Three highly corrupt countries on this planet, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia, confronted the worst brunt of the recent Tsunami, what is interesting is to find out why this happened, based not on scientific seismic data but to link the consequences to morality of the people of the land, Sceptics, especially the Westerners, who believe in rationalism and materialism, will not buy this argument. Yet the greatest philosopher and religious leader ever produced in the world, Lord Buddha, has predicted the catastrophes and the end of the world in one of his sermons, Brahmajaala Sutra.

He indicated that any of the 3 causes of Immorality, that is, Cravings, Hate and Delusion, precipitates in a community, it is bound to be destroyed by Water, Fire and Wind. Maybe Sri Lanka is so corrupt, that any of the above could have hit the hilt and created a karmic force to create the catastrophe we experienced.

If there is a race, which is plagued with jealousy, it is the Sinhalese, which is so common, even in some cases, your closest friend is jealous of your achievements. Irrespective where you live it is a bane in any society where Sinhalese live, including expatriates. The mideast rush to work for Arabs, is only common among Sri Lankans and Phillipinos, the two cheapest nationalities on earth. No self respecting nation would work as slaves in Arab countries. The main drive for Sri Lankans, is the jealousy of seeing a neighbour doing well, building a house etc. which becomes eye sore for the neighbours and this drives the competition.

What we need is to add another phrase to our Pancha Sila, and observe it as, to refrain from practising jealousy and grow one of the qualities of Noble Brahma Vihara of Appreciative Joy on the success of others. Sinhalese are unable to stand a talent of another person, the beauty of another person or the success of another person. We are sliding away from the two guardian angels of the world, Conscience and Shame, which our precious religion taught us. Today the religion is money, cricket and alcohol. The government should immediately impose liquor restrictions and cancel and close down unwarranted liquor licenses and shops, maintaining a minimum number.

About 150,000 lives were lost and you question the technology existing at present with the uncertainty, sloppiness and compliancy of mankind. It’s funny though, there were so many Tsunami experts after the debacle!

If tsunami fails to open the eyes of Sri Lankans, I don’t know what would!