Comments on: Of Symbols, Identity and Sovereignty: The Sri Lankan flag and us

By: Ranil Senanayake

Ranil Senanayake — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:57:26 +0000

Dear Kadphises,
The attributes of the animal called a Lion has been made clear to us fairly recently through books, Discovery etc. We should give the designers of the symbol the consideration that it was done some 3000years before the movies and our current understanding of the animal’s behavior. If seen in this way one begins to understand that it is a symbol designed to covey an even older idea called the ‘Dasa Raja Dharma’ which outlines the qualities of an ideal person and thereby a yardstick to measure leadership with . So the symbol should not matter the message should. The message is one of tolerance and the qualities that I hope most of us subscribe to. The lion symbol is merely the messenger; there is nothing to be gained by in shooting at it.

By: Off the Cuff

Off the Cuff — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:38:46 +0000

In reply to wijayapala.

True Yapa. They want over 50% of Sri Lanka’s Public Property (which is common property), for the exclusive use of about 10% of the population but yet they would glibly talk of equality, with a tongue in the cheek. Trying to discuss equitable land sharing with them is futile, as they don’t know the meaning of equality.

Myil Selvan,

How should Public Property be shared when devolving power?
Using a balanced scale or using a scale loaded in your favour?

By: kadphises

kadphises — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:05:45 +0000

In reply to Ranil Senanayake.

The earlier comment subject to Yapa and Gamarala, although I cant remember if Gamarala can be labeled far-right.

Ranil, Maybe they should have picked a different animal to symbolise those virtues 😉

Sharing – I thought the Male lion always ate first regardless of who killed the wildebeast

?Morality – They kill the young fathered by rival males, ostracise others with little reason. Might is right in the lion world from what I know of it.

Recognition of talent – only talent for killing is recognised.
?Integrity, – this is surely antrhopomorphism?
Courtesy, – not in the movies I’ve seen.
Restraint – certainly not!
Non-violence – Surely a non-violent lion is an oxymoron?
Non-hate, – we shouldnt anthropomorphise
Patience, – ditto
Non-revenge – ditto

What really is the purpose of a flag then? It is mainly for those who dodge their taxes, never give to a charity, dont feel for their environment or more unfortunate countrymen, to wave about at cricket matches and show the world how patriotic they are.

By: kadphises

kadphises — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:40:12 +0000

Wow!! Does this mean we have a consensus between the Sinhala far right and the Tamil far right??

By: yapa

yapa — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:24:04 +0000

In reply to wijayapala. Why not?, from my whole heart! Thanks!

By: Gamarala

Gamarala — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:31:34 +0000

In reply to wijayapala. Interesting Yapa. So you are agreeable to a proportionate devolution?

By: Ranil Senanayake

Ranil Senanayake — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:18:27 +0000

Apologies for my machine putting question makes where commas appear.

By: yapa

yapa — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:52:51 +0000

In reply to wijayapala. Not because one ethnic group wanted a disproportionate part as a separate country? Do not twist facts.

By: wijayapala

wijayapala — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:10:54 +0000

In reply to wijayapala. Dear myil selvan Then how about instead of talking devolution, we can talk about educating everyone about the diversity in Sri Lanka.

By: myil selvan

myil selvan — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:00:58 +0000

In reply to wijayapala. Actually wrong! We are two different ethnic groups speaking two different languages. The devolution debate came about because of the Sinhala governments trying to sinhala-buddhisize the entire country with concocted false history to back their position. If this didn't happen this country would have been in better shape. But sadly it has happened hence now we have to talk of devolution.