A media release from the office of respected Art of Living Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, clarifies that following his visit to civilian welfare centres in Vavuniya in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, “Sri Sri acknowledged that the facilities in the camps are much better” than “those the Indian Government has provided for the Kashmiri pundits and those provided for Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu.”

The press release came in the wake of the political melodrama between two main political rivals in Tamil Nadu, Ms. Jayalaitha and Mr. Karunanidhi heated up on the Sri Lanka conflict. Both politicians have started exploiting communal sentiments in order to win public support over each other. Ms. Jayalalitha, General Secretary of AIADMK, on Saturday (Apr 26) stated that the only solution for the problems faced by the Tamils in Sri Lanka is to divide the Island nation. Also, she said that she was convinced of her idea after listening to the Art of Living Guru and watching some videos shown by him.

However, the press release clearly gives lie to the statement made by Ms. Jayalaitha and also highlights that such comments would not help any way to alleviate the plight of the Tamil Civilians in Sri Lanka.

According to the release, Sri Sri also asked: “How will the political drama and commotion happening in the State [Tamil Nadu] help the refugees in any case? Fasting or street demonstration or self-immolations will not help to bring solace to thousands of people in the camps. Instead of reaching out and helping the people who are in need, these incidents will only create fear and anger in society.”

He was also of the view that “the relief materials sent by India to Sri Lanka are completely insufficient” and regretted that “Indian businessmen have not rushed to support the people there.”

The press release, dated April 26, 2009, reads as follows:

“His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had visited the Internally Displaced People (IDP) welfare centres in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka on April 21st, 2009.

“Following his visit, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has appealed to the Government of India and the civil society to give as much relief materials like food, medicines, clothes etc to Sri Lanka. Sri Sri also said that the relief materials sent by India to Sri Lanka are completely insufficient.

He feels it is unfortunate that during this time of crisis the Indian businessmen have not rushed to support the people there. Spiritual leaders could have provided mental solace to the civilians in these camps.

“Sri Sri acknowledged that the facilities in the camps are much better compared to those that the Indian Government has provided for the Kashmiri pundits and those provided for Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu.

Sri Sri appreciated the selfless service of Col. Induneel de Silva and his dedicated team of army personnel in the Vavuniya Menik Farm welfare centres. They had extended complete cooperation for Sri Sri and the Art of Living to distribute clothes and other relief materials in the camps.

“Sri Sri also met with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and appealed to him that the refugees in the camps should not be kept longer and that they should be sent back to their own homes as soon as possible. President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he is fully responsible for the security of these innocent civilians. After de-mining the entire area, the civilians can be re-settled in their home towns.

“Sri Sri is of the opinion that Tamil-speaking Indian officials (the Indian Ambassador to Sri Lanka or any other official) could have instilled more faith and hope in the refugees. When the tsunami occurred, everyone came forward to help.

“I would say that this is nothing less than a human tsunami. ‘Why hasn’t anyone come to help even at this moment of huge influx of people to the camps?’, Sri Sri asked. “How will the political drama and commotion happening in the State help the refugees in any case? Fasting or street demonstration or self-immolations will not help to bring solace to thousands of people in the camps. Instead of reaching out and helping the people who are in need, these incidents will only create fear and anger in society, Sri Sri said.” - Courtsey: The Hindu

Courtesy: adaderana.lk

Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 @ 15:51:19 LKT by SaNDuN

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