The state of the country today and looking back at an era of principled men and women

H.B.W. Abeynaike’s tribute to D.R. Wijewardene on his 136th birth anniversary on February 23 published in the Plus section not only provided good reading, it helped to recall many interesting events of an era in which our country produced some of the most intellectual personalities who were known to firmly uphold their ideals honestly and work sincerely for peace, freedom, independence and the prosperity of the people and the country. They did not resort to covert methods to foster their political and financial agendas. Their sound principles gave them the discipline to refrain from dishonest and corrupt activities. I daresay there may have been the exception.

It is in this backdrop that the doyen of the Press in Sri Lanka D.R. Wijewardene extols his life’s lessons: that man can achieve great things for their native land if they have faith in the future and are prepared to work for their ideals with self-discipline and tolerance. These are worthy sentiments.

Wijewardene would probably never have envisaged that as the years rolled by a breed of politicians would emerge who would rob, plunder and engulf the country in corruption. It is a shame what this beautiful country has been plunged into.

What I fail to grasp is that these men and women have amassed enough wealth to provide for their many generations but still continue to fleece the nation with no concern at all.

Brian Hingert Makola