Let us defeat the fear psychosis and encourage students get back to schools and universities!
Speaking to a cross section of teachers, parents and children in the heart of Colombo, it was evident that most of them were victims of diverse stories and interpretations that were counter- productive to their own welfare. Some have been so short sighted and become victims of their own interpretations. Some understood matters more rationally that there is also a political conspiracy hatched by disgruntled politicians, that Sri Lanka will never be a safe place again, if the present government continues. The only hope such elements had was to exploit the extremist attacks to the maximum as chances would be so bleak for them to gain power, if stability is restored. They happened to be those who consulted astrologers as to when elections should be held when they were in power.
Especially at a time when all countries big and small, including the United States of America, United Kingdom and European Union States etc. have been victims of international terrorism of ISIS, the answer for our parents should not be how fast they could send their children abroad for safety, but how fast we could strengthen their minds to be brave and realistic. After all, despite terrorist attacks, children of intelligent parents should not be encouraged to keep away from schools and universities as that is an equally dangerous form of terrorism, known as “Psychological Terrorism”. This affects the whole life of a person.
Need to be rational and realistic in building a stronger citizenry
There is no doubt that Sri Lankans at large need to be not only alert and awake but be a rational and an intelligent people. “Mindlessness” cannot be an answer to destruction caused by extremist elements. Mindlessness breeds greater uncertainties in every sector, creating stress and anxieties that none could eliminate. It is good to remember that Sri Lanka had a world record for highest level suicides and also alcohol consumption not so long ago, because we have a weak citizenry; weak in mind and body. Continued on page 10