who seek to bring pressure on
governments on behalf of the Tamil people of the north. The people of
the north should be on their guard in the future too against such
sinister protectors.
When three lakhs of hostages among the northern people came seeking
their freedom there was no one to give even a packet of food to them
other than the security forces, you and the government. The Diaspora
that collects billions supposedly for the Tamil people did not come to
serve their people at that time,they did not come to help the Sri Lankan
Tamil people at that time.
Friends,
The opportunity has now been provided for more that 11,000 persons who
were with the LTTE to be rehabilitated and live freely. These are people
who had committed offences that could keep them for many years behind
bars. Those whose crimes could take them the scaffold. In no other
country will those who were associated with the most ruthless terrorist
organization in the world obtain the pardon as they have received in Sri
Lanka. I am aware that the youth in the north are happy about this
pardon. Fair thinking people are also pleased with this.
As of now nearly 4000 Tamil youth have joined the Civil Defence Corps.
They are now launching cultivation in thousands of acres of land and
participating in the country’s economic development. Several thousand
more are waiting in line to join the security forces and the police.
Initially, it was not those in the South who opposed Tamil youth being
taken to the Armed Forces. It was some persons in the north and leaders
who were abroad who declined this. Thousands of youth in Kilinochchi
recently took to the streets against the decision by the Human Rights
Council in Geneva. This is a victory of victories.
I understand well and recall the hearts and minds of the people of the
north and east. History shows that in the Presidential Election of 1982
the Tamil people of the north defeatedPonnambalam who stood for a
separate state and elected Kobbekaduwa who was from the Sri Lanka
Freedom Party.
I believe that the feeling that we should all live together in a single
country is once again emerging in the hearts of the Tamil people.
Friends,
The armed racist terrorism that existed for several years was used to
control our country in the way that external forces wanted to. Foreign
forces and pressures, foreign invasions are not new to us. In the four
years since this great humanitarian victory there were many strategies
tried out by these forces to rule our Motherland. These included the
Arab Spring, greasedemons, the independent of theJudiciary, media
freedom and human rights. There were attempts to make us file answers to
such charges almost every six months. It is these sinister aims that
are put forward as the protection of human rights and democracy.
However, what is hidden below this is the expectation to break up this
country. Today we have a Sri Lankan nation that is sufficiently matured
to understand this. Through the entirety of the past four years we had
to struggle with these forces. It will be so in the future too. We will
not allow a single inch of the land that you won by the sacrifice of
your life to be taken away. There will be no room for separation.
Friends,
Before me today I see brave sons and daughters of Sri Lanka who are
ready to sacrifice their lives for our Motherland. It is with great
pride that I recall that through thousands of years past there were
hundreds of thousands of brave people ready to sacrifice their lives for
the Motherland. Even if all of us lose our lives for our Motherland,
there will be thousands more who will come to take our place and
sacrifice their own lives for this cause. This is the cause of our
freedom and independence.
Friends,
I recall here the two lines of a poem I read this morning in a newspaper
to be published tomorrow to mark this Humanitarian Victory Day. It said
“Never did we know what fear was. Never were we bothered about life,
but for our land.”
I pray that my Motherland will achieve victory through the strength of this truth
07.03.2013. ජෙනරාල් සරත් ෆොන්සේකා මැතිතුමා සහභාගී වු විශේෂ "සටන" වැඩසටහන
Video Discussion with General Sarath Fonseka on Sirasa TV "Satana" on 07.03.2013.
The Swarnawahini Rathu Ira Interview with Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Ajith Niward Cabral Telecasted on 19th Feb 2013.
"The global economic environment has been challenging, with the US and Europe facing extreme difficulties. However, Sri Lanka through it all has remained resilient due to its macroeconomic fundamentals being strengthened through sound policy decisions. Sri Lanka does not blindly follow the world, the country looks within and ensures that it is strong internally, which has enabled it to face external shocks. Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal is confident that the Sri Lankan economy is on the right track. He is watchful to ensure that no event externally or internally will tilt the sound balance. The Governor believes that Sri Lanka is strong enough if not better than other nations as the country moves forward as the emerging wonder of Asia." (Cabral, Business Today Sep 2011)
Part 1
Interview with the Ajith Nivad Cabraal PART -1 (Wednesday, 26-09-2012)
Say 'No' to ban controversial Islam film "Innocence of Muslims". Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, watch this film with love in your heart towards non-Muslims. It invites you to see Islam in another perspective with an open mind. It shall improve your self-criticism (self inquiry) about what you used to believe in Islam. Self-inquiry in any religion will help to avoid blind-belief of a religion. Blind-belief is a threat to society. I like this film because it invites me to see Islam in a different perspective. I felt offended; felt an insult to Isalm when I saw it for the first time. My mind was not prepared to think in another perspective of Islam (same in other religions). When we hear/see something in a different perspective than what we learned from text books we improve our knowledge. Such different perspectives/ opinions/ critics bring you to a higher level of thinking; increase knowledge; improve tolerance, resistance to unexpected situations, make you creative and problem solving in different situations. It helps people to cultivate tolerance, manage aggression and to avoid violence in the society.
Innocence of Muslims (Sep 12, 2012 by DarthF3TT) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAiOEV0v2RM)
Innocence of Muslims is the Muhammad Movie by Sam Bacile that caused Muslims to kill United States ambassador, J Christopher Stevens. The anti Islam video claims Islam is a lie and Mohammed was a pedophile. Reviews of the Muhammad Film have ranged from "Disgusting" to "the riot laugh of the summer." All rights to Sam Becile or whoever made this film.
(The Kalama Sutta: The Buddha's Charter of Free Inquiry - By Barbara O'Brien)
In most religions, the authority of God or a prophet, as revealed in
scripture and interpreted by religious institutions, is the arbiter of
what is true. Buddhism presents a greater challenge: We are the arbiters of what is
true. However, that doesn't mean that we can choose to believe whatever
we like. The Buddha's teachings on judging truth are found in the Kalama
Sutta. The Kalama Sutta (or Sutra) is found in the oldest Buddhist
scripture, the Tripitaka
(in the Anguttara Nikaya, which is in the Sutra-pitaka). The Kalama
Sutta has gained great favor in the West because of its advice to
question authority and rely on oneself.
However, the Theravada scholar Bhikkhu Bodhi writes
that this sutra is often misinterpreted. "Buddha has been made out to
be a pragmatic empiricist who dismisses all doctrine and faith, and
whose Dhamma is simply a freethinker's kit to truth which invites each
one to accept and reject whatever he likes." Instead, the Buddha
provides examples and a framework by which people can test teachings and
judge their veracity.
Synopsis of the Kalama Sutta
The Buddha and several of his monks traveled through the Kosala
country and entered a town of the Kalama people called Kesaputta. The
Kamala people told the Buddha that many monks and brahmans had come to
Kesaputta before him. Each of these religious men had expounded their
own doctrines and reviled the doctrines of others. "Venerable sir," they
asked the Buddha, "Which of these reverend monks and brahmans spoke the
truth and which falsehood?"
"Of course you are uncertain, Kalamas. Of course you are in doubt.
When there are reasons for doubt, uncertainty is born. So in this case,
Kalamas, don't go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture,
by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreement through
pondering views, by probability, or by the thought, 'This contemplative
is our teacher.' When you know for yourselves that, 'These qualities are
unskillful; these qualities are blameworthy; these qualities are
criticized by the wise; these qualities, when adopted and carried out,
lead to harm & to suffering' -- then you should abandon them."
By the same token, "When you know for yourselves that, 'These
qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless; these qualities
are praised by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried
out, lead to welfare and to happiness' -- then you should enter &
remain in them."
By gently asking them questions, the Buddha guided the Kalamas to
understand that teachings based in greed, hate and delusion are
unskillful. Teachings absent of greed, hate and delusion are skillful.
By applying these criteria, we can understand truth from falsehood.
Skillfulness and the Three Poisons
Greed, anger and ignorance are called the Three Poisons.
The Buddha taught that when our actions are conditioned by the Three
Poisons, the results will be harmful and lead to suffering, stress or
disappointment (dukkha).
So when we are making moral and ethical decisions, we first must
examine ourselves and take care that we aren't in fact allowing
ourselves to be jerked around by the Three Poisons.
Allowing the Three Poisons to steer our actions is called "unskillful," or in Sanskrit, akushala.
Note that the word akushala is often translated into English as "evil."
To do good, we cultivate generosity, loving kindness, and wisdom. Doing
this is Right Effort.
The important point to remember here is that the Kalama Sutta is not a
permission slip to do whatever feels good at the time. It challenges us
to be deeply honest and pure of motivation. The teachings of most
religions deny that such self-honesty and purity are possible, and thus
they teach external authority is necessary.
Ignorance and Wisdom
It's important to be clear about what Buddhism means by "ignorance"
and "wisdom." Ignorance is not a lack of information, and wisdom is not
intelligence or knowledge. Wisdom, or prajna
in Sanskrit, is the realization of things as they are. It is the
understanding or discernment -- beyond mere cognitive knowledge -- of
the Buddha's teaching, especially the teaching of anatta, no self.
At this point you may be grumbling that the Kalama Sutta says we
don't have to believe in doctrines just because some teacher taught
them, even if that teacher was the historical Buddha. And that's right;
you don't have to believe anything just because it comes from authority.
But if you are choosing to walk the Eightfold Path, you are working with Right View to thoroughly realize the teachings of the Four Noble Truths. This is what Buddhism is. This is what enlightenment is.
The next part of the sutta explains the Four Exalted Dwellings: amity, compassion, gladness and equanimity (see also the Four Immeasurables). Those who reside in these dwellings will receive the Four Solaces:
"The disciple of the Noble Ones, Kalamas, who has such a
hate-free mind, such a malice-free mind, such an undefiled mind, and
such a purified mind, is one by whom four solaces are found here and
now.
"'Suppose there is a hereafter and there is a fruit, result, of deeds
done well or ill. Then it is possible that at the dissolution of the
body after death, I shall arise in the heavenly world, which is
possessed of the state of bliss.' This is the first solace found by him.
"'Suppose there is no hereafter and there is no fruit, no result, of
deeds done well or ill. Yet in this world, here and now, free from
hatred, free from malice, safe and sound, and happy, I keep myself.'
This is the second solace found by him.
Notice he's not saying there is or is not an afterlife, just that
skillful behavior will reward you whether there is an afterlife or not.
The Buddha said we can also take solace in not causing evil to others
and not bringing evil on oneself.
Again, the Kalama Sutta is not at all a permission slip to believe
what you want and do what you like. It is, however, a logical argument
that one can know the rightness or wrongness of actions by their effects
and whether they bring you peace and happiness or stress and misery.
Most of the year, like most holy teachers of his time, the Buddha would walk from village to village teaching, answering questions and talking also to people. One day, together with some of his followers, the Buddha arrived at the town KESAPUTTA, home of the KALAMA people. The news spread of Buddha's arrival. "The Buddha is here!" and The enlighten one is here. They have heard about the teacher, a man famous for his great wisdom. Evryone wanted to see him. Respectfully they sat down around him. They had a burning question.
Sir, we often have visits of holly teachers. Each one tells us how to live our lives. Each one tells us that they are right and the other teachers are wrong. Some say if you want to be happy, it is important to burn the right kind of incense every evening.
Another holly teachers come along with their ideas and say they are right and the other teachers are stupid. We dont know who to believe. How can we tell which one is speaking the truth?
I am not surprised about you are confused because this is indeed a difficult question. It is important not to believe what someone tells you, just because lots of other people think like that. Or because it is traditional, or because there are rumours about it.
Advice:
Dont believe someone because they seem to know the scriptures very well, Or because they have strong opinions. Also dont believe what someone says where there is no evidence. or without much discussion. Or just because it sounds familiar. You cant even just believe someone who seems knowledgeable and well educated. Even if you feel respect for them as your teacher. The only way to know whether some is speaking the truth is to test their advice in your own experience. Then if you feel really sure tha the teaching is likely to cause harm or unhappiness you should reject it. If following a teacher's advice make you feel greedy or angry or full of hatred, or confusion, is that helpful? No. Certainly not.
Ask yourself how things might turn out if you follow a particular piece of advice? For example, if you take things which arnt yours, are you likely to cause harm to yourself or others? If you speak untruthfully, or cloud your mind with drinks or drugs are you likely to harm to yourself or others?
You can also think of someone more experienced than you whose opinion you already respect . What would they think of this teaching? If you really think following a particular piece of advice would help you and others become happy, then go ahead. Follow that advice. If you found that following a particular adivice helped you to avoid greed, hatred and confusion such a teaching would be helpful. Wouldn't it? - Yes, it certainly would.
A person who is free from greed, hatred and confusion, will feel much better.
If your mind is free and peaceful, and your heart is full of love and compassion for the whole world, you will experience great comfort and happiness.
I have asked you to look into own experience to decide whether something worth following or not.
But when it comes to what happen after death, its not possible to do this, is it?
There are so many views and pinions but how can we know in our own experience?
However, remember what I have told you today. Living ethically, with kindness and wisdom leads to happiness and well being. This is true for this life. And if there are future lives, it would be true for those too.
So regardless of what you believe, the important thing is that you are trying to live with a clear mind and a kind heart and you can see the consequences of your actions for yourselves and others around you.
Fantastic sir. Fantastic. Its like someone is lightening a candle in the darkness.
The KALAMAS were so impressed and grateful about the Buddha's answer. They decided to go home and live by. his teachings.
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor LYRIC At first I was afraid I was petrified. Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. But then I spent so many nights Thinking how you did me wrong. And I grew strong! And I learned how to get along! So now you're back from out of space. I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face.
I should have changed that stupid lock! I should have made you leave your key! If I had known for just one second you'd be back to bother me.
Go on now, go, walk out that door! Just turn around now‚ cause you're not welcome any more. Weren't you the one who tried to hurt (crush) me with goodbye?
Did I crumble Did I lay down and die Oh no, not I! I will survive! Oh and as long as I know how to love I know I stay alive. I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give. And I'll survive! I will survive! Hey, hey.
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart. Kept tryin' hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart! And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself. I used to cry! But now I hold my head up high. And you see me somebody new! I'm not that chained-up little person still in love with you.
And so you feel like droppin' in, and just expect me to be free, now I'm saving all my loving for someone who is loving me!
The Inter-Parliamentary Council,
Reaffirming the Inter-Parliamentary Union's commitment
to peace and development and convinced that the strengthening
of the democratisation process and representative institutions
will greatly contribute to attaining this goal,
Reaffirming also the calling and commitment of the
Inter-Parliamentary Union to promoting democracy and the establishment
of pluralistic systems of representative government in the world,
and wishing to strengthen its sustained and multiform action
in this field,
Recalling that each State has the sovereign right, freely
to choose and develop, in accordance with the will of its people,
its own political, social, economic and cultural systems without
interference by other States in strict conformity with the United
Nations Charter,
Recallingalso the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights adopted on 10 December 1948, as well as the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted on 16 December
1966, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination adopted on 21 December 1965 and the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
adopted on 18 December 1979,
Recalling further the Declaration on Criteria for Free
and Fair Elections which it adopted in March 1994 and in which
it confirmed that in any State the authority of the government
can derive only from the will of the people as expressed in genuine,
free and fair elections,
Referring to the Agenda for Democratisation presented
on 20 December 1996 by the UN Secretary-General to the 51st session
of the United Nations General Assembly,
Adopts the following Universal Declaration on
Democracy and urges Governments and Parliaments throughout
the world to be guided by its content:
FIRST PART - THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY
1. Democracy is a universally recognised ideal as well as a goal,
which is based on common values shared by peoples throughout the
world community irrespective of cultural, political, social and
economic differences. It is thus a basic right of citizenship
to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency
and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views,
and in the interest of the polity.
2. Democracy is both an ideal to be pursued and a mode of government
to be applied according to modalities which reflect the diversity
of experiences and cultural particularities without derogating
from internationally recognised principles, norms and standards.
It is thus a constantly perfected and always perfectible state
or condition whose progress will depend upon a variety of political,
social, economic, and cultural factors.
3. As an ideal, democracy aims essentially to preserve and promote
the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, to achieve
social justice, foster the economic and social development of
the community, strengthen the cohesion of society and enhance
national tranquillity, as well as to create a climate that is
favourable for international peace. As a form of government, democracy
is the best way of achieving these objectives; it is also the
only political system that has the capacity for self-correction.
4. The achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership
between men and women in the conduct of the affairs of society
in which they work in equality and complementarity, drawing mutual
enrichment from their differences.
5. A state of democracy ensures that the processes by which power
is acceded to, wielded and alternates allow for free political
competition and are the product of open, free and non-discriminatory
participation by the people, exercised in accordance with the
rule of law, in both letter and spirit.
6. Democracy is inseparable from the rights set forth in the international
instruments recalled in the preamble. These rights must therefore
be applied effectively and their proper exercise must be matched
with individual and collective responsibilities.
7. Democracy is founded on the primacy of the law and the exercise
of human rights. In a democratic State, no one is above the law
and all are equal before the law.
8. Peace and economic, social and cultural development are both
conditions for and fruits of democracy. There is thus interdependence
between peace, development, respect for and observance of the
rule of law and human rights.
SECOND PART - THE ELEMENTS AND EXERCISE OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT
9. Democracy is based on the existence of well-structured and
well-functioning institutions, as well as on a body of standards
and rules and on the will of society as a whole, fully conversant
with its rights and responsibilities.
10. It is for democratic institutions to mediate tensions and
maintain equilibrium between the competing claims of diversity
and uniformity, individuality and collectivity, in order to enhance
social cohesion and solidarity.
11. Democracy is founded on the right of everyone to take part
in the management of public affairs; it therefore requires the
existence of representative institutions at all levels and, in
particular, a Parliament in which all components of society are
represented and which has the requisite powers and means to express
the will of the people by legislating and overseeing government
action.
12. The key element in the exercise of democracy is the holding
of free and fair elections at regular intervals enabling the people's
will to be expressed. These elections must be held on the basis
of universal, equal and secret suffrage so that all voters can
choose their representatives in conditions of equality, openness
and transparency that stimulate political competition. To that
end, civil and political rights are essential, and more particularly
among them, the rights to vote and to be elected, the rights to
freedom of expression and assembly, access to information and
the right to organise political parties and carry out political
activities. Party organisation, activities, finances, funding
and ethics must be properly regulated in an impartial manner in
order to ensure the integrity of the democratic processes.
13. It is an essential function of the State to ensure the enjoyment
of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights to its
citizens. Democracy thus goes hand in hand with an effective,
honest and transparent government, freely chosen and accountable
for its management of public affairs.
14. Public accountability, which is essential to democracy, applies
to all those who hold public authority, whether elected or non-elected,
and to all bodies of public authority without exception. Accountability
entails a public right of access to information about the activities
of government, the right to petition government and to seek redress
through impartial administrative and judicial mechanisms.
15. Public life as a whole must be stamped by a sense of ethics
and by transparency, and appropriate norms and procedures must
be established to uphold them.
16. Individual participation in democratic processes and public
life at all levels must be regulated fairly and impartially and
must avoid any discrimination, as well as the risk of intimidation
by State and non-State actors.
17. Judicial institutions and independent, impartial and effective
oversight mechanisms are the guarantors for the rule of law on
which democracy is founded. In order for these institutions and
mechanisms fully to ensure respect for the rules, improve the
fairness of the processes and redress injustices, there must be
access by all to administrative and judicial remedies on the basis
of equality as well as respect for administrative and judicial
decisions both by the organs of the State and representatives
of public authority and by each member of society.
18. While the existence of an active civil society is an essential
element of democracy, the capacity and willingness of individuals
to participate in democratic processes and make governance choices
cannot be taken for granted. It is therefore necessary to develop
conditions conducive to the genuine exercise of participatory
rights, while also eliminating obstacles that prevent, hinder
or inhibit this exercise. It is therefore indispensable to ensure
the permanent enhancement of, inter alia, equality, transparency
and education and to remove obstacles such as ignorance, intolerance,
apathy, the lack of genuine choices and alternatives and the absence
of measures designed to redress imbalances or discrimination of
a social, cultural, religious and racial nature, or for reasons
of gender.
19. A sustained state of democracy thus requires a democratic
climate and culture constantly nurtured and reinforced by education
and other vehicles of culture and information. Hence, a democratic
society must be committed to education in the broadest sense of
the term, and more particularly civic education and the shaping
of a responsible citizenry.
20. Democratic processes are fostered by a favourable economic
environment; therefore, in its overall effort for development,
society must be committed to satisfying the basic economic needs
of the most disadvantaged, thus ensuring their full integration
in the democratic process.
21. The state of democracy presupposes freedom of opinion and
expression; this right implies freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers.
22. The institutions and processes of democracy must accommodate
the participation of all people in homogeneous as well as heterogeneous
societies in order to safeguard diversity, pluralism and the right
to be different in a climate of tolerance.
23. Democratic institutions and processes must also foster decentralised
local and regional government and administration, which is a right
and a necessity, and which makes it possible to broaden the base
of public participation.
THIRD PART - THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION OF DEMOCRACY
24. Democracy must also be recognised as an international
principle, applicable to international organisations and to States
in their international relations. The principle of international
democracy does not only mean equal or fair representation of States;
it also extends to the economic rights and duties of States.
25. The principles of democracy must be applied to the international
management of issues of global interest and the common heritage
of humankind, in particular the human environment.
26. To preserve international democracy, States must ensure that
their conduct conforms to international law, refrain from the
use or threat of force and from any conduct that endangers or
violates the sovereignty and political or territorial integrity
of other States, and take steps to resolve their differences by
peaceful means.
27. A democracy should support democratic principles in international
relations. In that respect, democracies must refrain from undemocratic
conduct, express solidarity with democratic governments and non-State
actors like non-governmental organisations which work for democracy
and human rights, and extend solidarity to those who are victims
of human rights violations at the hands of undemocratic régimes.
In order to strengthen international criminal justice, democracies
must reject impunity for international crimes and serious violations
of fundamental human rights and support the establishment of a
permanent international criminal court.
July 1, 2012 The United States says the government has to have an action plan that deals with reconciliation issues.
During a live video online chat with journalists from around the
world including Sri Lanka, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner said that as far as the
U.S is concerned there is a big unfinished agenda in Sri Lanka.
“We are going to continue to raise those issues with the government,”
Posner said in response to a question raised by a Sri Lankan
journalist.
The online discussion was mainly focused on the U.S State Department’s annual global human rights report released recently.
Posner recalled the discussions he and Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton had with External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris in Washington
recently.
He said that a range of issues were discussed including issues which
continue to be of concern and the U.S government will continue to push
on those issues.
“We are happy that there is a Lessons Learned and Reconciliation
Commission but the government has to have an action plan that deals with
reconciliation issues, deals with the issues of discrimination still
going on in the north and a range of other things to incorporate the
Tamil population into the life blood of Sri Lanka,” he said.
He also said that the U.S has not singled out Sri Lanka and that U.S
will apply the same standard under the universal declaration to Sri
Lanka as is applied with other countries.
Posner meanwhile rejected the characterization that the US has become an arbitrator to human rights around the world.
Asked if the human rights report can be used as a tool to take action
against Sri Lanka or any other country, Posner said that the purpose of
the report is to give the US a baseline of information on what’s going
on in every country in the world.
“Every country is evaluated by the same set of standards or criteria.
It gives us a basis for making policy but it’s not a policy making
document. It’s a tool for diplomats on how to deal with a country,” he
said.
Most
Venerable Maduluwave Sobitha Thera has set up an organization called
“Peoples’ movement towards a just and righteous society” to ‘bring
democracy back to Sri Lanka.’ Ven. Sobitha Thera says that in order
to sustain democracy in the country it is essential that a peoples’
movement, geared towards the creation of a just and righteous society,
is brought to power.
In an interview with LAKBIMAnEWS, the thera
said: “If a country is governed according to democratic norms and
principles then such governance should be evident to everyone.”
Excerpts of the interview:
But
it is not so anymore. The first is the independence of the judiciary.
It is now clear to the country that there is no more independence within
the judiciary. It has become way too politicized. The public is aware
how some people withdraw court cases they have filed at the eleventh
hour, just when a case is about to be called. In fact cases are
withdrawn by the Attorney General (AG). In some instances, when an
appeal is lost, such cases are withdrawn. So where is the democracy
in such a situation, you tell me? Everyone in this country has to abide
by the law. There has to be a mechanism whereby the independence of the
judiciary is protected at all times. Some of the Supreme Court judges,
once they retire are showered with top posts along with excellent perks.
They know that when they retire they are going to be well looked after.
Such expectations and hopes should not be given to SC judges. They
should lead quiet lives once they retire.
Police force politicized
Secondly, the police force has to be entrusted with the task of maintaining law and order devoid of political influence.
Today
the police force has become politicized so much so that there is no
independence for the police force in the country to carry out their job.
The
best example is the underworld leader, Julampitiye Amare, who despite
over 100 warrants against him, could not be apprehended by the police.
He moved openly while brandishing firearms. Under whose authority did he
do this, or how could he do this?
It is clear to the public as to
who is shielding whom. The police later said that Amare had only five
warrants. In that case, wasn’t that number of warrants sufficient to
arrest him? The unfortunate incident at Katuwana occurred due to Amare
being allowed by the government and the police to roam freely. There are
scores of other instances that could be cited to justify claims that
the Police Department has become politicized, from the very top to the
lowest ranks.
Using clout to flout rules
Third,
there is no use in conducting elections under the present system of
elections. Conducting polls sans an independent election commission
leads to blatant violations of all election rules when polls are
conducted. No election rules can be enforced without the establishment
of an independent election commission.
It is the incumbent government
that is using its clout to flout all such rules. This has been true in
the past, it is true at present and it will be the case in the future as
well unless the situation is transformed,” said Sobitha Thera.
Independent commissions
The
thera (see main story) also said that even the LLRC recommendations
have highlighted the setting up of independent judicial, police,
election and state service commissions, and bemoaned the fact that the
government has done nothing proactive to address these issues.
He
maintained that if independent commissions are set up they will also go a
long way towards establishing democracy in the country and will pave
the way for a lasting solution to the national issue as well.
“The
Executive President could overrule any laws or acts adopted by
parliament. Such is the authority and power vested in him. Even in the
Mahinda Chinthana it has been clearly stated that the Executive
Presidency will be abolished. This was even stated by former President
Chandrika Kumaratunga,” Sobitha Thera observed.
The Chief Incumbent
of the Kotte Sri Naga Vihara said that the onus is on the government to
set up and activate the independent commissions if they are sincere or
genuine in their efforts to establish democratic norms and principles in
the country.
He also emphasized that the government had invited the
wrath of the international lobby vis-a-vis the Geneva resolution that
was passed early this year due to it not being sincere in its efforts to
traverse the path of democracy.
“Clearly the government has failed
in allowing the people to live in peace and sans any fear. There were
scores of incidents that took place in the past where people were
allegedly abducted by white vans, etc. Now this too is a form of
terrorism that is being unleashed in the country and the government is
not determined to eradicate it though they wiped out Prabakaran’s
terrorism. What we are requesting from the government is to look into
these issues seriously. This was the same message given to the
government by both the UNHRC in Geneva and the LLRC report, (LLRC is Lessons Learned Reconciliation Commission)” the thera
averred.
Ven. Sobitha Thera said that it is time for all Sri Lankans
to put aside their differences, whatever they may be and force the
government of the day to adhere to democratic principles and maintain
democracy in governance.
He also urged ministers and MPs to raise a voice from within the government circles towards this end.
“This
request carries no party, race, caste, creed or affiliation. It is the
crying need of the hour of all Sri Lankans. Justice is our religion.
Equality is our religion. Independence is our religion and freedom is
our religion. It is about time that the people take to the streets to
achieve all of these,” he affirmed.
Maduluwave Sobitha Thera insisted that he is not interested in setting up a joint opposition.
“This
should not be construed as the setting up of a joint opposition. That
is entirely different from what we are planning right now. We do not
have political undertones or connections. We encompass all citizens in
this country without discriminating anyone under any circumstance. All
are welcome - irrespective of who they are,” he asserted.
“The
Executive President could overrule any laws or acts adopted by
parliament. Such is the authority and power vested in him. Even in the
Mahinda Chinthana it has been clearly stated that the Executive
Presidency will be abolished. This was even stated by former President
Chandrika Kumaratunga,” Sobitha Thera observed.