Relearning the Words of a great King

By  Maneshka Borham and Kishani Samaraweera

Water is vital for all known forms of life and is considered a basic need for us humans. Ironically though, while over 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only 2.53 percent of the Earth’s water is fresh water and two thirds of the fresh water is locked in glaciers and permanent snow making only 0.01 percent of the Earth’s water readily available for human use. In Sri Lanka water has become a major issue at present due to over use, poisoning, misuse and mismanagement of this precious natural treasure.

But for most of us water is a basic need that is fulfilled at the turn of a faucet. According to the 2008 national census, pipe-borne water coverage in Sri Lanka is around 34 percent making us among the fortunate few. However while we are provided with clean drinking water right at our homes there continues to be an acute shortage of water in the world and more importantly in other parts of Sri Lanka, mainly in the dry zone. Water which is a basic need for us is in fact a luxury for many of them and is a day to day struggle.   

Problem

Most of the southeast, east, and northern parts of the country comprise the dry zone, which receives between 1200 and 1900 mm of rain annually, mostly between the months of October to December. And during the rest of the year there is very little precipitation in these areas. The people in these zones are in fact dependant on external sources to provide them with water. According to the Director of the Rain Water Harvesting Forum, a non-governmental organization promoting rain water harvesting in these areas, Tanuja Ariyananda on average 1.5 hours a day is spent on collecting water by the people of arid areas.

According to her there are various water sources being used. Research done by the Sri Lanka Rain Water Harvesting system shows the most used water sources during the dry as well as wet seasons in the dry zones are tube wells while rivers and tanks, privately dug wells and water provided by other sources, but sadly none of these are stable sources and the people have to constantly alternate between them to fulfil their various needs.

But in recent times using the water from natural sources and its quality in the North and North Central provinces has become questionable due to the unexplained increase of chronic kidney disease and complications related to the disease. Anurdhapura and Pollonnaruwa districts are associated with 22 percent of Kidney disease patients. While research done has come up non-conclusive of the root cause, the common belief prevalent among the people and officials attributes the sudden rise of Chronic Kidney patients to the water sources of the area. In Ariyananda’s opinion it could be a combination of various issues with the water sources in the area such as contamination due to chemical use and high levels of chloride as well as other factors.  The water in these areas also appear to be high in Chloride and according to the World Health Organization excessive intake of drinking water containing sodium chloride at concentrations above 2.5g per litre has been reported to cause hyper tension.

Ancient solution

“Let not a single drop of water that falls from the skies flow to the sea without being used for the benefit of man” said Parakaramabahu the Great. Likewise the King ensured the populace was provided with water for agriculture and all their needs by utilising rain water. In ancient times rain water harvesting was practiced in Sri Lanka through history by collecting water in tanks. At Sigiriya the ancient ruins of water tanks, swimming pools, artificial waterways and fountains that are in existence even today bear testimony to the effective use of rain water. However with the introduction of pipe borne water systems and technological developments rain water harvesting techniques have become a lost art.

Today the non-governmental group Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) is attempting to introduce the practice with regards to the use of water for domestic use. LRWHF aims to encourage the people in the dry zones to collect rain water and use it during the dry seasons in the area. Currently according to research more than 21,000 rain water harvesting systems are in operation through out the country.

A rainwater harvesting system 

“It has not been easy to convince people about the idea of rain water harvesting” says Director of LRWHF, Tanuja Ariyananda. They are not used to it and hence have an apprehension about using the collected water for drinking citing reasons such as concerns about quality and difference is taste-she said speaking to The Nation.

S.Wasantha from Kudakachchakodi as village in Vavunya was one such skeptic.  “At first we were reluctant to use the water for drinking purposes since we thought it is not safe. But we got a sample checked by the Water Board and the result was that it quite safe to use the rain water for drinking. We are very grateful for the LRWHF for providing us with the rain water harvesting tank.”

S. Wasantha

The group has built 750 rain water harvesting systems in the Vavuniya district. They provide the families with low cost tanks needed for rain water harvesting and water is collected through joining the gutters of the roof to divert the water gathered to a tank.

Vavuniya district also has seen a sudden increase of Chronic Kidney disease cases and we came across kidney patients who say they have benefited from rain water system. “We have experienced that the diseases are less and now, everyone wants a tank for their household since they are convinced that the use of rain water for drinking purposes are safe” stated A.Leelawathi and H.G Siriyalatha of Mahakachchakodi village.

The tanks also help the people to avoid consuming the water which has high mineral content in these areas. S.Markandu of Thalikulam stated “we use the rain water for our drinking purposes since we are aware of the fact that the water in wells is high in calcium and therefore it is not safe. We feel that the water we use from the rain water tanks is safe”. 

The Village of Thalikulam has more than 350 household units, is a resettlement village with the majority being disabled people. They have four public wells and also tube wells for their use. However since the water is not suitable for drinking LRWHF has provided the villagers with 51 rain water harvesting tanks.

Such rainwater harvesting systems are also currently in use at the Cheddikulam Base Hospital, Pampaimadu Ayurvedic Hospital, Andiyapuliyankulam school and other villages. 

“However funding is the difficult part. Unfortunately we are not able to provide these tanks for everyone in the village though the requests are many” says Tanuja Ariyadasa leaving many unable to source clean water during the dry season.

Long-term solution

The roads are tarred; houses built and with much development going on things appear to be falling in to place in the North. However looks can be deceiving and it is baffling why a long term solution has not been introduced for this burning issue. Water is considered a human right by the United Nations. So isn’t the human right for water of this people being breached? Our aim is to become a developed nation, however can we call our selves that if the water issue will still be a problem in years to come.  Isolated groups alone cannot solve this issue and coming together to help the people suffering from this is indeed the need of the hour. 

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/fine/item/25881-relearning-the-words-of-a-great-king.html#sthash.8n8jISfe.dpuf

Stolen 88-year-old passport recovered

Recovered Passport

On August 23, six persons were arrested by the police for theft of a passport. While such a theft can be commonplace, what made this case stand apart was that the stolen passport was one of historical values. Issued in the year 1926, when Sri Lanka was still a British colony, the rare passport had belonged to a Sub-inspector of Police at the time by the name of Paul Christy, an individual of British origin born in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to The Nation Police spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana said a mafia attached to theft of such items of historical value is now clearly operating in the country. “Their sole aim in this matter had been money,” he said adding that, however, this was the one of the few instances such a theft had been reported to the Police.

According to the Police, a resident of Wattala by the name of Jayantha Perera had come in to the possession of the passport. While the passport had originally been owned by his wife’s grandfather, the individual had attempted to sell the passport in the Colpetty area close to a prominent shopping mall due to a sudden need of money. “It was then stolen,” SSP Rohana said, further adding that thereafter the individual had made a complaint to the Colpetty Police station on August 13.

When the police had sprung into action, they were able to arrest three individuals involved in the incident. “However, at the time we were not able to recover the passport,” he said adding that later ASP Dangalla of Colpetty Police station and group of officers involved in the investigation had received a tip off that a group is attempting to sell a passport of such a nature for Rs.30 million

Having launched a sting operation and approached the group in order to purchase the passport, the individuals had been asked to visit a private bank in the Colpetty area by the officers taking part in the operation on August 23. While the deal was set for Rs.30 million, the Police officers in civvies were able to arrest six individuals linked to the theft during the exchange.

However, the most shocking aspect of it was that the nabbed individuals were well respected and affluent persons in society. “One individual was a retired Sri Lanka Army Major,” SSP Ajith Rohana revealed adding that others in the group included a University Marshal of the University of Peradeniya, an engineer attached to a Japanese company, the principal of Kimbissa School in Sigiriya.

While the group of individuals was a source of amazement SSP Ajith Rohana said that as upstanding figures in society it is regretful that persons of such caliber are resorting to thieving in order to make money.

The passport has now been recovered by the Police and is in the custody of the courts while the group involved has been produced before the Colombo Magistrates court and released on bail.

“While such thefts are not a trend yet when news of such historical items get out, the criminals develop tendencies to steal them,” he said adding that the Police will continue to investigate and conduct operations to curb such thefts.

The Police Spokesperson has an advise for those who own items of such historical value. “Such items owned by members of the public should be registered,” he said. According to him, items of historical value must be registered with the National Archives or the Archeological Department depending on the type of article. “If such items are not registered, it may be illegal to be in possession of them,” he said.

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/news-online/item/32863-stolen-88-year-old-passport-recovered.html#sthash.T5CJ1aK6.dpuf

Pic courtesy of - Sri lanka Police 

One bucket for all causes

Each year the web is taken over by various ‘Internet Crazes’ and 2014 has had its share. Neknominate, Punch 4 Punch, Whaling, Baby suiting, No makeup selfie and Bubbling to name a few, as odd as they sound the behavior of those taking part is even stranger. As with all ‘Internet crazes’ often the odd behavior evidently does not end well for most participants.

Currently, the latest internet craze  sweeping social media sites calls for individuals to douse themselves with ice cold water. The challenge dares nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads while challenging others to do the same with the intention of creating awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and to encourage participants to donate towards research.

While in general so-called internet crazes are pointless, the ALS ice bucket challenge was created for a worthy cause. As confirmed by the ALS Association of the United States, they have received USD 79.7 million in donations since the start of the challenge compared to USD 2.5 million during the same time period last year.

Saying the challenge took the internet by storm is an understatement. From everyday Toms to famous Hollywood celebrities, prominent politicians and sportsmen everyone could be seen taking up the challenge. While some were happy with one bucket of water, others decided to go all out performing stunts like being doused by water cannons and even jumping into freezing lakes.

Evidently, the majority were keen to get on the ‘Ice bucket’ bandwagon so much so that all the drinking water on the Isle of Colonsay in Scotland was used for the challenge and the Scottish Water company was forced to shut off its supply to cut wastage on the eight mile-long island. Bet they are regretting all the water dousing now.

While the challenge took the world by storm, Sri Lankans as always weren’t far behind. Videos of Sri Lankan cricketers, politicians and various prominent personalities and members of the general public were seen challenging, nominating, bathing and supposedly donating all over facebook timelines clogging every user’s feed.

But noticeably lacking from many of these videos were as to what it was all about. Unless one wasted time watching each and every video, most never mentioned anything about the disease and neither mentioned donation details or how the money will be used. For all one could guess ALS might have stood for A/L examinations and ironically in a country affected by drought, Sri Lanka’s were seen dousing water on their heads right and left.

Californians were not far behind even though the State is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts on record. Taking the opportunity for a PR stunt, companies were happily dousing their staff en masse in hundreds of gallons of icy water.

Some like Matt Damon and Otara Gunawardene while taking part in the challenge drew attention to the lack of clean water by using toilet water and sea water respectively which should be commended. It was also a sigh of relief to see the Chinese being more sensible, with residents of Henan Province protesting against the craze with empty buckets to bring attention on the drought affecting the province. 

Another voice of reason was heard in Australia with Queensland newsreader Lincoln Humphries refusing to accept the challenge on air. Instead Humphries said viewers would be better served by donating their money to water-saving charities rather than wasting ice by throwing it on their heads.

Having started with charity in mind, the challenge now is bordering on stupidity with large amounts of clean water being wasted daily. Some participants have even ended up dead due to mishaps during the stunt. The truth of the matter is the ALS bucket challenge while raising funds, has exhausted the patience of many becoming more of a trend than done out of a charitable heart.

However, while mindless followers have blindly taken the predicted path, others have instead used the popularity of the ALS ice bucket challenge to attract attention to national causes relating to each country. Take for example, the ‘rubble bucket challenge’ by residents of Gaza. A Palestinian journalist launched the challenge to draw attention to the desperate living conditions in Gaza where water is too precious to waste. With shelling ravaged buildings in the background Gazans poured rubble over their heads hoping the world would take note of their plight.

A dirt bucket challenge also emerged from California as a protest against the fad of throwing water over one’s head while the State is experiencing a drought while similar protests were seen in other parts of the world. ‘Sleepy Hollow’ star, Actor Orlando Jones poured a bucket of bullets over his head to highlight the situation in Ferguson, Missouri, where an unarmed black teenager died after being shot by police.

On a more charitable note India’s rice bucket challenge is a more acceptable option as it draws attention to poverty and hunger. The Global Hunger Index, published in 2012, said the situation in India was ‘alarming’. The World Food Program said India was home to a quarter of the world’s undernourished.

Thought up by Manju Latha Kalanithi, a 38-year-old Hyderabad-based journalist, the challenge does not as one might assume require participants to pour grain over their heads. Instead it encourages Indians to donate a bucketful of rice to someone in need rather than waste clean water which is considered to be precious in most Asian countries.

While some Bollywood stars preferred to dump water over their heads, the campaign launched by Kalanithi has up to date attracted 138,000 contributors since its launch, who mainly consist of the general public.

In neighboring Nepal, a ‘Fill the Bucket’ challenge has been launched asking people to fill up plastic buckets with food and medical supplies to help families displaced by deadly flooding and landslides this month in the Himalayan nation. While at least 250 people have died and over 14,000 families have been displaced after landslides and floods, the Nepalese have understood that the need of the hour is not an ice bucket, but rather a bucket full of rations for their people.

However, sadly such a campaign has not been thought of in  Sri Lanka where most social media users were happy to just follow the norm rather than take up a national interest. While Sri Lanka is suffering from a severe drought some social media users even laughably suggested Sri Lankans to take up the ice bucket challenge and douse themselves with water to raise funds for drought victims. Instead of wasting clean water we should be ashamed of having done it while fellow countrymen struggle to find water on a daily basis. Imagine their thirst watching people dumping clean water on their heads. Can’t one donate without performing the ‘ALS ice bucket challenge’? Anyone would answer in the positive. 

Most parts of the world are facing a severe dry spell. As one critic went on to say, “Right now we just need some rain, not ice buckets”. Each country has its own set of problems that goes beyond ALS, as do Sri Lanka. While ALS is a serious disease and research needs to be supported, it is wasteful to dump buckets of water on our heads when there are thousands of people around the world without drinking water and deviating from more national concerns. So, perhaps what is needed is filling a bucket rather than emptying a bucket for a good cause to help our own.

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/fine/item/32745-one-bucket-for-all-causes.html#sthash.gGZAEhSP.dpuf

Defence Seminar 2014

Pic by Chandana Wijesinghe

The fourth annual defense seminar organized by the Sri Lanka Army was held in Colombo amid much pageantry and fanfare. In the words of the Army itself, the event was ‘aimed at inspiring discourse on the rise of Nations after a conflict with the objective of showcasing Sri Lanka’s progress in development and reconciliation’.

The three-day gathering having concluded has left one with time and space to reflect, giving rise to questions such as what Sri Lanka has taken away from the forum, and if, in fact, the aim set out to accomplish was achieved. 

The objective which was clearly lofty called for the Sri Lanka Army to pull all the stops possible. The seminar themed ‘Sri Lanka: Challenges to a rising nation’ saw over 350 delegates representing over 55 countries. This was perhaps a sign of the keen interest shown by the international arena and as a result one can only assume that Sri Lanka’s image has improved dramatically in recent times.

While reconciliation was a topic mentioned weaving in and out of discussions, this year’s event was focused mainly on development. This can be taken as a signal to the world that Sri Lanka is now moving on leaving its past behind. 

Delivering the key note speech, Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. P.B Jayasundera took attendees through post-independence events which pushed Sri Lanka in to becoming a marginalized nation. He then outlined the shift Sri Lanka has made since to a developing nation.

Travesty of justice

Dr. Jayasundera also presented the possible upcoming challenges as an emerging economy in order to achieve USD 7,500 per capita by 2020, a point which will resonate throughout other speeches made. “The country now has strong prospects of reaching USD 7,500 per capita by 2020,” he said.

While development was outright on the day’s cards, evidently the UNHRC investigation in to the alleged reports of war crimes in the country during the last phase of conflict was an important underlying topic. 

Dr. Jayasundera pointed out that the Sri Lankan government provided assistance to refugees of war while ensuring their human rights was protected. Speaking of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation commission (LLRC) recommendations, he said that a government task force is ensuring that the relevant agencies implement the recommendations in a timely manner.

While Dr. Jayasundera merely touched on the topic, the day’s chief guest Minister of External affairs Prof. G.L Peiris had strong words for those involved in the UN investigation. 

“A travesty of justice” he said referring to the UNHRC investigation. “It is a matter of profound regret that we look at some foreign powers that are targeting Sri Lanka without learning or seeing what we are today,” he said. According to him Sri Lanka’s critics fail to see reconciliatory moves, set in motion in war-affected areas.

Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ravinath Ariyasinha noted that some states are proving to be a threat to Sri Lanka’s rise. “Unfortunately, particularly a few Western countries fuelled by political motivations have continued to relentlessly pursue Sri Lanka,” he said. According to Ariyasinha while Sri Lanka has moved consistent with the recommendations of the LLRC, and has continued to remain fully engaged with all UN agencies, these countries have constantly shifted the goal posts on human rights related concerns.

India’s mistake

The operation of various non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) appeared to be a topic of concern among top government brass. Prof. Peiris called them “Organizations with vested interests” adding that the hard-won victory in the country should not be allowed to be torpedoed by such groups. 

“Our good Samaritans or do-gooders do not live up to our expectations and they forget that ours is a tradition-rich society” he said. Prof. G.L Peiris warned that the government will be alert to elements that are intent on doing harm to the country with foreign funds.

“The operation of NGO’s in non-regulated environments has become a threat to financial management,” Dr. P.B Jayasundera said thereby affecting the development of a country. 

Noticeably two of Sri Lanka’s major partners in the international arena, China and India could be seen actively taking part in the seminar with much interest. While the Chinese delegation questioned as to how China can help in Sri Lanka’s development Prof. G.L Peiris diplomatically answered that help of any kind from whichever country that offers will be accepted.

In a private interview during the forum Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Stalwart Dr. Subramanian Swamy also expressed interest in strengthening relations between India and Sri Lanka. Dr. Swamy pointed out that it was India’s mistake that China has become a close confidant of Sri Lanka as a vacuum left by India was filled by them. Voicing his support for the Sri Lankan Government Dr. Swamy said that India will not support the UN Charter against Sri Lanka. It appears that now Sri Lanka’s position has been strengthened by two powerful allies who are eager to further strengthen relationships.

Potent threat

As revealed in the seminar the Tamil Diaspora still appears to be a major concern of the Sri Lankan government. According to Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ravinath Ariyasinha it continues to be a potent threat to the country’s peace. 

“Within the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora there continues to remain a small but vociferous group of who is intent on seeking to vilify Sri Lanka and attempt to prolong the separatist struggle,” he stressed. 

“While we have defeated the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the organization and its operations are very much alive in a number of Western countries,” he claimed. According to him this remains a challenge to speeding up the pace of reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Perhaps it is due to this reason that many presenters expressed their concerns adding that Sri Lanka needs to be vigilant of possible national security risks. 

These concerns were addressed and reassurance was given by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake. According to him Sri Lanka’s national security is now stronger than ever.

Overall the Sri Lanka Army’s enthusiasm and interest to contribute to the post-conflict society is admirable. Perhaps a unique model that has clearly worked, the defense sector’s contribution to national development will be beneficial to other countries as it surely presents Sri Lanka as a successful model to be followed.

According to Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake currently the employment of the defense sector to further aspirations of development and prosperity remains the principal security effort of the forces. However, Sri Lanka Army also stresses that this is in no way militarization of society.

It was uplifting to hear Prof. Bantarto Bandoro of Indonesia saying Sri Lanka within a short span has made great strides. In the eyes of many participating countries it was clear that Sri Lanka is, in fact, an emerging nation and despite various challenges posed it is today a nation that can stand proud before the world as the country that defeated terrorism.

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/politics/item/32608-defence-seminar-2014.html#sthash.12v2RgMR.dpuf

Fighting a losing battle

A short drive away from Mahiyangana town one comes across Dambana. Home to the indigenous Vedda (aborigines) people of Sri Lanka, as a first time visitor would have expected, it is in fact not difficult to locate as sign boards point the way. This is perhaps the first warning sign that times have changed, even for the Vedda people.

As one arrives in the village passing the quite noticeable electric fences put up to keep elephants out, it gives the feel of a tourist attraction rather than a village. A few stalls dotted a clearing where a lone Vedda sat selling a few knick knacks. A handmade sign board welcomed visitors to the village. What can be called the village circle was crowded with Vedda people who had arrived from various asreas of the island such as Dambana, Henanigala, Rathugala, Wakare and Pollebadda to take part in the annual Varighasabawa, a meeting of the different Vedda clans spread across the island.

Observing the group it was in fact difficult to identify some Veddas from the majority Sinhalese. While a small number of Vedda men wore traditional garb and carried bows or axes, others wore denims and sarongs with shirts while women were dressed in skirts and t-shirts. Even lungis and blouses had found their way into Vedda land. The stillness of the forest was at times disturbed by Vedda men rushing around on motorbikes in preparation for the Varighasabawa (meeting) while the Vedda children sprawled on the floor of a house played games on mobile phones and chattered in Sinhala calling each other by Sinhalese names. And perhaps shockingly the majority of them are vegetarians despite popular tales of their liking of game meat.

After spending a few hours among them the image of the Veddas held by many is shattered. Clearly, just like the Aborigines or the Native Americans, modernization had found the Vedda people and their lives have changed rapidly. To an outsider it would appear that the Vedda community had in fact embraced modern life.

However this could not be far from the truth. Speaking to them one realizes modernization has been forced upon them rather than accepted willingly.For centuries the Vedda people have lived eco friendly lives, living off the land, but never destroying the forest that fed and sheltered them. Living nomadic lives they traveled within the forest thereby giving the forest time to replenish its used resources thereby using the forest sustainably.
Perhaps due to this fear, the community has now established a museum. “We use natural things in our day to day lives and they all go back to nature,” he said adding that therefore hardly anything has been left from the history to showcase at the museum. “But we have tried to show our culture and our people through pictures to the future generation lest someday we become extinct,” he said.
Thus questioning if they are fighting a losing battle, the Vedda people still attempt to preserve their culture. Never letting go of their traditional religion they still pray to their traditional gods such as God Kalu Bandara and believe in ancestral spirits. They continue the annual honey offering to the temple of the tooth while also taking part in the Mahiyangana Perhara ( pageant)  annually in remembrance of the Buddha’s visit to Sri Lanka.
Veddas have always been simple folk. Their lifestyle, traditions and culture were interwoven and connected to the forest. Having been banished from their ancestral lands today they are fighting a losing battle to keep the community alive. Their rights seem to have been neglected and their people have been forgotten. “Every community should have their rights,” Uruvarige Vannila Aththo said adding that just like a painting with many colors a country will only be beautiful if every community is happy and able to live peacefully.
“Our youngsters do not know how to survive from the forest as we did not get an opportunity to teach them and will resort to selling the trees,” he said perhaps knowing that even if the forest is given back today it is an answer that might have come too late for them.

However in the 1950s their land was opened up for Sinhalese settlers, and the tribe’s forests and hunting grounds were bulldozed to make way for villages. In 1983 their last remaining forest refuge of the Veddas of Dambana was turned into the Maduru Oya National Park and was declared out of bounds for the Vedda people claiming it was an effort at conservation. Today Veddas need a permit to enter the forest with many restrictions. The lives they live today are much different to those led by their ancestors with some of them describing it as one of a caged bird.

According to Uruvarige Wimalarathna who handles radio programs on Dambana Radio, a radio channel dedicated to uplifting and preserving their community one of the main topics of discussion at the Varighasabawa (meeting) is issues relating to preserving their identity and lifestyle. “There has been much damage to both with the loss of our ancestral lands,” he said sadly adding that even today they keep losing what is left of it to new settlers to the area.

For the Vedda people of yesteryears the forest is where they went to learn. It was their school where they practically learnt how to survive as well as co-exist with the animals of the forest. “Today our chieftain Uruvarige Vannila Aththo advises the youngsters to go to school in order to educate themselves as the forest is now lost to us and we don’t have any other means of survival but he also advises them not to forget their roots and traditions,” said Wimalarathna.

Remembering the times he followed his father Uruvarige Tisahami into the forest Vedda chieftain Uruvarige Vannila Aththo says the forest meant everything to him. “It was my university, my hospital, my livelihood,” he said emotionally, “But today we can claim no ownership to our own ancestral lands”. According to him while various governments have attempted to provide solutions to their problems, no leader has looked into their problems genuinely. “The loss of the forest is our biggest problem, but no one has given us a solution for this,” he said adding that today the youngsters have no knowledge of the forest.

According to Wimalarathna once a picture of Vedda children playing football was debated about and questioned. “They point fingers at us and say we are not adhering to our traditions, but what do they expect” he said exasperated, “Unlike those days the children cannot go to the forest, so they have now turned to modern things to pass their time,” he explained.

The Vedda children are now more influenced by the Sinhalese majority with some even feeling ashamed of their heritage and trying to distance themselves from it, said Wimalarathna. “We are trying to change this and make them understand there is no shame in being a Vedda,” he affirmed.

Today most Vedda people have been forced into Chena cultivation in order to survive. However this has brought along with it, its own problems. While repeated cultivation has caused the land to lose its fertility according to Wimalarathna some have now taken to using pesticides and fertilizer. “There are a high number of reported cases with kidney disease among the Vedda community now,” said Wimalarathna. According to him the common belief is that it has been caused by the use of pesticides and fertilizer. “There is also the issue of lack of rain,” he said adding that most families now resort to having one meal per day. Sadly some have been forced to work in the tourist industry in order to survive by selling small items or singing songs to entertain, while others have become manual laborers.

Uruvarige Vannila Aththo spoke with some sadness at the fate of his community. “I have tried my best to preserve our ways just as my father once did, but the forces of destruction are stronger and I feel I’m fighting a losing battle,” he said sadly, adding that he felt sorry about the rapid decline of his people who have been in existence for centuries. According to Uruvarige Vannila Aththo he will fight in order to gain access to their ancestral lands to maintain their identity. “But I’m not sure what will happen when I am no more,” he warned.

Despite their various problems, repeatedly they both return to the talk of the forest and clearly it is there that their hearts lie.

At the beginning of the Varighasabawa ( meeting) the clans ask for forgiveness from the forest and its animals for having disturbed them in order to have their meeting. Their level of respect for nature is inspiring. So how could a group of people who love the forest destroy it as claimed by government officials? They used the land sustainably while hunting and gathering only to survive. Even though they had never harmed the forest today they are barred from entering it and as a result they have lost their lifestyle. As Wimalarathna questions where does one go nowadays with an axe or bow and arrow?

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/fine/item/32293-fighting-a-losing-battle.html#sthash.FHFPQNk0.dpuf

When comradery reigns in the train

A particular aunt of mine could never travel by bus. Every single day of her life from Ragama to Fort she would commute by train to work, claiming that the Railway was the way to go, due to the ease of travel, low cost and speed. She did sound like an advertisement or perhaps a marketer for Sri Lanka Railways. Whether it’s a short travel to Kelaniya or a much longer trip to Badulla, she could never bring herself to opt for the bus, and would always travel by train. The obsession once not understood, today, is clear as day.

Initially the railways can be a confusing place to newcomers and the transition from a bus passenger to a daily commuter on the railway can be a difficult choice. From time tables to various routes called ‘lines’, to platforms and compartments, from return tickets to season passes, from the suburban to the intercity service, it can be a lot to take in at first. A favorite railway anecdote is how an individual sprung up close to the station he needed to get off at, while asking a commuter nearby where the ‘bell’ was as he needed to get off at the next ‘halt’. Yes, transition indeed takes time.

After having being used to busses that arrive every few minutes it can be difficult to attune one to wait at the station and travel according to a particular time table. Why suffer by missing the train when busses are available at all time’s? But as one would discover, not really.

At first one is struck by how cheap traveling daily by train is. As yours truly discovered while the commute in the bus from Nugegoda to Maradana is currently at Rs. 20 and rising, it would only cost one Rs.10 on the train.

On a train there are no blaring radios or televisions, no rude bus conductors asking you to move back and forth or to give space as train commuters are gracious enough to do so without having to ask. Also obvious is that there are no suicidal drivers over taking one another, and better yet no congested traffic or traffic lights. There is peace to read a book leisurely, or listen to music or to have a chat with a friend with no intrusions.

Convinced about the railway after a few trips, as one settles in and gets comfortable, it dawns that the railway is much more than just a mode of transport. Sri Lanka’s railway, specifically of the suburban service is a close knit community. It is a different world altogether, and takes a life of its own. It has its own unspoken rules, culture, lingo and ways.

As can be witnessed in evenings at stations such as the Maradana Railway Station, train commuters always walk fast or run towards the station. A question posed by many is ‘What are they running for? It is indeed a difficult question to answer. As if losing all control people including novice commuters find themselves speed walking along with many towards the Railway station despite not being late. It can be put down to ‘just another railway’ quirk. 

Perhaps another quirk is that train commuters are strict creatures of habit. Always on time, as the train reaches the platform each person heads out to his or her self designated compartment. A particular friend would only travel in the compartment one before the last for reasons unexplainable. Invariably as well as bafflingly one tends to follow suit.

Due to this habit a sense of community is formed as you get to know and greet your fellow commuters each morning while sharing the day’s paper among each other, others offer up their seats for no reason other than out of comradery and sense of community.  

The sense of community is the same reason that many Facebook pages are created for different railway lines where travelers discuss problems relating travel, information regarding changes, events or just fun facts about the particular line. Just as much as the railway is a network, its commuters too have their own.

Taking initiative due to community spirit, it is common to see commuters grouping to make their grievances known to the officials. For example commuters travelling in the Kelani Valley line recently signed a petition collectively after being held up at a particular railway station. In times of adversity the passengers can always be seen banding together.  

At times one wonders if the part about being creatures of habit is also passed on to beggars and the homeless encountered on a train. A beggar that frequents the Kelani Valley line is nicknamed ‘Surathali’ as he only sings songs by from the Sinhala movie ‘Surathali’.  Despite singing the same few songs every day to the same crowd of people, the commuters never fail to reward him handsomely till he struggles to put the collected money into the pouch he carries, which is perhaps the reason he refuses to change his tune. Like everything else, it is a habit to see ‘Surathali’ on the way home.

And perhaps it also spreads across to those living in the vicinity of a railways track. A known lady had got into the habit of looking at the train daily. While never travelling on it, she would ensure that she would catch a glimpse of the 8.00am train. Her reasoning was that by looking at the train it would ensure that she remains active throughout the day just as the train was, never stopping, never ceasing, but for a few moments of rest.  

A particular unspoken rule on the railway is that a seated person should offer to hold hands with the person standing in front, if the person standing is too short to hold on to the bar above. Mostly this habit prevails among the youth, and therefore it is not uncommon to see many young people holding hands on the train. The person seated need not be acquainted with the person they are holding hands with and it is considered as an act of support to a fellow traveler.

One should not be shocked to see groups of commuters’ playing cards, or singing during their daily commute back home. As the band of travelers eventually become friends, it is considered normal to stand around in a group and play a game of Omi, or belt out some favorite tunes as others are lulled by the swaying of the train all the way home. Others play a different game of musical chairs as friends from a group take turns in sitting after one of them acquires a single seat with the greatest difficulty.

Unlike in a bus, women on daily commuter trains can feel safe. While in a bus a woman maybe groped, prodded and touched it is extremely rare on a daily commute perhaps because as the crowd is known the twisted individual would not find it so easy to get away as in a bus. 

Train commuters are also extremely faithful to the Railway. While massive delays can occur it is rare to see a person leave to instead take a bus. Instead they opt to wait. Even though a train is delayed the idea among everyone is to ensure that each and every commuter gets to his destination.

The railway does have its set of problems such as overcrowding and not everything is rosy. It can use more trips and newer trains, but commuters hardly complain. Despite its delays, breakdowns and strikes, commuters remain steadfast in their loyalty towards the railway. For many commuters it is a life line that cuts long bus journeys short, and a service that helps their economy at home by cutting down on transport costs.

However, there is perhaps another reason that ensures a commuter’s loyalty. It is the amazing spirit of community among the passengers. It welcomes you with open arms, and gives a sense of belonging. They would help you up onto the compartment and shift around to make more space so that you can sit. They would hold your hand to ensure that you don’t fall. If given the chance they would share food, newspapers, stories and ultimately friendship with you. That is the difference in Sri Lanka’s railways.

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/fine/item/32077-when-comradery-reigns-in-the-train.html#sthash.PZRk22GD.dpuf

Service providers abetting crime?

The scene unfolded as the country watched in shock. Four masked individuals arrived on motorbikes and taken away a couple’s precious four-year-old child. Dinidu Yashen of Meegalaawa became the talk of the country. While first there was shock and then an agonizing wait, in a few days there was elation as he was found safely by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and to add to it, the four abductors had been nabbed.

While action was to be taken against them, the Police made a shocking revelation. Speaking to media after the rescue, Police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana revealed that the Police is also set to file action against the salespersons of a leading mobile service provider, who had sold the perpetrators the SIM cards used in the abduction to communicate among each other and also to contact the child’s parents to illicit a ransom. At the time of writing, a special Police unit is on the hunt for the said salesperson.

According to the Police, the errant salespersons had sold the SIM cards without obtaining proper identification from the kidnappers while issuing the cards using identification details of previous customers. The allegation is one of utmost severity.

Perhaps in an attempt to make a living and obtain the commission paid by the company while achieving set sales targets the salesperson had made a grave mistake unwittingly by aiding the kidnappers for which he will now have to answer to.

The news came at a time when the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) had ordered the cellular phone companies to register all their customers before the end of the year in order to prevent crimes failing which the connections, not registered will be disconnected.

However, while the TRC have made requests for mobiles to be registered to its users time and again to ascertain ownership, the issue still persists and as to how far such requests have been effective, remains doubtful.

However, the system clearly has its flaws. An accepted identification is compulsory for a person to obtain a SIM from a mobile service provider. However, speaking to a number of customers, The Nation learned that this rule is not enforced.

Menaka had once visited a mobile service provider in order to purchase a SIM for a friend and having told this to the customer care officer, she was allowed to purchase a SIM that she later forwarded to her friend. “Having done this, now they ask users to register the numbers they use under their own names,” she said. “Why sell SIMs then to others knowing it is for a third party?” she questions and correctly so.

And while Mobile Service Providers had said that the users could ascertain whether their mobile phone connections were registered by dialing #132# and thereby confirming the existing details, in which way do the companies verify that these confirmed details are in fact authentic?

However, the TRC has issued a severe warning. According to Director General of the TRC Anusha Palpita, non compliance by companies can eventually even mean cancellations of their business license to operate in Sri Lanka. “I doubt they will risk this as billions of rupees invested are at stake,” he said.

One number used was even registered under the name of an unsuspecting porter working in the Fort area who had no inkling that a crime had been committed using a SIM registered in his name. Imagine the poor man’s shock when contacted by the Police regarding the abduction he clearly had no hand in. 

And indeed mobile use plays a significant role in crimes today as admitted by the Police spokesman. Criminals are able to operate while in jail thanks to mobile phones while threats, orders and information are delivered in an instant. So much so that the Police has even made a request for mobile signal jammers to be put in place at Mahara Prison due to various rackets being carried out by criminals from within prison walls.

According to the Director General of the TRC, Anusha Palpita, the companies have been very complying. Speaking to The Nation he said that the TRC have requested that the companies should clear their backlog and ensure that all the currently unregistered users are registered before the end of the year. “All the operators have principally agreed to this even though there are a few issues,” he said adding that companies are bound to abide by regulations set by the TRC.

According to Madanayake, a customer of a leading mobile service provider to his shock discovered that two unknown numbers were registered in his name. “I had never purchased them and was therefore confused,” he said. It was only later that he recalled having bought a SIM from a dealer for a friend visiting from abroad for temporary use. “The dealer I bought from had issued two other SIMs to persons using my identification details,” he said adding that he only discovered this when he himself inquired from the company.

Another mobile user, Thilina had a different experience. “I decided to buy a SIM from a street side stall,” he said adding that as he was not able to furnish a copy of his National Identification Card, he was sold the SIM anyway by the salespersons and was requested to forward a copy of it later. On another instance he says that a salesman of a particular provider only jotted the details he provided down before handing him the SIM and called later date to verify the details. 

In reality, the situation is one of confusion and leaves one with many questions. The Nation put across a number of questions to mobile service providers such as what have the companies done to better educate customers on the requirement of registration? What is the progress of each company regarding such registrations? What control if at all do the companies have on their agents and sub-agents? What do the companies intend to do to ensure better control?

While the questions were many, the answers have been nothing, but a collective deafening silence at the time of writing. Why the companies have failed to answer such important questions leaves one with many doubts and leaves room for assumptions that could have been avoided with transparency. It is clear that while regulations are implemented, companies are facing a conflict with their business goals, which is obviously more sales revenue.

According to statistics of the TRC, there are 21 million mobile users in the country and how practical is it to in fact verify the details of each user, is therefore a matter to be examined. In hindsight all efforts regarding the matter by stakeholders now only appear to be an effort shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/fine/item/32084-service-providers-abetting-crime?.html#sthash.g6KAHMWA.dpuf