Photo courtesy of Global Times
Independence Day. From whom?
The British? A way of thinking,
of making order, katcheris
and ledgers, taxes and justices
of the peace. Every society needs
the rule of order, grace and law.
But laws that make prisoners
of the free still rule in Sri Lanka.
On this Independence Day.
when will we ban the Prevention
of Terrorism Act? When will
we return lands expropriated
from their owners in Jaffna?
When will lovers walk hand
in hand along Galle Face Green
without parasols and police?
I may ask for too much
but my requests are serious
and I ask the parliament
to make this Independence Day
really a cause to celebrate,
among all communities.
No more harassment and murder
of priests. No more burning
of houses of worship.
No more detention without
cause. No more restrictions
on a woman’s right to choose.
No more yesterday,
my friends and companions.
Let us prepare kiri bath
and maldive fish,
a hot coconut sambol
at a victory party,
not for a political group
or a leader, but for all of us,
whoever and wherever
we live on this planet
hoping to celebrate
our independence.