Response to “Racing tanks with Bicycles: A parable of ‘Reconciliation’ in Sri Lanka”
Repost This Article
Image via Facebook photo set by Akiy Photography.
In the wake of a Project where essential school items, bicycles and other items were donated at the Seeniyamottai resettlement village in December 2012, much discussion has taken place in public forums as to certain concerns it raises including in the recent article in ‘Groundviews’ by Amal de Chickera (read Racing Tanks with Bicycles: A Parable of ‘Reconciliation’ in Sri Lanka). Sri Lanka Unites as a movement would like to reply and to clarify some of the mistaken assertions.
It must be stated at the outset, as indicated by Amal de Chickera himself, that his thoughts and ideas were spurred by browsing through images on a social media site. With all respect to the author’s best efforts and the website for their citizen’s journalism initiatives, it would surely have been better if the article was based on a wider and deeper level of information and the courtesy of a consultation with Sri Lanka Unites or connected groups involved in the project.
Sri Lanka Unites in Mullaitivu
Our journey with the people of Mullaitivu began in 2009. We gained access to serve the community at Menik Farm through Sarvodaya. At the time, the current Sri Lanka Unites National Director was a program coordinator for Sarvodaya – a position he took on because he wanted to serve his people during a very difficult period. He had been an IDP his entire childhood. He had lived in multiple IDP camps, been a student of 13 schools as a result of the war. He could be considered someone who understands at least a little of the people’s plight in Seeniyamottai.
He could have easily continued to live in Colombo, pursue his education and write an occasional article about the injustice to assuage his guilty conscience. Yet he chose the difficult journey of living among his people and responding to them in their time of need.
In his own words, “I spent the first 18 years of my life, since the day I was born, in a war torn environment, repeatedly displaced and leading the life of an IDP, without proper clothing, food, shelter, healthcare or a proper education, living in the worst places within the worst environments. Though these were bitter experiences, it did have some benefit. As a result of my experience, I was able to understand the pain and suffering of the people living in poverty and I became sensitive to their needs and felt an urge to help them and it also sowed the seeds for a lifelong commitment in service of such people.
As a result, after my A/Levels in 2004 I had the opportunity to aid my people in the North and the East who were in great distress as a result of the conflict. Till 2011 I was able to reach out to thousands of people by going from village to village and to IDP Camps and serving the people and alleviating their pain, until the time they were resettled. I consider this to be one of the greatest privileges of my life. Today my goal is that no one should endure a childhood of despair such mine. People should not suffer without their basic needs being met; they should have the capacity to fulfill for their social, economic and political needs through just means, and to this end I will work.”
The image of a top-down patronizing charity does not correspond to the reality of Sri Lanka Unites which rests on lateral relationships with the youth of Sri Lanka. One of our biggest strengths is the School Chapters Island wide. Vattapalai Maha Vidyalayam is one of our strongest school chapters nationally. The school has been part of numerous projects and produced some of our best student leaders over the years. These student leaders were instrumental in introducing us to the Seeniyamottai relocation site, which is situated a few kilometers from the school. It is our commitment to Vattapalai MV, and requests from our student leaders there that encouraged us to get involved here.
The People of Kepapilavu
In October 2012, 20 students from all across the country (including two students from Mullaitivu) visited Seeniyamottai during the Sri Lanka Unites School Relations Tour. Following this visit, the Sri Lanka Unites national team made two further visits to the area to meet the people and discuss what could be done. Our efforts were based upon their request, and the focus was on students. Since all the school-goers from the site attended Vattapalai MV, it made all the more sense for us to get involved.
Our student leaders in Mullaitivu carried out a survey in Seeniyamottai. Data as to the number of children, gender, age was gathered and their requirements were specifically noted and helped us to determine where we could get involved. We were not so arrogant as to second-guess the people’s wishes in establishing priorities.
Students living in Seeniyamottai have a few kilometers to walk to school with very limited public transport. Bicycles are not just a mode of transport but also help in their day to day activities. The distribution of bicycles and essential school items has everything to do with the academic future of the children which is of vital concern. Just because the situation is not life or death, as it was in Goma does not make children’s education petty or secondary!
Our Approach
SLU has always acted as a non political, non partisan, multi ethnic and multi religious youth based movement.
‘Our decision to get involved is based upon humanitarian concern and the duty of a movement for reconciliation to be a ray of hope, however small it maybe, for the innocents who have been victimized by all parties. However, as a nonpartisan movement we do not endorse any decision made by any party in regard to this settlement. Our actions are meant to meet the immediate needs of the community.’ – Sri Lanka Unites Newsletter (November, 2012)
There are obviously broader concerns to be addressed such as the legal and political matters which are admittedly direct concerns for reconciliation to materialize. Within the mandate and long term objectives of SLU we have identified our role in this process.
SLU has its own approach to Reconciliation. As a non partisan youth movement we need not necessarily involve ourselves in discussing politics publicly. We need not necessarily be a political agitator. We need not necessarily challenge and agitate against the state. There have been enough youth movements in our country who used violence to further political agendas. We will not risk using our movement to politicize our students.
SLU’s approach is to invest in the next generation of politicians and leaders of Sri Lanka from every district, ethnicity, religion and economic background. We invest in the youth by implanting the seeds of altruism, leadership, and reconciliation which will lead to proactive and creative ways of achieving positive change in their communities and society.
In its brief existence SLU has connected youth from all over the island, creating a space for discussion, understanding and walking in one another’s shoes. It has created a youthful enthusiasm, a spirit of adventure culminating in ‘actual civil’ action – people to people and Sri Lankan to Sri Lankan: through the Future Leaders Conference, the School relations Tour, Champions of Change, SHOW You Care and our other activities. We have still a lot to learn including from our mistakes and are always ready to listen to constructive criticism.
We don’t believe in waiting for the government, military or political parties, international NGO’s or anyone else to initiate activity. By the time the political deadlock is sorted, grievances are heard , political and legal settlement of land issues are understood, another generation will lose opportunities for a proper education, employment and connectivity with the rest of Sri Lanka.
Our movement consists of thousands of individuals. Not for one moment do we suggest that we as individuals do not have personal opinions and convictions on these larger questions.
Working with the Military
SLU on principle does not work with the military. We have consciously not had them to be a direct part of any of our activities.
Our previous projects in the years before as well as other projects in the same area bear testament to that matter. For instance the ‘Shoebox Project’ connecting children from Colombo directly with a child in Mullaitivu was done without any military presence and this was fully organized by Sri Lanka Unites members and civilians of Mullaitivu.
However admittedly there was a military presence at the Project at the Seeniyamottai Resettlement Village where school supplies, bicycles, kitchen tools and the likes were handed out. The Foundation of Goodness organized this event and most of the items were provided by them. The SLU Chapter in Australia donated money for 80 of the essential school items packs. Bikes for Life Campaign led by Kumar Sangakkara along with the Foundation of Goodness donated the bicycles. SLU was invited to participate at this ceremony in the capacity of a donor and also because we were instrumental in bringing the people’s needs to their attention.
Our Future Plans in Mullaitivu
As noted above, Sri Lanka Unites has had a presence in Mullaitivu, and we intend to preserve it. Here we present some of our long term plans for Mullaitivu.
We believe that spreading the resources and opportunities for good education will pave the way for youth to become strong voices for their community. We will continue to push forward to ensure the next generation does not need to live dependent on anybody but can sustain themselves with a proper education.
By the end of the year 2013 we are committed to create 300 employment opportunities in Mullaitivu.
We have already begun to partner with corporate sponsors, Sri Lanka Unites Diaspora chapters and small business owners around the country to design a strategy that will create jobs for the community. We are ready to launch our educational and operational hub in Mullaitivu. The Reconciliation Center project – as we call it – aims to provide scholarships in IT, English and Business entrepreneurship.
To Help the People of Kepapilavu
A Sinhala member of the School Relations Tour registered her experience in Kepapilavu in the following words ‘The tragedy and suffering we witnessed is truly distressing and we’re all deeply moved. We spoke to several families living there and found out that they’ve just been relocated from Menik Farm into what they’ve been told are their permanent homes. These ‘homes’ are basically shacks made out of wooden pillars with rackety tin roofs. The lands these people once had are no longer accessible let alone theirs. They have gone through so much and the stories they tell have you inspired by their moral strength.’
The plight of these people has not changed. The houses promised by the Indian government may well take another three years to materialize. In the mean time there are no proper toilet or sanitary facilities available, and a water tank to provide water to the people is still needed.
Sri Lanka Unites also tried to create awareness about the plight of these people at the student workshops held in 7 districts (namely Matara, Galle, Hambantota, Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Puttalam), through photos, videos and direct testimonies by the student members of the School Relations Tour (a team comprising of students from 7 provinces). A Sinhala Buddhist boy from a district like Matara, speaking of the plight and injustice faced by the people of Seeniyamottai at a workshop held in his own hometown is characteristic of what Sri Lanka Unites is all about.
We don’t believe that the reduction in the level of misery will delegitimize the inalienable rights of the people. You can stand back and watch, you can sit back and comment cynically – in which case the military will be the only body helping the people of Keppapilavu. Or you can do something about it. That is what Sri Lanka Unites has chosen to do.
Sri Lanka Unites believes in being transparent about its activities and making available information about our activities through our website, blog and periodic newsletters. However, a drawback in being a movement largely based on volunteerism is that at times we may have to sacrifice PR to have more hands on the deck for urgent and immediate action. However, if there are concerns or criticisms about the activities of Sri Lanka Unites, we are open to hear them, clarify and learn through them.
I totally agree. Sri lanka unites have supported our endeavours to bring awareness to child abuse, and i think they are a group of kids passionate about trying to make sri lanka a better place. They may not be perfect but their intentions are pure. Their work is more important than the armchair scribes nasty comments, we can all only do what we can and its a whole lot better than sitting aroung criticizing . Every drop of water can turn into a puddle a river an ocean. Keep up the good work Sei Lanka Unites.
@Caryll Tozer
Reading between the lines of SLU’s response to Amal de Chickera, one discerns a mixed bag of reactions. It is apologetic in certain respects, defensive in others and defiant in yet other aspects.
It is clear however that Amal’s incisive and thought provoking critique of not just SLU, but many civil society initiatives in general vis a vis the matter of reconciliation has struck deep. The lengthy response by SLU is indicative of the respect shown to Amal’s article and the concluding sentence aptly reflects this: “However, if there are concerns or criticisms about the activities of Sri Lanka Unites, we are open to hear them, clarify and learn through them.”
Contrast this to the comments of someone like Caryll Tozer:
“Their work is more important than the armchair scribes nasty comments, we can all only do what we can and its a whole lot better than sitting around criticizing”. She means well and sounds indignant on SLU’s behalf, but it also shows her naivette and the lack of intellectual depth to understand the profound and provocative arguments put forward by Amal, hence her reference to “armchair scribes (sic) nasty comments”.
In such situations it is best not to offer comments, but then sometimes we are so simple minded that we don’t even know that we don’t know. A second and in Caryll’s case, a more probable reason, is that she like many of us, is so caught up in the dominant and self perpetuating discourse pervading society that she is unable and does not wish to see the bigger picture. It is this dominant discourse that we have to fight, if we are to forge more just and reconciled society, and this is what critical thinkers like Amal are attempting to do.
Cyberviews,
SLU response to Amal is Polite but hard hitting.
SLU has pointed out that Amal’s best efforts were not good enough as he bases his arguments on SUPERFICIAL information. That is not the hallmark of a critical thinker.
“It must be stated at the outset, as indicated by Amal de Chickera himself, that his thoughts and ideas were spurred by browsing through images on a social media site. With all respect to the author’s best efforts and the website for their citizen’s journalism initiatives, it would surely have been better if the article was based on a wider and deeper level of information and the courtesy of a consultation with Sri Lanka Unites or connected groups involved in the project.”
You seem to have confounded politeness with respect.
If Amal, who I suspect is a staff member of the Equal Rights Trust, has a better way of doing things it would be interesting to see what he and his trust has done by way of helping these unfortunate children to obtain an education.
Lets wait and see what Amal has to say and offer.
Well, we do witness highly EDUCATED persons supporting Dictatorships and even tyranny as a “repayment in gratitude” for all the material support they got during their school-days’ and even thereafter.
We do also witness the “economically poor” exchanging their rights for a few rupees that too as a “repayment in gratitude”.
These or this is one of the causes for the “rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer”.
In a “truly democratic system” it is the “majority” who come to power. In the present-day situation, the “poor” are the “majority” but still they do not come to power. They are the “subjects” of the “minority” who are in power.
The rich are providing us with “fish” to eat but they do not teach us how to catch a “fish” or do not give us the mechanism to catch a “fish”.
@Cyberviews touched a nerve with my comments did i? Rather than your rude comments re my intlligence or lack thereof, read my comment again and remember i said i have worked with these kids before therefor i am, in a position to speak on their behalf. Also trust me there is worse things pevading our society than your implied “self perpetuating discourse.
There does not seem to be any comments on the stated aims and objectives of SLU which in my opinion are more “economics” unmindful of other needs.. They do not display any moral or social strength. Their (the recipients’) self-respect and dignity must be cultivated further and respected by “others”. Reconciliation can be brought about ONLY by respecting the “other” persons self-respect and dignity in the first place. “Money” will not give him the much needed “self-respect and dignity”. His “freedom” is more important than “money”. Only a “slave” will be delighted to receive “money” without “self-respect, dignity and freedom” to him. It is agreed that “Money” is needed in this world for anything and everything BUT NOT at the expanse of “self-respect, dignity and freedom”
Striving hard to establish a system that would help to eradicate injustice, discrimination, corruption and oppression – the four pillars of an evil society – and help to establish the “Rule of Law” for sustainable peace, tranquility and prosperity and a pleasant harmonious living with dignity and respect for all the inhabitants in the country is not “politics” BUT the ESSENTIAL NEED of the inhabitants.
I hope the SLU will give serious consideration to work for the above.
Sie.K,
“Within the mandate and long term objectives of SLU we have identified our role in this process.”
It would seem that Sri Lanka Unites has a vision, and is working towards it.
“SLU’s approach is to invest in the next generation of politicians and leaders of Sri Lanka from every district, ethnicity, religion and economic background. We invest in the youth by implanting the seeds of altruism, leadership, and reconciliation which will lead to proactive and creative ways of achieving positive change in their communities and society.”
If you think there is a better way to destroy the ‘four pillars of an evil society’, why not do it? I am sure that some SLU folks would be happy to assist you.
“SLU’s approach is to invest in the next generation of politicians and leaders of Sri Lanka”. It is a very good investment IF IT TURNS OUT as such.
But then take a minimum of another ten to fifteen years for this Leaders to emerge which is a very long time taking into account the ACCELERATED SPEED with which the present day politicians are moving. It might turn out to be too late.
We must move backwards to the “good old days” the politicians were not tooo… powerful like today. That is the personalities of the “underworld” are stepping into “party politics” to grab power. The “not-well-to-do” criminals belong to the “underworld” while the “well-to-do” belong to the “mafia”.
So please do something NOW to give enough “space” for our future Leaders to do what we expect them to do. That is my request. I am criticizing the good work of the SLU but I expressed my fears for the future and to take some safety measures well in time before it is toooo… late.
A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.
A very big mistake crept in my previous post. The last sentence should read as “I am NOT criticizing the good work of the SLU but I expressed my fears for the future and to take some safety measures well in time before it is toooo… late.”
I apologize for the error.
There are no shortcuts to justice, peace or reconciliation!
I do not think that I should disagree with you.
I thinks these kids just don’t understand. They are not going to achieve reconciliation or even move close towards that. The only way to achieve true reconciliation is if there is Justice, accountability and equality. Giving out useless things to children with military help is in fact doing the exact opposite of what reconciliation should truly look like.
Dear David,
The efforts made by SLU in Mullaithivu was not initiated towards reconciliation but toward alleviating the pain suffered by the people and was initiated by the request of the people in the villiage. This is just one project that has been done by SLU of the many that has been initiated. Efforts for reconciliation by SLU has been made during the Future Leaders Conference and deeper issues such as justice, accountability and equality like you mentioned is discussed during the Mentoring Weekend / Champions of Change and during the sessions that the Dream Team has during the school relations tour. Sri Lanka Unites believes in reconciliation having to start from the grassroots of the country but SLU does not say that this is the only solution towards recociliation, its just one solution that we implement in a systematic manner in which a young student leader would understand towards the problem in the country when it comes to reconciliation. Tapping into deeper issues of a young mind is a very sensitive and dangerous thing and should not be rushed as it has a high possibility of creating more animosity among the various ethnicities present during the conference or any other SLU based event.
As for your accusations that school packs and bicycles are of no values, I find it rather immature and amusing as it shows the lack of research that has been made by you in finding out the needs of these people. The lack of facilities for the children to have a proper education was there even when they had their lands.
Glad to note that some of the “TRUTH” are coming to the surface little by little. That is how a 15 to 20 year program of an NGO works.
You are correct in saying that certain things must not be “rushed” but then my worry was where will these students be by the year 2028. Would they be able to “regain” the things their parents and relatives lost? They seem to being brought up in a different environment where questions would not be asked about “violations of human rights and other basic rights”.
Am I wrong in saying that as long as you are prepared to accept what is given and not asking for anything extra like Oliver Twist, there will always be peace and harmony in ALL the countries.
Dear Sie.Kathieravealu,
We already have dynamic student leaders from our first and second future leaders conferences stepping out of school and it’s heartening to know that they are standing against the injustices . These students not only stood up against injustices of their own ethnicity but of other as well.
Example:
When the incidents in Dambulla Mosque occurred it was very encouraging to know how so many of our students who were non Muslims expressed their concerns and voiced out against the injustices which had occured.
It has only taken four years for the first batch of students from our first and second conferences to step out into society and already engage in activities which they pursue for a better and righteous Sri Lanka to live in. The future can only seem brighter with such students taking a stand for whats right and the best is yet to come as we always say. It is of our strong belief that these students are being led in the right path and will strive hard in correcting the mistakes of the past.
In my personal view SLU has done a tremendous job in the last four years compared to any other organization that I have observed in mentoring young student leaders to stand up for whats right and in creating change.
Thanks izou 01/14/2013 • 9:17 pm for your kind response. My comments given elsewhere is copied.
A comment on the article by Amal de Chickera titled “Racing Tanks with Bicycles” has been published as another article.
It is to be seen whether SLU and others who supported the “Charity” of the SLU would actually come out to defend the necessity that compelled them to hide the naked truth.
Most probably they will accept the last paragraph in the article as the way they want or have been told to bring in the “reconciliation” to hoodwink those who want the minimum by asking the Government to implement the Recommendations OF ITS OWN LLRC.
The last paragraph in the said article is given below for your information
A parable of a stolen cycle
Charity to me is a positive thing, to be fostered. But it should be saved from being used as a tool to cover up land grabbing and other abuses – by perpetrators themselves or others.
I would also like to end with a story of a cycle I have heard from East Timor. Two boys were friends. One boy, the stronger and more powerful one, from an influential family, stole the cycle of the weaker boy. The boy owning the cycle did not complain nor fight. But the boys stopped talking to each other and the friendship ended. After some time, the boy who stole the cycle came around in the same cycle and told the owner of the cycle, “our friendship is more important than a cycle, so let us forget the cycle and be friends”. There was no mention or indication that he was going to return the cycle, apologize, make up for his actions in any way, or make a commitment never to act in that way again.
Will such a model of reconciliation work?
To Sei.Kathie
Two boys were friends. One boy, the stronger and more powerful one, from an influential family, stole the cycle of the weaker boy. The boy owning the cycle did not complain nor fight. But the boys stopped talking to each other and the friendship ended. After some time, the boy who stole the cycle came around in the same cycle and told the owner of the cycle, “our friendship is more important than a cycle, so let us forget the cycle and be friends”.
ending 1:
The boy was angry and hurt “you are a thief, you stole my bicycle” he said, “now you come here without even returning my property, without apologizing you want to be friends again”.
The mother of the poor boy heard what was going on and came outside, she tried to talk sense into the rich boy, it would not work. Then she also got mad, she grabbed the boy by the ear and took him to the police station to make a complaint.
At the police station the OIC recognized the boy who stole the bicycle, he knew his parents were very influential. He called the boy’s farther at once. A man in a uniform turned up a few minutes later at the police station, he threatened the women and whispered something in the policeman’s ear he took the rich boy, the bicycle and left in a brand new range rover.
The policeman then grabbed the poor boy and put him in the cell. He was accused of trying to steal the bicycle and assaulting the rich boy. He eventually went into juvi and came out a few years later as a bitter young man.
The first thing he did when he was out was to find his former friend and stab him to death. Thereafter he served a sentence of life imprisonment.
ending 2:
The poor boy did not forget nor did he forgive his friend that day. But he had a kind heart. He was also intelligent, perhaps beyond his years. He realized that his friend obviously doesn’t understand what he had done,or that he had done wrong. And besides he valued his friend more than his bicycle.
So they started talking to each other again.
Over time the boy who lost his bicycle was able to show how his friend that he had hurt him by stealing his bicycle. They were growing up and the boy who stole realized what a terrible thing he had done.
He returned the bicycle and genuinely apologized to his friend. He resolved never to steal again.
Very good reply to the keyboard critics! If they think reconciliation should be done another way, then they should do it. Surely there’s scope for different approaches?