Friday, April 13, 2012

Sinhala and Tamil New Year - an opportunity to help build a prosperous, democratic nation defined by tolerance and respect for human rights

US has sent a New Year Greeting to Sri Lanka while some cabinet Ministers are publicly spreading anti-US ideas and urging boycott of US products and services.

There is a saying in Sinhala folklore that both the one who is beating while the other is pleading mercy and the one who is pleading mercy while the other is beating are fools.

It is not clear who is beating and who is pleading mercy. But it is good to read the US statement without beating about the bush.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to Sri Lankans around the world as you celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This celebration brings people together to renew bonds of friendship and family.

It also gives Sri Lankans of all backgrounds, living inside and outside the country, an opportunity to help build a prosperous, democratic nation defined by tolerance and respect for human rights. As a partner and friend of Sri Lanka for more than 150years, the United States looks forward to supporting your efforts to foster national reconciliation and development, and to build even stronger ties between our people.

Congratulations and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday and a prosperous New Year.”

I have two questions.

  1. Does Sri Lanka really accept US as a partner and friend of Sri Lanka for more than 150years?
  2. Why is Sri Lanka so shy to accept the US support extended in its efforts to foster national reconciliation and development?

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