Comments on: Jaffna: Retrospect and Prospect

By: Ekcol

Ekcol — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:34:29 +0000

Somapala,
Souls like you are rare as a gem. You practice Buddhism without preaching it. I have a picture of the Kachcheri, taken in 1961, as you would have seen it then. I was in Kilinochchi when the displacement took place, trying to help resettling them in temporary shelters and feeding them, and erecting temporary schools for the children. As it was so sudden no one, including the INGOs and UN institutions had prepared for it.

Your work will be appreciated by all. Unfortunately, disappearances and mass graves also happened during that period under Brigadiers Daluwatha, Weerasooriya and Janaka Perera, and under Chandrika’s watch, like it is happening during the last three years under the Watch of the Rajapakse brothers.

I knew Thamilchelvam. He would have welcomed you with his heart and mind. But then you would have been tarred as a terrorist. I am glad you were spared that pain to tell your story. I hope you can write a children’s book, in all three languages, so that we can have a future generation with more compassion to their fellow being.

By: Rajan

Rajan — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:40:54 +0000

I just want to add my appreciation of Mr Gunadheera’s services, and commend this to all of us, as an attitude to be followed!

By: punitham

punitham — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:01:36 +0000

I hope Citizenship Education lessons at schools use this article as a resource.

By: Shanil

Shanil — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:38:29 +0000

Well said Raj and ALAM,

The Sri Lankan Civil service for the most part is woeful, it’s heartening to know that its incompetence is not absolute. Thank you Mr.Gunadheera

By: ALAM

ALAM — Sat, 24 May 2008 07:37:10 +0000

when people come into power position,they must not have pride in them or motives other than serving the people who have put there trust in giving them the position to do the job . I salute the person for his practical application of his abilities, but i take it he was appointed for the job because he was capable of handling the job.
The problem i see with the civil service in SRi LANKA is the clark mentality (if the person is not taking bribes) or a corrupt official who will do any thing for money.
This should change by re-education on problem solving skills and thinking latterally(out of the box) to solve problems of the people not be a impediment for peoples progress.

By: George

George — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:57:17 +0000

Thanks for writing this heartwarming account. And thanks, Mr. Gunadheera, for your selfless service to fellow Sri Lankans, whether they live in the North or the South.

By: Raj Karunaratnam

Raj Karunaratnam — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:51:19 +0000

What a fantastic person with the right attitude. If all of the Sinhalese held this view…lets remain Sri Lankans – multi-ethnic, multi-religious but equals…but doubt that the intransigence of humans can melt so easily and so the fight goes on….