Rohan David Pethiyagoda is a Sri Lankan biodiversity scientist, author, conservationist and public-policy advocate.
When the colonial rule of the country came to an end in 1948, opportunities existed for all the ethnic peoples of the country to fully enjoy the freedom. Yet the self-interested feudal elite leaders as new rulers destroyed all self rule dreams of various ethnic communities. Instead, like in ancient times after the colonial rule, the exploitation of feudalism continued unabated, that expanded ethno-religious hatred among the communities.
When selfish rulers ignored people by their class in the process of granting government posts, it gave a wrong message to the people. And the country saw a series of rebellions and a brutal civil war lasting several decades. The country eventually suffered a massive economic setback and went bankrupt.
A living legend and one of the most eminent characters in natural sciences; made a sincere speech delivered at the graduation ceremony of applied science students at Colombo Jayawardenepura University. It was indeed inspiring listening to Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, https://youtu.be/0QtwIyFvKVM.
With much yet to be done to bring normalcy back in to lives of the people, let us believe as Winston Churchill once said: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” this is where we are today at the end of the beginning in Sri Lanka.
Under this sinario, more agitations are in place for a system change in various parts of the country, with all ethnic communties in the country realising the truth; with all rulers are yet to accept seven decades of misrule!
Northern Breeze 